People have been wondering why a second season of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why is necessary, considering that the first season wrapped up the story of the book on which it’s based pretty firmly. Yet Season Two is coming, and the show seems to want to do better by teens who may be struggling with the sensitive issues depicted on the show. Take, for example, the show’s new intro in the video above.
The video, which features cast members Dylan Minnette (Clay Jensen), Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker), Justin Prentice (Bryce Walker), and Alisha Boe (Jessica Davis) out-of-character, will play before the first episode of each season of the show to let viewers know about some of the sensitive topics the show will be dealing with.
They say that the show is designed to start conversations around issues like mental health, sexual assault, and substance abuse, yet advises that this might not be a show for young people who are dealing with those issues themselves, and if they do watch, they should do so with an adult they trust.
Minnette goes on to say, “If you ever feel you need someone to talk with, reach out to a parent, a friend, a school counselor or an adult you trust, call a local helpline, or go to 13reasonswhy.info because the minute that you start talking about it, it gets easier.”
I applaud the effort Netflix and the production are putting into their real-world resources in response to the criticism the show received in its first season. I believe that television and film can absolutely be used to start conversations about important topics. It’s just that, especially when dealing with something for a younger audience, it needs to be done with care.
Vivian wrote about the synopsis for the second season of 13 Reasons Why, saying that with other characters getting to have their narratives heard with regard to the story of S1, “it’s possible they’ll use that opportunity to address those criticisms. The show clearly spoke to a lot of teenagers, and with a more refined message and a bit more care, season two has the potential to be what they need.”
Here’s hoping that the storytelling on the show increases in sensitivity to match the show’s clear dedication to providing real-world crisis resources. 13 Reasons Why may very well redeem itself.
(via The Daily Dot, image: screencap)
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