Why or why not?

Season two of “13 Reasons Why” has received many criticisms and left fans with many questions.

“Thirteen Reasons Why” is a Netflix original show that follows the story of Clay Jensen as he listens to the tapes left by his friend Hannah Baker after she commits suicide. The show has been both beloved and criticized by viewers. After season two fans have been left with many unanswered questions.

“Thirteen Reasons Why” is a popular Netflix show that just released is second season on May 18. It is based off the the novel of the same name by Jay Asher. The show stars many young and upcoming actors such as Ross Butler, Miles Heizer, Katherine Langford and Dylan Minnette. The highly anticipated second season came after a series of cliffhangers on the first season. The season finale of the first season led so many unanswered questions for viewers. Viewers wondered whether Bryce would go to jail, if the Bakers would win their trial and what was in store for characters like Alex, Justin and Tyler.

Many criticized the show for its explicit content and lack of warnings. The first season was criticized for showing the manner in which Hannah Baker, played by Katherine Langford, committed suicide. In the scene you can see the graphic manner in which Hannah Baker chose to take her life. The show received a lot of backlash for being triggering to people who have suffered sexual assault or those who struggle with self harm.

The second season received more intense criticism for its content. Due to the first season’s criticisms, the second season put warnings in the episodes and offered the number for the crisis hotline in each episode. Season two was critiqued for its portrayal of school gun violence. Many were concerned with the show’s portrayal of the school shooter. Fans were upset that they were forced to feel sorry for the shooter. “I think the writers abused their platform by making the audience sympathize with a school shooter as the main focus of the season,” said senior, Kerrigan Miller.

The treatment of this character led to his actions. There was one scene in particular that led fans to be very upset. This character was sexually assaulted in the bathroom with a broom by a group of boys. The scene was extremely violent and showed blood which made viewers upset. The scene ends with this character crying on the floor of the bathroom stall. Both of these instances occurred in the final episode of the season.

The show’s second season has been receiving mixed reviews from viewers. Senior Haley Chisolm enjoyed the show. “It was raw and showed real problems that people face daily,” said Chisolm. She felt no problem with the content given its warnings and resources provided in each episode.

However, some people have had more negative reactions to show. Miller thinks that the writers could have made some changes to make the show better. “They could have had a heavier focus on how rape victims have difficulty coping, talked more about the process of ‘coming out’ and the repercussions/freedoms that come with that decision, could have better developed teen drug addiction. They had a ton of storylines, but I felt that really important ones I listed above were kind of brushed over. Another one would be how schools don’t always offer great help to kids who are struggling with violent tendencies, depression, etc,” said Miller.

After season two, there still are some questions left for fans. Many wonder what will Chloe do now that she is pregnant with Bryce’s baby, where did Tony take Tyler, and why Nina burned the Polaroids are just a few questions left unanswered. Fans are left will many predictions for the upcoming season “I hope they’ll show what happens to Tyler, if Bryce’s girlfriend keeps the baby, if Jess chooses Alex or Justin, if Justin gets clean, if Bryce gets what he deserves, if Justin’s moms boyfriend Seth will go after Justin, and will Clay get in trouble for knowing about the rapes,” said Chisolm.

With season three coming up there are opportunities for improvement and new story lines to be explored.