13 Reasons Why: Where Season 3 Went Wrong

Brian Yorkey’s Netflix original teen drama series 13 Reasons Why season 3 made various crucial mistakes when it came to the controversial Bryce Walker (Justin Prentice), as well as presenting a disappointing side of Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette), and a terribly crafted new character. The series follows the aftermath of Hannah Baker’s (Katherine Langford) suicide and the tapes that are circulated to every person who has, in some way, contributed to the torment she faced.

While it has proved popular for Netflix, which is why it has received multiple seasons despite wrapping up Hannah’s story, 13 Reasons Why has also long been controversial given its subject matter, which alongside teen suicide has included sexual assault, homophobia, and gun violence. That didn’t change in season 3, which attempted to tackle a variety of heavy and important topics, but while admirable in intent, wasn’t always successful in how it portrayed them, especially with Bryce’s storyline.

Alongside bringing back the majority of its main cast, such as Clay, 13 Reasons Why season 3 expanded things by introducing Ani Achola (Grace Saif) who has recently moved to from Great Britain to the U.S., but its storytelling wasn’t successful. The show has been a case of diminishing returns, with season 3 derided by critics more than the others, evidenced in part by its 12% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s where 13 Reasons Why season 3 went wrong.

Where Season 3 Went Wrong With Bryce’s Redemption Arc

Time and time again, 13 Reasons Why presented Bryce as a monstrous person whose actions could not be redeemed by any means. Throughout the series, Bryce has sexually assaulted and raped multiple women. While it showed the all t0o real lenient sentences given to serial rapists, season 3 did not need to redeem his character. The first 26 episodes showcased his lack of remorse for his action and the fact that he only received three months of community service after assaulting Jessica (Alisha Boe). When season 3 premiered, it detailed the court proceedings that took place and the negative mental and emotional impact it had on Bryce.

These flashbacks attempted to create a sympathetic character out of a malicious and ill-intentioned rapist. While people do change and have the ability to atone for the wrongs they have done, the series did not mention or unpack any of the outliers that could have contributed to his egregious treatment of women. There was no acknowledgement of rape culture, patriarchy, or misogyny that contributed to his 26-episode long beliefs that his actions were justifiable.

By ignoring these important issues, it completely undermined what 13 Reasons Why was attempting to do in giving Bryce a redemption arc. Furthermore, season 3 focused primarily on Bryce and his attempts to cope with his conviction, which overshadowed Jessica’s story of recovery. When the series chose to prioritize the rapist’s recovery over the survivor’s, it further perpetuated an ideology that men are the victims in rape cases despite being the perpetrators of the action.

The Unnecessary Addition of Ani Achola

Leading up to Bryce’s death, Ani Achola is introduced in 13 Reasons Why season 3. Almost immediately, she becomes instant friends with nearly every single person in the school, including all of those mentioned in Hannah’s tapes. After forming a close bond with Clay and Bryce, she begins a romantic relationship with both of them. Not only this, Ani forms a romantic bond with Jessica. The only reason for her addition to the show was solely used as a plot device to add more tension to preexisting tenuous relationships.

Ani is a strange and jarring character to say the least. She constantly hides in the corners of various rooms and listens to conversations for what seems like no reason at all. While 13 Reasons Why season 4 may make use of her information gathering, it is an unnecessary addition to season 3 as it does not receive any form of attention or explanation. 13 Reasons Why did not need to add Ani whatsoever, and fans have regarded her as one of their least favorite characters in the entire series. Her presence did absolutely nothing to further the plot, Ani only served as a tool to disrupt everyone’s lives in an unrealistic and pointless fashion.

Clay Jensen Is Problematic

Throughout the entire run of 13 Reasons Why, Clay Jensen serves as a mediator of various issues that other characters face. Except, in season 3, he became far more problematic and unhelpful. When Tony Padilla’s (Christian Navarro) parents are deported by ICE, Clay responds by angrily asking him why he didn’t tell him sooner. Clay does not ask his friend if he is okay, nor does he ask if there is any way he can be there for him. Instead, he asserts that Tony’s issue is not having told him sooner.

Overall, Clay’s characterization is nothing short of problematic and self-involved. He is far too concerned with saving others for the sake of receiving recognition for it and refuses to genuinely be there for the people he supposedly cares about. He is regularly utilized as a catalyst for events in the series, resulting in the underdevelopment of his story that seeks to detail how Clay’s mental health has suffered. The development of his character is disappointing to say the least and fans overwhelming agree.

13 Reasons Why Season 3 Did NOT Need 13 Episodes

Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why did not necessitate an entire 13 episodes like its previous seasons. It had far too many faults and lacked concise storytelling. This is entirely due to the fact that they only have one novel as a foundation to go off of, but they covered all of the original source material in season 1. While 13 Reasons Why season 2 had some redeemable qualities as the show attempted to stray from Jay Asher’s story, it still suffered and dragged but not as much as season 3. The only reason they have stuck to the 13 episode structure is solely due to the fact that there were 13 sides to the tapes Hannah sent out.

With its inconsistencies and confusing story lines, there was no true reason to have an entire 13 episode season. The season could have been bettered by shortening its length and telling the stories in more concise ways. Once again, the addition of a new character also negatively affected the series as a whole. It spent far too much time trying to incorporate Ani as a main cast member that it ultimately suffered as a result. If they would not have been introduced and the 13 episodes would have been condensed, season 3 may have been well (or at least better) received by fans and critics.

Regardless, 13 Reasons Why was renewed for season 4, which will also be its last. 13 Reasons Why is a controversial show that attempted to highlight the issues teens face. Despite removing one of its most controversial scenes, there is sensitive subject matter permeating throughout its entirety. Themes of sexual assault, suicide, murder, and more have been depicted throughout the series. When season 3 mishandled the redemption story arc of Bryce, it turned out to be one of their most controversial to date. Furthermore, when it reconstructed Clay Jensen’s character and introduced Ani, it became an overall disappointment. As the fourth and final season of 13 Reasons Why swiftly approaches, there is no telling what will happen and if they will fix the issues they had with season 3.

About The Author