Did You See How "13 Reasons Why" Hit Back at the Controversy in Season Two’s Debut?

Trigger Warning: This article discusses suicide.

As promised, a second season of 13 Reasons Why returned over the weekend, extending the mystery surrounding Hannah Baker’s death and exploring the aftershocks in her school community.

It also showcased a bunch of new and unexpected haircuts, but we’ll save that for another post.

Though the first season was a massive hit for Netflix, it came with plenty of controversy, due to the graphic depiction of Hannah’s suicide and a lack of supporting resources for its young audience.

Many schools across the world—including some in Australia—issued letters to parents about the content of the show, either informing them to engage with their kids about the subject matter, or, in the case of one Canadian elementary school, telling students not to talk about it at all.

The makers have tried to head this off with a warning video that now plays before the start of each season’s first episode, featuring the actors making an appeal to viewers who are "struggling with these issues" to "watch it with a trusted adult," if at all.

However, it took just 20 minutes for the show itself to acknowledge its critics, doing so… kinda snarkily.

Spoiler warning for the premiere episode of 13 Reasons Why Season Two.

In the first ep of the new season, it’s revealed Alex (Miles Heizer) survived his self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. We then see him return to school the same day as Jessica (Alisha Boe)—who had also taken a hiatus—five months after Hannah’s death.

They’re immediately met by Zach (Ross Butler, formerly of Riverdale), who helps carry Alex’s backpack, since his injury means he now walks with a cane (it also apparently means he can no longer bleach his hair).

At this point, Alex asks Zach and Jessica about his "suicide note", which he forgot he had written (memory-loss was another consequence, turns out), which Zach promptly tells him to put away.

"It’s not radioactive," Alex says.

And this is where the show cheekily addresses those schools and parents who tried to bury their head in the sand regarding 13 Reasons Why’s popularity.

"We’re not allowed to talk about suicide," Zach explains. "Or you. Or Hannah."

He adds: "[The school] made a rule the day after you… after that day, and if you talk about it on campus, you get suspended."

Alex gets the final line on the matter, however: "That’s so f***ed up."

End of spoilers.

Prior to the new season’s arrival, Netflix bragged about a survey discovering "71 per cent of teens and young adults found the show relatable, and nearly three-quarters of teen and young adult viewers said the show made them feel more comfortable processing tough topics."

Clearly, they’re trying to make a point with this early exchange in the second season. In 2018, 13 Reasons Why is sticking to its convictions and not apologising for examining the topic of teen suicide and mental health. No doubt the debate about how it explores these subjects will rage on.

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Photo: Netflix