13 Reasons Why - 2 - Web Preview: It lacks conviction

13 Reasons Why - 2 (First Five Episodes)
U/A: Psychological drama
On: Netflix
Cast: Dylan Minnette, Alisha Boe, Katherine Langford, Justin Prentice
Rating:

It's been months since Clay last sparred a thought for Hannah -- or so he claims to others, and in isolation. He does, however, keep her alive in his overt watchfulness of his new love interest, Skye, who harbours a tendency to inflict wounds on herself as she grapples with depression. 'Good guy' Tony, the caretaker of Hannah's tapes lets it slip in early on that "you don't know everything about me", with the composed friend from season one making his fear evident every now and then. Five months after a failed suicide attempt, Alex is set to return to Liberty High School, but it's not all that he can remember of what transpired in the recent past. He does however have for company, Jessica, who is still coming to terms with learning of her rape when unconscious at a college party. Zack is dedicated while enabling Alex to negotiate his way back to school, keeping you guessing why Bryce Walker's best pal is supporting those against him. What happened? Is that too much to handle? The makers don't waste time in getting to the point early on in season two, throwing you right into the trial that followed Hannah Baker's death. Unlike season one, where Hannah invites you to "settle in and listen to my story", you almost find yourself on the edge of your seat whilst trying to assimilate all that transpired thereafter.

Unfortunately, 40 minutes into episode one, and the pace fizzles out. Soon after the release of season one of Neflix's acclaimed show, the cast, in what may be termed as a warning to fans, had stated that season two would portray the now-deceased protagonist in a different light. While part one took us through her side of the story, this instalment would offer a voice to those she accused of abetting suicide, as more skeletons tumble out of the closet. Unfortunately, five episodes into the 13-episode-long second edition, and the makers go little further than constantly reiterate the damage that the tender teenage can cause, and carry the promise of the unknown. Like part one, where every episode was devoted to one of 13 characters accused by Hannah of driving her to kill herself, season two also sees each episode dedicated to one character, who testifies and puts forth his/her version of Hannah's story. It's crucial even, specially since after season one, many argued that not all action could be categorised as grievous enough to blame.

It's not unusual to have a change of heart when a few despicable characters shed light on the trauma they face, even as they attempt to seek justice for Hannah, just like the apathy showcased by others can make your stomach wrench in disgust. The writers must have dug deep to decipher the lack of sympathy that the flawed can showcase, even in the face of death, when Bryce's friend responds to a teacher's instruction stating that nothing other than a 'yes' can qualify as consent for sexual intercourse with a -- Does a scream qualify?

What you do seem to cherish in season two is the suppleness that the actors introduce in their relationships. While Clay and Skye do not particularly grow on you, Jessica and Alex's friendship is surely one to tug at your heartstrings. Miles Heizer has been able to carefully chalk out the nitty-gritties of his character to make Alex emerge as someone you will seamlessly root for. If his acclaimed act in part one wasn't enough, Dylan Minnette seems more confident with his role as Clay Jensen, portraying just as much anguish as you'd expect him to harbour, given that his acquiring of Bryce's testimony of having raped Hannah from last season proves to be of little worth. What you do miss in his unwavering anger addressed to Hannah, who now manifests before him every now and then, is the warmth that their relationship harboured in season one.

The latest edition of the Netflix original tries to highlight that there's always another side of the story. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have been created with the conviction that part one harboured. You wouldn't particularly find yourself craving to know what follows, as was the case in the debut edition, given that neither the characters, nor the pace, promise to offer enough, except for verbally reiterating that it does so.

Watch 13 Reasons Why - 2 Trailer

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