13 Reasons Why Season 2 Review: 5 Ups And 7 Downs

1. The Ending

Following Hannah's funeral, the remaining minutes of Episode 13 are used to set up a new arc, with Tyler's downfall being the primary focus. But it just didn't work.

Tyler was subjected to severe forms of bullying in both seasons, but it escalated severely in the final episode of Season 2. The scene of him being sodomised with a broom was gratuitous and unnecessary, and served no purpose other than to push the troubled teen over the edge — which could've been done in a much more sensitive way.

And it only got worse as it went on. Tyler showed up at the school with a gun, but Clay's interference prevented him from doing any harm. The show's most egregious act was the anticlimactic ending. The final shot of Clay holding Tyler's gun as the police arrive was utterly pointless. Why couldn't Clay run? Why didn't he give Tyler the weapon before he left with Tony? Again, the word contrived comes to mind.

It's worrying to think that this show — which should've only ever been one season to begin with — will likely have to return for a third season to wrap up loose ends. But without the Hannah Baker storyline to fall back on, 13 Reasons Why has lost any real sense of direction.

What did you make of 13 Reasons Why Season 2? Tell us in the comment section below.