To say that 13 Causes Why Season four was a waste could be the understatement of the century.
The controversial Netflix sequence had an intricately plotted and emotionally pushed freshman season, however the present’s function died after we realized what led to Hannah Baker’s premature demise.
Hollywood has been recognized to take advantage of exhibits for all their value, and that is why we witnessed Netflix beat a useless horse three seasons in a row.
Whereas it is troublesome to forgive the horrible storylines, 13 Causes Why Season four really bought among the characters proper throughout its closing season.
The sequence had some questionable storylines over the course of its run, however with fake faculty shootings, Clay utterly shedding his grip on actuality, and different outlandish issues, it appeared like all hope for worthwhile developments had been dashed.
Alex coming to phrases together with his sexuality is the kind of storyline I’d have anticipated the present to botch. Him falling for Zach, just for Zach to close him down, and proceed to be mates with him was really a breath of contemporary air.
There was simmering chemistry between them for some time now, however permitting them to navigate their friendship in a platonic approach labored versus them being compelled collectively for fan service.
Alex all the time questioned his place on the earth, even when he appeared to have it collectively within the flashbacks throughout 13 Causes Why Season 1.
Regardless of some main apprehension on his half, he was pursued by not one, however two different males in the course of the closing season. Winston, regardless of his flaws, appeared to have real emotions for him.
However Winston was solely actually added to the common forged to stir the pot and expose what actually occurred to Bryce in order that he may clear Monty’s title.
Charlie, who has spent most of his time on the periphery revealing he had long-held emotions for Alex, took me abruptly, however their connection was simple.
So far as real individuals go on this sequence, Charlie wins by a landslide. Credit score the place credit score is due, this isn’t a pairing I’d have anticipated going into the season.
But it surely additionally did not really feel compelled.
The sequence additionally bought Justin’s battle with medication proper. Brandon Flynn deserves awards for his appearing all through these closing episodes.
So far as character arcs go, Justin’s was probably the most rounded ultimately. It moved alongside on the proper tempo all through all 4 seasons, nevertheless it was inevitable that it could culminate in tragedy.
The strain of holding on to so many secrets and techniques, coupled with the demise of his mom, definitely made it appear to be he would return to taking medication.
Going chilly turkey may have been a recipe for catastrophe, and though it appeared like he was undoubtedly about to die, it didn’t play out the best way I anticipated it to.
The sequence goes from zero to 100 rapidly, amping up the drama within the course of, however Justin dying of AIDS was brutal.
He battled his demons and in some way got here out the opposite finish, solely to be taken when he had regained management of his life. Flynn performed each single beat of this character to perfection.
Clay was within the driving seat for your entire sequence, however someplace alongside the best way, Justin grew to become the voice of cause and the one who felt like there was extra to life than being stuffed with hate.
The present highlights that, even in restoration, nothing is assured. Justin recognizing the error of his methods was step one to restoration.
He had made that first step on numerous events, and there was no approach of telling whether or not he would proceed to straddle that fantastic line between a clear life or a life that concerned him counting on narcotics.
To many, killing Justin off in such a way is merciless, however to others, it helps to indicate that there’s extra to dependancy than lots of people know. Simply since you’re in restoration, it doesn’t suggest that the issues are gone.
13 Causes Why has by no means veered distant from controversial subjects, and though it is painful to confess, Justin’s demise will assist educate extra individuals in regards to the pitfalls about dependancy and restoration.
One other huge factor the sequence bought proper this time was Ani.
She was compelled down our throats on 13 Causes Why Season Three due to the best way the writers rapidly launched her. Grace Saif garnered lots of backlash in consequence, and all of it got here right down to shoddy writing.
Saif appeared way more snug all through the ultimate season within the position, and that is largely as a result of the writing for her character had improved.
Even when individuals didn’t like her introduction, Ani was a vital a part of the story after Bryce’s homicide.
The brand new and improved Ani felt organically linked to the characters and their struggles, and her actions really made sense.
Saif introduced nice vulnerabilty to Ani, and the faculty interview was significantly telling. She was a teen dealt a foul hand, and determined to seek out her place on the earth.
She struggled becoming in and located herself with a bunch of mates that liked her for who she was, and the character was not the one-dimensional particular person we met a 12 months in the past.
Since we’re right here and the present has been put out of its distress, we’ll discuss one thing that was irritating: The tone of the present utterly modified vs. Season 3.
As an alternative of taking part in out like a teen drama, there have been low cost horror tips thrown in, and it was problematic as a result of it felt like a serial killer was going to pop up at any second and kill the characters.
I am all for exhibits switching issues up, nevertheless it was too far and put an excessive amount of emphasis on all the characters assembly the ghosts of the deceased.
Sure, the individuals the characters had been seeing had been haunting them not directly, however we did not want all the forged to go toe-to-toe with a ghost to get the gist of what was occurring.
Being haunted by your demons is one factor, however the present seemingly went the supernatural route throughout its closing episodes.
What did you consider the ultimate season? What labored for you? What did you not like?
Hit the feedback under.
13 Causes Why streams globally on Netflix.
Paul Dailly is the Affiliate Editor for TV Fanatic. Comply with him on Twitter.