13 Reasons Why: Season 2 will be a story about redemption

Kate Walsh, star of 13 Reasons Why discusses the redemptive theme of season two.

After an extremely controversial first season, 13 Reasons Why is preparing audiences for its second season. The inaugural season focused on Hannah’s suicide and the tapes she left behind for her friends and family in the aftermath.

Critics of the series were taken aback by the graphic reality and nature with which suicide was presented in the first season — and the character’s journey throughout it.

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A cast member from the series shared that the second season will cover themes that dive into redemption, taking responsibility, and rehabilitating. The series spent a lot of the first season highlighting the detrimental effects of social media in high school –encompassing bullying, drinking, and drugs.

One of Hannah’s core struggles leading up to her suicide was personally being raped by school jock Bryce Walker, as well as witnessing him rape another girl.

Season two’s plot and narrative have not been disclosed as of yet, but Kate Walsh, who plays Hannah’s mother spoke with E News about the sophomore season.

She stated that the story will be “redemptive” and have more hope than the crushing first season. The story will also dive deeper into what happens with Bryce following the events of the first season.

"“It’s a very exciting season for a lot of reasons. You see us sort of following the trail of Bryce Walker, so this season deals with sexual assault, it deals with truth, it deals with responsibility, it deals with the aftermath of Hannah’s death…And really trying to, again, look for responsibility and accountability. It’s very intense and very, I think, still totally addictive.”"

With the #MeToo movement in full force in Hollywood, the narrative of 13 Reasons Why is more important now than ever before. If season two will follow Bryce’s punishment for his actions, then the message that his behavior will not go unnoticed will resonate with the audience. The consequences will also be seen from the victim angle, presumably, as Jessica tries to cope with her rape.

Season one also ended on Alex trying to commit suicide and the school shooting Tyler may be involved in. Based on Walsh’s interview, it appears that the second season will be all about getting help, moving forward, and being cognizant of the lessons Hannah left behind.

Next: What’s going on with the 13 Reasons Why release date?

And after such a harshly criticized first season, it will be a pleasant change to see what happens from here on out from a more light-hearted angle.

Make sure to check back with us for more updates regarding season two of 13 Reasons Why!

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