13 Reasons Why Season 2 Premiere, ‘The First Polaroid’
Five months after Hannah’s (Katherine Langford) death, the case against Liberty goes to trial, with Tyler (Devin Druid) as the first witness. Clay (Dylan Minnette) finds a troubling photo in his locker.
I, like many others, was curious about the direction in which the creative team behind 13 Reasons Why would take their second season. Many had reservations about the idea, while others were more curious about how they would handle it since the first season wrapped up in convincing fashion.
I can tell you with absolute certainty that the opening episode of this new season should put to rest any and all reservations. It is that good.
“The First Polaroid” makes some bold, daring, and intriguing creative choices made clear from the very start. The episode delves deep into the psyche of the main characters after catching us viewers up to speed with where these characters are at and what has happened since the finale of the first season. It exudes a slower, relaxed tempo that focuses heavily on emotions in regards to exposition and setting the base for the entire season. Despite the low-key vibe, the episode uses hints of suspense and intrigue to keep viewers engaged and eager for more.
It is clear the heartbeat of the episode centers around repressed anger/rage and, as the episode goes on, every character is struggling more and more to keep a handle on their emotions. Much like what the first season did so well, this idea is not only limited to the main protagonists, such as Clay Jensen and Jessica Davis. The antagonists, namely Bryce Walker (and Tyler Down to an extent), also receive this treatment, which does not necessarily make them more sympathetic or relatable, but instead more humanistic and layered. That, in turn, makes them much more engaging as characters and enhances the show even more.
In regards to the cast and crew, they prove that the first season’s success is no fluke. Every actor makes the most out of their strong material to deliver powerful moments at critical times. The writing and directing are excellent as they also were in the first season. The score, composed by Eskmo, is incredible as well. His musical cues really brings the material to life – not to mention the whispers and echoes to the acclaimed score for another Netflix original series, Stranger Things.
The approach the writers, directors, and producers have decided to take should make for a compelling season if this first episode is any indication as for what is to come. Although the episode feels more like exposition and setup, the great performances of the actors, combined with the masterful writing and solid directing efforts, make this episode memorable in its own way. “The First Polaroid” proves more than worthy for the justification of a new season.
Rating: 9/10
-Daryn Kirscht
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