There’s a lot of mystery surrounding the upcoming second season of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why. So far, we know that the new episodes will bring fresh faces to Liberty High (and even some parents we didn’t meet in the first installment), but the season 1 finale definitely left viewers with a lot of questions: Will Alex survive the gunshot wound he suffered at the end of the first chapter? Will Bryce face consequences for two incidents of sexual assault? How will Hannah’s story continue throughout any future episodes?
Of course, one of the biggest questions surrounding season 2 has to do with how the show will address mental illness. Despite its undeniable popularity, the Netflix series based on Jay Asher’s novel garnered a lot of criticism from mental health advocates who thought the show didn’t go far enough to provide viewers with positive tools and helpful resources while delivering arguably triggering material. The show’s star, Dylan Minnette, has expressed that the cast and crew have listened to that feedback, and that season 2 will take those concerns into account.
Now, in a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Dylan is opening up even further about what fans can expect from the next season. According to the actor, the new episodes will take place several months after season 1, and will have a common theme. “This season particularly is a lot about recovery,” Dylan explained, adding: “It’s naturally going to progressively get to a more emotional place, due to the nature of the story we’re telling. I’m sure we’re all heading in some dark directions again. I think anybody would be surprised if we weren’t.”
The idea that season 2 will focus on “recovery” is an interesting one, as it could be applied to lots of different characters. It could be a reference to Alex’s physical recovery, or Jessica’s emotional one. It could also apply to Dylan’s character, Clay, and Hannah’s parents, as they continue to grieve the loss of their daughter.
Katherine Langford (Hannah) also weighed in, telling Entertainment Tonight that season 2 “feels like a very different show.” And Steven Silver, who plays Marcus, added that the upcoming episodes are “juicy.”
There’s no doubt that 13 Reasons Why aims to tackle several important subjects that are all deserving of discussion and awareness. Hopefully the upcoming season will present that dialogue in a way that also gives viewers the proper tools for help if they need it.