If you've given up before reaching episode 5, you're not giving this show the justice it deserves. While the initial episodes play out like a pity party YA novel; by the time it reaches half season, 13 Reasons Why finds its stride. Initially, the dialogue feels forced and unauthentic, but as the actors become more comfortable in their roles, the later episodes can be emotionally overwhelming.

I admit that the tapes at first seemed like a silly way to drag out the series, but the conclusion draws everything together and gives Hannah's suicide, and the way she tells her story, due diligence. Unlikeable characters somehow become authentic reflections of your high school experience; and the side stories such as the impending legal trial, the fate of the school counselor, Justin, Bryce, and the rest of the cast, leave you yearning for more.

This show definitely has a place—and while it's an important lesson for teens, the finite details offer complexity for the critical viewer, as well.