Season 1 (8.5/10): The first season in my opinion was the best of all 3 thus far. The book is amazing and it was new idea for a show. The show had great sound tracks and acceptable cinematography. Most importantly they tackled a lot of issues that are not well-spoken (mainly focusing on mental health but sexual assault, drug abuse, and bullying played big roles as well). They also covered their bases with diversity in most aspects, in a way that it didn't feel forced. However, what made the first season great was the purity and the innocence of young kids, trying to deal with real world problems (not at all cringey like Riverdale's better half of the show). You really feel for the kids, all of them. Their acting was beyond exceptional and felt real. Dylan Minnette was made to play this role. Yes while it all seemed to be from the perspective of Clay and Hannah (which season 2 tried to cover), most of life is. As the book says "You don't know what goes on in anyone's life but your own" and I don't think it's a fair argument to say someone's reasons for suicide aren't good enough, to prove the show was bad. although like every show, this one had some flaws; hence it's rating not 10/10. Favorite scenes:


Season 2 (5.5/10): The second season again had good sound tracks and acceptable directing. The acting was just as great as season 1, which really makes the viewer feel a part of the show. While tackling the same issues they put a little more focus on bullying and gun control. However, the writing was poor and the direction they decided to go in even worse. It felt as if it was lacking narrative on its own and seemed as if they were out of ideas. While it was on everyone's mind that what happened in the court after the first season, I think the season 1 could've been beautiful to end the show on (but what do I know? I'll watch all the seasons no matter how bad). They really tried to cover all their flaws in season 1, and explicitly sending the message that not everything is as it seems and no one is completely innocent. So they gave the perspective of other characters. They tried adding more to the stories like the Polaroids and Hannah with her summer fling; which crazy enough was not mentioned by her at all in the tapes but far less shocking events had been revealed of her secret fling. Yes arguments can be easily made as to why she chose to leave that out but I still find it ridiculous. Anyhow, the new added plot felt too forced. It also felt a little slow. Favorite scenes:


Season 3 (6.5/10): I started the season ready to hate Ani cause of all the reviews and I'll explain in the last paragraph why those reviews are wrong. I can assure you that it definitely is better than season 2 but still had many flaws. The cinematography and directing was amazing, and I loved the transitions in scenes that were jumping back and forth on the timeline. The soundtrack however was mediocre at best. The acting was still just as wonderful; you really feel like you grew up with these people. Includes beautiful and true friendships which warms your heart. This season was not at all boring nor slow. The story was new unlike season 2. They tackled the issues of the previous seasons but also focusing a little on relevant problems like gun control, abortion, and immigration in the US. They learned from their mistakes and had better writing. Instead of just focusing on the WHYs they now focused on the WHO, making this murder-mystery of a season absolutely binge worthy. Another admirable thing was how great of a job they did humanizing the evil characters and just like a book that is page tuner, you constantly have new opinions on different characters. That's how you know a show is good...when it plays with you. All that being said, the show doesn't stand the high expectations like the first season. I feel as if it is stating to become like Riverdale just a little, when the kids think they can handle bigger issues than just the ones on season 1 on their own. While the ending has some decent plot twists, it felt too fictional. The world were high school students know best... Now Ani. I was really mad at this show for just suddenly adding new characters and even more furious when they just left out 1/4 of the cast from the previous season. Argument can be made that some graduated and some new kids came like a normal school but this just felt wrong and uncomfortable. And Hannah? not even a picture of her at the end or cherishing her memory? HOWEVER, there's no reason to hate Ani. Some people mentioned she's too nosy and annoying. Well for starters, everyone included her and told her what was going on openly. And when she starts questioning about Bryce, it can be easily be explained if you watch till episode 7. And I mean if you're calling her 2-faced then either watch till the end to know why or appreciate her good acting skills that made you feel hate for her character. I must add as well, having a British female narrate the show was a nice and funny touch. Favorite scenes:


*OVER ALL (6.83/10 rounded to 7/10) *Do I recommend it? Season 1 absolutely. You won't miss a lot if you don't continue however, it is one of the best binge worthy shows on Netflix and it does keep you on your toes with various plot twists. So, if you have free time check it out. The show is confirmed to end after season 4 (which I am a little disappointed because I wanted to see their lives in college as well but oh well) Be careful if you are suffering from depression. *Best way to describe the show with a quote: "The truth isn't always the most exciting version of things, or the best or the worst. It's somewhere in between. But it deserves to be heard and remembered. The truth will out, like someone said once. It remains."