Latest Posts by visionaxry - Page 2

On my block S3 SPOILERS

I’ve seen people complain about the finale but I loved it. It felt so suitable to flash forward, I was so hoping for it to happen, otherwise the ending wouldn’t have been satisfying. After all friends promising not to lose touch, it was only fitting to see how that worked out.

It’s not a new concept to skip a few years in the story to show how a friend group fell apart. However, OMB did it well. The “future” felt realistic and we didn’t see too much of it, so that the interest for the next season would be high. That is good storytelling.

I hope they start off the next season two years later, and maybe show a few flashbacks. I assume something will bring the ex-friends together, and it’d be cool to see their new dynamic especially since they’re older.

Monse leaving Freeridge and moving on with new girlfriends was expected and isn’t necessarily bad as she’s also away from the streets now and sh*t that no teenager should go through. Although Monse was certainly the glue of the group which could be seen even in 1x01 (with Monse away Cesar left the group), so it’s natural for everyone to stop being friends without her.

I think Jamal was looking for a place where he could release all his energy that he used to spent on conspiracies, and maybe after looking death in the eye in S3, playing football didn’t seem so scary anymore. Apparently, he even turned out to be actually good at it just like his dad.

I was surprised, yet very pleased, to see Ruby and Jasmine going strong after two years. Thank you! That’s exactly what we need: healthy long-lasting relationships!

Oscar fulfilling his dream to have a family and leave the gang was probably the most wholesome ending. It was so satisfying to see him happy. And I hope he stays that way from now on. Please don’t hurt him.

At last, Cesar also had an expected conclusion to his journey. To put aside the sad reality of his life now (like it was easy before), if we solely judge from the entertainment value this choice is great, as we’ll get to see Cesar as a leader and hopefully more mature.

Reasons Why Ani’s Character Failed

     Season 3 of «13 reasons why» has been out for a long while, but with the 4th and final season approaching my thoughts circle back to one drawback that last season had. Now, this show is badmouthed enough as it is, and it’s not my intention here. I love «13 reasons why», that’s why I care so much about the subject. I’d also like to point out that there’s no hate towards the actress who portrayed Ani. If anything, this is directed at the writers as feedback from a fan of the show.

     The reasons why Ani’s character was brought into the story are understandable. Yes, she’s a plot device for Bryce’s storyline, and she’s the new narrator. On top of that, she’s supposed to be the audience surrogate. She’s the new girl coming into this group of kids, and just like us she tries to figure out Bryce’s murder and all the personal drama that comes along. However, this concept obviously fails (seriously, after season 3 all people could talk about was how much they hated Ani). So where did it all go wrong, exactly?

    The biggest problem with Ani’s character is by far her annoying personality. She’s nosy, spying on everyone and interfering with their lives. Surprisingly this reserved group of teenagers actually opens up to her. After everything that went on you would expect them to be more picky with who they trust. Characters don’t just confide in her, they feel obligated to justify themselves in her eyes. Like she’s some sort of angel.

Ani’s the one demanding the truth from everyone, yet she’s the one who keeps secrets. Her relationship with Bryce was meant to paint Bryce as a human being. In no way did Bryce deserve any redemption for his crimes, but it was essential to recognize him as a human, not a monster. Because once we see somebody as a monster, it becomes impossible to destroy them, they start to seem stronger than we are.

No matter how important it was to send this message, it didn’t do any favors to Ani’s character. She sleeps with Bryce knowing that he’s a rapist. She defends him in front of Clay, like a true rapist apologist. Ani with her hero complex wants to fix everyone, that’s why she’s all up in their business, that’s why she gets involved with Bryce. Unfortunately, she refuses to admit her own imperfection. She is a hypocrite. Even though at the end she acknowledges that sleeping with Bryce was the worst thing she’d ever done, it doesn’t excuse her actions.

   Introducing a new character into an existing dynamic is quite tricky. Over the seasons the audience grew to love the established characters. So when you let someone new share screen time with the beloved cast, the newbie should be captivating enough. Moreover, it is unfair for a new character to take away too much screen time from the numerous preexisting cast. It is especially irritating when this character is condescending towards the ones who’ve been there since day one and comes with no character development. That again raises the question: why would you make such a dislikable character (not presented as an antagonist) a main one?

    The significant part of Ani’s character is the narration of the season. It’s one of the reasons for introducing her character at all… But was narration even necessary in season 3?

Season 1 had Hannah’s voiceover via tapes because the plot revolved around her, we were seeing life through her eyes. She was the one telling the story. The plot couldn’t go on without it. Narration in season 2 could’ve been avoided, however that season already had a different feel to it, so the writers didn’t want to shock the audience completely by the absence of a voiceover. The narration helped to concentrate on particular parts of the story, and ramifications that the tapes left on each character. We got to see events from different perspectives, not just Clay and Hannah’s.

Nevertheless, narration in season 3 was unnecessary and poorly done. It is annoying as it is, when somebody tells the audience everything that’s going on when we can clearly see that for ourselves, but when it comes from a dislikable character it is twice as bad. Narration brings something to the story when it makes the story more interesting, when it’s revealing something new. (That’s why inner monologues actually work, when written well). On the contrary, Ani’s never-ending story, full of lies and vague pretentious phrases, is boring and distracting from the plot.

    Finally, let’s touch upon the whole – Ani being Clay’s love interest – thing. Since Hannah’s gone (and her ghost manifested by Clay as well) the main character needs another sidekick who’ll follow him around, because the audience needs Clay to communicate his feelings and theories at all times (which could be avoided, were Clay the narrator), and apparently Justin and Tony weren’t worthy enough to fit the part of his confidant.

Anyway, Clay and Ani being friends was fine, but where did this forceful romantic plotline come from? Dear writers, your main character does not always have to be in a relationship! We won’t respect Clay less just because he doesn’t get the girl. Honestly, most people will relate to him even more. Furthermore, it is important to show viewers, especially younger ones, that it is normal not to have a crush or date. The majority of teens doesn’t date in high school, and it’s frustrating to see characters always end up with somebody, like without that they can’t be complete or happy.

To be candid, Clay and Ani didn’t seem to have any chemistry. Both, their kiss and Ani telling her mom they’re dating, were unanticipated and out of place. There was no natural progression for them to be together at the end. After Clay finally sees Ani the way the viewers did all this time (ep 7), it’s difficult to find the moment where he starts to like her again or forgives her… Just because Ani comes up with the plan to save Alex from jail, it means Clay is in love with her? Clay? Angsty Clay who holds grudges and wants to take revenge on people (e.g. see season 1)? It’s hard to buy it.

    There was a theory that S3 was actually supposed to be narrated by Sheri. Unfortunately, Ajiona Alexus left the show. But could you imagine how much better would Sheri be instead of Ani. Sheri is a well developed character since season 1, who is liked by a lot of viewers. She has preexisting relationships with all the main characters, so it would be natural of them to confide in her. Not to mention her and Clay already had a thing in S1, so them ending up together in S3 would be logical and satisfying. Even if the concept of Sheri being the narrator couldn’t be brought to life, the next choice for that role would certainly be Clay aka the main character, not just a random new girl.

     Taking into account the upcoming season 4, what can there be done to repair the damage? Even though some may argue it’s the easiest decision, I doubt that Ani’s character will be just written off (no matter how much I want it). I see only two possible outcomes. Either her character gets way less screen time, or she gets outstanding character development, although I have no idea what there could be done for the audience to like her. At last, it is vital that the writers get rid of her narration.

I hope the flaws of the last season will be fixed, because I’m excited to see where the story takes us next, and I don’t want to suffer through Ani’s character to find out.