Note: This article discusses topics including rape, sexual assault and violence that some readers may find upsetting.
This article also contains spoilers for 13 Reasons Why season three.
At this point, 13 Reasons Why's reputation precedes it.
The Netflix series has been steeped in controversy ever since it was first released on the streaming platform back in 2017. It prides itself on tackling difficult issues that others shy away from, a pretty commendable approach in itself but often let down in its execution.
Related: 13 Reasons Why made one of its biggest mistakes yet in season three
Season one was condemned for its portrayal of teen suicide, with many pinpointing Hannah Baker's suicide scene as being unnecessarily graphic and wholly irresponsible.
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This criticism only grew when a study raised a possible link between the Netflix drama and a rise in teen suicides (something show creators spoke out against). It wasn't until two years later that show bosses finally decided to edit out the scene, having consulted further with experts.
Season two wasn't without its shortcomings either. Many took issue with the way in which the series incorporated a potential high school shooting – something that feels like a regular tragedy in the United States and, as such, has had a very real impact on many teens and families. It's worth noting, though, that it's for this very reason that showrunner Brian Yorkey defended the storyline, claiming that the writers "tried to be authentic and honest and also accurate".
You're getting the gist – there are more than 13 reasons as to why the show is often seen as problematic.
And don't be fooled, the third season's episodes are not without fault, but there's one specific aspect that does deserve some credit.
Tyler Downs was sexually assaulted brutally by Monty in the high-school bathroom back in season two. This was a harrowing scene which was met with widespread disgust and it controversially also contributed to Tyler's decision to arrive to the school dance heavily armed in the finale.
For much of season three, Tyler was processing the trauma left behind by this assault.
His progress was illustrated through his own daily photo-taking; not only did Tyler's physical wounds start to heal over time, but by the final photo in the sequence he was also smiling.
Having previously kept it to himself, in episode eight of season three Tyler was at a stage where he felt able to tell someone what had happened to him. Pushed by a comment from the school counsellor, Clay asked Tyler whether or not he was okay and the exchange that followed was by far the most poignant of 13 Reason's Why's third season.
Related: 13 Reasons Why season 4: What's going to happen and questions we need answering
"I think you've been through something and you haven't told anyone," Clay said to Tyler while they were in private.
"Mr Porter noticed some things today, but I've noticed some things too," he added. "You don't want anyone to touch you. You won't use the bathrooms. You wanted to die."
Tyler had a physical response to these words, visibly shaking and seeming very upset. "I can't, I can't," was all he could reply. At this, Clay didn't push and simply assured him that everything was okay and he didn't have to tell him – but that if he wanted to it would be safe for him to do so.
"But you can tell me, you know that, right? You know I care about you," Clay said.
It was at this point that Tyler revealed the assault to Clay, talking him through the event. "I'm so sorry that happened to you," Clay told him, offering no judgement, refusing to question him further and, most importantly, believing his account.
What happened next was perhaps the most notable. Wanting to comfort Tyler, Clay asked for permission to touch him – something that's all the more important, considering that it had already been noted that Tyler had been shying away from physical contact.
"I feel like I want to hug you right now, would that be alright? If I hug you?" Clay asked.
After Tyler nodded, Clay approached him slowly. Tyler hugged him back and then released his anguish, crying into his friend as Clay told him, "It's okay".
Afterwards, rather than pushing him to tell the police or an adult, Clay respected Tyler's wishes and reassured him: "You don't have to tell anyone until you're ready."
Related: 13 Reasons Why star Grace Saif quits Instagram after backlash over new character Ani
A little later, Tyler also confided in Jessica Davis. Jessica was previously raped by Bryce Walker and, in season three, became leader of HO – also known as Hands Off, an on-campus organisation she set up to support sexual-abuse survivors. She led a powerful #MeToo-inspired assembly in which Tyler came forward as a survivor in front of the rest of the school, along with Justin Foley and a number of others.
By the penultimate episode, Tyler was also ready to tell his story to the police, and it was as a result of this that Monty was apprehended by officers and taken into custody for sexual assault in the first degree.
Whether you agree with the show's portrayal of Tyler's assault or the way in which it was dealt with in the immediate aftermath, this exchange between Tyler and Clay was executed brilliantly. The compassion and understanding radiated from the screen – in itself an object lesson in how to approach such a topic not only on screen but in life.
13 Reasons Why season 1, 2 and 3 are available now on Netflix.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
