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'13 Reasons Why' Season 3, Episode 13 Review, 'Let the Dead Bury the Dead'

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“13 Reasons Why” is one of the most talked-about shows within the mental health community. This season, we’re breaking down each episode to see how the show’s coverage of mental health issues has evolved.

Editor's Note

This post is a review of season three, episode 13 of “13 Reasons Why” and contains spoilers. 

The answer to who killed Bryce is finally revealed, but it is never as simple as it seems. The crew teams up to frame Monty for Bryce’s death.

What Happens in Episode 13

The episode begins with Monty being escorted in jail to speak to his father. His father is upset and spits on him.

Clay is out of jail but has to wear a GPS tracker on his leg. The police request to speak to Ani and she talks to Deputy Standall. Ani asks for a glass of water and the Deputy leaves the room. She receives a text that is most likely some sort of signal.

Clay talks to Dr. Singh. She refutes many of Clay’s thoughts with facts.

Alex comes to talk to Tyler. He asks him if he still has a gun to protect himself from any backlash. Tyler shows him a timelapse of his bruises healing.

Clay talks to Alex in the hallway. He says that he thinks Ani did it. Meanwhile, Tony’s boyfriend hands him the keys to his signature red car and encourages him to run.

Justin talks to Charlie and explains that he is a drug addict.

It is revealed that Monty and Bryce confronted each other on the football field. Monty went after Bryce the whole game, and threatened to “take him out.” Monty talks to the guy he beat up at the party last summer, Winston. They sleep together.

Ani reveals that Justin was getting high at the dock. Tony was waiting for a member of the Mexican cartel. He was laundering money to his family. Alex and Tyler met at Rosie’s Diner.

In reality, Alex finds Bryce at the dock with Jessica. Bryce made Jessica a tape with a confession and apology. Alex attempts to help Bryce but Bryce gets violent and Alex pushes him into the river. This is being narrated by Ani as if Monty did it.

Deputy Standall reveals that the tire treads match his wife’s car. He knows it was Alex. It is revealed that Monty was killed in his jail cell. Ani continues to manipulate and try to convince the Deputy to “let the dead bury the dead.” It’s hard to believe that a Deputy would dismiss a case based due to the manipulation of a teenage girl, but it is television.

The whole crew gathers safely at Clay’s house. Jessica plays Bryce’s tape for the group. He confesses to multiple rapes and explains his thought process. He explains that he was trying to change. The way Bryce is portrayed really evokes some sympathy from viewers and reveals that not everything is black or white. People, especially, are shades of grey and always sliding on the spectrum.

Deputy Standall tells Alex that they decided to charge Monty with Bryce’s murder. He appears to burn the clothes that Alex was wearing the night he pushed Bryce into the lake.

Tony and Caleb talk to his parents over video chat for Thanksgiving. They accept Caleb. They eat with the Jensen family. Justin admits that he hasn’t stayed clean and that he needs more help at the dinner table.

Clay goes to Mrs. Walker and says that he is sorry that Bryce is gone. Clay also has a conversation with Ani’s mother. He stumbles but declares how much he cares about her. Ani declares she and Clay are dating. Ani and Clay discuss whether they made the right decision. He thanks her for saving his life.

Justin calls everyone to gather at Monet’s, where Tyler has agreed to show his photography. There is a picture of everyone who helped him as a “thank you.” Zach apologizes to Tyler for everything he did to make his life difficult.

Jessica and Alex bring back the “FML forever” handshake. A fisherman finds a bag of guns and ammunition.

Winston confronts Ani about her lying to the police about Monty. Will he do something next season?

There wasn’t too much mental health-related in this episode. One thing that did stand out to me though was the fact that Justin asked for help. He finally decided he could not do it by himself anymore and asked for help. It was an honest and hopeful moment.

Rating:  Three out of five stars

What are some signs that someone needs a higher level of care? Can you identify these in a #13ReasonsWhy character?

What are some signs that someone needs a higher level of care? Can you identify these in a #13ReasonsWhy character?

What did you think of season three and the final episode? Let us know in the comments below or by posting a thought on The Mighty using #13ReasonsWhy. 

Previous review: Episode 12

Need a refresher? Check out what happens in season one and season two

Originally published: August 25, 2019
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