***TYPICAL SPOILER WARNING BLA BLA ETC ETC***
The entire show, as depressing as it is, lends itself as a warning to pay more attention to young people or just anyone struggling with mental health issues.
Hannah Baker is a bright, beautiful girl who unfortunately decides to take her own life after a series of tragic and awful events. During each tape, we see the struggle she was dealing with, and unfortunately, the missed opportunities to help her.
Knowing from the first episode that it doesn't have a happy ending... that Hannah definitely doesn't survive puts a dark shadow over the entire show. But this small detail in the very last episode makes the message so much clearer and it needs to be pointed out.
Each student that was involved in the tapes Hannah made, do an interview where they tell their side of the story. During Zach's interview, we see the date is November 2017, meaning the show is set in the future.
There's actually a pretty important message behind this.
Not only do we lose Hannah, but a handful of students as well as the people who are close to Hannah have their worlds turned upside-down after her death.
By having it set in November, 2017, it allows us to see into the future. Hannah's death and the tragedies that follow are what could happen if nothing is done to help her.
She can be saved! Her death can be prevented, and as a result, Alex may not shoot himself, Jeff may not die in a car accident, Bryce can be stopped and Mr. Porter won't ignore Hannah's cries for help.
Something can be done.
This tiny detail is a reinforcement of the show's overall message that there is always time. Something can be done to help anybody who is struggling, especially to the point of suicide.
If you, or anyone you know are suffering from mental illness, contact Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636, or visit their site here.
