<P> Another aspect frequently mentioned within reviews was the show's mature and emotional approach to its dark and adult subject matter . This was favorably reviewed by critics, such as Miller of Indiewire, particularly her statement that "the adult edges to this story ring with honesty and truth ." Miller, and Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter, also stated that the show can be difficult to watch at times, while Schedeen of IGN states that it is "an often depressing and even uncomfortable show to watch...a pretty emotionally draining experience, particularly towards the end as the pieces really start to fall into place ." </P> <P> Numerous critics also praised several other aspects of the show . Feinberg highlighted the show's directors, saying: "A Sundance - friendly gallery of directors including Tom McCarthy, Gregg Araki and Carl Franklin keeps the performances grounded and the extremes from feeling exploitative", while Gilbert of The Boston Globe praised the storytelling: "The storytelling techniques are powerful...(as it) builds on the world established in the previous hour, as we continually encounter new facets of Hannah's life and new characters . The background on the show keeps getting deeper, richer ." </P> <P> Conversely, the series has also received criticism over its portrayal of teen angst . Mike Hale of The New York Times wrote a critical review, writing, "the show doesn't make (Hannah's) downward progress convincing . It too often feels artificial, like a very long public service announcement ." He also criticized the plot device that has Clay listening to the tapes one by one instead of all in one sitting like the other teens did, which Hale felt was unbelievable: "It makes no sense as anything but a plot device, and you'll find yourself, like Clay's antagonists, yelling at him to listen to the rest of tapes already ." </P> <P> Writing for The Guardian, Rebecca Nicholson praised some aspects of the show, including the performances from Minnette and Walsh, but was troubled by much of the plot, writing, "a storyline that suggests the love of a sweet boy might have sorted all this out added to an uneasy feeling that stayed with me". Nicholson was skeptical that the show would appeal to older viewers, unlike other series set in high school such as Freaks and Geeks and My So - Called Life: "It lacks the crossover wit of its forebears...It's too tied up in conveying the message that terrible behaviour can have horrible consequences to deal in any subtleties or shades of feeling . It's largely one - note--and that note is horrifying .' It has to get better,' implores one student towards the end, but given its fairly open ending, an apparent season two setup, it does not seem as if there's much chance of that happening ." </P>

Cast 13 reasons why season 2 episode 1