The show 13 Reasons Why will always be remembered as one of Netflix's most controversial series, but also one of its most popular. Based on Jay Asher's novel of the same name, the story unravels after a teenage girl commits suicide. She leaves behind a series of thirteen tapes, each one detailing a reason for her suicide.
It turns out that a lot more was going on in her life than many people knew of, even her parents. The adults in the series often seem oblivious to many of the issues the children of their community face. But at other times, they seem to just not care - or at least, not do anything to help.
MAKES NO SENSE: Turn A Blind Eye
The most blatant case of the adults' ignorance has to be Mr. Porter - although many of the staff are responsible for turning a blind eye. Porter and Bolan are aware of the issues the students of Liberty High are dealing with, yet they do nothing.
They allow things to continue, allow bullies to keep bullying - in the case of Bryce and the football team, they ask the coach to speak to the players, but this doesn't lead to any improvements. Why would the principal risk his school's reputation like that, and why would Mr. Porter risk losing his job?
LOVE: Care About Kids' Wellbeing
Whatever flaws the adult characters have, they do often show that they care about their children. Parents are people, too, and they can't be perfect all of the time.
Clay's parents are a great example of a healthy relationship. They always work together in trying to improve their kids' lives and make sure that they're happy, staying out of trouble, and most importantly, trying to get the children to confide in them. They're not always successful, but they have their children's best interests at heart.
MAKES NO SENSE: Tracking Apps
The logistics of this whole plotline don't make sense. Would all of the school parents really agree to such a strange and invasive arrangement? Does tracking a child's every move really keep them safe?
Most teens would be suspicious if they received new phones for no reason, especially with apps pre-installed. This simply isn't how things work these days.
LOVE: Trust
The adults often try their best to trust their kids, which is saying something, considering all of the trouble they've gotten themselves into. Clay's parents are especially trusting, even letting their sons share their own separate house.
Alex's dad is another example of a parent who lets his kid have his space. These adults trust that their children are mature enough to make their own decisions - which, sometimes they are, but not always.
MAKES NO SENSE: Letting Clay And Justin Live In Their Own House
While the parents are trustworthy, perhaps it isn't always for the best. Letting Clay and Justin share their own house seems like a really big step, especially since Matt and Lainie barely know Justin.
What they do know is that he's a drug addict and has health issues. More importantly, they know that Clay has been dealing with a lot of heavy things and probably needs support from his parents (not to mention he sneaks out at every ungodly hour of the night). Putting him and Justin in their own house seems like a strange choice.
LOVE: Alex's Dad
Alex's dad is an interesting character. He believes in his son's character even after Alex makes some questionable choices. However, treating Alex like a normal kid after his suicide attempt proves to be exactly what the teen needs.
This doesn't mean that Deputy Standall isn't there for his son when he needs it; Alex can always ask him for advice or help, and can always count on his father to protect him. Standall is to thank for Alex's - and all of his friends' - safety and immunity.
MAKES NO SENSE: Missing Clues At Camp
In season 4, the seniors (plus Charlie, because as a main character he needed to be included even if it makes no sense) embark on a camping trip. The strangest thing about the trip might be that no school staff accompany the students - only Lainie and Deputy Standall (conveniently).
Diego and his friends replace the clues for the seniors' activity in which they must venture into the woods in pairs unsupervised - again, this makes no sense. Lainie and Standall find the discarded clues in the trash, but then do nothing about it. Meanwhile, their children are freaking out in the forest, hallucinating ghosts, getting injured, and fearing for their lives.
LOVE: Adopting Justin
Adopting Justin is probably the best thing any adult in this series does. Lainie and Matt have so much compassion and love for this boy, without even knowing him, that they want to give him a better life.
They take him in and accept him for who he is even when he thinks he's not good enough. Their home proves to be a good environment for Justin to grow and find a family with the Jensens.
MAKES NO SENSE: Morals
While interesting to watch, the adults' morals are a source of confusion among fans. In season 4, the sheriff's motives are unclear. He seems unaware that Alex is guilty of Bryce's death, but in the end, it's revealed that he knows that Deputy Standall has been covering it up.
Instead of solving the case, the sheriff decides to let Alex keep his freedom. This is great for Alex and his dad - and fans - but what does it say about justice and morality? If Alex had killed anyone other than Bryce, would things be different?
LOVE: Supportive
If nothing else, the show's fourth season proved that these adults truly want to support their children. Even Principal Bolan, the coach, and the counselor have transformed into figures of hope and support for the teens.
At graduation, every adult is proud and hopeful for their children's futures. The parents are relieved that the kids made it this far and hope they continue to pursue their dreams. Characters like Zach and Tony are really pushed to strive for more and not give up, and it's the adults that help them get there.