The new episodes are watchable, but both the story and the message end up suffering as they jostle for airtime.

What's most important is the circumstances of how Chloe's crisis began and continues... [her] small part in the drama's imperfect plot may serve the new season's highest purpose.

At its best, the series is a (highly dramatized) depiction of what happens when someone dies suddenly and everyone involved spirals out of control.

Will no doubt bring its own set of controversies. But 13 Reasons Why does something important in its sophomore run: it makes the characters likable.

Though 13 Reasons Why can sometimes be as exasperating and melodramatic as teenagers themselves, the second season nets out as a success despite some overly-instructive moments and one truly baffling storytelling device.

I was astounded by how 13 Reasons Why seemingly took criticism from its freshman and applied it thoughtfully while staying true to the show's characters and message. 13 Reasons Why is not an easy watch, but it remains a meaningful one.

13 Reasons Why season 2 doesn't just live up to its predecessor - it is much better than it. It's also much, much darker.

Season 2 is a worthy attempt at a do-over, if a flawed one.

13 Reasons Why features no shortage of missteps. But it's a show that so deeply feels for its characters, so deeply feels these scenarios, that it's hard to be mad at it.

For the teens who drove the show to massive popularity, season two will likely be just as binge-worthy as the first.