Ep 3. The Good Person Is Indistinguishable from the Bad

After last episode's explosive revelations, season 3 episode 3 of 13 Reasons Why, titled "The Good Person Is Indistinguishable from the Bad," takes a step back to focus on the lives of some of the key players in the show. The episode wastes no time in addressing some of the lingering questions viewers have had about the characters and their motives.

We learn more about Ani, the new character introduced this season, and her relationship with Bryce and his family. Ani's home life is explored, providing a glimpse at a world outside of the intense drama at Liberty High and how it has shaped her as a person. Her relationship with Bryce deepens, and viewers will be left wondering what this means for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Clay is still grappling with his mental health and the consequences of Hannah's death. Some of the other characters begin to notice how his behavior has been changing and how it's affecting those around him. The mood of the episode shifts towards a more introspective view of Clay's emotional state and the weight he carries on his shoulders.

We also see Tyler struggle with his own trauma. Even after the events of the last season, he continues to grapple with the aftermath of his sexual assault. Through his interactions with other characters, viewers get a glimpse into the lasting effects of trauma and how it impacts a person's daily life.

Elsewhere, Jessica deals with the fallout of the homecoming game and hears a rumor about herself that she struggles to come to terms with. Her relationship with Justin is tested as they deal with their own individual problems. Hannah's mother, Olivia, continues her quest for justice for her daughter, and we are shown how she's coping with the loss of a child and how she aims to ensure no other parent goes through what she did.

The episode brings a change of pace from the intensifying drama of the previous episodes and takes a more introspective approach to the stories of the central characters. The Good Person Is Indistinguishable from the Bad" is not only a statement on the moral ambiguity of some of the characters but is also a statement on the way trauma shapes people and how they cope with it.

Overall, this episode provides a deep dive into the characters and shows how the events of the previous seasons continue to have lingering impacts on their lives. While the episode may be slower in pace than the others, it serves as a necessary breath of fresh air for the show. Viewers hoping for more fireworks may be disappointed, but the episode still gives them plenty to mull over concerning the characters and their motivations.