Ep 6. Thursday

The episode titled Thursday in the fourth season of 13 Reasons Why, explores the lives of troubled teenagers, their traumas, and the aftermath of one incident that shakes up their lives. The episode kicks off with Clay and his fellow Liberty High students meditating in the school's garden as part of a stress-reduction program. Despite their attempt to find inner peace, their minds are still troubled by Hannah's suicide, Bryce's murder, and Monty's death. Various plotlines intersect during this episode, ranging from the aftermath of Tyler's shooting, Justin's drug addiction, Alex's guilt over his role in Bryce's murder, to Clay's deteriorating mental state.

The episode primarily focuses on Clay's mental health, which is rapidly declining since the beginning of the fourth season. He's haunted by Hannah's ghost, who repeatedly reminds him of his failures. Clay's mental breakdown is showcased through his dissociative episodes, sudden hallucinations, and erratic behavior. As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Clay is losing grips with reality and his friends are increasingly worried about him.

Meanwhile, Alex is still grappling with the guilt of killing Bryce. He's unable to shake off the feeling that he's responsible for his former classmate's death. His best friend Zach suggests that he should turn himself in, but Alex is too afraid to face the consequences of his actions. Alex's inner turmoil is further complicated by his confusing feelings for Winston, who's still trying to solve Monty's murder and clear his name.

Justin, on the other hand, is struggling with his addiction again. He's been popping pills to cope with his trauma and even buys drugs from a dubious dealer at school. His girlfriend, Jessica, confronts him about it, but Justin is too deep into his addiction to listen. Eventually, his drug use catches up with him, leading to an intense confrontation with his family.

Elsewhere, Tyler is still trying to come to terms with his sexual assault. He's still haunted by his memories and has trouble trusting anyone. When a new student, Charlie, tries to befriend him, Tyler is initially hesitant but eventually opens up to him. However, his fragile mental state is tested when a triggering event occurs in the school bathroom.

Thursday is an emotionally intense episode that skillfully addresses various themes related to the mental health of teenagers. It shows the devastating effects of trauma, guilt, addiction, and mental breakdown on young minds. While the episode doesn't shy away from tackling heavy subject matter, it also highlights the power of friendship and the importance of seeking help when needed.

Overall, Thursday stands out as one of the most impactful episodes in the series' final season and presents a poignant picture of the struggles faced by the show's characters.