Netflix
Everything You Need to Know About Tape 9 — the Major Plot Point in ’13 Reasons Why’ Season 2
The second season of 13 Reasons Why aired on Netflix on May 18, and already, people can’t stop talking about the continuation of Hannah Baker’s (Katherine Langford) tragic story. At the start of the sophomore season, viewers are immediately introduced to a new “mystery” that’s instrumental in convicting Bryce Walker (Justin Prentice) of rape — who is the girl on Tape 9? Question is, is it really a mystery at all?
As fans of the show know, Hannah Baker left 13 tapes behind following her suicide that detailed the events leading to her untimely death. Each tape featured a different individual — except for Justin Foley (Brandon Flynn) who was featured twice. One of Justin’s two tapes happens to be Tape 9. In the scope of the first season, the episode was called, “Tape 5, Side A.”
Who is the girl on tape 9?
There are several girls featured on Tape 9, however, the most important to the storyline in Season 2 is Jessica Davis (Alisha Boe). It’s revealed by Hannah in Tape 9 that she witnessed Bryce Walker rape Jessica. The reason the tape is dedicated to Justin Foley is because, at the time, he was Jessica’s boyfriend and did nothing to stop it. Beyond that, he continued to befriend Bryce and lie to Jessica after the fact — knowing perfectly well what had transpired. Jessica passed out during the rape and was unable to remember the details until the end of Season 1. At the start of Season 2, it’s unclear whether anyone outside of the tapes is aware that Bryce actually raped Jessica — there’s merely high school gossip and speculation.
Why is tape 9 important?
Even though Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) was able to get Bryce to admit that he raped Hannah Baker, there was no mention of Jessica. Without her cooperation in testifying against Bryce, authorities don’t have a strong enough case to convict him. At the start of Season 2, Bryce is a free man and Jessica has been labeled a slut. That said, she makes it clear to Alex Standall (Miles Heizer) that she has “forgotten what happened to her,” and has no intention in seeking justice.
In order to learn whether or not Bryce meets his maker and Jessica receives the closure she so rightfully deserves, you’ll have to keep watching.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
