The truth about Bryce Walker’s death is revealed in Episode 13, “Let the Dead Bury the Dead,” of Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why. This episode, the season finale, pieces together the events leading up to his demise and finally exposes the perpetrator to the Liberty High group.
The Long Road to Justice: Season 3’s Central Mystery
Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why shifted focus, pivoting from the immediate aftermath of Hannah Baker’s suicide to the investigation of Bryce Walker’s murder. This narrative shift sparked intense debate among viewers, some arguing it humanized a character who had inflicted significant harm, while others appreciated the complex exploration of culpability and justice. What is undeniable, however, is that the question of who killed Bryce dominated the entire season, creating a suspenseful whodunit atmosphere.
The season unfolds with the revelation that Bryce was found dead, having seemingly fallen off the pier. Initially, suspicion falls on several characters, each with their own motives and secrets. We see the Liberty High students, already grappling with the trauma of previous seasons, forced to confront a new set of moral dilemmas. As Deputy Standall investigates, red herrings abound, and relationships are tested as characters struggle to protect themselves and those they care about.
Navigating the Web of Secrets and Lies
Throughout the season, flashbacks and witness testimonies paint a complex picture of Bryce Walker. We see glimpses of his attempt at redemption, his therapy sessions, and his desire to make amends for his past actions. However, these attempts are often juxtaposed with reminders of his past transgressions, particularly his sexual assault of Hannah Baker and others. This ambiguity made it difficult to definitively assess his character and made the question of who would want him dead all the more compelling.
The investigation into Bryce’s death forces each character to confront their own role in the events leading up to his demise. Clay Jensen, perpetually haunted by the memory of Hannah, struggles to reconcile his anger with his desire for justice. Jessica Davis, a survivor of Bryce’s assault, grapples with her complicated feelings for him and her responsibility to the other survivors. Justin Foley, Bryce’s former best friend and a victim of abuse himself, finds himself torn between loyalty and his conscience.
“Let the Dead Bury the Dead”: The Final Unveiling
Episode 13 is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. The truth is gradually revealed through a series of flashbacks and confessions. We learn that Bryce, after an altercation with Zach Dempsey, was severely injured and left unable to move. As he lay helpless on the pier, Ani Achola, a relatively new student at Liberty High, arrived on the scene.
Unraveling the Truth: Ani’s Confession
Ani’s confession is the turning point of the episode. She reveals that she confronted Bryce about his crimes and his impact on the community. He, in his weakened state, continued to taunt her and refused to take responsibility for his actions. Then, Alex Standall, son of Deputy Standall, arrived.
The Burden of Guilt: Alex’s Fatal Act
It is Alex who ultimately pushes Bryce into the water, causing his death. Overwhelmed by the weight of his friend’s past and the injustice it represented, Alex acted impulsively. This revelation is shocking, considering Alex’s own struggles with mental health and his close relationship with Bryce at times.
However, the episode does not end with Alex’s confession. To protect Alex, the group, orchestrated by Ani, frames Monty de la Cruz, who had died in prison after being arrested for sexually assaulting Tyler Down. This decision highlights the morally gray areas that the characters inhabit and the lengths they will go to protect one another, even at the expense of justice and truth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why did the investigation focus on multiple characters?
The investigation focused on multiple characters because many students at Liberty High had reasons to dislike, even hate, Bryce Walker. His history of sexual assault, bullying, and general disregard for others created a long list of potential suspects. This was intentionally created to throw the viewers off the main suspect and provide multiple twists.
FAQ 2: How did Zach Dempsey injure Bryce before his death?
Zach Dempsey severely beat Bryce earlier that night out of anger and resentment. Zach believed Bryce ruined his football career and also that Bryce deserved punishment for his actions. This beating left Bryce seriously injured, unable to defend himself, which played a crucial role in his eventual death.
FAQ 3: Why did Ani protect Alex?
Ani believed that Alex had acted out of a sense of justice, protecting the community from Bryce’s potential future harm. She also sympathized with Alex’s past struggles and his desire to do what he thought was right, leading her to help him cover up the crime. Ani also thought Bryce was not a good person so he should not be given any remorse.
FAQ 4: Why frame Monty for Bryce’s murder?
Monty was framed because he was already dead and could not defend himself. He was also a known violent offender, having sexually assaulted Tyler Down. The group felt that framing him was the easiest way to protect Alex and themselves, even if it meant perpetuating a lie.
FAQ 5: What was the significance of the pier where Bryce died?
The pier served as a symbolic location representing the tipping point of the characters’ moral compasses. It was a place where secrets were buried, and decisions were made that would irrevocably alter their lives. It also had no witnesses making it the perfect place for the crime to take place.
FAQ 6: How did Deputy Standall handle the investigation?
Deputy Standall, Alex’s father, conducted the investigation, adding a layer of complexity and personal conflict. He struggled to balance his duty to uphold the law with his desire to protect his son. Ultimately, his son’s confession forces him to take the cover up into his own hands.
FAQ 7: What was Justin Foley’s role in the events surrounding Bryce’s death?
Justin was a key character as he was dealing with his HIV positive test. He was also struggling with drug use at the time, and he provided emotional support to Jessica and attempted to help Alex cope with the guilt of his actions.
FAQ 8: Did Bryce Walker change before his death?
The extent of Bryce’s change is debatable. While he attended therapy and claimed to want to make amends, his actions often contradicted his words. He was definitely not the same Bryce that was in season one, but there was still some of his old self left.
FAQ 9: How did the characters’ actions in Season 3 impact them in Season 4?
The cover-up of Bryce’s murder deeply impacted the characters in Season 4, leading to heightened anxiety, paranoia, and moral conflict. The weight of their secret threatened to unravel their relationships and their futures.
FAQ 10: What was the overall theme of Season 3?
The overall theme of Season 3 explored the complexities of justice, culpability, and the consequences of covering up the truth. It examined the morally gray areas that characters navigate when faced with difficult choices.
FAQ 11: How did the audience react to the revelation of Bryce’s killer?
The audience reaction was mixed. Some viewers found the reveal shocking and satisfying, while others criticized the decision to humanize Bryce and the questionable ethics of framing Monty. It was also a point of discussion on who deserved what punishment.
FAQ 12: Why was 13 Reasons Why controversial after Season 1?
13 Reasons Why faced controversy after Season 1 due to its graphic depiction of suicide and sexual assault, leading to concerns about potential copycat behavior and its impact on vulnerable viewers. The subsequent seasons also drew criticism for their handling of sensitive topics and the portrayal of complex moral issues.