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Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why dives headfirst into a brand new mystery: the death of Bryce Walker. Shifting the narrative perspective to a new character, Ani Achola, the season unfolds through police interviews and flashbacks, keeping viewers guessing whodunit. Gone are Hannah Baker’s tapes, replaced by a more traditional whodunit format, yet the series retains its signature exploration of teen trauma, secrets, and the tangled web of relationships at Liberty High. This season, which premiered on Netflix, attempts to redeem the previously irredeemable Bryce Walker, sparking both intrigue and controversy among audiences. Let’s dissect each episode to unravel the complexities of 13 Reasons Why Season 3.
Episode 1: “Yeah. I’m the New Girl”
The season opens eight months after Tyler’s averted school shooting. Ani, the new girl, narrates from a police interview setting, immediately signaling that something serious has occurred. The narrative skillfully jumps between the present investigation and events from eight months prior.
Eight Months Ago: Following the Spring Fling incident, Clay, Tony, Justin, and Jess are dealing with the aftermath of preventing Tyler’s attack and covering it up to protect him. Zach expresses discomfort with the lie but agrees to silence. Ani arrives at Liberty High and is given a blunt school tour by Clay. She quickly befriends Jess, who has political aspirations to change Liberty’s culture. Ani’s living situation is revealed – she resides in Bryce Walker’s guesthouse as her mother is his grandfather’s nurse, hinting at an unusual proximity to the Walker family. She finds Bryce crying, suggesting the start of an unexpected friendship.
Present Day: Major changes are apparent. Alex and Jess are no longer together. Justin works at a coffee shop. Ani is seen washing blood from clothing, adding to the suspense. Bryce is missing, and the police are investigating. Clay becomes an early suspect, questioned about a threatening text he sent to Bryce. The last sighting of Bryce was at a chaotic homecoming football game against Hillcrest, leaving many students bruised, including Zach who is on crutches. Zach inexplicably shields Bryce despite photographic evidence of Bryce attacking him. A cryptic voicemail from Bryce to Tyler mentions “dealing with something” for Tyler’s benefit, deepening the mystery surrounding Bryce’s disappearance.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: The premiere episode strategically points fingers at Clay, making him a prime suspect, although the extensive list of potential culprits is already forming.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 2: “If You’re Breathing, You’re a Liar”
Past: Zach is now football team captain, infuriating Monty. Zach pledges to reform the team’s culture. He befriends Chloe, Bryce’s girlfriend, who later confides in him about her pregnancy with Bryce’s child. The episode portrays Chloe’s abortion in a raw and intense scene. Chloe breaks up with Bryce and transfers schools, maintaining a friendship with Zach. Bryce is struggling at his new school and finds comfort in Ani. Jess announces her candidacy for student president, directly challenging Monty and vowing to dismantle the jock culture at Liberty.
Present: The homecoming game’s aftermath reveals Zach’s knee injury, likely career-ending, yet he hides the extent of Bryce’s involvement to deny Bryce satisfaction. Clay and Ani discover the truth about Chloe’s pregnancy from Zach. Alex witnesses Monty threatening Tyler, who is in therapy and boxing, and pulls a knife on Monty. Other suspicious elements surface: a stranger observing Justin, a letter to Jess in Bryce’s room, Tyler’s disturbing photos of his bruises, and the crucial discovery of Bryce’s body near Tyler’s hangout spot.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Tyler becomes a strong suspect, but Zach’s secretive behavior and unaccounted time on the night Bryce disappeared also raise eyebrows.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 3: “The Good Person Is Indistinguishable from the Bad”
Ani continues her narration during police interviews. Clay notices a scar on Justin’s back. Clay finds himself at the Walker residence, claiming to be there for Ani. News of Bryce’s death spreads, eliciting varied reactions. Justin is visibly shaken, emphasizing Bryce’s humanity to a stoic Clay. Tony’s boyfriend worries about police scrutiny. Bryce’s mother implicates Clay, Justin, Monty, and Jessica to the sheriff.
The episode spotlights Jessica’s reaction to Bryce’s death and her evolving relationship with Ani. Flashbacks reveal their growing closeness. Jessica grapples with her trauma, opting for a casual relationship with Justin over Alex. She admits to confronting Bryce after Spring Fling and his attempt to apologize at a movie theater. The scar on Justin’s back is explained as a result of Jessica’s “rough” bedroom habits. Justin encounters his mother’s abusive boyfriend, who accuses him of Bryce’s murder. Tyler reveals to Tony he kept a gun from Spring Fling, prompting Tony and Clay to monitor him closely. The episode concludes with Tyler seemingly fixated on photos of Bryce’s dead body.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: While Tyler is heavily implied, new character Casey and Charlie, Jessica’s colleague, are also briefly positioned as potential suspects.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 4: “Angry, Young and Man”
The episode largely revolves around the misconception that Tyler killed Bryce, fueled by his possession of a gun and Bryce’s death by possible gunshot (initially suspected). Flashbacks depict the challenges of supporting Tyler post-Spring Fling. Tyler eventually reveals to Alex that he was at the bridge to commit suicide, discovered Bryce’s body, and anonymously reported it. The item in Tyler’s bag at school was a camera, not a gun.
Bryce’s cause of death is revealed as blunt force trauma, clearing Tyler of murder but not of possessing a weapon. The group is concerned about the connection between Bryce’s death river and the river where they disposed of Tyler’s guns. Justin takes Tyler’s gun to threaten Seth, his mother’s abusive ex-boyfriend who was extorting him and Bryce.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Zach’s aggressive stance against Tyler and defense of Monty is highlighted. Alex’s discovery of drugs at the crime scene also adds to the suspicion pot.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 5: “Nobody’s Clean”
Steroids found at the crime scene lead to a school-wide locker search. Alex disposes of his steroids, which Justin retrieves. Casey criticizes Jessica for not protesting Bryce’s funeral. Jessica defends protesting to the principal but questions vengeance. Zach lies to the police about Bryce. Clay and Ani observe Monty with a nightstick and an incriminating ID in his car, following him home to witness him threatening his father.
A flashback to a party reveals Monty blackmailing a Hillcrest student he had a gay encounter with, facilitated by a fake ID. Alex was also at the party, buying steroids from Bryce. Monty, Bryce, and Alex leave together when Monty assaults the Hillcrest student for trying to say goodbye. Clay and Ani discover Alex continued contact with Bryce, uncovering Bryce’s recruitment of Alex to ransack his estranged father’s house, which turned out to be the wrong house, leading Bryce to threaten a child. Alex continued buying drugs from Bryce but distanced himself afterwards.
Bryce attempts to talk to Ani before angrily lashing out. Mrs. Walker warns Ani to stay away from Bryce. In the present, Mrs. Walker informs her father of Bryce’s death, who reacts intensely. Ani finds Tony’s car in Bryce’s garage.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: While Alex and Monty are presented as suspects, the episode also hints at their less antagonistic relationships with Bryce compared to others. Zach’s continued suspicious behavior is noted.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 6: “You Can Tell the Heart of a Man By How He Grieves”
The police interrogate Tony. Bryce’s funeral is held, with Zach sitting with Chloe and Bryce’s father appearing. Eulogies by Zach and Mrs. Walker, along with flashbacks, attempt to portray a different side of Bryce, including him defending his mother from his father. Students protest Bryce at the funeral’s end. Bryce’s father is revealed to have a love child, providing a potential motive for murder, but Bryce’s mother decides against using this information in divorce proceedings, seemingly clearing him.
Clay and Ani learn Bryce helped Tony’s deported family by buying Tony’s Mustang and providing money for legal fees. Monty bonds with the football team, and Alex forces Tyler to box him. Clay embraces his family, while the Sheriff discusses Clay’s potential arrest due to old footage of Clay pointing a gun at Bryce.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Despite attempts to implicate Clay, Zach remains a prime suspect, especially considering his injury and possible resentment towards Bryce.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 7: “There Are a Number of Problems With Clay Jensen”
Clay and Justin try to defend Clay as the sheriff presents the gun-pointing footage. The episode delves into Clay’s obsessive behavior and entitlement in relationships. Ani’s underwear, stained with Bryce’s semen, is found, revealing her sexual relationship with Bryce prior to his death through flashbacks.
Alex confronts Jessica about lying about her post-homecoming whereabouts. Jessica is criticized by Casey for continuing her relationship with Justin after Bryce’s rape. The episode is criticized for its handling of complex sexual dynamics.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Clay’s mother and Ani doubt his innocence. Zach becomes less suspicious, while Monty’s surveillance of Justin in the locker room points suspicion towards Monty.
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Beth Dubber/Netflix
Episode 8: “In High School, Even on a Good Day, It’s Hard to Tell Who’s on Your Side”
Mr. Porter returns to assist the Walker family, raising eyebrows. Clay snoops in Mrs. Walker’s office and steals “Bryce letters.” Tyler, Zach, Alex, and Justin are questioned by Mr. Porter, focusing on Clay’s character. Ani recalls Mr. Porter’s visit to the Walker house and Bryce mentioning Porter choking him.
Ani finds Bryce’s journal, given to him by Porter, and gives it to Clay. Clay meets with Porter, who reveals he was counseling the Walkers. Bryce’s journal entries reveal his desire to change because of Ani. Bryce admits to Porter his violent sexual thoughts. Porter suggests therapy beyond his scope, which Bryce seemingly never pursued. Porter claims he only questioned students to vouch for Clay’s character and believes Tyler suffered trauma from Monty. Clay finally gets Tyler to reveal Monty’s assault. Tyler discloses he told Bryce about Monty, which was the content of Bryce’s voicemail—he was “taking care of it,” shifting suspicion back to Monty. Clay confronts Monty, who deflects blame onto Justin, questioning shaving cream in Justin’s gym bag. Clay finds a fake shaving cream can containing Bryce’s oxycodone pills.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Monty and Justin are heavily implicated by new developments.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 9: “Always Waiting for the Next Bad News”
Clay confronts Justin about the oxycodone. Justin claims he found it at Bryce’s house post-funeral and it was a one-time relapse. Clay is officially a person of interest. Ani doubts Justin’s story about the oxycodone source. Alex confirms Bryce refused to sell him oxycodone. The show attempts to portray Bryce’s redemption, which is met with skepticism given his past actions.
Justin and Jess publicly announce their relationship. Zach believes Justin is clean. It’s the anniversary of Hannah’s death, and Clay struggles. Ani points out police would have cleared Bryce’s room, further discrediting Justin’s oxycodone story. Justin breaks up with Jess, confessing to cheating on Homecoming night. Was he with another girl, or was this a murder alibi?
Flashbacks reveal Justin dealing drugs at Monet’s to pay Seth. Seth catches Justin using drugs and holds him at gunpoint. Police intervene, Seth escapes, and Justin is arrested. Bryce bails Justin out and pays off Seth, threatening him to leave Justin alone. Bryce gives Justin oxycodone to avoid heroin, claiming it’s to save his life. Justin confesses everything to Clay, suspecting Seth killed Bryce because Seth texted him, “I’m coming for you next.” They raid Seth’s hideout, finding Bryce’s watch. Seth claims Justin traded the watch for drugs. Justin admits to stealing Bryce’s watch at the funeral. Past flashbacks show Zach helping Justin avoid a failed drug test during football season. Justin tells Zach he’ll fail, and Zach helps him. Justin gets more oxycodone from Bryce, confronting Bryce about raping Jessica. Justin breaks down. Present-day Justin admits to Clay he was high by the docks on Homecoming night. Justin and Clay reaffirm their bond. Mrs. Baker calls Clay, setting up a meeting.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Justin, Seth, or Mrs. Baker become potential suspects.
Episode 10: “The World Closing In”
Hannah Baker’s mother, Olivia, returns and is questioned. She was in town to sell her house during Bryce’s disappearance. She called Clay Homecoming night but claims no contact. She criticizes the police for prioritizing Bryce’s murder over his victims. Mrs. Baker met with Jess, vaguely mentioning “unfinished business.” Clay tells Jess about Justin’s relapse. Zach is acting suspiciously.
Monty is dismissive of the new guidance counselor. Clay meets Mrs. Baker, who is concerned about her voicemail to Clay. Tony reveals he lied about contacting Mrs. Baker; they discussed his family’s deportation. Mrs. Baker suspects the Walkers tipped off ICE. Tony confronted Bryce, who initially denied involvement but later admitted his father’s role. Tony confronts Bryce with Hannah’s tapes. Bryce breaks down, suggesting he should be dead instead of Hannah. Tony refuses Bryce’s request to contact Mrs. Baker. Mrs. Baker tells Tony to pray Bryce doesn’t contact her. A week later, Bryce is dead. Tony tells Clay everything, including Bryce’s desperation to see Mrs. Baker. Clay suspects Tony, but Tony claims he was with his boyfriend. Clay admits he was alone.
Jess rejects Justin’s breakup and confronts his drug use. Clay asks Mrs. Baker if Bryce contacted her. She confirms Bryce ambushed her at her hotel, but she refused to speak to him, stating, “I wish you a lifetime of learning what sorry means.” Clay plays Ani Mrs. Baker’s drunken voicemail threatening Bryce. Clay doubts Mrs. Baker’s guilt. Flashbacks show Clay asking Ani to homecoming, interrupted by Bryce who belittles Ani and angers Clay. Clay threatens Bryce. Ani recalls Bryce being drunk and grabbing her. Mrs. Baker meets Mrs. Walker, discussing losing a child. Justin thanks Clay for telling Jess about his relapse. Police arrive with a warrant, seizing Justin’s phone.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Zach, Tony, Clay, or Mrs. Baker remain suspects.
Episode 11: “There Are a Few Things I Haven’t Told You”
Clay worries about his threat text to Bryce. Tony is anxious about his alibi. Alex’s dad re-verifies his alibi with Jessica, and Jessica’s alibi is questioned by Justin. Monty’s alibi is also re-examined. Ani’s bloody shirt is questioned by her mother.
Flashbacks show Mrs. Walker proud of Bryce’s academic progress and his desire to return to Liberty. Mrs. Walker’s phone call days before Homecoming may be key. Tyler considers revealing Monty’s assault to clear Clay. Clay urges Tyler to prioritize himself and confide in Jess. Monty boasts about his alibi, but another student is doubtful. Zach’s alibi is vague. Jess is pressured to apologize for the protest. Flashbacks show Jess trying to cancel the homecoming game and learning Mrs. Walker got Bryce re-enrolled, motivating her protest. Present-day Jess worries about her alibi. Justin doubts Jess’s alibi, mentioning missed calls. Ani urges Clay to tell the police the truth. Clay’s lawyer suggests implicating Mrs. Baker. Cell tower data places Clay near Bryce’s house and the waterfront. Steroids are found in Clay’s room, worsening his situation. Jess tells Tyler about her apology. Tyler reveals his assault video to Jess, which he also showed Bryce. Bryce promised to help Tyler with Monty. Tyler considers reporting Monty, and Jess supports him. Zach questions Tony about Clay. Clay’s lawyer reveals his dark search history—fanfiction writing involving murder. Jess confronts Monty about his behavior, then seeks HO’s help. Homecoming night flashbacks show Bryce texting Jess to meet him at the pier after the game. Bryce confronts Monty about Tyler’s assault, threatening to report Monty. Charlie overhears. Jess’s HO protest occurs, revealing the red stain on Ani’s shirt was paint. Tyler is triggered by the red paint. Bryce warns Ani to leave during the police response to the protest, causing tension with Jess. A fight erupts after a Hillcrest player assaults Jess. Justin joins the brawl. Jess tries to call Justin, who is meeting Seth to deal drugs for a favor. Ani questions Jess’s alibi. Clay asks Tony for help disappearing. Ani reveals to Alex’s dad (the interrogator).
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Clay, Jess, Justin, or Zach remain the main suspects.
Episode 12: “And Then the Hurricane Hit”
Tony plans to help Clay flee to Mexico. Clay leaves to avoid implicating Tony further. Ani offers to be Clay’s alibi, but Clay refuses. Zach and Monty clash. Charlie doubts Monty. Clay informs Tyler he’ll miss the assembly, guilting himself into staying. Jess delivers a speech about listening to survivors, not an apology. Survivors stand up, including Tyler and Justin. Charlie sees Monty’s true nature. Principal Bolan applauds. Tyler is approached by another male survivor for HO involvement. Clay is arrested at the assembly.
Flashbacks show Mrs. Walker and Bryce sharing a tender moment. Deputy Standall investigates Alex’s steroid use. Tyler experiences kindness and reunites with old friends. Charlie offers to corroborate Tyler’s Monty story. Zach resigns as captain, hinting at confessing. Justin reveals his childhood sexual abuse to Jess, strengthening their bond. Flashbacks show Bryce witnessing Zach and Chloe and confronting Zach during the game, intentionally injuring Zach’s knee. Zach confesses to Standall he followed Bryce to the pier, beat him badly, but left him alive. Bryce drowned. Zach believed he killed Bryce. Tyler reports Monty’s assault. A mysterious figure is shown finding Bryce at the pier after Zach left. Monty is arrested for assault and “maybe murder.” Ani narrates to Deputy Standall. Ani confesses to Jess she slept with Bryce and asks Jess to reveal her secret.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Jess is still suspicious, but the figure at the pier appears male. Clay, Justin, or Alex are possibilities.
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David Moir/Netflix
Episode 13: “Let the Dead Bury the Dead”
Monty is imprisoned, his father disowns him. Clay is out of jail with GPS tracking. Seth is arrested for parole violations. Justin reveals his favor from Seth was to create a Clay alibi. Justin shares Jess’s confession with Clay.
Standall notes evidence of a limping person struggling with Bryce, suspecting Alex. Tony remains suspicious. Clay meets with the counselor. Ani tells Clay new information, worrying Clay. Flashbacks show Clay finding Zach cleaning his locker. Jess gives Justin something, hinting at a plan. Ani tells Standall the killer is likely to use a gun – pointing to Alex. Alex asks Tyler for a gun. Tyler shows Alex his photo project. Clay suspects Ani. Ani talks about Monty threatening Bryce, but flashbacks show Monty with his summer hookup, appearing happy but still closeted. Homecoming night flashbacks show Jess at home, calling someone. Tony was with a fixer laundering money, not his boyfriend. Ani narrates her version: Alex, Tyler, Clay, Ani, Monty all had alibis except Monty who went to the pier.
The truth: Alex and Jess were at the pier. Bryce gave Jess a confession tape, accidentally bloodying it. Alex helped Bryce up, Bryce raged about Zach and Jess, and Alex pushed him into the water, causing him to drown. Jess and Alex agree to separate to avoid suspicion. The group covers for Alex. Tyler provides Alex’s alibi. Charlie plants Bryce’s tape in Monty’s locker, framing him. Standall suspects Alex but proceeds with Monty as the framed killer, revealing Monty died in jail. Alex confesses to the group, including Charlie. Jess plays Bryce’s confession tape. Standall informs Alex Monty is the killer, but Standall knows the truth. Standall burns evidence, covering up for Alex.
Thanksgiving scene: Jess joins the Standalls, Tony and Caleb FaceTime Tony’s family, Justin admits needing rehab. Ani tells her mother she’s dating Clay. Tyler’s photo exhibit at Monet’s occurs. Zach apologizes to Tyler.
A fisherman finds Tyler’s guns. Winston, Monty’s hookup, confronts Ani, knowing Monty is innocent. Loose ends remain for the next season.
Who Killed Bryce Walker: Alex killed Bryce, Jess witnessed, and the group covered it up, framing Monty.
Related content: 13 Reasons Why Season 4 (anticipation for the next season).
This detailed breakdown of 13 Reasons Why Season 3 showcases the intricate plot twists and character developments that defined the season. While aiming to solve the central mystery of Bryce Walker’s death, the series continued to tackle sensitive themes and sparked conversations about justice, accountability, and redemption, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
