In the controversial teen drama series 13 Reasons Why, few characters sparked as much debate and discussion as Montgomery “Monty” De La Cruz. Initially presented as a stereotypical high school bully, Monty’s character arc took a dramatic turn in Season 3, revealing hidden depths and complexities that challenged viewers’ initial perceptions. This exploration of Monty, portrayed by Timothy Granaderos, became a central, and divisive, part of the season, prompting conversations about masculinity, sexuality, and redemption.
Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why delved into the reasons behind Monty’s aggressive and often violent behavior. While previous seasons painted him as simply a cruel jock, the narrative shifted to explore the roots of his actions. The season unveiled that Monty’s outward aggression was a mask, concealing his internalized homophobia and confusion about his own sexuality. This revelation came as a shock to many viewers, reframing their understanding of his past actions, including the brutal sexual assault on Tyler in the Season 2 finale.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/13-reasons-why-02-2000-575ea4af37db48e9aeee39a15f8f7f47.jpg)
A pivotal flashback scene depicted Monty’s struggle with his identity. After a drunken encounter with another young man at a party, Monty’s immediate reaction was violence, fueled by self-hatred and shame. This scene highlighted the intense internal conflict Monty faced, torn between societal expectations of masculinity and his own burgeoning desires. Despite his initial violent outburst, Monty returned to the same person, spending the night with him and engaging in an intimate and vulnerable conversation about his feelings. This marked a significant turning point, revealing a softer, more human side to a character previously defined by aggression. However, even in this moment of connection, Monty remained unable to openly identify as gay, highlighting the deep-seated nature of his internalized homophobia.
Adding another layer of complexity to Monty’s narrative was the timeline of his secret encounter. This night of self-discovery coincided with Bryce Walker’s murder. Unbeknownst to Monty, his alibi was being solidified while a crime that would later be pinned on him was taking place. The actual killer of Bryce was Alex Standall, with Jessica Davis present. However, the group of Liberty High students, in an attempt to protect Alex and Jessica, decided to frame Monty for Bryce’s murder. This decision was made even more impactful by the fact that Monty was already incarcerated for the sexual assault on Tyler, making him a convenient scapegoat.
In a final, tragic twist, 13 Reasons Why revealed that Monty was killed in prison shortly before being falsely accused of Bryce’s murder. This posthumous blame cemented Monty’s tragic fate, transforming him from a villainous bully into a complex figure whose story ended in despair and injustice. The decision to kill Monty off-screen further amplified the sense of tragedy and unanswered questions surrounding his character.
Timothy Granaderos, in an interview, shared his insights into playing Monty and the evolution of his character across three seasons. He expressed initial surprise and excitement at learning about Monty’s sexuality in Season 3, noting that it provided crucial context for understanding Monty’s past behavior. Granaderos explained that this revelation “unlocked so many doors” for him as an actor, allowing him to portray the internal struggles that drove Monty’s actions. He emphasized that Monty’s secret became a “burden” that influenced all his relationships and interactions on the show.
Reflecting on the audience’s reaction to Monty, particularly after the graphic scene in Season 2, Granaderos acknowledged the intense negative feedback he received. However, he viewed this reaction as confirmation of his effective portrayal of a deeply flawed and disturbing character. Despite the abhorrent nature of Monty’s actions, Granaderos aimed to humanize him, seeking to portray the underlying pain and confusion that fueled his aggression. He emphasized the importance of understanding the character’s perspective without condoning his behavior.
Granaderos also discussed his reaction to learning about Monty’s death, describing it as “shocking and sad.” He viewed it as a “tragedy” for the character, especially after Season 3 began to explore Monty’s vulnerabilities and potential for change. While acknowledging the problematic aspects of Monty’s character, Granaderos hoped that viewers could develop a degree of “empathy” for him, recognizing the complexities of his internal struggles and the tragic circumstances of his life and death.
The decision to blame Monty for Bryce’s murder posthumously sparked further controversy and debate among viewers. While Granaderos himself admitted to initially feeling “angry” about this plot twist, he ultimately recognized its dramatic impact and its role in making Monty a central figure in the overarching narrative of 13 Reasons Why. This controversial storyline ensured that Monty’s character, even in death, remained a significant point of discussion and analysis within the series.
Monty’s arc in 13 Reasons Why serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the devastating consequences of internalized homophobia, toxic masculinity, and societal pressures. While his actions were often reprehensible, the show’s exploration of his character in Season 3 offered a nuanced, albeit debated, perspective on the factors that contributed to his destructive path. Whether viewers found redemption in Monty’s story or remained critical of his actions, his character undeniably left a lasting impact on the narrative of 13 Reasons Why, prompting important conversations about empathy, accountability, and the hidden struggles individuals may face.
