1,211 words
9 minute read
TW: GIF Warning
Scenes referenced in 2x08:
18:20 - 16:49 remaining
TW: IV drug use, unconsciousness, overdose, near-aspiration, vomit
16:17 - 13:45 remaining
TW: reference to IV drug use, reference to overdose, homophobic language, reference to vomit
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It's worth noting, going into this post, that Alex and Justin are not friends. In fact, Alex later says about Justin: "We didn't like each other, but when I needed him, he helped me."
To Tara and me, Alex and Justin's mutual dislike for each other is just one more reason why what we're about to discuss is pretty remarkable.
In episode 2x08, Alex stops by Clay’s house, looking for him. Instead of finding Clay, he finds Justin in Clay’s room. At first glance, he appears to be asleep, but then Alex notices the needle in his arm -- and he knows Justin has overdosed.
It’s quickly clear that Justin is in trouble and Alex is the only one that can help. He attempts to roll Justin, grabbing his midsection and chest. Justin is stiff and Alex can’t roll him.
Exhausted, Alex needs a break, but hears Justin starting to choke. Alex adapts his approach, grabbing Justin by the hips and turning him that way. Justin rolls onto his side and vomits. Alex holds him gently in position so he doesn’t roll back and choke again.
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| [Image: Alex gently holding Justin in position] |
He stays with Justin for several hours, making an attempt to clean up the vomit, getting Justin water and encouraging him to drink it, and offering emotional support and protection when Clay comes home and is angry about Justin ODing when Clay has just helped get him clean.
These were pivotal scenes for Alex, and meaningful for us, as well, representationally. So, Tara and I knew we wanted to discuss them.
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What did you notice about Alex adapting in the overdose scene?
TONIA: Honestly, I’ve watched the scene several times, and every time I struggle to see Alex adapting. (This might be my place blindness in action.) I see Alex trying once, getting exhausted, having to rest, and then panicking and trying again, but the subtleties -- if there are any -- are hard for me to pick up. What did you notice, Tara?
TARA: I noticed Alex attempting to roll Justin by grabbing his chest and midsection at first. At this point, Alex is still trying to regain strength and mobility on his left side, and his balance is affected as well. When he is unable to successfully roll Justin in this way, Alex is forced to think and adapt quickly. He grabs Justin’s hips next. In using this point of contact, Alex is able to roll Justin onto his side in time for him to not aspirate.
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Alex not only looks after Justin physically, making sure he doesn’t choke, but stays with him and makes sure he’s safe until someone else arrives home to be with him. How do you feel about this aspect in particular?
TARA: It’s uncommonly positive representation. We see that Alex is able to give help, when most disability representation portrayals are of being helped or even helpless. It is nice to see both giving and receiving help being represented in Alex.
That Alex stays to look after Justin speaks to the barest sense of decency. Justin needed medical care, and Alex chose not to call for outside assistance.
TONIA: It not only provides important representation of disabled people in a helping / supportive role, but also makes it clear that Alex is sensitive as a suicide survivor to what Justin just went through -- intentional or not, Justin nearly died -- and Alex knows firsthand how important support is in the aftermath of a situation like that.
That said, yes, Justin absolutely needed medical care, but it makes sense that Alex is afraid to call for help here. A lot of these kids take on too much responsibility in terms of caring for each other, and not knowing when to outsource.
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Alex makes sure that Justin doesn’t have to deal with Clay yelling at him right after his overdose. Why do you think this is important?
TARA: Again, it’s uncommon to see a character with a brain injury (or any disability) defending another character, even verbally.
TONIA: Definitely, and like I mentioned above, Alex has a specific understanding of part of what Justin’s enduring right now. Knowing that he’s likely feeling all kinds of things at this juncture, and just survived a major crisis, Alex knows it’s important to minimize Justin’s stress.
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Justin asks Alex about his scars, and Alex responds. Oftentimes, scars and other aspects of disability are a source of curiosity. There is often an expectation of a certain level of disclosure. What stood out to you about this exchange?
TARA: I guess just that it felt real. I’ve known these types of moments. On one hand, it can feel like an invasion of privacy. But on the other hand, it can feel like someone cares, sees, wants to know about this part of your life. To feel even a little seen after a brain injury is a big deal, especially when there’s so much cognitive dissonance coming from other people in your world. Also, while Justin is asking a private question, he also chose a private moment in which to do so.
TONIA: What stood out to me was the level of trust / intimacy that existed between these two characters in this moment. The fact that Alex just helped Justin through something really vulnerable, and the idea that Alex might be able to understand some of what Justin is going through, could have driven Justin’s questions here.
That said, I’ve definitely been put on the spot about my own scars. There’s a reason I haven’t worn shorts for half my life.
Scars are personal and it’s a personal choice whether or not to open up about them. And while there may be a certain level of intimacy in this moment, I also know Alex could feel put on the spot and pressured to answer Justin -- given Justin’s current fragile state.
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Why is representation like this important for disabled people in the real world?
TONIA: It’s important because it goes against the narrative that disabled people exist only to be helped. That we are burdens. It makes it clear that we can help and be there for friends in urgent situations.
Saving Justin here does not give Alex value. He has value already as a human being, even if he never did one thing to help or save anyone. But it does push back against an often one-dimensional view of disabled people in the media.
We can help and save others. And we do.
TARA: Seeing ourselves represented is powerful because it validates our existence - when you don't see yourself represented, the message you get is, “I'm wrong.” When we see characters or situations represented, we see possibilities.
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Have you seen 13 Reasons Why on Netflix?
Did reading our conversation about Alex's saving Justin help you realize anything or notice anything you hadn't registered before?
We'd love to hear from you in the comments.
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