Entertainment

Tony Becomes Even More Important In Netflix's '13 Reasons Why'

by Alaina Urquhart-White
Beth Dubber/Netflix

Netflix's newest series, 13 Reasons Why, may be unsettling, but it's still more than worthy of a marathon. Based on Jay Asher's 2007 YA novel of the same name, it follows high school student Clay after his friend/crush Hannah commits suicide and leaves behind a box of tapes that explain her 13 reasons for killing herself. Each of the reasons corresponds to a specific classmate who caused her decision in some way, but there's one character whose role is much different. Played by Christian Navarro in Netflix's 13 Reasons Why, Tony serves a unique, crucial purpose.

In both the book and the series, Tony is the recipient of a second set of the tapes. He lets Clay know that right before she committed suicide, Hannah borrowed his recording equipment, though he had no idea what she would end up using them for. Just before she died, Hannah left the tapes with Tony, instructing him to release them publicly if any of the other recipients didn't follow her instructions. As a result, he felt compelled to follow each of the people named in the tapes and make sure they heard what Hannah had to say, before passing them on to the person whose tape comes next.

Beth Dubber/Netflix

In Netflix's version, Tony will play an even larger role. While his purpose in the story remains the same, we also get to see more of his personal life, as well as his friendship with Clay and connection to Hannah's family.

As for the actor bringing him to life, Navarro is still relatively new to the scene. You may recognize him as Jorge from Vinyl or the sidekick in The Tick, but that will soon change. Once 13 Reasons Why premieres on March 31, he should become much more well known, and in 2018, he'll appear in a film with Queen Melissa McCarthy titled Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Tony is sure to catch your attention in 13 Reasons Why, and after that, Navarro should be on his way to stardom.