The 7th reason in 13 Reasons Why is Zach Dempsey, a character portrayed by Ross Butler. In episode 7, titled “Tape 4, Side A,” the focus shifts to Zach and his role in Hannah Baker’s life. This episode revolves around a pivotal event: Marcus and Hannah’s ill-fated date.
Zach was one of the athletes present when Marcus invited Hannah to a local diner. Marcus had ulterior motives for this date, as he wanted to impress his friends and boost his reputation. However, things took a turn for the worse as Marcus displayed disrespectful behavior towards Hannah.
Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that Zach plays a significant part in Hannah’s emotional turmoil. Flashbacks reveal that Zach had been secretly stealing compliments left for Hannah in her peer communications class. These compliments were written anonymously and meant to lift her spirits during a difficult time. However, Zach’s actions of taking these notes made Hannah feel even more isolated and invalidated.
Zach’s actions can be seen as a form of emotional manipulation. By taking away the positive affirmations Hannah received, he contributed to her increasing feelings of loneliness and despair. This not only affected her self-esteem but also intensified her belief that she was unworthy of love and support.
Moreover, Zach’s behavior highlights a larger issue within the high school environment portrayed in the show. It demonstrates how seemingly small actions can have a profound impact on someone’s mental health. Zach’s theft of Hannah’s compliments may appear insignificant to him, but it adds to the accumulation of negative experiences that ultimately lead to Hannah’s tragic decision to end her life.
The portrayal of Zach’s character serves as a reminder that even seemingly ordinary individuals can play a significant role in someone’s emotional well-being. It highlights the importance of empathy and understanding towards others, as our actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Throughout the series, 13 Reasons Why tackles a range of difficult topics, including bullying, sexual assault, and mental health. Zach’s involvement in Hannah’s story is just one example of how the actions of multiple individuals contributed to her deteriorating mental state. Each reason presented in the show sheds light on the complex web of events that ultimately led to Hannah’s untimely death.
Zach Dempsey, portrayed by Ross Butler, is the 7th reason in 13 Reasons Why. Episode 7 delves into his role in Hannah Baker’s life and highlights his actions of stealing compliments meant for her. This episode serves as a reminder of the impact even seemingly small actions can have on someone’s mental health and emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.