Tape 3, Side A
Courtney continues her 'nice girl' act in the school despite ignoring every chance to talk to her. Hannah finally corners her in the cafeteria and tells Courtney that she knows what it's like when people judge you. Courtney suggests Hannah go to the winter dance. When she goes home, Hannah asks her parents if they can rent a limo so her and her friends can go in style. However, they say no but do upgrade on their current Jeep so Hannah can drive. As soon as they arrive, Courtney leaves her on her own but Jessica does speak to her. Not for long though. Alex is still pining for her and Justin is flirting madly, distracting her from Hannah.
Hannah catches up with Courtney and the group dance together. Bryce comes up shortly afterwards and asks if there will be an encore (referring to the make out photo). Courtney panics that she'll be outed and tells Monty that Hannah did much more than just make out. Clay later overhears Monty talking about Hannah and how she gave Justin oral sex. Clay seems to believe the rumour which upsets Hannah even more.
Present day, Clay's mum works as a top end lawyer. She is representing the school in the lawsuit against the Bakers. She tells Clay the news and asks him how he feels. He lies to her, telling her he didn't know Hannah that well.
Mr. Porter continues to show he's not the best guidance counsellor. After Tyler is pantsed in the hallway, he goes to Mr. Porter. He then asks Tyler what it is that HE is doing to make the jocks pick on him. When the jocks find out Tyler wants to be in on whatever plans they have for Clay, they reject him cruelly. Zach threatens to break his arm.
During the winter dance, Clay and Hannah slow dance whilst Tony DJs. Clay, once again, misses an opportunity to show his true feelings for Hannah. Jessica ruins the moment when she drunkenly drapes herself around Justin. Hannah offers to drive her home, despite their currently frosty friendship. Jessica apologises for slapping her when she thought Hannah was trying to steal Alex.
Present day. Clay takes Courtney to visit Hannah's grave which is yet to have a headstone. He tells her that she is partly responsible for Hannah's death. She spread vicious rumours because she couldn't come to terms with her own sexuality. Courtney opens up and reveals to Clay that she didn't want her two dads to think she was a lesbian because of them. She didn't want them to face any more than they already have in their life.
Flashback. Tony catches up with Hannah during the dance and gives her a mixtape, telling her they're a lost art. The tape starts with the song her and Clay danced to.
Present day. Clay is picked up by Justin, Alex and Zach who race down roads at high speed to try and scare Clay into silence. They're pulled over by the cops for speeding but it turns out to be Alex's dad. He half-heartedly scolds them but tells Alex not to be late for dinner.
This episode shows examples of:
- Adaptational Villainy: Courtney claims that Hannah's actually a lesbian when the photo of them kissing gets around the school. She confirms one of the girls in the photo is definitely Hannah to save her own skin (although it was for sympathetic reasons). She also keeps defending Bryce long after Hannah dies.
- Armoured Closet Gay: Courtney Crimsen. Having come from a family with two gay dads, she states she's experienced enough homophobia that she's scared to come out. She goes so far as to backstab Hannah when the photo of her and Hannah kissing gets passed around.
- Girl on Girl Is Hot: The general consensus from the students seem to believe this especially when the photo of Courtney and Hannah kissing gets out.
- The Reveal: Courtney is the tape subject because she backstabbed Hannah in order to cover up her own sexuality and spread more rumours about Hannah.
