CONTENT WARNING: This article mentions addiction and drug abuse.
WARNING: Contains spoilers.
HBO released the first episode of “Euphoria” on Jan. 9, and it seems most of the world is watching. In fact, according to Variety, viewership is up nearly 100%. Rue Bennett’s (Zendaya) struggle with drugs and Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer), her partner, continue this season. There is also a heavy focus on Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney) and her new fascination with Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi). While the season is drawing much excitement and anticipation with new weekly episodes, there is a lot of concern over drama behind the scenes, as well as straying or disappearing storylines.
As the show still focuses mostly on Rue, the narrator, the effects of her and Jules’ split last season is evident in her relapse. While Jules and Rue reunite, it is clear that any form of sobriety will not be found in Rue. Despite their reunion on the first episode, this being the first time they have seen one another since Jules left, their relationship is not the same. This is mostly due to Rue’s addiction which has gotten much worse. In the first season, many viewers felt that the director, Sam Levinson, was glamorizing the use of drugs.
“Euphoria” is known for its makeup and style, and these details were used to create the “euphoric” feelings during scenes where Rue and Jules were on drugs. At the beginning, these details made the use of drugs seem fun and light. However, believing the show glorifies drugs with Rue’s journey this season doesn’t capture the purpose of her character. Now, Rue is anything but glamorous.
In the first season, Rue’s efforts toward sobriety were due to her relationship with Jules. After their split, though, Rue’s relapse has involved none of the glamour from before. As a viewer, Rue’s addiction is dark and painful to watch. Emotionally, she is detached. She treats the people she loves carelessly and cruelly.
The most recent episode shows the self-destruction of Rue’s addiction as she runs from her family, Jules, her friends and anyone who can help her. It’s a dark, painful episode that encaptures just how far Rue’s addiction has gone. She clings on to her addiction like she clung onto her suitcase of drugs, which the loss of led to her terrifying panic in episode five.
Cassie has also taken a leading role this season. Much of her character revolves around her romantic tendencies and her newfound obsession with Nate. Cassie has seemed to turn her entire personality toward gaining a glance from Nate, and despite her awareness of his relationship with Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie), her best friend, she continues to fight for his affection. However, this all erupted in a disastrous reveal in episode five when Rue exposed Cassie’s secret in front of Maddy.
Cassie’s character has also posed concern with her multiple scenes of nudity. Sweeney stated in an interview with The Independent that she occasionally had to tell Levinson that there was no need for nudity in certain scenes and he would agree. Despite concerns, though, Sweeney assured that she felt safe in all scenes.
Drama also extended to Barbie Ferreira who plays Kat Hernandez. Ferreira and Levinson reportedly fought over Kat’s storyline and where the character was headed in the new season. From this, there were rumors of her lines being cut. Nothing is confirmed, but Ferreira was not at the premiere for unstated reasons.
The same issue is found with Chris McKay’s storyline where he has made just one appearance in the season thus far. Algee Smith, the actor who plays McKay, is just as unsure. In an interview with The Daily Beast, he stated that the plan for his character is “a question we have to ask our creator [Levinson], where he sees it going.” It’s surprising that both Kat and McKay have such small roles this season considering the large storyline they had last season.
While these characters are cutting back, the show has focused more heavily on Cal Jacobs (Eric Dane), Nate’s dad. Episode three showed a scene of him in high school and a secret relationship with his best friend, but does not give much light to his disturbing character in season one. Cal’s storyline is dark and interesting, but perhaps the focus on him lessens the focus on the teenagers and their stories.
Elliot , played by Dominic Fike, is the newest addition to the cast and is shaping up to play an important part in Rue and Jules’ story. Elliot seems to be the middleman due to his secret use of drugs with Rue and his most recent intimacy with Jules. His future is sure to affect Rue as he was featured in the significant church scene both with Rue and on his own.
This season is overall much more intense than the first, and the last episode is proof enough. Though it is exciting to see all the characters back on screen, there are still a few unanswered questions from last season that will hopefully clear up before the season is over. There has been little mention of previous storylines such as Jules and Nate’s interaction, Kat’s online persona and Cassie’s pregnancy. However, there is enough excitement around Lexi Howard(Maude Apatow) and Fezco’s (Angus Cloud) budding relationship.
After the tough watch of episode five, there will be more painful moments with Rue and her struggle. Regardless of whether season two is as strong as season one, the audience is clearly watching each episode and anticipating the next.
Edited by Lucy Valeski | lvaleski@themaneater.com
