My Thoughts On “Euphoria”
Spoilers for Euphoria season two ahead!
Euphoria is a television series that has gained a lot of popularity ever since its release in 2019. The show has been airing new episodes each Sunday from the most recent season. Ever since the finale of the first season, viewers were ecstatic to know that there would be a second season of the show. The first season of the show primarily focuses on Rue, and her relationships with the ones she loves. Rue, a 17-year old drug addict played by Zendaya, gets involved with Jules played by Hunter Schafer, a teenager still discovering her identity and sexuality. In their high school, characters such as Maddy Perez played by Alexa Demie, Cassie Howard played by Sydney Sweeney, Nate Jacobs played by Jacob Elordi, and Kat Hernandez played by Barbie Ferreira are introduced, each of whom comes with their own set of struggles.
All of these characters have experienced trauma that has been presented in the show. These actors were able to deliver incredible performances that really made their audience feel for these characters.
There has been a controversy as to whether or not Euphoria glorifies drugs, as well as the other topics that have been portrayed on the show. Zendaya had responded to these claims, stating “Our show is in no way a moral tale to teach people how to live their life or what they should be doing. If anything, the feeling behind ‘Euphoria,’ or whatever we have always been trying to do with it, is to hopefully help people feel a little bit less alone in their experience and their pain. And maybe feel like they’re not the only one going through or dealing with what they’re dealing with.”
Hadeeqa Malik, a senior at High School West, stated, “As somebody who is young and consuming this type of content there are certain cases where the show glorifies it, but while watching the show, the director’s intention is to show the bad sides while also showing the reasons of why their actions are done, and I think that’s a very important part. The problem I see is that people only want to view the part where they glorify drugs while ignoring the bad sides they present throughout the show.” Holly Langehennig, a freshman here at High School West, feels that “Euphoria doesn’t romanticize drugs anywhere. It definitely shows the side of drug addiction that is not always shown on screen. There are some episodes in the show where Rue’s personal experiences with drugs are not glorified at all.” I agree with Holly’s statement the negative effects that are displayed throughout the show do not show anything to romanticize.
Recently, Vogue published an article named “The Problem With ‘Euphoria’.” In this article, writer Samuel Getachew states, “The problem with Euphoria isn’t that it is attempting to endorse what it illustrates; the problem with Euphoria is that it isn’t attempting to do anything at all. And by simply showing what it shows, how it shows it, it inadvertently endorses it anyway.” This article was published before the release of season two. According to Getachew, “With the second season comes an opportunity for the show to redeem itself and retract that permission—or to double down on its faults.” I believe that the content shown in season two did successfully redeem the show and created an understanding of drug abuse for viewers worldwide.
I can see how people believe the show might romanticize certain issues, especially in season one, but I do not agree. Holly Langhennig agreed with this statement, stating “People think the show romanticizes drugs because it does show how drugs can get involved with romantic relationships. They show how it affects them, but I don’t think it romanticizes it.” I do believe that the show’s cast has executed the plot and their characters so beautifully, and has really changed the views and emotions of their audience. In season two, we really see how much drug abuse has affected Rue in a negative way, and how her addiction has not only harmed her but the ones that she loves. Rue makes a drug deal with Laurie, a drug dealer that has threatened Rue’s life if her money is not returned. Rue has ruined many relationships she once had and is putting her life at risk for drugs. I think the reality of Rue’s situation is being properly portrayed this season.
Euphoria does not sugarcoat or censor the content being shown, which gives viewers a major reality check of what addiction can be. The effects of sexualization, toxic relationships, fatphobia, homophobia, and more are also shown in the series, which has given many people the chance to relate to these characters and feel a sense of comfort and being seen. The reasons as to why certain characters behave the way they do are also shown, which shows people that even though some are not justified, every action has its own reason. I personally believe the directors, writers, and producers of Euphoria were able to execute relatable characters and storylines that educate their viewers.
New episodes of Euphoria are released every Sunday on HBO Max!
