Controversial TV Show “Euphoria” Romanticizes Teenage Irresponsibility
By Kevin Conley II, Staff Writer
“Euphoria” is an HBO drama series, which is now streaming on HBO Max, about a group of teenagers dealing with social issues relating to sex, drugs, violence, love, and friendship through the life of high school. The protagonist is named Rue, played by Zendaya, who tries to cope from drug abuse by staying clean for her family, and for her new friend Jules, played by Hunter Schaffer. The show was also produced by A24, which is a production known for creating original, realistic, and critically-acclaimed independent films. This is one of the reasons why Euphoria is a good show. Euphoria shows overlooked issues that result in disturbing and controversial social commentary through the lives of each character in the show. Most of the characters in the show are investing enough to feel entertained throughout the show. Especially the main lead Zendaya, who gives off her best performance in her career, leading her to win an Emmy for best actress in a drama series.
The most effective character study in the show is the chemistry between Rue and Jules, who are completely fleshed out, showing impactful, yet relatable issues that result in having audiences care about the two characters, and carrying the interest of the show throughout the entire season. The show also succeeds with fast-paced storytelling, with brilliant editing and eye-pleasing visuals that are beautifully stunning. The writer and director of most of the episodes of the series succeeds in creating a realistic series combined with entertaining, imaginative, fourth-wall breaking moments that can keep audiences invested in what they are about to watch.
The series also has a really good soundtrack, along with original music by famous musician Labrinth, who is mostly known for one of last year’s popular songs, Genius feat. SIA. The show also succeeds with the commentary on the abuse of drugs, discussing how it can change people physically and mentally. Including the way high schools view explicit content, being consumed with violence, and the way they grieve anxiety and tough social issues with school status.
As a series, it succeeds with eye-pleasing visuals and a realistic, yet imaginative story with fast, intense moments throughout season 1, the special episode, premiering on December 4th, 2020, shows the opposite. The special episode shows Rue and Ali, played by Colman Domingo, having a conversation discussing the impact on drugs, the way of life, and how to become better people, as a way to set up the holiday spirit this year. The special episode, named “Part One: Rue”, is a calm and more subtle episode that relies more on the two main actors giving off terrific performances and great chemistry between the characters as a way to rest from the fast-paced and intense moments from season 1. As part two of the special episode “Jules” will release on HBO and HBO Max this January, the making of season 2 is in production and may be released from late 2021 to early 2022.
“Euphoria” succeeds as an impactful, coming-of-age teen drama. The show has great characters, beautiful visuals, and an investing, yet unsettling first season with a calm and more subtle follow-up special episode to keep the anticipation of the next season abroad. As season 2 is coming to HBO and HBO Max, only then will more be revealed for what will happen to the characters next, and where the story will take audiences to. The show is a very entertaining series, and one of the best shows ever released in 2019, along with a welcoming special episode of 2020.