First episodes of “Euphoria” season two take a darker turn

PHOTO: One scene with the character Cassie in the fourth episode of Euphoria season two uses inspiration from Mexican murals for imagery.

By Xochitl Armien,

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

After two years and seven months since the premiere of season one, teen drama “Euphoria” began releasing its second season.

With the first episode premiering on HBO Max on Jan. 9 and following episodes releasing each Sunday, at 7 p.m. pacific time, teens sit down to watch the new episode.

“Euphoria” focuses on the darker aspects of the high school experience, following a group of teens all navigating complicated lives.

The narration of each of their stories gives insight into the characters’ thoughts and what they went through, helping the audience to empathize with them and understand that their flaws are rooted in trauma.

Many of the character’s actions and choices feel unredeemable and absurd upon first glance, but by better exploring the motives and backstories of the characters, “Euphoria” is still able to create and develop interesting, likable characters.

The main character, Rue (Zendaya), is an anxious 17-year-old who struggles with substance abuse, the arc of her battle against it continuing into these new episodes.

In contrast to the first season in which she attempted to stay clean of drugs for the sake of her best friend, this season she relapses after meeting a new friend, and their antics becoming an integral part of the new storyline.

Each episode begins with Rue narrating the backstory of one of the many characters.

The first episode of the second season was dedicated to the origin story of Fezco (Angus Cloud), Rue’s drug dealer, who inherited his drug business from his grandmother.

The second episode begins by narrating a fantasy that the antagonist, Nate (Jacob Elordi), harbors of having a nuclear, American dream family with the girl of his latest fixation.

The latest episode tells the story of the antagonist’s father, Cal Jacobs (Eric Dane), as he discovers his sexuality at the same time as graduating high school and getting a girl pregnant. Learning his backstory gives the audience a little bit more empathy for this commonly hated character.

Although there is no narration in the latest episode, it is arguably the most intense so far. The secrets that many characters hold begin to come out, foreshadowing the demise of friendships and families.

It focuses on using powerful imagery to convey feelings. One example of this is the recreation of the birth of Venus painting to symbolize the femininity of Jules, a transgender character. 

Currently, the four new episodes that have been released have not at all fallen short of action or drama.

Season two picks up at a New Year’s party, symbolic of the new season and its new vibe. While last season the show built up tensions between the characters, this season we see the action take place. This season also focuses on relationship dynamics as new friendships are forged and others are destroyed.

With many unexpected plot twists, our perception of many of the characters is transformed and we gain empathy for some, while others become unredeemable.
Although the many interwoven plotlines and array of characters can be difficult to follow, especially for those who have fallen behind on the show, the quick pacing and action is certainly entertaining.

As “Euphoria” deals with tough topics like drug use, sexual trauma and abuse, it can be triggering for certain audiences and is not recommended for kids. However, despite the dramatization, many of the show’s plot points are relatable to fans, the intensity providing an emotional investment that many fans of the show stay for.

While season one of “Euphoria” was known for its bright, colorful aesthetic, season two switches to a darker vibe in both aesthetic and content.
Sam Levinson, the creator of “Euphoria” described it as “if season one was a house party at 2 a.m., season two should feel like 5 p.m., way past the point in which everyone should have gone home.”

To create this effect, the show was filmed with the Kodak Ektachrome film on their cameras, giving the visuals the wistful feel of a memory.
“Euphoria” stunned viewers last season with phenomenal cinematography, and it’s only expanded upon in the new season, using it to integrate the deeper, gloomier aesthetic.

The visuals are only enhanced by even more impressive outfits and makeup that the show is often recognized by. Season two takes a more mature approach to the iconic glitter makeup, graphic eye liners and fantastical high fashion outfits.

Teens all over the country attempt to recreate the makeup looks and buy out all of the outfits worn in the show.

One of the characters responsible for this trend is, Maddy (Alexa Demie), who is famous for her confidence and iconic looks. Maddy leaves viewers wanting to be her, and the evidence for this is all over TikTok.

“Euphoria” has TikTok in a chokehold, with beauty influencers recreating the makeup looks, people stating their predictions for the next episodes, analyzing the different characters and even lip syncing to lines from the show.

“Euphoria” proved incredibly captivating through its visuals, fashion and content, with each weekly episode meeting the high expectations of fans.

The darker motifs introduced by the producers feel like an upgrade to continuing watchers, an acknowledgement of the maturity of many of the fans of the show, and maybe only be hinting at what’s in store for the rest of the season.

Whether the fan theories are correct or the episodes take another unexpected turn, “Euphoria” is sure to have yet another powerful and riveting season.