Photo from HBO
By Carly Novell, News and Opinion EIC
Though the subjects covered on Euphoria are by no means rare, the show’s ability to bring a refreshed perspective is why it has gained so many followers. Through heavy plot and style development, Euphoria is a representation of the impact that media can have by simultaneously drawing from and inspiring pop culture. Many shows have an online community of fans that livetweet new episodes, share theories and post characters’ outfit details, but Euphoria has made stanning a TV show mainstream.
The show’s elaborate style might draw people in, but fans continue watching for the character development. Euphoria presents a high school environment through the eyes of a teenage addict named Rue. In season 1, each episode went into the characters’ backstories which gave its audience insight into who they were, their insecurities and why they made the choices that they did.
In understanding each of the characters, fans can resonate with their stories. Although the show has faced criticism for its overly mature portrayal of high schoolers, many of the issues that these characters face apply to the audience’s personal experiences. By telling the characters’ backstories, Euphoria gives a newfound perspective to subjects that are regularly portrayed on television. It also gives insight into the recovery process for struggling addicts, in terms of the weight of sobriety and the strain on relationships.
Euphoria has been criticized for romanticizing addiction, but just because the show itself is glamorous doesn’t mean it glamorizes its subject matters. Rue’s struggle with her addiction is present in every episode and every relationship, and the series doesn’t shy away from showing the trauma of her addiction for everyone involved.
The show also explores important topics of femininity and the male gaze which is especially important considering each character has a developed fashion sense. Cassie struggles with constantly seeking male validation derived from her absent father. Jules decided to cut her hair and pause hormone replacement therapy after realizing that her feminine style was primarily for others to see her as a woman and accept her as such. Through this realization, she recognizes that the only validation that she needs is from herself.
By creating dynamic characters like Rue, Jules and Cassie who have unique personalities and styles, Euphoria has inspired its audiences to hone their own styles by experimenting with eccentric clothes and makeup.
While much of the show’s writing is admirable, there are plotlines that leave something to be desired. By failing to portray the impact of McKay’s sexual assault while pledging a fraternity in college and never mentioning it again, the scene came across as nothing more than shock value. Some other scenes that intend to stun viewers are better off being left out, such as Kat’s sugar daddy experience & the abundance of full frontals in every episode. Shock value scenes are part of what makes Euphoria great, but it shouldn’t be their sole intention.
Euphoria is a teenage drama in the sense that there is drama about teenagers, but it isn’t for teenagers. It may be uncomfortable to watch sometimes, but it is entertaining, dramatic, exciting, and most of all, it’s aesthetically pleasing. Each episode brings the audience into the story. It gives its viewers everything they were missing from shows like Skins, Degrassi, The O.C. and a little bit extra.
