Oh, How Euphoric: HBO’s “Euphoria” has released two episodes so far from its recent season, which cover graphic but important topics about high school and substance abuse

Right as the clock strikes 8 p.m., I frantically type ‘Euphoria’ into the HBO Max search bar as nine girls pack onto my five person couch, giddy with excitement. I fully prepare myself to laugh, cry, gasp and cringe at the new season’s highly anticipated first episode.

“Euphoria” follows Rue Bennet, played by Zendaya, and a close group of teenagers as they navigate through high school dealing with subjects such as drugs, abuse, toxic relationships, trauma, social media and mental health. 

Season one, released in 2019, had audiences raving about the heightened teen drama and its attention-grabbing plotline. After the roller coaster ride season one put me through, I — along with 2.4 million other viewers — couldn’t wait to see the bold comeback. But unfortunately I haven’t been able to binge watch the new season yet, as episodes are being released weekly. 

Despite the intimidating graphic and sensitive content warning that flashes before each episode, the compelling plot and dramatic Labrinth soundtrack once again delivered the cinematic masterpiece that is “Euphoria”.

Known for its gritty and raw content, artistic lighting, glittery makeup and eccentric outfits, “Euphoria” lures you in, and makes you want to keep watching. Each episode reveals a new layer about each character, specifically Rue — as she’s the narrator, we get to experience her thoughts in a way we don’t get to with any other cast member. Although Rue remains sober after an overdose for much of season one, it ended with Rue relapsing after her love interest, Jules, left for New York. 

Last season, each episode focused on a different character’s backstory. This gave viewers a more personal, well-rounded opportunity to understand the mind of each character. This season’s first episode focuses on Fezco, Rue’s good friend and drug dealer. We quickly learn there are more layers to him than just his protective, hard shell.

The new episode presented an eerie darkness with a life-threatening drug deal, chaotic New Year’s party and a main character getting nearly beaten to death. The new addition to the plot kept me engaged and craving more. 

The director, Sam Levinson, spoke in a clip about how he wanted to create something that had the heart and soul of “Euphoria” but looked and felt different. He explained it as if season one was to feel like it was a house party at 2 a.m., so season two should feel more like 5 a.m. — way past the point in which everyone should have gone home. 

With the unique soundtrack capturing the fast-pace party, the artistic filming created a fresh, futuristic feel. I could practically smell the sweat and booze radiating from the TV as the camera spun in and out of the dancing crowds. Levinson discussed how he wanted to show each of the characters in snapshots and portraits during this scene. To do this, they killed the lights and quickly flashed a giant 20k spotlight on the character, giving the shot a feeling of taking a photo. Which I completely agreed with: I felt like I was watching fleeting moments pass by. 

The second episode somehow exceeded my expectations once again with it’s daunting symbolism and chilling night scenes. It contains a variety of plot twists, with the angry, troubled jock getting vulnerable, the shy friend getting candid about how social media is toxic and exhausting, and Rue finding herself with Jules, while secretly doing drugs with the school’s new guy, Elliott.

The first two episodes added more plot twists and turns than in the first season, leaving me with more suspense than I thought possible. The ending of episode two left me struck with a confusing emotion of wanting more but also being heartbroken for the characters that are going through major life changes. However, it’s important to look past some of the disturbing content that’s intertwined throughout the series to truly appreciate the honest, raw and beautiful production “Euphoria” is. 

Though the show covers relevant topics that high schoolers endure such as the negative effects of social media and how the serious effects anxiety and depression can have on teens’ lives, I wouldn’t say this is an accurate representation of what goes on inside the general walls of high school — at least to me. The show displays Rue very close up while no one else gets to see the side of her doing hard drugs — so I can’t say this isn’t accurate for some highschoolers. Though the double-agent drug dealer is a little far fetched. 

Yes, there are parties with alcohol, but I have yet to see the use of hard drugs and such scandalous scenarios happen. The show is dramatized and exaggerated to hook the audiences with it’s grim, fascinating plot. And it does just that. 

As we watch the characters continue to battle demons and grow into their young adult selves, I can’t wait to see where the season leads each role. I’m restless for the next episodes to roll out and sink into the hypnotizing entertainment trance of “Euphoria.”