DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
The Kids Aren't Alright in HBO's Excessive 'Euphoria'
June 16, 2019  | By Ed Bark  | 14 comments
 


A passing reference leaves its mark in Episode 3 of HBO’s aggressively graphic Euphoria.

The kid sister of central character Rue Bennett (Zendaya, already on a first name basis) is alone in her room, immersed in her iPad. What’s she watching? My So-Called Life, Gia (Storm Reid) tells Rue.

Today’s high schoolers weren’t anywhere near being born when the then very daring ABC coming-of-age drama series premiered a quarter-century ago and lasted just one season. Euphoria, which launches Sunday, June 16th on HBO at 10 p.m. ET, makes the disaffected youth of Pittsburgh’s Liberty High seem like the original comic book versions of Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica. But it certainly shows how far we’ve come – or fallen. 

Euphoria’s most jarring scene, among many, is of a corpulent, abuse-craving man masturbating his fully exposed penis into an erect state while watching a live feed of masked, half-dressed high schooler Kat Hernandez (Barbie Ferreira), who insults him on demand for payment in return. So should any parent in their right mind allow their adolescents to watch Euphoria? I’m gonna vote “No” on that one. Not that the kids won’t find a way.

Those of a certain age (anyone over 30) rightly might shudder at the thought that Euphoria is an even close to an accurate depiction of contemporary high schoolers. Whatever one’s political persuasion, the goings-on in the four episodes made available for review are not at all what we want for our kids.

Of course, some of the featured parents are majorly screwed up, too. Topping that list is Cal Jacobs (Eric Dane), a prosperous, bullying businessman who secretly harbors a video collection of his rough sexual escapades with high school girls. But as we see in a flashback, his son, Nate (Jacob Elordi), discovers them as a pre-teen. Hello, sculpted spawn of Satan. Nate ends up being both a star football player for the East Highland Blackhawks and a terrorizing, twisted brute.

Some of the decidedly dark turns in Euphoria seem better suited to a mob drama. Nate is bad enough. But there’s also a thoroughly ruthless drug overlord who terrorizes both Rue and her nominally protective supplier, Fezco (Angus Cloud). Fezco otherwise dispenses his wares with help from a baby-faced little associate known as Ashtray (Javon “Wanna” Walton, who in real life is a pint-sized boxing prodigy). In Episode 4, Fezco and Ashtray dispense drugs from their “pretzel stand” at the annual town carnival. 

Adapted from a same-named Israeli series, Euphoria is heavy on Zendaya’s narrative, which recounts both her story and those of other key high school characters. Principal among them is Jules Vaughn, a transitioned newcomer played by transgender woman Hunter Schafer. In addition to a cavalcade of executive producers (including Drake and Future The Prince among the 13 listed by HBO), Euphoria also has a credited “transgender consultant.”

Jules, among those who run afoul of Nate’s perverted father, later finds herself bonding with Rue. Their relationship blooms, grows and arguably offsets some of Euphoria’s gratuitousness. Particularly when we learn about Jules’ traumatic formative years in an Episode 4 that lamentably also veers into more of Nate’s over the top villainy.

Rue’s self-absorption and drug addiction make Euphoria a very tough sell in the early going. Her eventual and seemingly serious attempts to get sober may gradually elicit more sympathy – or not. Meanwhile, Rue’s poor mother, Leslie (Nika King), tries to keep from going off the deep end herself. 

Perhaps striving to make a “statement,” Euphoria’s number of exposed penises exceeds the series’ bared breasts in these first four of 10 episodes. And it’s not even close, with Rue even presiding over a fantasy treatise on “dick pics.” Some might see this as an overdue form of gender equality after HBO’s Game of Thrones had it the other way around until the #MeToo movement took hold and rendered the series comparatively chaste down the stretch.

Given its high school focus, HBO likely has its most controversial series ever in Euphoria. And to what end? The series’ visual style points and redemptive qualities – yes, there are some – tend to be overwhelmed by a wealth of excesses. The performances, particularly by Zendaya, Schaefer and Ferreira – are not the problem. But getting “real” doesn’t have to mean diving head first into a cesspool of drugs, profanity, promiscuity, and a borderline indifference to it all. That’s where Euphoria so far fails not only itself but the many impressionable youth that likely will be the series’ core audience.
 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
LOBNK
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: 
14 Comments
 
 
Such an insightful article! You tackled a complex topic with clarity and depth. Kudos for your hard work!
Oct 7, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Thank you for this insightful post! It’s clear that you’ve put a lot of thought into this topic. I’m excited to see what you’ll write next!
Sep 28, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Saephanch
I need an advice. I am currently processing a crypto recovery,with an agency called, Email: alliancedigitalrecovery@outlook.com
Whatsapp: +44 7452 247277 and we did some transaction validation. Out of 200k USD which was lost they where able to recover 90% of my lost, and I have only received only 60k USD and its been four days already since we started. I am a bit worried, i will like to know if they took the remaining of my money or if it is actually impossible to recover entirely everything i lost?
Aug 27, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
This is extremely fascinating substance! I have completely delighted in perusing your focuses and have reached the conclusion that you are right about a hefty portion of them. You are extraordinary.
Jun 16, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Great post, and great website. Thanks for the information!
Jun 12, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
definately enjoy every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff of your blog a must read blog!
Jun 11, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post!
Jun 11, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
I learned something new today! Your blog consistently delivers high-quality content. Keep up the great work!
Jun 8, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
write my research paper for me cheap
I sought assistance to write my research paper, and the service delivered beyond expectations. Their expertise and professionalism were evident throughout the process. I highly recommend considering professional help when tackling challenging assignments. It's a worthwhile investment in academic success.
Apr 7, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
In HBO's "Euphoria," the portrayal of troubled youth delves into raw and sometimes excessive themes, reflecting the darker realities of adolescence. While the show's unfiltered approach may unsettle some viewers, it offers a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by today's youth, prompting important conversations about mental health and societal pressures.
Mar 29, 2024   |  Reply
 
 
Artificial Grass Liquidators
For example, Neil explains the importance of SEO and link building and how to boost traffic to your website. You'll also learn how to use the power of social media to reach your audienc.
Feb 17, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Our comprehensive services include brickwork, stone work, curbing, concrete/interlock patios, walkways, retaining walls, fireplaces and all types of waterproofing/drainage problems. construction and material selection require attention to detail and expertise in masonry plumbing. Lusitania Masonry, LLC. combines dependability and art to create construction you will enjoy for years to come.
Feb 13, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
We are proud to provide our customers with the best possible home, business and condo tree trimming service and experience. We believe in showing up on time and getting the job done right the first time, at a good value for your hard-earned money. Our tree surgeons and arborists offer a really wide range of tree services and we look forward to helping you improve or repair your property's landscaping. Contact us today at 631.212.8250 for a no obligation, free quote!
Feb 12, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
Superior post, keep up with this exceptional work. It's nice to know that this topic is being also covered on this web site so cheers for taking the time to discuss this! Thanks again and again!
Jan 28, 2023   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 1  | Go to page: