Television Euphoria (HBO)

[Rooney in Paris]

Another show I've had the opportunity to watch during the lockdown.

It's a TV show whose first season aired on HBO last year, and has already been renewed for a second season.

It's a teen show that focuses on a group of high school kids and their struggles - sex and sexuality as a whole, drugs, alcohol, dysfunctional families, etc. It's pretty explicit in depicting the themes it addresses, but does so pretty intelligently, focusing for the large part on the female characters.

The ensemble cast is excellent - Zendaya plays Rue, the "main" character, and gives a wonderful subdued performance, hitting all the right emotional notes, and letting loose on a few occasions like in the finale. It could've been easy, given Rue's story (she's a recovering drug addict who comes out of rehab in the 1st episode) to overact and make a meal out of certain situations, but she mostly keeps it simple and delivers an overall superb performance, full of emotion, doubt and humour. She's a fine young actress, and one to follow (I think she'll be in Villeneuve's Dune). The rest of the cast is great and manages to convey all the growing pains of that age group.

It's not perfect, some of the writing is at times clunky (though it's more an exception than the rule), and some of the arcs are pretty dark (without spoiling it, I felt Nate's, at times, was a bit of a stretch), but it makes up for that in how much it cares for its characters and the themes it deals with. It's also a visual feast throughout, and has a great soundtrack to boot.

I was hooked from early on and will definitely be checking out season 2 when it comes out.

 

[Massive Spanner]

Yeah it's very good. I think the first 2-3 episodes are designed to "shock" the viewer a bit but once it hits its stride it becomes a lot better. Great depiction of addiction and depression too by Zendaya.

There was one episode, the carnival episode, which was fantastic. Brilliant cinematography as I recall.

Pretty sure season two was due this year but I dunno if it was finished production before the lockdown.

Oh and Sydney Sweeney

 

[RobinLFC]

Sydney Sweeney

Thought it was a good watch, but nothing particularly great either. Happy that it's getting a second season though.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Sydney Sweeney

Thought it was a good watch, but nothing particularly great either. Happy that it's getting a second season though.

Why's that? Did you expect more?

For me, in terms of teen shows, I don't think there are many others that are as accomplished (both formally and with regards to the themes it handles, and how it addresses them) as this one.

And also yes, Sydney Sweeney

 

[SirAF]

Oh and Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney

And also yes, Sydney Sweeney

Came here exclusively to post this

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Came here exclusively to post this

I mean... I don't even know why I bothered in the OP with the write-up, I should have just posted a picture of her

 

[SirAF]

I mean... I don't even know why I bothered in the OP with the write-up, I should have just posted a picture of her

I know, right? She’s going to be an absolute star.

 

[shabz]

Just finished season one. Overall a decent show, depicts the struggles that many young people have to face in the social media era where drugs are readily available.

Zendaya did an amazing job and I'm not surprised she won an Emmy for her role. Looking forward to see how they come back for season two.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

Been a while since I watched this. Been meaning to re-watch it especially after Zendaya’s Emmy win.

Nate is actually kind of brilliant. He’s just got this Villainous thing down where you kind of feel for him but he is a scary guy, unpredictable and just not sure what he is capable of. There are some truly fantastic scenes.

The soundtrack is incredible. There was this one bit of music that had me hooked for ages and I spent forever looking for it. It wasn’t on the original soundtrack that first came out but seemingly people felt the same way about it so they had to release a 2nd album with it on it. Labrinyth I think produced it.

I remember when I first mentioned this series and people were saying things like not interested in a teen show but I struggle to see how this is a show targeted at teens. It’s a show about teens but compare this to something like 13 reasons why which was kind of dark, well this makes that look like Sesame Street by comparison.

 

[RobinLFC]

Anyone been watching the second season? First two episodes are out already and it's been great so far imo. Fezco more involved, looks like Lexi is gonna get a storyline, a new character to get involved in the Jules/Rue stuff, ... Really like it. It's a bit of a one of a kind series as well, can't really think of anything that compares to this off the top of my head.

The only thing "bothering" me is that they're portraying mid-20 people as 17 year olds but of course they had to delay season 2 for two years because of Covid.

And Syndey Sweeney is still

 

[kundalini]

I'm enjoying season 2 but may need to rewatch the end of season 1 because I can't remember some of the storylines, so am confused as to why certain events in season 2 happened.

I looked on IMDB to check the ages of the cast. The actress who plays Maddie is 31. Most of the others that I looked at were 23 - 24.

Recognised Minka Kelly from Friday Night Lights (Lyla Garrity) as the mum that Maddie was babysitting for. Several of the cast of that series were also far too old for the high school characters they were playing.

 

[Donut]

This show is amazing. The last episode is some of the best TV I have ever seen.

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

This show is amazing. The last episode is some of the best TV I have ever seen.

100% that episode was brilliantly done from the character interactions and dialogue leading into the chase scene and Zendaya put in a showstopping performance. I love this show.

I'm enjoying season 2 but may need to rewatch the end of season 1 because I can't remember some of the storylines, so am confused as to why certain events in season 2 happened.

I looked on IMDB to check the ages of the cast. The actress who plays Maddie is 31. Most of the others that I looked at were 23 - 24.

Recognised Minka Kelly from Friday Night Lights (Lyla Garrity) as the mum that Maddie was babysitting for. Several of the cast of that series were also far too old for the high school characters they were playing.

I'd rather have great actors that might be older rather than enforcing 17-year-olds playing high school students but not having the acting chops to maximize their roles. For me, the casting is spot on and would not be improved by younger actors playing the roles.

 

[Ish]

The scene with Nate's dad was great, and somewhat hilarious (in a non-funny way).

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

season finale yesterday

Spoiler

I thought the finale was good and bad. Most of the stuff with Lexi's play was excellent. What I didn't like was Ash's actions. While they sort of set this up in season2, I don't feel his actions make sense with how his character was initially set up in season 1. It could be because season 1 was still adapting from the original Israeli show and season 2 was all Levinson. Ash's actions just didn't make sense. In season 1, Ash appeared to be a smooth, knowledgeable dealer, even if he was still young. Even stabbing Custer seemed a bit out of character since Faye already gave them the perfect out and put them in an excellent position. I don't think these were good character choices and seemed done just for the over-the-top action sequence.

Also, I hated Elliot's song. I just skipped over after the first 30 seconds and was surprised they waste 5-6 minutes on that. More Maddy and Cassie, please.

I still enjoy the show but I think it could have been done a lot better

 

[Amir]

@oneniltothearsenal Having seen the Israel version years ago (it's a decade old now), I don't think there's any connection to adapting it to the US version. Frankly, other than the basic idea (teens, drugs, etc) and the name of the show, I see no resemblance to the Israeli original, characters included.

 

[FootyGirl88]

Just finished watching, its such a good show once you get used to all the penises

Maddie is my favourite character by far followed by Kat and Fez. The last episode was so good, Ash legit thought he was Tony Montana

 

[Glorio]

Love how season 2 took focus away from nudity and all that and really buckled down on addiction, it's impacts, and it's many victims

 

[Reapersoul20]

Is this a show aimed at girls? Mate of mine said it was but unsure how true that is.

 

[Donut]

Was a bit disappointed in the last two episodes. But all in all, I love the show, and out of 16 episodes there’s 3 which are just absolutely amazing TV.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Is this a show aimed at girls? Mate of mine said it was but unsure how true that is.

It's not. It's got strong and well written female characters, but it's not a "girl show"

 

[Massive Spanner]

Just watched the first episode of season two.

Forgot how batshit crazy it was and how hilariously flippant it is about showing dicks on screen

But it's a really good show with spectacular cinematography.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Just watched the first episode of season two.

Forgot how batshit crazy it was and how hilariously flippant it is about showing dicks on screen

But it's a really good show with spectacular cinematography.

I did the same over my lunch break, it really is a cracking show.

 

[Massive Spanner]

I did the same over my lunch break, it really is a cracking show.

Also in keeping with the theme of this thread Sydney Sweeney

 

[Rooney in Paris]

Also in keeping with the theme of this thread Sydney Sweeney

She's so hot but I have a thing for Zendaya. Tom Holland is one lucky bastard.

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

@oneniltothearsenal Having seen the Israel version years ago (it's a decade old now), I don't think there's any connection to adapting it to the US version. Frankly, other than the basic idea (teens, drugs, etc) and the name of the show, I see no resemblance to the Israeli original, characters included.

Thanks for this update. I haven't found the Israeli show available anywhere to compare so this is good to know. Would you say the Israeli show was just as good quality?

 

[FootyGirl88]

Season 3 is not coming out till 2024

Mood right now..

 

[villain]

Zendaya's acting as Rue & the woman who plays her mum during episodes 5 & 6 (I think?) in S2 was outstanding, I really hope they get an award or the show is recognised in some way.
The portrayal of what Rue was going through is so uncomfortable to watch, I felt like I was going through every emotion from anger & disappointment to sadness then almost a reluctant acceptance that this is just who the character is. It was so gripping, yet agonising to witness.

Beautiful show, bit silly & unrealistic, but very entertaining.

 

[Amir]

Thanks for this update. I haven't found the Israeli show available anywhere to compare so this is good to know. Would you say the Israeli show was just as good quality?

It was of good quality, and it was kind of groundbreaking for Israeli TV at the time, but I wouldn't say it was as good. It wasn't as creative, and probably didn't even have the budget that just the play from the American show had

It won't give you much as you wouldn't understand the language, but here's a taste of it.

 

[Hamnat]

I finished it yesterday. Zendaya had some award caliber acting. Particular episode 5 which was just packed with emotion. And a lesser actress it would not have had the emotional punch it needed. Lexi's play was really well done I thought and you just forgive the unrealistic parts, where were the teachers and principals during all that? I mean obviously there is a lack of realism with allowing that play to go on in the first place and the really well done production value in some of the sets.

This show is hyper real anyway and blurs the lines between dreams, and drug induced highs . The ending felt more like a Series finale for some characters.

 

[Bepi]

Am I a semi-boomer frozen tard for writing that old peak Jennie Garth > Sydney Sweeney in this teen drama series bracket? I mean, Euphoria is just plain & laid softcore for the wan*er masses.

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

Am I a semi-boomer frozen tard for writing that old peak Jennie Garth > Sydney Sweeney in this teen drama series bracket? I mean, Euphoria is just plain & laid softcore for the wan*er masses.

Yes, or you just have horrible taste

 

[Reapersoul20]

It's not. It's got strong and well written female characters, but it's not a "girl show"

Just finished season one; yeah I don't know how people got that impression - really great show.

 

[MUFC OK]

She's so hot but I have a thing for Zendaya. Tom Holland is one lucky bastard.

He's suddenly the face of everything, eh? I mean the pair of them are going to make serious, serious $$$ over the next few years. Good luck to them I guess.

 

[phelans shorts]

I finished it yesterday. Zendaya had some award caliber acting. Particular episode 5 which was just packed with emotion. And a lesser actress it would not have had the emotional punch it needed. Lexi's play was really well done I thought and you just forgive the unrealistic parts, where were the teachers and principals during all that? I mean obviously there is a lack of realism with allowing that play to go on in the first place and the really well done production value in some of the sets.

This show is hyper real anyway and blurs the lines between dreams, and drug induced highs . The ending felt more like a Series finale for some characters.

Agree with pretty much all of this. Zendaya is an absolute megastar when they cut her loose on this show given how reserved Rue is for most of it.

I also can’t remember the last time I had legitimate hatred for a fictional character like I do Nate either, it’s got it’s flaws as a show but the high quality of the cinematography/acting/bigger picture storytelling mean you can easily look over some of the more daft stuff.

 

[United in sin]

Just started season two and the transition from the first is flawless. The scene where Rue and Jules reunite is shot brilliantly and the experience is so immersive. The flashback to Fez's childhood is also brilliantly handled. This is the zenith of tv drama

 

[Reapersoul20]

Just finished season 2. The last 2 episodes are the best in the show IMO, thought they were fantastic and the show overall really gripping.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

I dunno if I gave my review for the second season that I finished a couple of weeks ago, it was absolutely perfect. A level above the first season in fact, really built on everything good in that and ran with it. The acting is flawless throughout, with Zendaya really killing it throughout, and the overall production (editing, cinematography, music) really shows the amount of work that goes into it, and elevates it above its genre. It's so fecking good.

 

[Massive Spanner]

I dunno if I gave my review for the second season that I finished a couple of weeks ago, it was absolutely perfect. A level above the first season in fact, really built on everything good in that and ran with it. The acting is flawless throughout, with Zendaya really killing it throughout, and the overall production (editing, cinematography, music) really shows the amount of work that goes into it, and elevates it above its genre. It's so fecking good.

I wasn't mad on the finale and there was a hell of a lot of unresolved plotlines but overall I'd agree it was absolutely brilliant, especially episode five where Zendaya was incredible, and I absolutely loved the play too, cracking stuff.

Also, Cal He quickly became one of my favourite characters, loved his flashback scene and his meltdown when he came home at the end.

Still, seen a lot of reports that Sam Levinson is a bit of an oddball and weirdo and can be a dick with actors (especially female actors) which isn't great. Also he supposedly constantly rewrites everything, even on the day of shooting, which explains why the show can be such a mess for continuity at times. Apparently it was actually Fez who was supposed to die at the end, not Ashtray, and he rewrote that on the day.

 

[SalfordRed18]

Figured people in here might care about this, I've met Jacob elordi twice in the past 2 days. Won't say how, but a lovely chap which I found surprising since Nate is such a bellend. Interestingly he doesn't watch the show.