HBO's Euphoria: A Written Analysis

Ever since the release of the 2nd season of the show, the current topic on social media is of the characters, as well as the driving plot of Euphoria.

Watching the 2nd season (so far) and getting a personal depth with more of the characters of the show, we get a look at a more gritty view on drug addiction, toxic relationships, and behavioral issues in families.

Personally, I believe this season is a lot better than the first. Mainly, because we get a completely different view of drug abuse than in Season 1.

In this article, I dive deep and analyze the characters as well as the most talked-about moments in the critically acclaimed show.

Self-Sabotage and Impulsive Decisions of Cassie Howard

Cassie Howard is a character on the show that I was hoping would get some kind of redemption or at least take a step in the right direction. I hoped that she would learn to truly love herself and learn to not seek validation from boys in the show. But, this approach makes more sense, as we see her going into a downward spiral of self-sabotage, and start to care more about Nate Jacobs, than herself and her relationships with her friends and family.

Watching Season 1 of the show, we get a quick glimpse of Howard and how her absence of a father figure became a catalyst for her toxic behaviors, to even risk her safety to not "upset her father." This example was shown in one of the episodes of Season 2, showing a flashback of Cassie and Lexi's childhood.

We also get a look at how particular male figures in her family were perverse towards her, which gives the audience an idea of where she gets her personal view of herself.

The first season allows us to also see her and how she is in her relationships. While she's in a very serious relationship with Mckay, she's secretly in a more physical relationship with other people. ( She refuses to have sex though, which allows the guy she's secretly hanging out with to lash out in anger about how "boring" she is.)

Cassie Howard in the new season starts to make horrible decisions by seeing Nate Jacobs, who is an ex of Maddy Perez. Maddie and Cassie are best friends, and if you are familiar with codes between friends, you don't date a best friend's ex. She's later outed by Rue, which causes a major clash, causing her family and friends to either avoid her or feel completely distrusted. When she sees Nate in Episode 6 of the new season she tells him that she ruined her life for him.

"I ruined my entire life for you." - Cassie Howard

This obviously comes from a feeling of wanting male validation, and even goes as far as letting Nate control what she eats, wears, and does. Yikes.

In Lexi's play, we get a personal perspective of Cassie and how belittling she actually was to her little sister. But I honestly believe her hatefulness towards her sister comes from jealousy. Why? Because although Lexi is in the shadows most of the show, is someone who has skills and has a pretty good idea of who she is as a person. Cassie hasn't really taken the time to know who she was, because she's focused on seeking a man who gives her attention.

The Maturity & Independence of Maddy Perez

Maddy Perez in this new season is different from season one, as she wears more darker and mature tones with her clothing, which is a reflection of her changed mindset. She's a babysitter and is more focused on making her own money and decisions. Even when she's communicating with Nate, her ex, she's more blunt.

In this season, we also see her growing relationship with the mother of the child she's babysitting. Most people who are also fans of the show, see this as inappropriate and unprofessional. But, I see the relationship as more maternal. She tries on her clothes like a child would with their parents clothing, seeks advice from her like anyone would with their parents, and even considers doing the same things as them, such as having a baby. We see Maddy talk about considering pregnancy in one of the scenes of Season 2, as she rubs her belly in the mirror.

The theory of her clothing change from the previous season could also be from the post-traumatic outcome of her abuse from her ex boyfriend. She wears more mature clothing with darker colors, shying away from her adolescence as she turns 18 in the new season.

In response to Episode 6, she now has to overcome another traumatic incident due to Nate Jacobs. He went as far as to put a gun to his own head to retrieve the evidence of his father and Jules, another main character in the show. This now leaves the audience on a cliffhanger. Will she overcome it or will it destroy her self esteem in the new season?

Her relationship with Cassie has also been tainted due to Cassie's horrible behavior. Not only was she upset with her, but she was also heartbroken that someone she trusted, stabbed her in the back. She was very emotional and felt betrayed by not only her ex, but her best friend.

What I like about Maddy is her character is different. We see some Latin characters that are made to be stereo typically sassy and rude, which is a racist perspective and doesn't do Hispanic characters any justice. Maddy, though she's outspoken, is also someone who's sweet, loving, and emotional. Her confidence even inspires Lexi as she goes through puberty and allows her to be close friends with her, which is shown later in her play.

Rue's Relapse & Drug Abuse

Rue has a more realistic look at her drug issues in the new season, which is less flashing light and effects. It's more raw, emotional and the audience has a deeper look at how drug addiction can affect not only the person struggling with it but families and friends as well. It can also be threatening, as it could possibly put the person in very dangerous situations.

Rue proposes an idea to a drug dealer about doing a type of internship to help pay for education, as well as put more money into the dealer's pocket.

Of course, the point of the idea is that she could just have more access to drugs, which puts her in a possibly life-threatening situation.

Her withdrawal scenes also portray how painful it actually is to quit in real-time. While she's holding onto her stomach and crying, her sister is crying in the other room. It shows how truly emotional a recovery process is.

Rue's relapse occurred because of the absence of her girlfriend Jules. But they eventually made up and starting dating again. Regardless, she's still having issues with her drug addiction and starts to gaslight and lie to her close circle. Leslie, confronts her and tells her that she no longer cares about Rue and her drug issues, setting a boundary with her daughter. That remark from her mother has caused Rue to really think about the consequences of her actions.

Understanding the Actions of Nate Jacobs

Nate Jacobs is simply a character on the show who is hateful, selfish, and extremely destructive. His abusive character caused Maddy Lopez, to undergo a traumatic moment, leaving her confused and emotional.

A moment I enjoyed is seeing him talk to his mother about his sudden change in behavior. It's an emotional moment, to which Nate feels embarrassed and hurt, as his mother holds back tears.

You would think that would motivate him to be better but no. Oh no.

Watching the show, and comparing the 1st and 2nd seasons, we see Nate display very aggressive forms of violence and toxicity that heavily affect some of the characters. But Season 2, tends to have a more positive (I guess) approach. He turns his father into jail and hands Jules the tape, containing the crime that his father Cal, has committed. So good job, I guess?

Still, his intentions have always seemed manipulative and cruel, so he's still on my shit list. I personally would not recommend making him your "favorite character."

Lexi Howard and the Infamous Play

Ah, Lexi Howard. Words cannot explain how happy I was seeing this character FINALLY getting some screen time. This season allowed us to get another perspective on the characters of the show, but through the eyes of the observer.

Lexi in Season 1, was just generally known as Rue's friend and Cassie's sister. We never got the flashback story of her life, as opposed to almost everyone else on the show. We finally got that but in a play. She names the show "This Is Life" which is generally Euphoria but from the eyes of Lexi. It displays the character in the spotlight, allowing the characters to pretty much see themselves but in, well, another light.

Most of the characters' reactions are either in laughs, smiles, or applause, while others are glaring at the play with absolute rage. (As Cassie did while breathing like Darth Vader in front of the theater door.)

Cassie is not a good sister to Lexi, but I feel like displaying that particular moment when she was rolling on Molly on a Merry-Go-Round, was way too much. She could have displayed her sister in a more different perspective if there was some possible way. But other than that, I believe she did an incredible job displaying Rue in a more emotional and friendly perspective.

The Soft Side of Fezco

Fez's backstory was finally introduced in the new season, as we get to understand the relationship of his brother Ashtray, and his upbringing from his grandmother. We get more of an inside view of his fragility, and his growing affection towards Lexi.

Despite his occupation as a drug dealer, his caring and sensitive personality is displayed. He also gets a closer look at the issues that are arising in the season, such as what Nate's father did with Jules.

Fez witnessing his grandmother's health declining, and then to seeing his brother die in front of him, leaves the audience with a very bitter taste on the tongue and raises a plethora of questions. Ashtray's impulsiveness really irritated me and caused a lot of issues in the show. Though his actions are understandable, it's foolish. It caused Fez to lose his close family and his future aspirations. I'm hoping he receives some sort of redemption.

Season 3 is said to be released in 2024. Hopefully, all of the fan's questions are answered and we see the characters step into adulthood, with new goals, and experience some type of personal growth.

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Thank you for reading this article on the new season of Euphoria! I hope you enjoyed it and I hope it motivates you to wait for the new season. Please like and share this article and subscribe for more content like this!