Popular HBO series Euphoria has finally made its much-anticipated return after a four-year hiatus, bringing back fan-favourites like Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi. However, the new season has sparked a mixed bag of reactions, with critics largely voicing disappointment over its perceived decline in quality and coherence compared to earlier seasons.
A Mixed Reception
As the curtain rises on season three, the critical response has been far from uniform. The Guardian was particularly scathing, proclaiming that the new episodes “were absolutely not worth the wait.” In contrast, The Times found value in the series, labelling it a “dazzling (and stomach-churning) series” that maintains its edge. Meanwhile, the Telegraph lamented that the show has begun to feel “tired and dated.”
The divide among critics is palpable. On one side, some hailed the show’s ability to reflect the tumultuous nature of modern America, while others deemed it a regression into tired tropes and exploitative narratives. The Independent called it a “generation-defining show,” capturing the complexities of today’s youth, whereas others have labelled it a “grubby, humourless work of torture porn.”
Controversial Themes and Imagery
Euphoria has never shied away from provocative content, and the latest season continues this trend, particularly in its portrayal of sex work and substance abuse. The recently released trailer, which features Sweeney’s character, Cassie, dressed in a baby costume and adopting a sexualised pose, has drawn ire from various corners of social media. Critics have swiftly condemned this portrayal, with one user remarking, “This isn’t character development, this is fetish content. Disgusting.”
The first episode sets the stage for Cassie’s journey as an OnlyFans creator, attempting to convince her fiancé, Nate, to support her online ventures to finance their wedding. While some reviewers commend the performances by Sweeney and Zendaya, they question the narratives surrounding their characters. The Guardian’s Hannah J Davies pointed out that the series’ treatment of Cassie’s aspirations feels “bafflingly dated,” while the handling of other characters appears voyeuristic and judgmental.
A Shift in Focus
The characters, who originally appeared as high school students in 2019, are now navigating their twenties, leading to a shift in storytelling dynamics. Rue, portrayed by Zendaya, is now a drug mule, embroiled in a bleak struggle to repay a dealer, a narrative device that raises questions about the show’s approach to depicting addiction and its consequences. Critics like Eleanor Halls from the Telegraph argue that the series increasingly portrays its female leads in a manner reminiscent of “misogynistic fantasies,” reducing them to caricatures of their former selves.
The narrative scope has expanded, yet some argue that it has lost its earlier spark. Critics from sources like the BBC and Vulture contend that the series now feels devoid of the audacity and compelling storytelling that initially captivated audiences. The New York Post’s Lauren Sarner described the season as “an unhinged disaster,” raising concerns about whether the chaotic storytelling serves any meaningful purpose.
Some Bright Spots amid the Gloom
Not all reviews are negative; the Independent’s Nick Hilton awarded the new episodes four stars, asserting that they remain true to the characters and the overarching saga. He praised the show for its brassy filmmaking style, which encapsulates the current moment of commodified attention. Similarly, The Times’ Ben Dowell noted that the series has matured alongside its characters, transitioning from a “slickly stylish” exploration of teenage life to a more nuanced portrayal of adult complexities.
The season premiere also paid tribute to two late cast members, Eric Dane and Angus Cloud, underscoring the emotional weight that permeates this new chapter of Euphoria.
Why it Matters
As Euphoria embarks on its third season, it faces the dual challenge of meeting high expectations while navigating controversies that threaten to overshadow its artistic vision. The series has sparked crucial conversations about the portrayal of youth, sexuality, and addiction in contemporary media. As audiences dissect the themes and narratives presented, Euphoria’s impact on popular culture remains profound, prompting viewers to reflect on the complexities of modern life and the stories we choose to tell. Whether this season will reclaim its former glory or continue to polarise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it has ignited debates that resonate well beyond the screen.
