The second season of Euphoria closes its curtain, making it clear that it will return but not in the same form as before.
After eight episodes that expand the universe of Rue Bennett (Zendaya) and company towards new horizons, the teen series of the acclaimed Sam Levinson has closed in style its second season.
With a much more liberated artistic look than in the previous season, Levinson has had the opportunity to pamper in more detail his series thanks to the liberties that HBO has granted him. In this way, the season plays with its form more than its content, which can be overshadowed at times.
From the first episode, Levinson immerses us in a theatrical atmosphere, from the extravagant make-up and fashion from characters who walk from one side of the screen to the other as if it was a stage. All of this is meant to explode at the climatic point of the season, where Lexi Howard (Maude Apatow) invites us to witness her own play. A play for which the previous episodes have served as rehearsals.
But why would Levinson do this? This season of Euphoria seems to become much more personal and closer to a real life series. If there is something that resembles life, that is theatre. The play and the spontaneity; the chaos and the order; the gestures and the words; the communication and the lack of it; but most importantly, the final reflection.
The moment when the seats begin to become empty, and we are confronted with our own thoughts. That precise moment when Rue makes a crucial decision that will guide her path to salvation.
With the confirmation of a third season that will arrive in the year 2024 and with this new open door, we can assume that the characters will continue to face the rawness of life that so characterises the series, but this time in a much more mature environment.
An environment in which children playing with guns are not destined to have a happy ending, as we learn from the tragic death of Ashtray (Javon Walton) and that leaves Fezco (Angus Cloud) destined for a future not much better that will hinder his relationship with Maude’s character.
The season, as happened with its predecessor, closes with a collaboration between Zendaya herself and the already more than well-known Labrinth, who is in charge of the entire soundtrack of the series. The track I’m Tired makes things clear: We still have a long way to go in Rue’s story. Until then, we’ll have to see if Levinson surprises us with new special episodes like the ones released between seasons one and two.
Will Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) escape her stormy relationship with Nate (Jacob Elordi)? Will she regain her friendship with Maddy (Alexa Demie) and what role will Jules (Hunter Schafer) play in Rue’s new life?
These and many other questions will find their answers in the next season of Euphoria; because, as Lexi says, the show must go on.
By Raúl Jambrina
Feature image: HBO Max