Euphoria is back with more shock and scandal, but mixed reviews
Euphoria Returns with New Drama, Yet Critics Split on Its Impact
The highly anticipated revival of the American television series *Euphoria* has launched, featuring the return of its lead actors Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi. However, the show’s third season has sparked a range of opinions among reviewers, with some calling it a letdown compared to its earlier success.
Critics’ Diverging Opinions
Following a four-year gap since its last season, the series has drawn mixed reactions. *The Guardian*’s Hannah J Davies criticized the show as “absolutely not worth the wait,” labeling it a “grubby, humourless work of torture porn obsessed with and repulsed by sex work.” Meanwhile, *The Telegraph*’s Eleanor Halls described it as “misogynistic fantasies of a creepy old man,” emphasizing how the female characters are constantly objectified through the lens of the camera.
“This isn’t character development, this is fetish content. Disgusting,” wrote one social media user, while another added: “This is just disturbing.”
Controversial Trailers and Narrative Themes
Adding to the buzz, a trailer for upcoming episodes has ignited debate by showcasing Sweeney’s character, Cassie, in a sexualised baby pose while dressed in curly pigtails and holding a dummy. The scene, which features Cassie as an OnlyFans content creator, highlights the show’s ongoing exploration of sex, drugs, and teenage angst. In the first episode, Cassie convinces her fiancé Nate, portrayed by Elordi, to allow her to post online videos to fund their wedding, setting the stage for further conflict.
Actors and Creator’s Vision
Despite the criticism, Davies praised Zendaya and Sweeney for their performances, noting that their characters’ complexities remain intact. The show’s creator, Sam Levinson, is seen attempting to address the societal impact of synthetic opioids on young Americans. Yet, some argue his portrayal of the characters’ lives has become overly bleak, sacrificing narrative cohesion for dramatic effect.
“Moments that gesture at America’s prevailing culture as a corrupt, hypocritical thing… are a fascinating glimpse into what might be Levinson’s unfiltered thoughts on our collective psyche,” remarked Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi.
Comparisons and Coherence
Others, like *Variety*’s Alison Herman, noted that while the show remains entertaining, it now feels like “disjointed fan fiction.” Similarly, *BBC Culture*’s Caryn James claimed the series has “lost its zeitgeisty edge,” with its current season offering “very little to say” and “none of it very audacious or compelling.”
“Whether that’s good or bad depends on if you want to see the biggest Gen-Z superstars… in ludicrous situations that feel like Breaking Bad meets Looney Tunes,” said *New York Post*’s Lauren Sarner, calling the season “an unhinged disaster.”
Legacy and Evolution
Since its debut in 2019, the characters have transitioned from high schoolers to young adults in their early twenties. Zendaya’s Emmy-winning portrayal of Rue, now a drug mule working to repay a debt, contrasts with Cassie’s evolving role as a content creator. As the season progresses, critics question whether the show’s focus on chaos and self-loathing has overshadowed its potential for deeper storytelling.
