Dysphoria for Euphoria

Euphoria has been a staple in pop culture since its first season, but with the five-year time jump, actors missing and controversies; it doesn’t feel as euphoric as it used to.

Season three premiered April 12, and with two episodes out, the plots are ubiquitous. One pivotal character to Rue’s journey such as her sister, Gia, played by Storm Reid did not return for season three. There was a small mention of Gia in episode one, but a flashback scene or Gia’s life without her sister could have added deeper emotion to Rue’s struggles.

A subplot that was highly anticipated for season three was the romance between Lexi and Fezco. Season two ended with Fezco’s house getting raided and Lexi, while at the production of her original play, was left thinking Fezco stood her up. 

Before filming season three, the actor who played Fezco, Angus Cloud, died. This made some fans feel conflicted if they even wanted the show to continue. 

At the season three premiere Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said to Variety, “I couldn’t keep him alive in real life, but I could keep his character alive in the show.” 

Fezco’s character is now set to be in prison for 30 years. The character has also been brought up on different occasions. In the first episode, Rue tells Lexi that Fezco misses her and she should give him a call. In episode three Rue received a call from an inmate at the California Correctional Facility. During the call, context to what Fezco is saying is given to the audience by Rue’s lines. Since dialogue was one-sided it may have felt fake and disconnected from the plot. Any minor detail regarding Fezco seems forced and doesn’t add to the plot. Maybe it’s the somberness of Cloud’s passing, but his character may feel unfinished and could affect the euphoric feeling of the show. 

Another conflict with actors has been with Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie,  controversies over a jean ad. 

The jean ad, alluded to having ties to genetics and was a controversial topic among social media platforms. Some fans of the show have felt her acting in season three has reflected her alleged “white supremacy” beliefs. 

In episode one, Cassie explains to Nate she wants $50,000 worth of flowers for their wedding and she’s willing to do anything for them, including creating an OnlyFans account. 

In episode one Cassie said to Nate she won’t have a “ghetto” wedding which was criticized by fans given her controversial past.

With all its flaws and controversies the show still gains its views as season three opened with 8.5 million views according to Rotten Tomatoes.