Go Ahead and Cancel Euphoria For Me
As the writers' strike comes to an end, HBO, the streaming service behind Euphoria, is focusing on finalizing the script for the show's third season. And by that, they mean having Sam Levinson take complete creative control over everything. However, due to the writers' strike, it’s rumored that Euphoria Season 3 won’t be released until 2025. Additionally, the actors' strike has not yet been resolved, which could further delay production.
Many fans are eagerly waiting for the third season. There was nothing better than “Euphoria Sundays” when the show was always trending, and people would tweet as the episodes aired. Like no other show currently out, there was discourse about the characters and storylines that would continue until a new episode the following week.
In 2018, when Zendaya was announced as the lead and Drake would be producing, people could not wait, and fans were already forming. Since then, the show has captivated a broad audience with its gritty portrayal of teenage life, addiction, and mental health issues. But, five years later, nine Emmys and two chaotic and wildly unpredictable seasons, I think it's time to call the show a wrap– and here’s why.
Sam Levinson
Image Courtesy: Emma McIntyre/WireImage
Sam Levinson, actor, writer, and nepo baby, is credited for creating the hit show. However, photographer and director Petra Collins claims that Levinson stole the show's idea from her. In an interview with the Hungarian publication Punkt, she revealed that the show was inspired by her photos and aesthetic. She was approached by Levinson to create a “whole world,” and after doing so, HBO dropped her for being "too young."
With this news, fans of the show and Petra Collins were outraged. Droning to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say, "Just further proof that Sam Levinson is a weirdo and a creep!"
With Petra as the director, the show had the chance to be told through the female gaze—a perspective for which her work is widely recognized—ushering in a new era of photography and film.
However, this wouldn't be the first time Levinson stole the idea of a show from a woman and made it worse. Earlier this year, his new (and quickly canceled) show, The Idol, was initially directed by Amy Seimtez. The show was about 95% filmed when Levinson stormed on set, drastically changing the plot. In an article posted to Rolling Stone earlier this year, thirteen sources say that the show went from a female-driven story to an abusive and overly sexual one.
Bye Bye Kat
In Aug. 2022, actress Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat, announced that she would be exiting the show. When the news dropped, fans speculated Ferreira's departure was due to a potential feud between her and Levinson. Instagram gossip page Deuxmoi reported that Levinson and Ferreira had a screaming match on set about the character, which resulted in Ferreira’s departure. Fans also speculated that there was tension between the two as Kat received very little screen time in the second season. In April of this year, she shut down the rumors of any tension between her and Levinson. However, she did say that the writers did not know where Kat's story was heading.
Image Courtesy: HBO
"I don't think there was a place for her to go," Ferreira said on the podcast “Armchair Expert” with Dax Shepard. "I think there were places she could have gone. I just don't think it would have fit into the show." She then continued," Sam writes, for like, things that he relates to. I don't think he relates to Kat." This is clear from the second season, how her character's arc went from relatable to manipulative.
We've Lost the Plot
The reasoning behind Barbie's departure—that there was nowhere left for her character to go—only reinforces the idea that we've lost the plot.
What about the other characters of the show that Levinson might not "relate to." We already saw how disastrous he made Cassie's character in season two. Is there any chance of character redemption, and is there any hope for her relationship with Maddy?
Image Courtesy: HBO
And what happened to Nate's dad, Cal? He abruptly left after having arguably the best episode of the show centered around him.
Euphoria is a great example of a show that can become overly complex, with too many subplots or characters, making it harder for viewers to follow and stay engaged with the central narrative.
And with such tricky topics and social issues, it often fails to provide adequate context or responsible messaging. The show's portrayal of relationships, consent, and substance abuse is often problematic, potentially reinforcing unhealthy attitudes and behaviors. In a time when society is making significant efforts to address issues like consent and healthy relationships, Euphoria falls short of contributing to these discussions positively.
WTH is Gonna Happen with that Suitcase?
Image Courtesy: HBO
One of the more primitive storylines in the second season was that damn suitcase. Laurie, a former teacher turned drug dealer, was introduced during its second season. When Rue realizes she doesn't have the means to fund her addiction, she makes a proposal to Laurie. Which ends up with Rue and potentially $10,000 worth of drugs. After finding said drugs, Rue's mom tells her she flushed them down the toilet, but some fans hope that isn't true. One user on Twitter wrote, "in my head it just don't make sense to see a suitcase full of drugs and just flush it knowing damn well rue could never just stumble upon sumn like tht without some sort of condition"
Oh, the anxiety just thinking about the potential scenes of this plot. But will that even happen when there are rumors of a possible time jump?
Season 3 Time Jump?
Sometimes, when a show has gone on for too long, a time jump is the best way to keep it going. In an interview with Vogue, Euphoria's costume designer, Heidi Bevins, hinted that season three might begin with a four-year time jump. This was speculation, with the script still needing to be written, but many fans believe this might actually happen. Considering the show has already been airing for five years, and all the actors are well into their 20s, still playing teenagers, it would be good for them to finally play their ages. If there is a time jump, I highly doubt any of these characters are staying in contact post-grad.
Euphoria is undoubtedly polarizing and has sparked intense debate. The line between entertainment and responsibility must be carefully navigated, especially when dealing with sensitive and potentially harmful topics. As we continue to discuss the show's irreverent storylines and controversial ties, the question of whether Euphoria should be canceled remains important.
Strike Out,
Morgann Rhule
Boca Raton
Morgann (yes with 2 n’s) is the Web Director and a content writer for Strike Magazine. Her best friends describe her as a shopaholic bookworm who gives the best advice. Born in Jamaica, she wears it proudly with a beaded red, green, and gold necklace she never takes off. You can reach her on insta @morgannrhule or email morgannrhule@gmail.com
