Emily Allgair, Staff 

Look, I’m just as in love with Fezco as the next person, but “Euphoria” viewers have to admit that this show is wilding out with Nick Cannon – and not necessarily in a good way. “Euphoria” isn’t any different than “Riverdale,” “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”, or any other show about teens for teens except that it takes itself way too seriously. Although “Euphoria” contains a much more mature baseline plot, including abuse in multiple forms, it is still targeted at high school kids, which makes it all the more dangerous.

The character of Rue Bennett, for example, is one who barely faces any consequences for her actions until the second season of the show, and even then what happens to her is only implied. This tiptoes on glamorizing drug use and abuse, especially considering that her overdose was performed through a musical number at the end of the first season. If that doesn’t make you think, maybe it should… As for season two, the least problematic character is Maddy, which says something in itself. And yes, of course she deserves better, but for 15 year olds to be idolizing someone who lies as a means of protecting her abuser is not something to be proud of. But you’re right, you’re right, I’m forgetting about the pretty makeup that everyone has. From the glitter and the nails and the personalized color scheme for each character to the insanely graphic sex scenes between adults who are supposed to look like actual children, what’s the harm?

Overall, my biggest issue with “Euphoria” is how the creators try to portray the show as a way to “dig deeper into the struggles of today’s teens” when in reality this show is a money grab. It’s okay that that’s all it is as long as you’re up front about it, and they aren’t. If they really wanted to help out those who are struggling, they wouldn’t include graphic displays of such struggles which likely end up triggering those who actually are struggling. You can get your point across without having a “Thirteen Reasons Why” moment (and you know exactly what I’m talking about). Again, don’t get me wrong, this has nothing to do with the actors – especially those who have recently stated that they asked for less nudity in some of their scenes because it was uncomfortable and unnecessary – this is on the creators.

Now, I am still counting down until season three is released in 2024 and I don’t know if I’m more excited for that release or my own graduation, but I do know that it likely won’t get any better.