Sean Parker
August 4, 2019, is the last time we saw the dynamic and eclectic ensemble of Sam Levison’s breakthrough series Euphoria. Fans of the hit HBO series have been begging for more. The edgy drama about teenagers dealing with adult themes has captivated audiences like nothing else on television. Before the cast could return to begin production on the series’ second season, Covid-19 made other plans. Last year, the show returned with two phenomenal toned-down episodes centering solely around characters Rue (Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer), without answering many of the questions left open in the season finale. HBO dropped Euphoria Season 2’s teaser this past week, marking the end date to the long wait for the returning show.
I didn’t know what to expect when the trailer started as Rue rolled around her mattress, singing along to Bobby Darin in her bedroom. Without seeing the special episode, “Trouble Don’t Last Always,” you might not know whether or not Rue survived the first season’s final moments. Of course, we expected to see Zendaya back in her Emmy-award-winning role but, with the non-stop nature of the show mirroring the pace and drama of Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream, I wouldn’t rule out the character becoming a ghost. The narration over the teaser further eluding to permanence as an illusion and everyone Rue loves eventually drifting away.
The trailer bows out from being exclusively Rue around the thirty-second mark and Bobby Darin gets remixed into Emmy-award-winner Labrinth’s score. From here, we see an onslaught of chaotic moments featuring the cast of characters we haven’t seen in nearly two and a half years. Needless to say, there’s a lot to unpack. Nate (Jacob Elordi) looks to be pursuing someone new as she raises her body into the wind through the window of his car. Nate’s father, Cal (Eric Dane), is driving around with an apparent head wound. Nate and Cal fought last season, which resulted in Nate bashing his head into the floor as he tried to cope with his father’s secrets, though it’s interesting to see Cal with the bandage in this new scene.
Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), Kat (Barbie Ferreira), Maddy (Alexa Demie), and an unknown individual are seen glamming it up for a picture. A ducking head in the back behind Kat may actually be Lexi (Maude Apatow), again seen as unable to live up to her sister Cassie’s beauty. Last season, Kat had a strange and fantastic journey, rising above her body image for metamorphosis from fringe goth to sex symbol. Will that continue to evolve in the next season? Maddy had it out with Nate, and their relationship seemed to be concluded when she showed up to the winter formal unaccompanied. With someone new riding in his car, how will Maddy respond? Cassie sought an abortion at the end of the season as she cut ties with her boyfriend Chris (Algee Smith), who does not appear to be in the teaser. Her dissociation during the procedure may stay at the forefront of her story in Euphoria Season 2.
Fez (Angus Cloud) is seen at what might be the same party the girls are attending, again off-camera shouting at someone for tipping over a display at the bodega, and a final time punching ferociously at someone we can’t see below camera level. An unknown person in a blue suit with gold-painted nails is shown carrying a revolver, while Ashtray (Javon Walton) comparatively carries a hammer towards someone sitting in a chair. The only image I could discern of Jules had her pensively looking up from inside a shower, though there seems to be a flash of her before the police lights reflect on Rue’s face at the end. There are also some shots of rapper Dominic Fike, who we know will be playing a close friend to Rue in Season 2, though the character’s name has not yet been revealed.
Concluding the teaser is Rue’s sister, Gia (Storm Reid), asking if Rue’s high and her not denying it. The implication is that Rue is up to her old tricks again and either not attending her Narcotics Anonymous meetings or attending them while still using. It also suggests that Rue has denied the sage wisdom of her NA sponsor, Ali (Colman Domingo), from “Trouble Don’t Last Always” and indicates that the two could have even fallen out with one another. All in all, I’d say we’re in for another whirlwind season from one of the best series on television, and I’m counting down the days.
Euphoria Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on January 9, 2022, on HBO and HBO Max.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPz_XktsEFE
So what do you think of the trailer for Euphoria Season 2? Do you agree with Sean that it looks like another whirlwind season? Do you have any bold predictions? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for horror trailers, we’ve got you covered!
