Can’t wait for season two of “Euphoria” to drop? Watch the special episodes bridging seasons 1 and 2! Photo from imbd.com.
HBO’s recently released two special episodes of the riveting drama “Euphoria,” bridging a gap between the first and highly-anticipated second seasons.
At the end of season one, fans are left unsatisfied with the fate of Rue, played by actress Zendaya, and the nested stories involving the other pivotal characters. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the filming of “Euphoria” season two, consequently pushing back the release date as the months continue to go by. Two alternative episodes have launched instead, focusing on the aftermath of the heart-wrenching spectacle between Rue and Jules (Hunter Schafer) in the season one finale. HBO’s intent is to keep viewers hooked with content while major filming is delayed due to health and safety protocols.
If you have not yet watched “Euphoria,” some minor spoilers lie ahead.
In “Trouble Don’t Last Always, Part 1: Rue,” Zendaya and Colman Domingo, who plays Rue’s Narcotics Anonymous sponsor Ali, sit stagnant for an hour-long episode in the same drab diner to talk about recovery. The typical glittery makeup and striking clothing worn in the first season are omitted, and Rue is left to face her feelings without Jules for the first time since they met. Even the soundtrack for this episode is limited, featuring only two songs throughout.
Without extravagant outfits and captivating scene changes, the hour-long episode is still just as compelling as the rest. Zendaya, who won an Emmy for her work on the first season, portrays her character with such grace that, complimented by Domingo, her performance alone makes up for any lost enhancements.
The plot sees no progression from this episode, but fans are exposed to Rue and Ali’s inner thoughts on addiction and the situation at hand. It serves as an encouraging stepping stone towards the second installment which is bound to be filled with even more teenage transgression.
“F*** Anyone Who’s Not a Sea Blob Part 2: Jules” turns the lens towards Schafer’s character, who has been affected by Rue’s decisions and is fighting for a sense of authenticity. This episode is set primarily in Jules’ first therapy session, following the minimalist trend found in Rue’s feature.
We discover that Jules’s issues are not fully rooted in her longing for Rue, rather her greatest troubles stem from her questions of gender and sexuality, a characteristic that for a while seemed to be Jules’s only stability. She begins to realize that much of her femininity has been constructed around the wants and needs of men instead of her own desires as a trans woman.
Of all the incredible acting presented throughout “Euphoria,” Schafer takes the cake with this performance, which is made only more impressive considering she co-wrote her special episode with show creator Sam Levinson. She seamlessly intertwines the personality of Jules with the reality of trans recognition in the material world. Jules is questioning her true self as well as who she intends to be for Rue and others. Her performance is immersing and adds such depth to Jules’s identity.
Both of these episodes were necessary for “Euphoria” to keep such a grand reputation. By stepping away from the show’s typical themes of mischief and glamor, we learn such important details about where Rue and Jules have landed after all the chaos.
Additional “Euphoria” special episodes have not yet been announced, but fans can look forward to a season two release date as filming begins in the coming months.