Euphoria Returns with Controversy and Divided Opinions
The much-anticipated third season of the American series *Euphoria* has launched, bringing back its leading stars—Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi—but sparking debate among critics over its quality. While some praise its bold storytelling, others argue it has lost its former intensity.
Sex, Drugs, and a Stirring Controversy
Known for its raw portrayal of modern America’s challenges, *Euphoria* continues to push boundaries. A recent trailer for upcoming episodes has ignited fresh discussion, featuring Sweeney’s character, Cassie, in a provocative scene: dressed as an infant, she is captured in a sexualized pose with curlers in her hair and a dummy in her mouth. The imagery has drawn sharp reactions online, with some calling it “disturbing” and others questioning its relevance to character development.
“This isn’t character growth—it’s fetish content. Disgusting,” remarked one viewer on social media. Another added: “This is just disturbing.”
Cassie, now a content creator on OnlyFans, is seen in the first episode persuading her fiancé, Nate (played by Elordi), to let her upload videos online to fund their wedding. The show’s exploration of sex work and self-destruction remains central, yet some argue it feels overly familiar.
Mixed Responses from the Critics
Reviewers have offered contrasting takes. The *Guardian*’s Hannah J. Davies called the season “a grubby, humourless work of torture porn obsessed with and repulsed by sex work,” criticizing its dated handling of Cassie’s ambitions. She noted, “The way the show treats her cam girl aspirations feels bafflingly outdated, while storylines around sugar babies and kink appear both voyeuristic and judgmental.”
The *Telegraph*’s Eleanor Halls echoed similar sentiments, stating the show “increasingly feels like the misogynistic fantasies of a creepy old man.” She remarked, “Levinson has trapped all his female leads in the performance or exploitation of sex work, and the camera ogles them with every shot.” Halls highlighted Rue, Zendaya’s character, as the only one who remains “endearing, funny, complicated, and unpredictable,” despite the bleakness of the plot.
Meanwhile, the *New York Post*’s Lauren Sarner branded the season “an unhinged disaster” and “a chaotic roller coaster of insanity.” She questioned whether the show’s wild style was intentional: “Whether that’s good or bad depends on if you want to see Gen-Z icons in absurd scenarios that blend *Breaking Bad* with *Looney Tunes*.”
BBC Culture’s Caryn James argued that the series has “lost its zeitgeisty edge,” describing it as “a show with little to say, none of it very bold or engaging.” Variety’s Alison Herman labeled it “never not entertaining” but “disjointed fan fiction,” while Vulture’s Roxana Hadadi criticized its early episodes as “completely airless,” noting a lack of depth in its cultural commentary.
Characters Evolve, but Not Without Criticism
Though the cast has grown older—now in their early twenties—their struggles with addiction, identity, and relationships remain as intense as ever. Zendaya’s Emmy-winning portrayal of Rue, a drug mule, continues to shine, but others suggest the show’s focus on synthetic opioids and self-destruction has become overdone. Critics question if the bleakness is necessary for the message.
As the season progresses, the characters’ self-loathing and moral ambiguity may test even the most forgiving viewers. While some applaud the show’s willingness to take risks, others argue it has sacrificed cohesion for shock value. The return of *Euphoria* proves that its creators are unafraid to provoke—but whether the audience is ready for the ride remains uncertain.
