Round Two: Euphoria

Euphoria: Season 1, Episode 2 “Stuntin' Like My Daddy” (B)

This episode was undeniably interesting, but this show is a bit all over the place. I love the storytelling style utilized in explaining how Nate became who he is as a result of his relationship with his father, played by Eric Dane from “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Last Ship.” Both characters are mesmerizing and terrifying at the same time, fiercely committed to their obsessions. I was curious why we saw the extent Nate would go to if something happened to Maddy, but it made sense when he showed up to terrorize Tyler towards the end of the episode, seeming to get a great deal of fulfillment from it. The other characters may not be as malicious or menacing in intent, but they’re still not anywhere close to in control of their lives. Rue stopping by Fezco’s to procure more drugs got him angry because he didn’t want her there, and she’s the one who suffered most as a result, detaching completely from reality in a very literal way. Kat redirected what could have been a humiliating scandal, one which was appropriately labeled mostly in her head since not everyone was looking at her, into a financial gain, but now it seems she wants to go back and take advantage of the fame – or infamy – that could come from being the star of a viral video. Jules and Cassie also remain very interesting characters, with their interpersonal relationships a bit more private but just as compelling. I’ll be back for episode three.