Euphoria Special Episodes Parts 1 & 2 Review
Sam Levinson can make Euphoria HBO’s next classic
By Jude Jordi-Donnelly, reporter
Sam Levinson can make Euphoria HBO’s next classic
By Jude Jordi-Donnelly, reporter
After filming for season two was postponed the weekend before it was supposed to begin, writer and creator Sam Levinson decided to put together a two part special of 2019’s Euphoria, with the episodes airing December 4 of last year, and January 24. In doing so, he had created the two best episodes of the series. While maintaining much of what made season one so unique, like it's provocative imagery, raw emotions, and incredibly honest portrayal of it's characters, the special elevates itself above what season one could have ever imagined to achieve. While it's first season was captivating, it suffered at times from its teen drama genre traps that I always felt it was better than, and with the release of Special Episode Part One: Rue and Special Episode Part Two: Jules it proved me correct.
Both episodes take place almost entirely in one place, with each being almost like an expose of our two leading characters. Zendaya returning as Rue, and Colmin Domingo as Ali turned in two rockstar performances in part one. Despite the entire episode taking place in a diner booth, you don’t lose interest for one second. The dialogue pulls you in deeper and deeper into the mind of our main character while fleshing out one of the best side characters in the whole show. While it's not as dynamic as many of the episodes in season one, the special doesn’t shy away from the show’s ultra-stylized production and make up, which is part of what makes it so unique. Sam Levinson had created a world that treaded between realism and fantasy so well in season one, and in this special he was somehow able to find a balance even stronger than before. However, it was part two that took my breath away. Hunter Schafer as Jules turns in the best performance of the entire show, in what is the best episode of the series. Haunting imagery and shockingly honest confessions make this episode, which again takes place in one place, a therapist’s office, utterly captivating. The production and editing is second to none, and I know I’ve already said it, but Hunter Schafer is out of this world. She’s strong, yet vulnerable, abrasive, but sweet, and has firmly established herself alongside co-star Zendaya as one of the best young actresses working right now.
I hope going into season two, the show continues with what it has scaffolded with this two part special. It proved in these two episodes that it's ceiling is much higher than the cliche highschool drama it at times would fall into during its first season. This show can be high art, and I hope season two can focus solely on the two lead characters. It's at it's best when exploring the relationship between Rue and Jules. This show has potential GOAT status, and I can’t wait for what they come out with next.
Euphoria Special Episodes Parts 1 & 2 get an A+
Both episodes take place almost entirely in one place, with each being almost like an expose of our two leading characters. Zendaya returning as Rue, and Colmin Domingo as Ali turned in two rockstar performances in part one. Despite the entire episode taking place in a diner booth, you don’t lose interest for one second. The dialogue pulls you in deeper and deeper into the mind of our main character while fleshing out one of the best side characters in the whole show. While it's not as dynamic as many of the episodes in season one, the special doesn’t shy away from the show’s ultra-stylized production and make up, which is part of what makes it so unique. Sam Levinson had created a world that treaded between realism and fantasy so well in season one, and in this special he was somehow able to find a balance even stronger than before. However, it was part two that took my breath away. Hunter Schafer as Jules turns in the best performance of the entire show, in what is the best episode of the series. Haunting imagery and shockingly honest confessions make this episode, which again takes place in one place, a therapist’s office, utterly captivating. The production and editing is second to none, and I know I’ve already said it, but Hunter Schafer is out of this world. She’s strong, yet vulnerable, abrasive, but sweet, and has firmly established herself alongside co-star Zendaya as one of the best young actresses working right now.
I hope going into season two, the show continues with what it has scaffolded with this two part special. It proved in these two episodes that it's ceiling is much higher than the cliche highschool drama it at times would fall into during its first season. This show can be high art, and I hope season two can focus solely on the two lead characters. It's at it's best when exploring the relationship between Rue and Jules. This show has potential GOAT status, and I can’t wait for what they come out with next.
Euphoria Special Episodes Parts 1 & 2 get an A+