Why Is There So Little Discussion Here?

The show is very effectively erotic, but has a narrative that goes FAR beyond the crude scenarios of adult entertainment movies, which have plots involving pizza deliveries, lascivious handymen and compliant housewives. Nate’s cunning entrapment of Jules surprised the heck out of me, because I didn’t think he was that complex or bright, and I didn’t realize that he knew about her tryst with his father, Dominant Daddy, though he had access to Cal’s home movies, which would explain that. It was excellent character development, showing me that Euphoria is much more than just a strokefest. Rue’s struggle with her addiction, Kat’s discovery and exploitation of her sexuality and Jules’ history of self-loathing are pretty deep character explorations as well, and so is Cal’s double-life persona in both halves of which we find the same Alpha Male, take-no-prisoners, weakness-is-for-weaklings neoNietzsche view of life. These stories all sound very plausible to me. I’ve known people like these, and I bet that you have, too. Sam Levinson has put some real elbow grease into Euphoria, and that’s why I want to talk about it. What I’d dismissed as a prima facie teen angstfest is anything but. And it’s also funny; for example, Rue’s lecture on how to and how not to pose a penis pic for texting and online posting. (I was disappointed that her views on the role of Photoshop, if any, in the process were omitted.) I’m glad I created a series recording for it. How do you feel about it?

It’s good to meet a kindred spirit, Frank. I think it’s very possible Euphoria is attracting a lesser audience than what it deserves. You and I both had dubious expectations, but took a chance and are drawn in. Others? I guess there are youngsters who are enjoying it as soft porn, as I did in my 10th grade book report on Brave New World, but I know more now. I hope this finds its audience. We all share a world with all kinds of people. I feel that Euphoria gives me more visceral understanding of, and simpatico with, the teens I pass on the street every day. And also of and with their families. That’s valuable.