After its explosive premier in 2019, HBO’s hit television series Euphoria has made its return this year and has just concluded its second season. It’s safe to say that season 2 of Euphoria has been quite the emotional rollercoaster. In my opinion, throughout the season the entire cast gave stellar performances (particularly Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Storm Reid, Nika King, Colman Domingo, and Jacob Elordi). The show’s sole writer and creator, Sam Levinson, has allowed audiences to learn more about Fezco and Lexi this season, and has also allowed us to see further into Rue’s addiction to opioids. Although there were many great moments this season (both performance-wise and writing-wise), my favorite episode of the season by far was episode seven, otherwise known as the premiere of Lexi’s play. As Maddy aptly said, “Lexi, you’re a fucking G,” and here’s why.
Lexi’s play features extravagant sets, bright costumes, and special effects that are rarely seen in high school productions. Although it’s a bit unrealistic how this play has the highest budget I’ve ever seen for a high school production, the money spent on the set, lighting, and costumes was clearly well worth it. As many on Twitter have jokingly said, Ethan deserves a Tony Award for his portrayals of numerous characters throughout the play. He displayed quite a versatile range as an actor (my favorite portrayal of his was of course his depiction of Suze).
Despite the fact that her approach appears to be passive-aggressive and somewhat subtle, Lexi makes her opinions about her friends and peers known throughout the play. However, although Cassie claims that Lexi is “judging them” in the season finale, I don’t think that Lexi is doing that by expressing her opinion. In fact, I think she’s doing the exact opposite throughout the play. I really loved how Lexi didn’t pass judgment on Rue’s character Jade’s choices and didn’t portray her as a villain, but rather gave the audience a chance to sympathize with her and what she’s been through. She also didn’t judge drug use or vilify those who use drugs, merely explained the reasoning behind it.
Similarly, with Maddy and Cassie, she didn’t pass judgment on their actions, but rather portrayed their lives as she perceived them. I feel that the only character who Lexi passed judgment on is her own. In claiming her place as a leading lady rather than a “supporting actress” or “observer” in her own life, Lexi judged herself for being inactive in her life prior to the night of the play, and expresses how she wishes she took the wheel, rather than sat in the passenger seat for so many years.
Specific moments that I loved throughout the play include Rue’s Dad’s funeral, Lexi’s conversation with Rue on the roof of the gas station shop, the scene where Maddy comes to live with Cassie and Lexi, the scene where Lexi and her dad are dancing in the living room, and the homoerotic dance performed by the football team.
Initially, I thought that the inclusion of Rue’s dad’s funeral was a bit insensitive on Lexi’s part. But as the play progressed, I came to appreciate it and understand why Sam Levinson decided to include it. In that same vein, I thought the scene where Lexi and Jade are talking on the roof of the gas station store was brilliant because it not only provided the audience with a better understanding of their relationship, but it also shows us just how much these characters have changed due to the significant trauma they have endured. Additionally, I loved the scene showing how Maddy lived with Cassie and Lexi at one point because it makes Cassie’s betrayal all the more significant. Another scene that I found to be particularly touching was the scene in which Lexi and her dad are dancing in their living room. Although they aren’t talking or saying anything significant, the simple act of them dancing together shows how much Lexi loves and trusts him. The two need no words to be happy together, and that nostalgic dancing scene communicated that well to Lexi’s audience and in turn Euphoria’s viewers.
One of the hilarious and shocking highlights of the play was the homoerotic dance performed by the football players to Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero.” I think it’s safe to say that we all mirrored Rue’s reactions when watching the dance/ football extravaganza. I loved the dance for numerous reasons. Firstly, the choreography done by Ryan Heffington is flawless and absolutely hysterical. The amount of phallic symbols and references in the number is simply genius. Secondly, I believe that the best theater is usually controversial and thought-provoking, and that is exactly what Lexi’s play is, and in turn what Sam Levinson’s writing is.
Outside of the scope of Lexi’s play, other poignant moments throughout the episode that I loved included the moments backstage during the play (as a theater nerd I thought they were pretty accurate and they made me incredibly nostalgic), the conversation between Rue and her mother Leslie about Gia needing a mother, and the scene where Lexi and Cassie go with their dad to get ice cream.
Although the intimate conversation between Rue and her mom Leslie was painful because Leslie admits that she has given up trying to save Rue, it’s necessary for plot and character development, and I found it very touching. I also loved the ice cream scene and the car ride following it because it not only allows us to see Lexi’s perspective about her relationship with her dad, but we also see the same memory from Cassie’s perspective during season one, and we can now compare the two. Lastly, I loved the final clip of Cassie crying and breathing wide-eyed against the window pane of the auditorium because it’s not only reminiscent of American Psycho, but it perfectly captures her mental state and foreshadows what happens in the finale.
If you haven’t watched Euphoria, you should watch it only to get to season 2 episode seven. Sit back, get some popcorn, relax, and watch Lexi’s play. I can guarantee you’ll not only get sucked in, but you won’t regret it.