After entertaining high schoolers around the world in 2019, HBOMax’s “Euphoria” aired its second season this year. Episode eight, the season two finale, aired Feb. 27 on HBOMax following the season’s previous episodes being released weekly starting Jan. 9. The episode consisted of many events that filled plot holes, but it also left some as cliffhangers for season three. 

The show surrounds a group of high schoolers through their experiences of addiction, trauma, friendship and love. It sounds like a typical teenage drama but is much more. The main character is 17-year-old Rue Bennet (Zendaya) who is a drug addict fresh out of rehab. Throughout the show, we see her struggle with the ups and downs of addiction and how it affects her relationships with the other characters. 

To name a few – Jules (Hunter Schaefer), who had a friendship with Rue that turned into something more, Nate (Jacob Elordi), a football player in a relationship with Maddy, a cheerleader with an attitude and Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), Rue’s best friend. Other side characters include a drug dealer, young adult Fezco (Angus Cloud) and his 15-year-old brother Ashtray (Javon Walton) who helps with the dealing. While we did not see much of the brothers in season one, the second season has a huge focus on their family. 

The first season did an incredible job merging all of the character’s own stories into one plot. They each have their own development, but all still connect into one story. 

To get specific to season two though, some of the character development died out. The character Kat (Barbie Ferreira), who I forgot to even mention in the beginning because of her irrelevance this season, is almost completely neglected. She is best friends with Maddy and Cassie, and she was a popular character in season one due to her battle with her sexuality and healthy relationship that she doesn’t seem to enjoy. Although she is treated wonderfully, she beats herself up over the fact that she doesn’t appreciate this amazing relationship. In season two, she is seen struggling again at the beginning, but has barely any screen time after episode three. 

There were other characters who had a huge progression of character development, one of whom was Lexi, Cassie’s sister. I sympathized with Lexi throughout season one, as she felt like she lived in the shadow of Cassie her whole life. Season two gave her the attention and plotline she deserved. 

The season introduced new characters into Rue’s life as well, including the terrifying Laurie (Martha Kelly) who is the mother of all drug dealers. Eliott (Dominic Fike), was also introduced as someone Rue becomes close friends with. I was so surprised when I saw the Spotify artist on the screen, but I loved seeing him act. 

Episode five was one of the most heart-wrenching hours I have ever spent watching TV. The entire focus was on Rue, and although it was a little slow and repetitive at times, it truly gave insight into what addiction can cause. 

Episode seven was probably my favorite. Without giving spoilers, I will say Lexi finally got the appreciation she deserved, and it was so rewarding to watch. It was also sweet seeing other characters we know and love supporting her as well. It was like the plots of each of the different characters united to experience this episode with Lexi. 

I don’t even have any critiques about the plot of this show. I am constantly entertained, and although many viewers are disturbed by the number of plotholes not addressed by the finale, I felt there was the perfect amount of uncertainty to leave for season three.

The ending left me absolutely speechless. One event stands out to me, and although I somewhat expected something similar to happen to this character, I didn’t know it would leave me feeling so empty. Other characters got the revenge they had been hoping for the entire season, and others were left broken and distraught. It felt like I was cheering one second and yelling the next. 

If you plan to watch season two after being hooked on season one, I hope you have both tissues ready and a stable voice to be able to scream at your TV. And if you have any emotional connection to the movie or song “Stand by Me,” you will not be able to enjoy it again without crying.