Euphoria (HBO)

Excellent show. Season 2 is even better than season 1. Zendaya is a force to put it mildly.

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An unapologetic opening to ep 2 actually found a child watching porn featuring his dad. Eric Dane (ex- Grey's Anatomy is bone-chilling as the dad in question. The son actually turned out to be Nate, the drunken man whore we met in ep 1. Even though the backstory for Nate seemed a lot longer than it needed to be, I did enjoy the camera work when they were showing what kind of clothing Nate preferred on women, though all the locker room nudity just seemed to be there for shock value. There's a very creepy vibe between Nate and his dad that I can't quite put my finger on. Didn't really understand the need to flashback to the end of ep 1 ten minutes into ep 2. "It's actually a very narrow window of cool." Took me a minute to figure it out, but we were introduced to the characters in ep 1 and ep 2 seems to be providing backstory. Loved by the time we met Kat, the girl who lost her virginity in ep 1, that EVERYBODY already knew about it. Loved the cutely awkward or awkwardly cute first meeting between Kat and Ethan. Loved that backlit shot of Rue onstage. I wish Rue knew how her lifestyle is killing her sister inside. Those flashbacks of Rue and her mother were undeniably powerful. The way Rue spoke to Lexie was way out of line. Maude Apatow was excellent in that scene. never allowing Zendaya to blow her off the screen. Does anyone know what that blue pill was that Rue crushed and was going to snort before being interrupted by Lexie? Loved that shot of Nate on the 3rd floor of the mall following Ethan on the 2nd floor...very Hitchcock/DePalma. Loved Ali, the speaker at the NA meeting. That was creepy with Rue in bed with her invalid father. Loved seeing Dad being so amused by Born Yesterday. impressed by her blackmailing a guy into signing her meeting slip for meetings she missed. Loved that shot of Kat walking down the hall with everybody staring at her. Also impressed with Kat turning the video around by saying it was fat shaming. Barbie Ferriera was excellent in that scene with the principal. Loving the slow burn of Rue and Jules. Loved the way everything between Rue and Fez stopped when his phone rang. Considering the life she leads, it's a little hard to believe that Rue didn't know what dangers were involved with Fez and that hanging out with him would eventually lead to her seeing a gun at some point. Loved Meeko as Mouse. Mouse is the first character on the show that Rue has displayed any fear of.

Kat's backstory was a sad and bold opening to ep 3 of season 1. Can't believe Daniel broke up with Kat via a handwritten note that he didn't even write? Loved that what Daniel did to her turned her into a porn fiction writer. Love the One Direction animation sequence, that was fantastic. Loved the way the camera slid between the cafeteria tables to find Kat sitting by herself. The cafeteria fantasy reminded me of the animal fantasy sequence in Mean Girls. Though the image of Kat twerking is something I could have lived without. Loved Rue's share at the NA meeting though I'm not sure if I believed everything she said, confirmed by her confrontation with Ali outside the meeting. LOVED the split screen texting sequence with Jules and Tyler, though I think Jules has more chemistry with Rue. The whole "dick pic" sequence just seemed to be inserted to shock and offend. The Kat/Ethan/Cafeteria Lady scene was kind of odd. Can't believe Jules is so oblivious to Rue's feelings about the sexting with Tyler. Kat's skype with "Baby Dick" bordered on the pathetic, offering little entertainment value. Tyler is a sexist scumbag. OK, did that store clerk have fangs or were they tattoos? The new Kat's walk through the hallways at school was awesome, but it looks like Ethan might have liked Kat the way she was. That final scene between Rue and Jules was lovely and her final confrontation with Fez rang true as well. These scenes worked primarily because of some truly raw nerve acting from Zendaya. It's so sad that by the time this episode is over, the fact that Rue had 60 days clean was a non-issue. Shocked she called Ali. Good show, but if I had one minor quibble: Zendaya is such a beautiful girl...are they ever going to start letting her dress like a girl?

I don’t think Dru wants to dress like a girl, but your comment is valid.

Jules' backstory was a creepy opening to ep 4. This backstory held several surprises I didn't see coming, including the creepy guy threatening to rape one of the staff doctors. The carnival made a perfect backdrop for some of the creepy goings on this episode. I'm really beginning to like Kat and Ethan together, which is probably why they're going to be ripped apart soon. It was nice seeing a male character admit to not being 100% heterosexual. There are a lot of guys out there like that, but most of them are in deep denial about it. Loved when Jules confronted Jacobs at the chili stand, though I'm not sure why she let him off the hook later. Loved the camera weaving its way in and out of the ferris wheel and the shots of characters walking through the fairgrounds with fireworks shooting off behind their heads. One thing I'm loving about this show is the spectacular camerawork. Eric Dane nailed that scene where he begged Jules not to blow up his life. Zendaya was excellent in that scene where she caught little sister Gia getting high. Love the relationship between these sisters. Cassie is scaring me, she seems to be headed for a very long, very hard fall. Loved that shot of Jules on her bike with orange trees on either side of her. It reminded me of Danny trying to hide from his dad in the maze in The Shining. Was a little shocked by the reveal that Jacobs is a straight up sexual predator and has been one for years and I like the way it was revealed. That scene with Nate and Jules was gorgeously photographed. Nate was SO creepy. Why is Nate doing this to Jules? The final montage of Rue and Jules was lovely. This show is improving with each episode.

Maddie's backstory was a rather mundane opening to ep 5, though I did love learning that her spirit animal was Sharon Stone's character in Casino. Loved that shot in the roller rink. A tattoo on the lower lip? Ouch. There's something really wrong with Cassie. Looking forward to learning more about the painfully shy Lexi. Jacob Elordi was really good in that interrogation scene. Loved that scene where the class was watching a movie and the camera went around the room examining the characters sans dialogue. Loved that scene where Rue came clean at the NA meeting, hope she really means it, but again, it's hard to tell when an addict is telling the truth. I hate that Rue is trying to stay sober for Jules because Jules is going to break her heart eventually because I'm pretty sure Jules doesn't feel the same way about her. That scene between Kat and the guy with the pierced lip was sweet, not what I was expecting at all when they agreed to meet. Another big reveal about Jacobs (Eric Dane) that I didn't see coming. This guy needs some serious therapy. Gorgeous photography when the girls were riding the bikes on the darkened streets of suburbia. And are we supposed to believe that Jules is just now realizing that Rue is in love with her? Can't really figure out why this ep was entitled "Bonnie and Clyde." Just learned that the director of this ep, Sam Levinson, is the son of Oscar winning director Barry Levinson (Rain Man).

I agree with you regarding the pilot...they just seemed to be trying too hard.

McKay's backstory, which opened ep 6, was just a hair over the top for my tastes. Zendaya looked incredible in that tux. Kat is going down a dark and dangerous path. I hate that Jules is constantly on Rue's case about partying, but it's OK for her to do it. Lexie's Halloween costume had me on the floor. Loved when the Jacobs family were asked to leave the restaurant. Not sure which one is more insane...Nate or his father., Zendaya nailed that scene where she threatened the guy getting her sister high. Loving how fiercely protective Rue is of her sister and doesn't seem to want her going down the same path that Rue did. Have a feeling that this guy Daniel trying to steal Cassie from McKay is a lot more dangerous than he appears on the surface. Having a hard time understanding what happened between those guys and McKay, more importantly why. Loved when Ethan stepped up with Kat and Kat turned the tables. Didn't realize until this ep that Cassie and Lexie are sisters. Daniel was way harsh on Cassie, but he didn't say anything she didn't need to hear.

Cassie's backstory that opened ep 7 was well mounted and explained a lot about Cassie. Loved the actor who played Cassie's father in the flashbacks. Didn't really buy Cassie's naivete regarding her parents; marriage or that she knew nothing about it until some kid in the lunch line told her. I wish that Cassie's backstory endeared me to the character but it didn't. Didn't realize until this ep that Cassie and Lexie are sisters. Rue's fantasy as a cop investigating Nate was interesting. Kat seems so unhappy with her new inner tramp and am not sure why she wants to keep living the way she is. Nat Faxon brought some interesting layers to the role of Rue's mother's new boyfriend. Did Rue seriously ask Fez why he owns a gun? He's a drug dealer, for God's sake. Rue and the talking bottle caps was kind of stupid. After all the screentime devoted to Rue's various addictions, now we're supposed to believe that she's in the throes of clinical depression as well? "If I can conquer men, I can conquer femininity." What the hell does that mean? Two thirds of the way into the show, we learn Cassie's pregnant? Was not surprised by McKay's reaction to the news. Loved the confrontation between Fez and Nate. Rue's misadventures in the bathroom came off as a waste of screentime. Didn't really know what was going on there.

Loved Rue conning the nurse at the opening of the season one finale. "It's not a relapse if it's warranted, it's a hall pass." Loved that shot of Rue strutting down the hospital proudly dragging her IV with her. Loved when Jules told Rue that she dresses like Seth Rogan, which is true. The letter that Rue's mom read would have been a lot more effective if the camera had stayed on her. Nate is a psychopath who really needs to stop taking his confusion about his sexuality out on other people. I'm getting the feeling that Nate's father messes up all of Nate's relationships and then goes after the girls himself. Getting the feeling there's a lot more coming regarding Jules' sexual past that we haven't learned yet. I also think she's going to really break Rue's heart at some point. I hate Rue's eye makeup in this show. Zendaya has gorgeous eyes, they don't need any "help." Loved vulnerable Kat's apology to Ethan...really nice seeing this softer side of Kat. The camera work on the dance floor was dizzying, but in a good way, working perfectly with the music. Lexie was so funny asking her sister for advice...this Lexie character has some untapped potential that I hope gets explored. So do we have to wait until season to find out whose baby Cassie was aborting? Why does Rue think the police would believe anything she says about Nate or his father? The camerawork during the football sequences was quite effective as well. WOW...we finally learned the secret of father and son Jacobs. Excellent work by Eric Dane. Cassie's help with her discomfort looks like the start of a new storyline for her. Nate needs serious psychiatric help and I hope he gets it next season. He seems to be aware of it though. Mouse scares the bejesus out of me, I hope Fez can get Mouse's foot off his neck someday. Why would Rue suggest this plan to Jules and want to back out at the last minute? The final flashback mashup was kind of all over the place, but I don't think that was an accident If I had a wish list for season two, I would like to see stories ad characters that aren't as interesting trimmed down and/or eliminated in order to concentrate more on Rue and Jules and Nate and Kat and Cassie and Lexie and Fez, and Nate's twisted father. That final scene was beyond creepy, Looking forward to season two.

Fez' backstory provided an explosive opening for the second season. LOVED the actress who played Fez' mother, who looked very familiar but I can't place her. My jaw dropped when she beat that guy with the tire iron. Hands down, the best backstory we've been privileged with thus far. Loved learning about the beginning of Fez and Ash's relationship. That bimbo named Fay had me on the floor. Loved the sight of Fay calling Rue a junkie ass b*tch while she's sitting there cooking heroin. Glad we won't be seeing anymore of Mouse, that guy terrified me. There are definitely unresolved relationship issues between Fez and Rue that I hope are addressed...he REALLY cares about herm even if he's in denial about it. The old lady drug dealer was creepy as hell. Cassie and Nate...no good can come from this. OK, were we supposed to believe that Maddie couldn't hear Nate talking to Cassie through that bathroom door? Loved the camerawork at the party. Like Jules' haircut...big improvement over her hair first season. I lost it when Maddie threw the face towel on Cassie's face. Maddie: "I don't smoke random people's weed." Get over yourself, girlfriend. I wouldn't mind seeing something happen between Fez and Lexie. but I don't want to see Lexie in the spot that Rue and Fay were in earlier. Really liked their scenes together though. Jules and Kat? Jules is turning out to be a straight up whore. That was way too convenient that Maddie didn't put two and two together when Travis told her about Cassie in the tub. Cassie was right that she doesn't deserve to be anyone's girlfriend, McKay is really nice and deserves a girl who really cares about him. Is Rue seriously blaming Jukes for her relapse? Loved the way the camera floated back and forth between Rue and Jules in that final scene together. Nate had that coming from Fez, but it may have messed things up with Lexie. Excellent season two opening.

This woman played Fez’s mother. You may know her from The Sopranos. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0621393/

I do remember her from The Sopranos. She was fantastic.

Loved her rôle. She saw right through Tony & all his bullshit. Always shook her head at Artie’s gullibility around Tony.

Didn't really understand why ep 2 had to open with so much recap of what happened in ep 1, this show usually doesn't do that. Didn't really understand the Kat fantasy...didn't understand why Ethan had to die in the fantasy. Eric Dane was really creepy in that scene where he questioned Cassie and Lexie. Also don't understand why Fez is harboring that junkie Fay or why Nate won't give up Fez as the person who beat him up. I really like Elliott and wouldn't mind seeing him com between Rue and Jules. but I think he's the one who's going to end up getting burned. I'm loving how her relationship with Ethan is softening Kat. Her fantasy with girls was messed up though. Can't believe Rue is still going to NA meetings. Why did Nate take Cassie all the way out to that construction site just to break up with her? Hated that Lexie went to see Fez and Fay was there. Eric Dane played that scene in Fez' store. Loved the way Rue totally woke up when Ali said he was going to introduce himself to her mother. Fez REALLY needs to get Fay out of his house and out of his life. Nate needs to be really careful with his father.

OK, ep 3 opened with backstory for Cal and Derek, two characters I don't recall meeting prior to this episode, did I miss something? Are we supposed to believe that Derek and Cal have been BFFs forever and Cal has been able to conceal his attraction to Derek all this time? How cute that Cal didn't want to get off the bed when his father ordered him to because he had an erection. Cal and Derek's first kiss may have been the hottest kiss I've seen on this show so far, despite their lack of connection to anything we've seen thus far. The scene where Cal got his life-changing phone call from Marcia was well played. I love that Rue cares about her sister Gia so much but she needs to stop treating her like she's an idiot. Loved Elliott when he was being interrogated by Jules. I really like him. And who is Jules to be so judgmental with Elliott? Loved the flashforward with Lexi as a television producer. The camerawork and editing on Cassie's daily beauty ritual was first rate. So find out that Nate was sexing both if them has actually brought Cassie and Maddie closer together? Seriously? Kat having dinner with Ethan and his parents was hysterical. Rue getting involved with Fez' dealer is a really really bad idea. Ash really messed up Cal Jacobs. Another strong scene from Eric Dane. I hate Fay, they need to get rid of her. I know Rue didn't bring a suitcase full of drugs to an NA meeting, I know she didn't do that. Elliott just might be the most intelligent character on this show. Elliott needs to stay away from Jules though. Rue really doesn't have a clue what to do with that stash, does she?

Amused by Rue's opening line of the narration for ep 4 where she states we don't know how much she loves Jules, because I don't understand why she loves Jules so much. The substitution of Rue and Jules for some of the silver screen's classic lovers didn't work for me. Still trying to figure out what Elliott's endgame is...does he want to come between Rue and Jules or does he want to be with both of them? Why are Rue and Fez the only ones who see what a psycho Nate is? Why would alleged best friends still want to be with a guy who cheated on them with their best friend? I'm tired of Kat's whining about Ethan...if she doesn't like him, dump him, but the whining is played out. Nate's dad drinking and driving...what was that about? Derek and Nate's dad? Really? Didn't really get the hot tub scene...that argument Nate and Maddy were having was so stupid. Couldn't tell if that scene in the church with Rue was a fantasy or not. Eric Dane's final scene was quite the eye opener, pretty gutsy scene for the actor to play and he didn't shy away from it. Overall, very strange episode, a little too much style over substance.

The opening scene with Rue, Gia, and their mom was breathtakingly brilliant. Zendaya is a powerhouse and it's no surprise that she just won her second Golden Globe for her work on this show. Loved the camera's slow zoom on the garbage can she was hiding in. That scene with the drug dealer was just a little too convenient and protective of Rue. I'm pretty sure a real drug dealer would have just shot Rue in the head and have been done with it. Did we really need closeups of the needle entering Rue's arm? Wow. she locked Rue in the room> She would have better off shot in the head. Excellent episode.

Laurie the drug dealer didn’t deal with Rue in this way since she is attracted to her. Laurie is the only person, I think, who calls Rue Ruby, her real name.

Didn't really catch that she was attracted to her, but that kind of makes sense.