ARTS AND CULTURE

The failure of ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Assasination Nation’

By CAYENN LANDAU

JUSTICE STAFF WRITER

To understand “Euphoria”’s season 2 character failings, you have to see “Assasaination Nation,” and how Sam Levinson keeps screwing over his heroines.

Recently, the New York Times published a piece about how Sam Levinson, the director of HBO’s smash-hit show “Euphoria,” had been disavowed by the show’s own fanbase. Reports had come out that a few actresses on “Euphoria”’’s set were put in positions where they had to advocate not to be nude. This, coupled with a series of messier, unsatisfying plotlines for a few beloved characters, led to a change of pace in the conversation around Levinson’s creative direction.

It’s a twist not unlike author J.K. Rowling’s fall from grace after the Harry Potter fandom abandoned her following transphobic comments that she made in 2020. Indeed, “Euphoria” and its ensemble of traumatized characters appears to remain beloved by fans, just as The Boy Who Lived lives on.

But regardless of the separation fans have made between Levinson and “Euphoria,” it’s impossible to completely sever the two from each other, mainly because the show’s deadpan narrator, Rue – Zendaya – is based on a younger version of himself. This is part of what makes her character so multidimensional and well done: it’s driven by autobiography. But it’s also here that things get tricky for Levinson, especially when it comes to the ways in which the women around Rue are portrayed. How might we address the triumphs of season two while also acknowledging the ways in which it fails its other protagonists?

For example, Rue’s friend Kat – played by Barbie Ferreria – seemed to be almost written out of the show entirely, aside from a few half-hearted one-liners and some random sexy dancing. Other characters – Rue’s sister Gia who was played by Storm Reid – and protagonist Jules – portrayed by Hunter Schafer – showed no character development at all. Worst of all, Cassie – Sydney Sweeny – morphed into a onedimensional mess of a villain who destroys her relationship with her best friend, her sister, and her own autonomy all for the love of the show’s biggest antagonist, Nate Jacobs – played by Jacob Elordi. Unlike Cassie’s portrayal in season 1, which left her with a newfound independence and sense of empowerment, her endless nude scenes seem to be written to purposely leave her without a backbone.

But there’s a blueprint to these character failings. From allegations of voyeurism to empty monologues, “Assasaination Nation” did it first.

Written and directed by Levinson and released in 2018, “Assasaination Nation” follows a group of teenage girls in Trump’s America as their town, Salem, descends into chaos following a data leak. Like “Euphoria,” “Assasaination Nation” tackles topics like transphobia, toxic masculinity, relationship abuse, and sexual assult through having its four female protagonists survive a stylized gauntlet – or, per the town’s name, a witch hunt – of violence from the men around them over the course of a single night. It’s full of vehement monologues about the patriarchy, delivered by cynical narrator Lily – played by Odessa Young.

It’s supposed to be femminist, but the film delights in showing its heroines cornered: a knife pushed into Lily’s mouth, held by her assaulter, or a noose being tightened around Lily’s friend Bex – portrayed by Hari Nef – in an attempted hate crime. For all of Lily’s devastating monologues on girlhood and autonomy, the movie seems incredibly contingent on voyeurism. This wasn’t something missed by critics. “The filmmakers have the gall to spend nearly two hours assaulting the audience with sexualized violence, only to turn around and offer up a patronizing lecture on the contradictory social conditioning of women as some kind of grrrl power rallying cry,” wrote Katie Walsh on “Nation” for the Los Angeles Times. For the same reasons, audiences rated “Assasaination Nation” a 55/100 on Rotten Tomatoes.

For Levinson, the takeaways from “Assasaination Nation”’s critical reviews should have instigated a push to do better by his female protagonists. And it did, for the most part, in the first season of “Euphoria.” But in season two, his heroines become boxed in by their own storylines, just as “Assassination Nation”’s were. Fight they can, but catch a break they cannot. Between “Assasination Nation” and the second season of “Euphoria,” we’re supposed to accept when Levinson’s female protagonists implode into one-dimensional shells of their former selves, simply because we’re shown how they were traumatized into it.

“You can control what I eat, what I wear,” says Cassie to Nate in a stomach-churning, pastellit monologue. Levinson wants us to accept the monologue as reasonable, because we saw everything that brought Cassie to the point of delivering it. And boom, that’s where the season leaves her.

If Levinson wants to keep developing his characters, he’s going to have to move past aestheticizing the hell his female protagonists go through and start focusing on how to let them keep their autonomy and multidimensionality in the face of it. There’s a line between realistic depictions of trauma and trauma porn that Levinson has failed to acknowledge, and it’s biting him in the butt. It’s not clear if Levinson can uncancel himself before the third season of “Euphoria,” but getting a writers’ room couldn’t hurt.

Photo Courtesy of CREATIVE COMMONS FALL FROM GRACE: Sam Levinson’s failure in “Euphoria” can be traced from his earlier work, “Assasination Nation.”

MEDIA REVIEW

Careful of anthropological clickbaits

By JASON FRANK

JUSTICE STAFF WRITER

In recent years, a genre of YouTube videos purporting to document implicit human opinions has quietly dominated one corner of the platform. Channels like WatchCut and Jubilee are regularly releasing videos that attempt to put people in situations where their implicit biases will be revealed through a series of heightened questions.

Cut is known for a few different games, including Truth or Drink, where people with varying types of relationships are forced to answer uncomfortable questions or take a shot; 1000 to 1, in which groups of people determine who amongst themselves should receive $1000; and, in particular, Line Up, which forces individuals to categorize people they’ve just met.

Some examples of their videos include “Gay Man Guesses People’s Sexual Orientation,” “We Had an Abortion | Truth or Drink,” or “Kids Meet Guys with Felonies.”

Channels like Cut and Jubilee bill themselves under the idea that watching their videos will make you a better person and the internet a better place. Jubilee, whose videos include “Strangers Rank Themselves by Attractiveness” and “Blind Dating Six Guys Based on Their Outfits,” opens many of their videos with the phrase “Hey good humans!” Cut, meanwhile, says of themselves on their website that “Small questions have powerful effects when they go viral. Cut spreads stories for fun, for serious, and for real – bringing the internet together one awkward moment at a time.”

There is an implicit belief in these companies, or at least a marketing push, that they are inherently creating empathy and probing at stereotypes by portraying awkwardness on screen for many eyes.

One of Cut’s former producers, Christopher Chan, is a trained “visual anthropologist” and has said that Cut is creating a version of anthropology that is consumable for mass audiences. By portraying awkward situations, situations that wouldn’t exist in typical life, or situations that wouldn’t typically be on camera, they are creating something eminently watchable yet informative.

Yet, what’s difficult about this version of what Cut or Jubilee are doing is that it’s not really a version of anthropology. At their most interesting, these videos represent the raw data collection that would make up anthropological analysis. These videos include “Black Parents Explain How to Deal with the Police.” Simply the process of putting this act on camera can be helpful and interesting in terms of analysis., but there isn’t any analysis in that video.

Anthropology, or any social science, is not simply a process of collecting raw emotion and information; it’s also about contextualizing it. Cut doesn’t typically include contextualization in their content. Instead, they simply allow that data to be consumed by mass audiences, with it regularly going viral due to their enticing titles.

“Black Parents Explain How to Deal with the Police” is a harrowing watch. Many of the children cry, many of the parents are at a loss for words, and the need to explain police brutality is shown for the horror that it is. “Black Parents Explain How to Deal with the Police” has also been acknowledged by Cut as one of their most hated videos.

I bring up the hate, not in an attempt to persecute Cut because racists watched their videos; they cannot prevent that. What I do think is worth noting is that those same people are going to be the actual anthropologists in this situation.

Cut has a particularly active comment section, and many of their posts go viral on Facebook as well as on YouTube, prompting even more discussion there. Given the “raw data” nature of their videos, it’s unsurprising that so many people turn to the comment section in hopes that other viewers can provide the context that the video lacks.

Sometimes that can be helpful, but it can also be extremely hurtful, as commenters are not guaranteed any level of expertise. For “Black Parents Explain How to Deal with the Police” to be one of their most hated videos means that those commenters are doing the work for their readers that Cut isn’t. They are explaining the data.

Presenting trauma in this way is guaranteed to stir up emotion, and emotion translates to virality, which is great for Cut. What emotion is not synonymous with is insight. Many of the comments on “Black Parents Explain How to Deal with the Police” are recent, though the video came out in 2017, and include sentiments like “the fact that this was made 2 YEARS ago really says something.” A well-meaning comment, yes, but one that does not acknowledge the systemic violence that the video is the result of. Two years is minor in the scheme of police brutality because it’s part of a system that has existed for centuries. Cut does not educate in videos like this one. They stir emotion.

I don’t mean to demonize these videos or disregard any potential for good that they might do. But, I do contest the mission statement that they intend to “bring the internet together” or that they have the ability to create inherent understanding through this content. What they’re showing is that they have the ability to stir emotion, which is valuable, but it necessitates a dual process of education to be truly effective.

Previously, Cut has produced videos such as “Chansplaining” that contextualized some of their choices in the past, but that series was canceled due to low views. If they want to be more than clickbait, they should probably Chansplain some more.

STAFF’S Top Ten

JACK YUANWEI CHENG/the Justice Top 10 Taylor Swift songs … again

By CAMERON CUSHING

JUSTICE MANAGING EDITOR

Since I first joined the Justice in 2019, we’ve been blessed with “folklore,” “evermore,” and Taylor’s Version of both “Fearless” and “Red.” Here’s my ranking of the new and vault tracks.

1. All Too Well (10 Minute Version) 2. august 3. ivy 4. the lakes (original version) 5. I Bet You Think About Me (feat. Chris Stapleton) 6. marjorie 7. my tears ricochet 8. coney island (feat. The National) 9. The Very First Night 10. Mr. Perfectly Fine

HOROSCOPES

MEGAN LIAO/the Justice

By MADDY DULONG

JUSTICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Aries

An eventful week for you this week, Aries! With the full moon in Virgo approaching this Friday (as well as the warmer weather) you could feel motivated to be more physical this week! Take a walk, go for a bike ride, or even join a club sport (as Aries is ruled by the competitive Mars). Get some of this extra energy out now because the Sun enters Aries at the end of this week on March 19, and you will be at the center of attention for the next month after that! This full moon also falls into your sixth house, ruling health and wellness. Take extra time to be good to yourself mentally and physically this week. Cancer

This week may carry severe throwback energy for you, Cancer! The full moon in Virgo on Friday lands in your third house of childhood and early life. Maybe make plans to go visit your hometown this weekend, or even reach out to a childhood friend. Keep an eye out for local events in the area as well, the nicer weather is likely to bring out new opportunities for local fun! Be prepared for this upcoming Aries season, though. The Sun enters Aries and your tenth house of success on Sunday, this is your time to be ambitious and really go for what you want! You may find opportunities in the next month that lead you to new horizons! Virgo

You are the center of attention this week, Virgo! This year’s only full moon in Virgo falls into your first house of self this Friday — take full advantage of it! Move yourself forward toward a life you have been planning to live. Don’t let yourself be held back by fear or anxiety, this full moon energy paired with the upcoming Aries season will give you the confidence you need to do what you want! If you have had a long-term project or journey you have been working on, now is the time to show it off! This Aries season sees the Sun entering your eighth house of intimacy and finances. You may see some changes in who you feel drawn to or in who is drawn to you. Take time to reflect, and don’t worry about being selective about who you surround yourself with, you deserve the best, Virgo! Capricorn

Friday’s full moon in Virgo illuminating your ninth house of wisdom will open mental doors for you this week, Capricorn! Whether or not you may want it to, this full moon will illuminate your values and ethics this week, and it is up to you what you want to do with this newfound information. Think of it as calibrating your emotions and attention. Follow your wants and desires this week and perhaps you will find yourself a new hobby or discover a new journey for yourself! You may find yourself hibernating during this upcoming Aries season which lands in your fourth house of domesticity. Take this time to make your home a place you want it to be. Add some extra decor, maybe figure out your living situation for next year, or find a new roommate or apartment.

Taurus

Get the spring cleaning underway, Taurus! This week’s upcoming full moon in the micromanaging Virgo falls into your fifth house of self expression and creativity. Perhaps take this energy and rearrange your room, hang some new posters, or finally buy that decor you’ve been saving in your Amazon cart for weeks! Take the last week of Pisces season to use up the last of your eleventh house social energy before the Sun settles in Aries on Sunday in your twelfth house. Don’t worry, Taurus, your time is coming. Use the Aries season to rest and recharge before your birthday season next month!

Gemini

Dust off your spring cleaning supplies, Gemini, this week’s full moon in Virgo lands in your fourth house of domesticity, so prepare for some serious clutter-clearing this week! Keep in mind, a clutter-free house does not equal a clutter-free mind. Take some time to also clear up your mind, get your priorities where you want them, and take care of yourself. This would also be the time to begin a search for a roommate or new apartment if you need to. Don’t worry, the Sun enters Aries this Sunday in your eleventh house of teamwork, so you may see your friend group growing, or perhaps join a friend group yourself! Take advantage of this! Leo

Be on the lookout this week, Leo! The full moon in Virgo this Friday lands in your second house of values and habits, and this may illuminate several things in your life. Keep an eye out for people who may not support your values. Also look out for red flags in your own behavior, as the second house also rules self-worth. Make sure you are loving yourself the way you deserve, because you know better than anyone what you deserve, Leo! This Sunday’s move into Aries season in your ninth house of adventure, travel, and wisdom may lead you to plan several trips and journeys for the year ahead. Whether this is a physical journey or an emotional one, take this upcoming Aries season to embrace it, and allow it to energize you.

Scorpio

If your social energy has been drained recently, it is coming back with a bang this Friday under the full moon in Virgo in your eleventh house of community, Scorpio! Use this time and energy to hang out with friends you haven’t seen in a while, or make plans with acquaintances who may not be in your circle yet but soon may be! If you have been working on a group project recently, this may be the time it will come to fruition. Use this as an excuse to celebrate! Group projects consume a lot of energy, you deserve a celebration! This Sunday sees the start of Aries season as the Sun falls in your sixth house of health and organization! Use this as an excuse for some spring cleaning, and maybe even start a new workout or skincare routine! Libra

This Friday’s upcoming full moon in Virgo falls in your twelfth house of healing and closure, Libra! Use this transitional time to allow yourself to heal and leave things behind. A situation may be at a crossroads, and you may need to use this time to discover what exactly you want. This may also illuminate endings or conclusions, giving you deeper insight into why things happened and allowing you to move forward. Don’t worry though, this Sunday brings the Sun into your sister sign of Aries and your seventh house of relationships! Take this extra energy to remember your values before you blindly accept the first opportunity that comes to you. You are worthy of someone who will support you and your values, Libra!

Sagittarius

This Friday’s full moon in Virgo shows the fruit of your labors the past few months Sagittarius! If you have been working hard on something, this illuminating full moon in your 10th house of success is the time to show it off! This could open doors for you in the future, use it to your advantage! Set up some meetings with connections in your industry, or attend a connecting event in the next few weeks, it may give you opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise. The Sun enters Aries in your fifth house of romance this Sunday. If you are currently in a relationship, this may provide you with some extra energy romantically. Go out on a nice date, or spend some quality time together this Aries season! If you are not in a relationship, this may be the time to put yourself out there. You are a magnet during this upcoming Aries season. Sagittarius, don’t let that go to waste! Aquarius

This upcoming full moon in Virgo lands in your eighth house of intimacy and relationships on Friday! Use this to further relationships in your life you want to keep around, and perhaps end relationships you don’t want around. This is also the house of finances, so some financial opportunities may be illuminated around this time as well — keep an eye out for those! The Sun enters Aries in your third house of communication this Sunday. Remind yourself to communicate with others clearly, as an air sign you may forget that not everyone can read your mind, and communication may become messy as a result. It may be worth using this young, Aries, energy to try new things this upcoming season. Don’t feel the need to jump into new things, but dipping your toe in to test the waters is never a bad idea!

Pisces

Pisces season is leaving us at the end of this week! All the energy you may have felt this Pisces season is here to stay! Aries season this Sunday is always full of youthful energy, so you won’t be left in the cold this week, Pisces. This upcoming full moon in Virgo on Friday lands in your seventh house of relationships. This can illuminate several things in your current relationships, whether positive or negative. If you are feeling stuck in a relationship, this may show you some insight on what to do. This Sunday’s shift into Aries season may leave you feeling more motivated than you have felt recently. Take this opportunity to do something you have been putting off, or try something you have never done before!