‘Dare Me’ Episode 3: Fans slam USA Network show for queerbaiting ‘with a lot of homoerotic subtext’

The viewers have expressed on social media that there’s more to the complexity of the characters than meets the eye, but queerbaiting isn’t serving the show well.
Beth Cassidy and Addy Hanlon (USA Network)
Beth Cassidy and Addy Hanlon (USA Network)

From stereotypical high school cheerleaders to quintessential evil coach, USA Network’s latest thriller series, ‘Dare Me’, has managed to create quite the buzz on television. With each passing episode, it has not only proved its potential to emerge as one of the best coming-of-age teenage oriented series, but also tickled our brains with its mystery element, realistic portrayal of the cut-throat competition in the cheerleading world and misdirected youthful exuberance. 

However, amidst all this, we are teased with a lot of romance and sexual tension between the characters. Similarly, the latest episode, ‘Surrender at Discretion’, hints at sexual relationship between Addy and Beth, but fans aren’t too convinced with this twist in the plot.

The viewers have expressed on social media that there’s more to the complexity of the characters than meets the eye, but queerbaiting isn’t serving the show well. 

One of ‘Dare Me’ fans tweeted, “I just don’t have words for that ending because I’m confused. So Addy and Beth are friends with benefits?? Is this show gonna get gay for real or is it just queerbaiting with a lot of homoerotic subtext that goes nowhere? bc I need to know #dareme”

“Is this show gonna get gay for real or is it just queerbaiting with a lot of homoerotic subtext that goes nowhere? #dareme,” another added. 

While some have lamented about ‘Dare Me’ using the romance between same-sex to lure viwers into watching the show, the rest are seen trying to comprehend Beth and Addy’s feelings for each other. . 

“Ah, and there goes another week of trying to figure out if Beth is super gay for Addy or what. I cannot. #DareMe,” wrote a fan. 

“This episode of #dareme has me screaming it’s so gay. Beth is pining after Addy while Addy is pining after coach. Amazing.”

Meanwhile, a few are already shipping Colette and Addy, eagerly waiting to watch an illicit affair between the coach and her squad member. 

“I  have a feeling that Addy and Colette are going to hook up some how #DareMe,” read a comment.

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