'Dare Me' Season 1 Episode 1: The obsession with weight loss among athletes highlights beginning of the thriller series

This article contains spoilers for 'Dare Me' Season 1 Episode 1 'Coup d'état' 

'Coup d'état', the first episode of USA Networks' 'Dare Me', depicted the overthrow of a highly angst-filled group of teenagers. While Beth tried to come to terms with Coach Collete now running the show, Addy saw this as an opportunity for recognition outside the town. In the midst of the coming-of-age thriller, there were undeniable hints of social issues that hit a sensitive nerve, one of which was the portrayal of teenage girls utilizing bad habits to lose weight.

Athletes have to compete against more than just their colleagues and the teams around their state, they're competing against thousands of other athletes who want the same golden ticket they do. This brings about the pressure that some can cave under, while some may like the intensity of it. The need to be better, and prove yourself is a hard cross to bear, and the show highlights the strict diligence of teenage girls who want to make it big.

The first episode was quite direct in showcasing the 'fit' bodies of these young women and what they are willing to put their bodies through. With comments that could be considered vile, Coach Collete runs a tight ship. She holds the belly fat of a junior squad member, saying, "This, we don't do this" while demeaning their "gummy bear" thighs. Understandably, coaches focus on strict training especially with a body taxing sport like cheerleading but how much is too much?

Intense athletic training is a must when it comes to teams that are competing on a regional level, but scenes like young girls purging and fantasizing about protruding rib cages isn't the right way to go about that. While Addy who adores the new coach zooms in on Collete's ribs on a picture, she epitomizes the obsession young woman have with weight and idolizing society's body ideals. In another scene, Beth kicks a young cheerleader who is trying to purge, in the gut, to help her vomit - another inkling of what it's like growing up under the intense pressure to not only be great at something but to look 'good' doing it.

While perfect flips and wobbly handstands seem to be the least of the cheerleader's concerns, it looks like weight loss may not be the only thing that strikes off-balance socially. We don't know where the storyline takes us as of yet, and although it may look like portrayals of young women like this can influence young minds, it may be so that it brings up a conversation about a mindset that plagues far too many young women. We really hope it's the latter.