'Euphoria' Season 2 Episode 3 Review: Cal's past explored in blurry sex-filled chapter

What makes the show more riveting is the fact that it operates on a level that blurs the line between fantasy and reality
PUBLISHED JAN 24, 2022
Cal Jacobs in a still from 'Euphoria' (HBO)
Cal Jacobs in a still from 'Euphoria' (HBO)

'Euphoria' Season 2 Episode 3 puts the spotlight on Cal Jacobs' teen days. The first 15 minutes of the episode are all about Cal, his INXS summer, and exploring his sexuality. And just a quick heads-up: The sex tape with Jules is actually in Maddy's possession. The latest chapter also puts focus on Lexi, the drifting of Rue and Jules, more raunchy sex between Nate and Cassie. There's also that part where the show shows that drugs, despite being glorified, become a social message that will spiral out.

The episode opens with Cal as a high school student and his best friend Derick who lead their lives listening to INXS, wrestling in school practice, meet and date chicas, and graduate — but not before it ends with a gay bar kiss sequence. Cal's life is shattered when he learns that his girlfriend is pregnant. Whether it is Nate as the baby is unknown, but he cries. Meanwhile, Rue realizes that she is high and her relationship with Jules gets worse, especially after Elliot shares a moment with the latter.

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On the other end, Cassie has been waking up at 4 AM in the morning to spend more time on her aggressive self-care routine. The side benefits: It's also for Nate to notice her in the halls. However, the man doesn't so much as shoot a glance. The episode also sees her come close to telling Maddy that she's in love with Nate who actually is a creep and hooks up with her while his parents listen downstairs. Now all of this with Cal in the present getting bashed by Fez before telling him that his son is in love with Jules. Perplexed? So are we.

It's been quite the rollercoaster ride and 'Euphoria' never fails to amaze. What makes the show more riveting is the fact that it operates on a level that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Add in the drugs and the sex, it can get a bit too toxic at times, but such is the tone of the show. 'Euphoria' isn't for the faint of heart.

'Euphoria' airs Sunday nights at 9 pm on HBO.

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