Cassie vs. Maddy: The Portrayal of Women in “Euphoria”

“Euphoria” is a show that has gained notoriety for its drama filled, provocative nature. The show’s main character is Rue Bennett, played by Zendaya, who is a drug addict. The show follows Rue’s perspective as she copes with her addiction. Outside of Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue, “Euphoria” gained popularity for its mostly female-lead cast. The women of “Euphoria” represent the different paths that are followed on the destination to womanhood and how female friendships and relationships are often placemarkers of growth. The characters of Cassie and Maddy, played by Sydney Sweeney and Alexa Demie, have started conversations on the power and impact of female friendships. 

Season two of “Euphoria” begins with Cassie sleeping with Maddie’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Nate. This is out of character for Cassie, as she and Maddy share a sisterly bond, and this would be the ultimate betrayal to her best friend. Cassie’s actions are inexcusable, however the conversation surrounding both girls' relationship dynamics with Nate have been eerily misconstrued and poorly interpreted. 

For starters, the Cassie vs. Maddy rivalry should not exist, as the narrative is that they would be competing over a serial abuser. While the show never hides Nate’s abuse, the choice to put him at the center of conflict between two women and string along a potential “cat fight” throughout the season is irresponsible. Fans became so eager to see both girls enter a physical altercation, even going as far to being on #TeamCassie or #TeamMaddy without thinking about what both girls would really be fighting for. Cassie is not Maddy’s greatest threat, and the same can be said for Maddy, as their biggest battles lie with misogyny and abuse. Essentially, Cassie and Maddy are both victims. 

Yes, Cassie is a victim. People should not turn a blind eye to a woman’s suffering just because her actions are disagreeable. Throughout her whole life, her worth has been attributed to her body, and the absence of her father has left her without a sense of self — leading her into relationships where she tries to find her worth in the way men see her. What Cassie does not realize is that Nate is not in pursuit of her, but what she represents for his sense of self as a man, which continues Cassie’s cycle of falling victim to misogyny. 

Conversations surrounding intersectionality are important when addressing the realities of women of color, and that is where “Euphoria” tends to miss the mark. Little is said about Maddy’s identity as a Latina woman in the face of abuse. On TikTok alone, there are countless edits portraying Maddy and Nate’s relationship as simply “toxic.” Maddy’s persona of being confrontational in her relationship with Nate often blinds people to her victimhood. When thinking of their relationship, it is important to remember that abuse stems from power imbalances, and who benefits from power more than a white man? But, how could this perspective be accurately portrayed when the writer’s room of “Euphoria” consists of one white man?

The belief that Sam Levinson often neglects and misinterprets his female characters is accurate, as it is the reason why Barbie Ferreira exited the show following season two’s stark portrayal of Kat. The story arc for Kat in season two very much exemplifies the phrase, “Go girl, give us nothing.” Speculations about the standstill of Kat’s storyline began when there were rumors of Barbie Ferreira and Sam Levinson arguing on set about where Levinson was going with the character. Ultimately, Ferreira’s exit from the show was no surprise. 

While the show is not perfect, “Euphoria Sundays” are truly missed. “Euphoria” has been groundbreaking in creating serious conversations within Gen Z, and hopefully the expansion of a writers room can continue to cultivate more fruitful discussions in the future.