Fast times at Euphoria High have come to an end. Four years after the HBO series’ second season, our favorite trauma-bonded teens graduated to the real world in the season three premiere on Sunday, April 12. Marriage. Careers. Quarter-life crises. They’re all under way. But just like the truth about adulthood, do we want all these ‘sponsirbileries?

The road to the third season has been as perilous as Rue’s opening journey across the border. An excellent season two was backwashed with rumors of workplace toxicity, leading to a cast member’s departure. Then, tragedy struck thrice with cast members Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, and EP Kevin Turen passing away. A final omen arrived just last week, with artist Labrinth confirming his departure as series composer, a role he’s held since the beginning.

It seemed the gods did not want this show to prosper. And while it tops the charts on the WBD-owned platform, fans and critics have other thoughts. Premiering with a meager 47% Rotten Tomatoes score, it seems our favorite drug addict’s trek up the rough side of the mountain is a miss.

I was genuinely excited for its return, especially given the new cast announcements dropped throughout the last year. And the trailer teasing Rue’s escape from Laurie to a new adversary seemed interesting, along with the glimpses of everyone else’s current lives.

Lexi and Maddie both find themselves ascending in the entertainment industry as assistants. Meanwhile Cassie is taking a number from Kat’s storyline as an earnest cam girl creator. Her career aspirations are frowned upon by husband, Nate, who struggles to maintain his father’s construction company.

A bright side is Rue’s faith journey, giving us a great scene between Zendaya and Colman Domingo’s Ali. And the choice to keep Cloud’s Fezco alive — albeit off screen in prison — not only makes narrative sense but is a sweet way to honor the young actor.

However, Rue’s debt to Laurie seems hyperbole, even for this show. Plus, it’s traded its signature opaque aura for a more rugged, boots-on-the-ground experience. Yes, Levinson understands cinema as the show looks incredible, but it just isn’t what made us fall in love.

If EYE was Sam, I’d ventured through our main cast’s lives backwards, as they prepare for a class reunion; 10 years if not five years later. This way we have them coming back to the beginning a la Yellowjackets without the wilderness cannibalism. That would have resulted in enough change to warrant a bit more interest.

I’m going to give it the three-episode try, but can’t help but lament that this used to be my playground.

New episodes of Euphoria arrive Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.