Zendaya plays Rue Bennett, a teen dealing with a whirlwind of issues surrounding her struggles with drug addiction in the hit HBO Max series, ‘Euphoria.’
Courtesy of HBO
By Ashley George
Spoiler alert
If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the hit HBO Max series that has completely rattled us –– “Euphoria.” I could go on forever about each episode of the series, but what we need to discuss is how the last episode left us –– empty and questioning everything.
Let’s begin with Nate and Cal Jacobs (to get them out of the way).
Talk about trauma. I’m not going to say I am surprised about the ending for this pair in season two, but the gun Nate had insinuated a different outcome.
While both Nate and Cal’s nightmares have come true, it seems like Nate is thriving off the chaos ensuing (I mean, look at what he did to Maddy) and the revenge he got on his dad. Cal, on the other hand, is probably regretting not fleeing the country.
Speaking of Maddy, are we all surprised with how soft she went on Cassie? Sure, she slapped her and shoved her into a wall, but I think we were all expecting her to essentially pull a Fezco and really unleash.
Aside from that, season three better be kind to Maddy, and I hope she realizes her worth –– starting with dropping Nate Jacobs for good.
Side note, do you think it was awkward for Kat to watch a play with her ex as the star acting out prominent moments in her life?
Cassie going ballistic was probably the least of her concerns until it actually happened, which brings me to her. Cas, what are you doing?
First of all, she’s not “playing the villain,” she literally is the villain (or at least one of them). There was a point in time when I felt bad for her because I really wanted to keep liking her, but after she slept with her best friend’s abusive ex, lie about it and then publicly humiliate her sister for calling out her toxic behaviors, all bets are off.
I was also left wondering where she went because I am boldly assuming she did not go home following the play and Nate, allegedly, wants nothing more to do with her.
Let’s move on to Rue and Jules –– with an emphasis on Rue.
Seeing her sober and processing her emotions in a healthy way was heartwarming. What is concerning now, however, is her claiming she stayed sober for the rest of the school year. Does that mean season three entails more drug abuse from Rue?
And are we in agreement that Laurie set up some sick unbeknownst connections to pay off some of Rue’s debt? This is one of the many plotholes that need filling.
At least we have Elliot’s song to listen to for the next two years while we wait. I’m sure we can get through it at least once.
As for Jules, it was sweet that she went over to Rue, but it was a little soon. Also, what is her status with Elliot? I’m scared to find out (but ready, nonetheless).
Finally, we have the dreaded Ash, Fezco, Faye and Custer debacle.
I wish so badly that two things would have happened prior to the police shootout in the hallway. First, Faye should have warned them the minute Custer pulled her around to the back and tipped her off as to what was coming. Second, Fezco should have explicitly detailed his plan and the potential dangers that could follow if Ashtray didn’t listen.
Despite the theories of Ash still being alive, no matter what happened once the gunshots stopped firing, I can’t imagine it is good. I guess we’ll find out in 2024.
Ashley George is a digital communication and multimedia journalism major at the St. Petersburg campus.
