The highly anticipated season three finale of “Euphoria,” entitled “In God We Trust,” has concluded on HBO, delivering a dramatic and poignant ending to a series that has captivated audiences since its debut. The much-discussed episode was aired on 31 May, featuring a flurry of shocking revelations and heart-wrenching moments that left fans both stunned and reflective.
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Throughout the season, the main character Rue Bennett, portrayed by Zendaya, has faced numerous challenges, including substance abuse and personal turmoil. In a turn of events that many had speculated could come, Rue tragically overdoses on laced painkillers dispensed by fellow character Alamo Brown, played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. According to Sam Levinson, the show’s creator, this final act serves as a raw reflection of reality, emphasising that “people like Rue don’t make it.” Levinson articulated his desire to tell an unvarnished story, asserting that many individuals battling addiction do not receive the chance for redemption.
The impact of Rue’s storyline is further compounded by the loss of actor Angus Cloud, who played Fez. Cloud’s untimely death following an accidental overdose in July 2023 casts an additional shadow over the series. Although Fez remains with us in season three, his brief appearance in the finale features Rue dreaming of their reunion, which adds to the episode’s emotional weight.
The finale does not shy away from further tragedy. Laurie’s character, portrayed by Martha Kelly, also meets a grim fate as the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) closes in on her drug operation. In a harrowing choice, Laurie opts for suicide rather than imprisonment. Kelly shared her initial reactions to this plot twist, expressing both the shock of the ending and a sense of accomplishment in executing her character’s stunts.
In a chilling conclusion, Rue’s mentor Ali, played by Colman Domingo, discovers Rue’s lifeless body on his sofa, prompting a violent response that sees him confront and fatally shoot Alamo at a strip club. Domingo had already hinted at the episode’s impact in previous interviews, asserting that the finale would “smack people in the face,” and that the high stakes had been carefully orchestrated over the preceding seasons.
The season’s momentum was set by an earlier episode in which another significant character, Nate Jacobs, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, meets his demise in an unexpected manner, adding layers of complexity to the finale. Sweeney, who plays Cassie, is left in the aftermath, weeping in their mansion alone, a poignant visual that encapsulates the series’ exploration of heartbreak and isolation.
In promoting the finale, Zendaya hinted that this could be the closing chapter for “Euphoria.” She spoke of the transformative journey her character has represented, appreciating how playing Rue has shaped her own understanding of empathy and redemption. The actress has made history with her two Emmy Awards for this role, emphasising her deep personal connection to the character and the overall narrative.
Despite Zendaya’s remarks, Levinson has maintained a degree of ambiguity regarding the show’s future. He emphasises that each season is written as though it could be the last, leaving fans to ponder whether “Euphoria” might rise again in a different form. Reflecting on the emotional journey the production team has undertaken, Levinson acknowledges the considerable effort invested across departments, underscoring that if this indeed marks the finale, it has been done with both care and significance.
As the dust settles on season three, “Euphoria” continues to resonate with its audience and stands as a profound commentary on the trials of young adulthood in a modern landscape fraught with challenges. A multitude of highs and lows echo throughout the series, leaving viewers with a sense of closure, yet a yearning for what might come next. For now, the entire series is available for streaming on HBO Max, allowing fans to delve back into the poignant tales that have left a lasting impact.