Things are getting even more muddle on ‘Euphoria.’
In the latest episode, there is much on the line as the consequences of the main characters’ actions continue to haunt them.
Join us below for a recap of season 2 episode 8 of the show…
This week’s episode begins with Rue (Zendaya) receiving some pleasure from Jules. She fakes an orgasm, which helps to further prove how her addiction is starting to seep into other areas of her life since she cannot focus herself in this moment.
The encounter is awkward for both Rue and Jules, who discusses it with Elliot. He asks Jules to demonstrate and the pair go back and forth, which leads them to making out. They only stop when Rue texts Elliot to let him know that she is outside. This was an interesting scene, as Elliot was poised to be the “chill” kind of guy and now he is intruding on someone else’s relationship. In some ways it goes against the character that had been shown to us up to this point.
Afterwards, a montage is shown with Cassie. She can be seen celebrating Maddy’s birthday all the while Maddy and Nate appear to be rekindling their former relationship. Both Maddy and Cassie are juxtaposed to each other. In an ironic twist, Cassie and Nate end up the ones fighting – even if it is over part in forming a rift between Nate and Maddy – and Maddy and Nate talk about how much they care for one another. While the drama creates for some interesting viewing, it can be certainly taxing sometimes, as these tropes have been played out again and again.
There is a nice moment after this where Maddy and Kat have a heart-to-heart about what is bothering her and it makes for quality viewing, because rarely is this side of either character seen.
Elsewhere, Rue, Elliot, and Jules go on a mission to steal a beer from a local store. They do and Rue drinks it at an alarming rate. This is a clear sign that Rue’s addiction is taking over and beginning to dominate her relationships again. This scene is proof that Jules has reservations about their future.
Where this show has always been groundbreaking is in its emotional scenes. There was no absence of them this week as Rue makes her way to a. church, where she apologizes to her late father for who she has become.
However, the show’s most powerful scene comes with Cal. He drives to the bar where he and Derek danced and kissed in last week’s episode. Getting drunk, he returns home and reveals to his family his sexual history with men and blames them for stunting his emotional growth. He then leaves. Honestly, Cal was one character that everyone loved to hate at the beginning of the show, but now, he is one of the show’s core characters. He is a prime example of grief, grieving for his lost self, for the life he could have had and done. You let it fester long enough, and the consequences can be dire.