High-five if Euphoria S2 episode 5’s teaser has made you fear for Rue’s life. The blaring sirens, the characters mourning and the general lack of adult Rue (no narration, no appearance) cannot be a good sign.
Since there are four more episodes left in season 2 (and it has been renewed for S3), we know that Rue cannot die. But that does not mean things can’t get even worse for her.
At the end of Euphoria S2 episode 4, after getting upset with Jules and Elliot, a drunk Rue is seen doing drugs which could either be heroin, fentanyl or benzos. Rue does not die but it is a major possibility that she has overdosed.
Still, since the show is following so many different arcs, it is completely possible that the trailer is pointing to big trouble in the other characters’ storylines.
All of Rue’s visions are quite enlightening and episode 4’s in particular feels like Rue has laid herself bare for us to inspect, and perhaps even prophesize her fate in the episodes to come.
Because of how these visions have played out, I don’t think Rue died at the end of episode 4 but it does give us some clue about what to expect. Let’s dive into it:
Understanding Rue’s Visions in Euphoria S2 Episode 4
The episode begins with Rue and Jules sharing an intimate moment, which Rue in reality literally cannot feel because she’s jacked up on drugs.
Regardless, she declares that she is immensely in love with Jules, and we go through the couple recreating a montage of iconic romances, including Titanic and animated Sleeping Beauty.
From all of Rue’s visions, this one seems the most hopeful and happy.
But as the episode takes a turn for the worst and Jules becomes increasingly suspicious of Rue’s mood (and what’s causing it?), the two end up fighting in Elliot’s car. Rue orders Elliot to drop her off the side of the road, and walks home. After that, we all know she’s bound to have her nose down in some powder.
We enter a rather evocative vision, with Labrinth himself singing his song “I’m Tired.” It’s a fitting choice, since that is exactly how Rue feels — She is tired of trying to be sober, pretending to be sober and keeping up appearances just so that others feel better. She’s tired of lying to her family and friends.
Rue is also tired of her dysfunctional relationship with Jules. She is so addicted to the euphoria that Jules makes her feel, that she attaches herself to her even when Jules does not offer that commitment back. There are also parallels running between both Rue’s dad and Jules and the happiness and comfort that bring Jules. Which is why Rue ultimately forgives Jules for leaving her at the train station.
Lastly, as Euphoria’s specials depict, a suicidal Rue is tired of life too.
So, it is even more fitting that she walks into a church, in what some may theorize (and I agree) is her own funeral. After all, what better place to rest in peace when you’re tired of life. This vision is a stark contrast to the one at the beginning of the episode, and it gives us both sides of the coin: the reasons why Rue wants to live, and the reasons she wants to die.
But that’s when Rue’s father appears, embracing her and telling her she’s a good person. Rue’s grief has been eating her up at the core, and even though she refuses to acknowledge it, drug abuse is how she’s choosing to numb it.
At the end of the vision, we see Rue back in her room hugging the air. This alone makes me feel that Rue hasn’t died, and hopefully she hasn’t overdosed either — but, it’s always better to be prepared for the worst.
About Euphoria
Euphoria is a teen drama on HBO that is loosely based on the Israeli series of the same name. The series is written by Sam Levinson and stars Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, and others.
The show revolves around Rue, a teen drug addict who is also suffering from Bipolar disorder. She meets Jules, a transwoman, and falls in love with her. Euphoria deals with themes of sexual violence, addiction, trauma, and self-identity.
The series was renewed for season 3 in February 2022.
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