One of the best episodes of the series and damn well should get Zendaya another Emmy! I love how wild season 2 is Euphoria never fails to captivate me no matter how I feel. Has a sequence that reminded me of Mr. Robot when Elliot was chased in the 4th season which is one of my favorite creations in television like most of Euphoria. Rue goes through so much it's genius, dark, masterfully filmed, and emotional in all the right ways I love everything about this!
126 Reviews
A masterclass in emotional devastation
thefendiprint7 February 2022
This is easily one of the greatest episodes of Euphoria ever!!! Zendaya's performance in this episode deserves every award possible. As always the show continues to elevate upon its own mastery and is still as visceral and devastating as ever. Absolutely a 10/10!
"I can't do this."
CulvertonSmith7 February 2022
Euphoria has never been better; this was emotional, devastating, intense, and absolutely enthralling. The opening 20 minutes were just incredible, so emotionally raw and real that I quickly found myself heartbroken and sad, but also scared. I was hooked right from the start and this episode never lost my attention. Zendaya's performance throughout this entire piece is nothing short of perfection, she sells every single moment in a believable and authentic way. I hope this episode brings her another Emmy nomination and possibly a win, as she deserves to be recognized for her fantastic work. I love when Euphoria can connect with me on an emotional level as much as this one did, which is why it stands out to me as a strong contender for the best episode of the show. Spectacular, this one is everything that I love about Euphoria.
Best episode of the entire series
agentsofsword7 February 2022
Breathtaking Emmy worthy episode
goldenlampshade7 February 2022
The directions Sam Levinson goes with this episode, specifically how Rue's addiction gnarls and twists and explodes and depresses her is some of the most true to form and exquisite handling of the disorder I've ever seen. Zendaya buckles down and carries so much of this episode by selling absolute desperation, reckless abandon, utter hatred and every emotion in between. Another Emmy win worthy turn from her that I hope the Television Academy will recognize and reward. She deserves to sweep the SAGs Golden Globes Critics Choice you name it, Euphoria has never been more popular and the community it brings together is something really special; the fact that she can act with such extraordinary force for her age is a wonderful sign of it being only the beginning of an illustrious and successful career. Z is just so talented there's simply nothing else to say.
Yup, life of an addict
Trey_Trebuchet7 February 2022
While this episode definitely felt dramatized just a bit (mostly just the chase), I have yet to see another movie or show that captures addiction in such an authentic, realistic way.
Zendaya's performance in this whole show is perhaps one of my favorite performances by an actor EVER. I never would have guessed that the dancing teen from Disney Channel would do something so riveting. I grew up with a sister who was addicted to drugs for a good while, and Rue looks and acts just like she did when she was using. It's seriously uncanny.
The supporting cast was excellent too, especially King and Reid.
This whole episode was nonstop. Reminded me a bit of Good Time, staring Robert Pattinson. Not only was it nail-biting, but it even managed to further a couple of the plots in the process. I'm very interested in seeing where everyone goes from here, especially Cassie and Maddie and the whole Nate thing, and Maddie's play? What the HECK is it even going to look like?
I'll be impatiently waiting for the next episode and the rest of the show this week!
Zendaya's performance in this whole show is perhaps one of my favorite performances by an actor EVER. I never would have guessed that the dancing teen from Disney Channel would do something so riveting. I grew up with a sister who was addicted to drugs for a good while, and Rue looks and acts just like she did when she was using. It's seriously uncanny.
The supporting cast was excellent too, especially King and Reid.
This whole episode was nonstop. Reminded me a bit of Good Time, staring Robert Pattinson. Not only was it nail-biting, but it even managed to further a couple of the plots in the process. I'm very interested in seeing where everyone goes from here, especially Cassie and Maddie and the whole Nate thing, and Maddie's play? What the HECK is it even going to look like?
I'll be impatiently waiting for the next episode and the rest of the show this week!
Zendaya deserves AWARDS for her acting skills
funnycommentor4 March 2022
Probably one of the most intense episodes I have ever seen in my life. The opening scene of that episode was extremely intense, scary, painful and sad. I was shocked, the acting was perfect. Actually, the whole episode was so adrenaline rushed. It was a very emotional episode, I felt so sad about Rue's family. Also, I can't wait to see what's gonna happen between Maddy and Cassie, I'm so curious.. By the way, I hope Jules and Rue are gonna be endgame. The ending scene was unexpected.
By far the series' best
aivilovee7 February 2022
An absolutely nail-biting and cringe-inducing watch from start to finish. Zendaya certainly sealed the deal on her next emmy. By far my favorite episode of the show, and honestly one of my favorite episodes of television ever.
Phenomenal...
urbanspider9 February 2022
Now and again, but very rarely, does somebody appear on the stage or screen that has something very very special. These people are not just at the top of their game, they exceed the top and shine brighter than all the rest. This very small group of people falls into the category of Legends and sometimes decades will past before another falls effortlessly into this exclusive club, the number of which can be counted on the fingers of one's hands. These people are born to do what they do, their talents cannot be taught or learnt, they just are.
Zendaya is one of these people.
Zendaya is one of these people.
FINALLY a show that depicts addiction correctly.
lmcampbell-352427 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Best episode of the entire series so far. Addicts will do anything and step over anyone to get to drugs. Especially the people they love the most. As an addict I have been Rue before. This episode is so raw and real and it took me right back to when I was at my bottom. The scene where Rue was in the bathtub and the camera was focused on the morphine was outstanding. I'm so glad they told the story this way and I really hope it makes kids think twice before touching drugs. The cinematography is like no other show I've ever seen. Brilliant as always.
Very Painful to Watch 10/10 - give Zendaya her Statue
Critic_For_Life11 February 2022
Episode 5 is all about Zendaya and she's going to sweep the awards in 2022-23. The entire cast is so good. But Zendaya is outstanding, and she portrays an addict who in a very agonizing way shows how self-destructive and demonizing drugs truly are.
Finally!
tpcatoz-906507 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Finally an episode that isn't all over the place! This episode had me holding my breathe for practically the entire thing. Though I will say, the chase scene with Rue and the police was a little ridiculous, but whatever who cares so is this entire show.
While being thrilling, dramatic, and sad, this episode pushes the storyline along quite nicely. What will happen to Rue? What will happen to Cassie? What will happen to Nate? And many more questions have now appeared and I can't wait to see how this season pans out.
While being thrilling, dramatic, and sad, this episode pushes the storyline along quite nicely. What will happen to Rue? What will happen to Cassie? What will happen to Nate? And many more questions have now appeared and I can't wait to see how this season pans out.
Rehab?
mattoid-456057 February 2022
I work at a drug/alcohol rehab and addicts like Rue can't be helped at this point because she's not willing to change. Drugs are still working for her. She needs to hit a hard bottom and and either choose recovery, death or permanent misery. If she was admitted to my facility, she'd be a manipulative cancer to those who seriously want to change and probably be either booted or choose to leave AMA. If she does decide to become willing, she'll need intensive therapy one to one then maybe rehab or go back to meetings. Sometimes the best help for an addict is to let them go. They will take you down with them and use your love and concern as a weapon against you. I know some people reading this know that's true! The show itself is interesting and dramatic. The direction and cinematography are stellar. I do like this show and am into it. I Definitely want to see how it pans out. I'm totally pulling for her.
Just hype
beneda286 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I really like movies. I really like series. I was okaay with the first season. Actually I do think the second season is worse. But this episode was like bad. The scenery is amazing, but that is it. Zendaya is not a great actress, in this episode she was okay - but certainly nut stunning. But the story?? I mean 5-6 policemen, and noone checks the trash? That was the ONLY place where someone could hide. And I could continue, because seems like Rue never gets into real trouble, she gets away with hardly. (When she is
Under the bed? How does she manage to run away? We just cut away...
And at this point I do not like Rue. She is not showing a glimse of humanity since EPISODES. Of course I understand she is an addict, but I do not like the character at all, she is not nice, she does not care about anyone. At best she is "cool", but cmooon.
And if I do not like her character, I will not care about her.
I wish I could enjoy this show more :/
And at this point I do not like Rue. She is not showing a glimse of humanity since EPISODES. Of course I understand she is an addict, but I do not like the character at all, she is not nice, she does not care about anyone. At best she is "cool", but cmooon.
And if I do not like her character, I will not care about her.
I wish I could enjoy this show more :/
AMAZING
zombie84-120 February 2022
Truly next level man. This is one of the greatest shows ever. Zendaya acting is beyond amazing here. This is one of greatest well acted shows ever. And if anybody saids she cant act is just being dumb. Truly amazing.
If only one could stand still
saullodanielle7 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This episode left me exhausted. Because addiction is exhausting. Grief is exhausting. Living, even sober, can be exhausting. As someone who has lived with addiction and also loved an addict, this episode perfectly displayed the frantic, circular, selfish, heart-breaking emotions that comes along with it. Every performance was stellar. These actors should be proud. My only concern is how they will continue to captivate us with Rue's story; we can only do this so much. It's time to flesh out the other stories (minus the Jacobs; last week's episode was really great but let's focus on others). Euphoria has a great supporting cast and I'd like to see them develop more. Again, wonderful episode, acting, and directing. Zendaya will get her Emmy nom for this 100%.
Unbelievable.
daniel3a7 February 2022
Just insane! The best episode of the season so far after episode 1. I still can't get this out of my head. Zendaya's acting is breathtaking, and Sam Levinson's directing is out of this world. This series surprises me over and over again. Can't wait for next Sunday!
Zendaya Is Amazing
gbarrett-3994111 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
When I look at her contemporaries, Zendaya is such a much better actress. I know people like to compare Yara Shahidi to her, but there is no way that she could have given this performance in a believable way. You could feel the despair in Rue's voice. It was as if you were a witness in the room. The show overall is just ok, but this episode is a shining star of the series.
does it get better than this?
marcoarbia7 February 2022
I don't know what to say honestly. This is honest and ugly in the best way possible. It does not shy away in showing the kind of person addiction can turn you into and how it can hurt the people that you love. Honestly astounding, one of the best episodes in the history of television.
Playing it straight, Euphoria delivers the best episode of the series to date
rguico7 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Euphoria tends to look and feel like an ensemble drama, but has the habit of dropping or plot lines that are important to developing the ensemble (Lexi and Fezco, anything involving Ethan, ...what's up McKay?)
No matter the subject, the way the story is told emphasizes subversion. Nudity is never titillating. Violence is mostly threatened or avoided, except for the end of S2E1.
Which is what makes this episode (which, arguably, starts on the last scene of the previous episode) such a departure from the rest of the episodes; 54 minutes locked-in on a spiraling, crashing Rue; uncomfortable, appalling, amusing, and terrifying throughout.
Gone is any confidence of earlier episodes; even Rue's third-person facade of objectively talking about her life disappears. She has lost control to her addiction, and is fireballing through every scene in this episode.
Zendaya plays perfectly the emotional, bipolar, and abusive manipulation of a hardcore addict; first at the opening scene and at Lexi's. Stealing, first from strangers, then from friends. Projecting and accusing those closest to her, to cut them off.
To top things off, the bombs she throws through the course of this episode also happen to advance the plot (sorry, Cassie).
The Euphoria team really likes to play with cinematography and what's real, and what isn't, so I'm sure the last three episodes will return to their abstract form. But I am impressed that the same series that can deliver a compelling 60-minute conversation in a diner, can also execute an episode with the physical and emotional intensity of this one.
No matter the subject, the way the story is told emphasizes subversion. Nudity is never titillating. Violence is mostly threatened or avoided, except for the end of S2E1.
Which is what makes this episode (which, arguably, starts on the last scene of the previous episode) such a departure from the rest of the episodes; 54 minutes locked-in on a spiraling, crashing Rue; uncomfortable, appalling, amusing, and terrifying throughout.
Gone is any confidence of earlier episodes; even Rue's third-person facade of objectively talking about her life disappears. She has lost control to her addiction, and is fireballing through every scene in this episode.
Zendaya plays perfectly the emotional, bipolar, and abusive manipulation of a hardcore addict; first at the opening scene and at Lexi's. Stealing, first from strangers, then from friends. Projecting and accusing those closest to her, to cut them off.
To top things off, the bombs she throws through the course of this episode also happen to advance the plot (sorry, Cassie).
The Euphoria team really likes to play with cinematography and what's real, and what isn't, so I'm sure the last three episodes will return to their abstract form. But I am impressed that the same series that can deliver a compelling 60-minute conversation in a diner, can also execute an episode with the physical and emotional intensity of this one.
Best Euphoria episode!
isidorija8 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was a trip from start to finish. Even if there were no other episodes before or after and you just saw this one as a short movie, it would still put you on the edge, it's just.that.good! Rue is a walking anti-drug use pamphlet. Zendaya is a future Oscar winner.
I see another Emmy in Zendaya's future.
jgrenn7 February 2022
Absolutely incredible from start to finish. I was blown away by the performance, Zendaya being the leader of the pack. Give her ALL the awards!
My adrenaline was pumping more and more the further we got into the episode.
My adrenaline was pumping more and more the further we got into the episode.
Bruh HBO Max was broken and so I started the show on the latest episode......
jtyo8 February 2022
Gotta say, this is quite something here. I legit thought this was the first episode. It was so good I got so attached emotionally and I didn't even know wtf was going on before and forgot to check what episode I was on. Anyways, now I know what kind of show this is and I'm gonna start from the beginning. Zendaya was amazing btw, she started off screaming crying and stuff, I was like "ok this is why people love euphoria, what a strong start......"
Scary Zendaya
propinquity410 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Great performance by Zendaya and well supported by the rest of the cast. Such circumstances can be much worse. I'll leave that to the series writers where it ultimately goes. Just saying there is a tone with the writing that stays in limbo that is a little frustrating. How does she get away from the robbery? How does she possibly avoid the police chase? (The keystone cops thing just didn't work) How does she avoid her creepy doom with the woman she owes 13k? The drama and manipulation with Jules, Elliot, Leslie and Gia. Then the almost comical outing of Nate and Cassie. Burning this many bridges is going to destroy you unless she is, somehow, one of these teflon coated people who somehow always lands on their feet. Which is possible, in which case, the writing does not quite live up to it.
Rueining the show
andynzkowalski7 February 2022
The more interesting parts of this episode were not related to Rue. Why did we have to spend a hour watching an addict behave in a typical addict fashion it's not engaging and for the majority of us not relatable. There are so many more interesting characters and storylines to pursue than Rue's, this show will die unless they can tap into that.
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