Inside Euphoria, A Weekly Breakdown by Taylor Champlin: Episode 6

I enjoyed the episode beginning with an introduction to Alamo’s backstory. It was reminiscent of the first season of Euphoria, when each character had a dedicated episode explaining their origins and traumas. It’s clear that Alamo’s childhood led him to value money above all else. He watched his mother leave a good man who adored both her and Alamo after his house was robbed. She didn’t even give him a chance to fix the situation, being even colder than we’ve seen Alamo be when making certain decisions thus far.

For her, the lack of material possessions and wealth was a deal breaker, but for Alamo, he was robbed of a happy family and his ability to trust. Alamo became someone who values money above all else, using the girls in his club for financial gain. Deceived by his mother, he promised himself never to be outsmarted by a woman ever again. He understood from an early age that unfortunately, love alone isn’t always enough to sustain a relationship. That same sentiment is evident in the other characters’ relationships this season as well.

How one feels is irrelevant

The scene that stayed with me the most from this episode was the conversation between Jules and Rue. Rue sits there telling Jules that maybe the root of all her issues is that she doesn’t have someone depending on her to be the best version of herself: a partner, a family, kids. As if ten seconds ago she wasn’t buried up to her neck in sand, pleading not to be murdered.

I don’t think Rue is a bad person, but I don’t think she’s in any capacity to raise kids and provide them with a stable life, much less herself.

Rue: I just want good, old-fashioned American problems.

Jules: What you’re talking about is a fantasy.

Rue: No, what you’re doing is kind of a fantasy. You’re in a relationship with a married guy who’s never going to be there.

Jules: Opposed to you?

Rue: I want to wake up to someone I love. Someone who depends on me, someone who expects me to be the best version of myself. I think that’s the solution. Because I have to live for something greater than myself.

Jules: And you think we’re going to be that?

Rue: Why not?

Jules: How romantic.

Rue: I want to be with you.

Jules: I don’t get it.

Rue: Last time we were together, I just thought that it was—

Jules: A mistake.

Rue: A mistake?

Jules: You show up. You disappear. You make plans. You don’t follow through, and now you’re here professing your love? Where’s our relationship? In your head?

Here’s my beef with Rue. She has to wait until she reaches absolute rock bottom before she even thinks about rectifying her life. Her mistakes aren’t simple. Doing heroin, trafficking fentanyl, and working for violent criminals aren’t “whoopsie daisy” blunders. They’re decisions with flashing bright, terrible consequences. The second something goes well, she gets stupidly reckless, assuring herself that everything is figured out. And through it all, she drags Jules along with her.

I haven’t always been a big Jules fan when it comes to the well-intentioned yet toxic relationship between her and Rue, but I don’t think Rue should expect her to blow up her entire life based on historically empty promises. Jules may not have it all figured out, but she’s able to create art when she wants and live in a penthouse apartment. While the things afforded to Jules come with strings attached, Rue isn’t in a position to give stability or the same luxuries either. Rue isn’t dependable or someone people can rely on. Jules shouldn’t have to carry the weight of being someone’s reason to get clean or to relapse. She can’t allow herself to get involved in emotions and love because it could mean her demise or heartbreak all over again.

“So this is your future now? To be hidden in this place here? He’s not going to leave his wife for you. Jules, come on! You’re just a little toy that he keeps locked in a little room. Don’t go anywhere, don’t see anyone. Just stay there and paint until I come back…”

I want better for Miss Faye. Like mama, come on. In love with a Neo-Nazi? Pas chic. Being told she deserves everything she wants? Yes, but ideally from someone who won’t tattoo a swastika tramp stamp onto her. I hope she comes to her senses and continues to help Rue, especially now that Rue was able to capture Laurie incriminating herself. Maybe they both can get out of the drug trade.

Alamo is slightly skeptical of Maddy but is giving her the chance nevertheless to partner with him. Her plan is to milk the girls for everything they’re worth so that Maddy can establish her own business and won’t have to answer to anyone. Little does Maddy know, the money earned from the business venture between the Silver Slipper girls and Alamo will likely end with him taking the money. May the best capitalist win, I suppose. Until then, she has Cassie right where she wants her: completely lost in the pursuit of fame.

Also… loved the fact that Bad Gyal’s “Duro” was played in the Silver Slipper in the background of Maddy and Alamo’s conversation.

After improving and getting a role in L.A. Nights, Cassie decides to go legit and deletes her OnlyFans account. Dressed up as though she’s cosplaying Hannah Montana, she’s caught up in becoming a movie star, failing to remember that her OnlyFans account was actually the only thing she had ownership of in terms of a stream of income. Everything else will rely on Maddy and the opportunities offered to her, potentially putting her in a compromising position. Despite it all, her luck only seems to keep getting better while Nate’s continues to plummet.

“I’m not a sex worker. I’m a performer that uses my body to tell stories.”

Lexi is starting to experience lapses in judgment and authenticity if it means looking good in front of her boss. She knows her sister may not be qualified to act, but she needs to find her own footing in the world of entertainment. She’s forced to go along with Cassie’s antics to appease her boss, who sees the situation as saving Cassie from the world of sex work.

“Against all odds, life was looking okay. Maybe every mistake I’d made led me to the right place after all.”

The main theme in this episode was redemption in the face of hopelessness. Will each character sink further into the hole they dug for themselves through poor decision-making? Will they get sized up and eaten by enemies disguised as friends and allies? Or will they find a way to forge a successful future for themselves? Will they have the strength to turn it all around once they realize they’ve made the wrong turn? Through all of this, Rue is expecting to somehow find salvation in God. But, like always, she mistakes being able to do so while playing with fire.

Until next week.