HBO's Euphoria delivered a wedding episode reminiscent of the infamous Red Wedding from Game of Thrones, but this time for Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate (Jacob Elordi). The third installment of the third and final season, created by Sam Levinson, aired on Sunday, showcasing a ceremony filled with tension and disaster.
A Wedding Marred by Anxiety
The bride was stressed as her vomiting groom failed to return home the night before. Her mother, Suze (Alanna Ubach), walked her down the aisle, reflecting on her own 'naive' marriage to a 'brutal' man and warning her 'masterpiece' daughter: 'Not a mistake you can fix.' Rings were exchanged without vows, and the couple kissed passionately after Nate forced Cassie to delete her raunchy OnlyFans account, which had funded their $50,000 floral arrangements.
Guests and Unwelcome Surprises
Among the attendees were Cassie's scantily-clad high school friends, including her former nemesis turned social media manager Maddy (Alexa Demie) and sober drug dealer Rue (Zendaya), who brought transgender painter-escort Jules (Hunter Schafer) as her plus one. During the reception, Nate was confronted by loan shark Nassim, who warned him about throwing an elaborate party while owing money. Nassim threatened to become his 'worst f***ing nightmare' if he didn't repay the $550,000 debt.
When Cassie demanded, 'What money?! Nate, who is this guy?!' he replied, 'It's totally fine!' Her suspicious younger sister Lexi (Maude Apatow) asked if everything was okay, and Cassie chillingly responded, 'Of course, it's my wedding day. What a weird question to ask on the best day of my life.'
First Dance and Confrontations
The couple's first dance was strained, with Cassie in tears whispering about the debt and Nate quietly suggesting they 'downsize'—a word that horrifies her. Even as Cassie gyrated during a choreographed dirty dance, Nate reassured her, 'Trust me, I love you.' Meanwhile, Maddy watched the 'perfect couple' and became more emotional than expected, having previously dated Nate in high school.
Nate's mother Marsha (Paula Marshall) rapped to Lil Jon's 'Get Low' with a James Brown impersonator. After bridesmaid Heather (Jessica Blair Herman) revealed that Nate had conned her into investing her children's college funds into a construction project, Cassie drunkenly confronted him. She screamed that he was 'not a man' and 'a liar' before accidentally hitting him in the eye with a champagne cork.
Aftermath and Violence
In the limousine, Nate apologized and vowed to clean up his mess. However, their honeymoon was interrupted by Nassim and his henchman, who attacked Nate. Cassie was thrown to the ground, breaking her nose. As she sobbed, 'I'm bleeding! This is my wedding night!' Nassim reminded her that Nate didn't listen. Nate was beaten and his right pinky toe severed with clippers.
Jules' Escort Past
Jules reunited with Nate's father Cal (Eric Dane), a registered sex offender who complained about renting an apartment. When Cal called high school the 'best years of our lives,' Jules disagreed. The episode opened with Jules' escort experiences, including a plastic surgeon who wrapped her in cellophane. Fans criticized the fetishistic scene on social media.
Rue's New Role
Rue now works for strip club owner Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who showcased a pole dance by pop star Rosalía. Rue has transformed from a drug mule to an arms dealer, selling rifles on commission. Alamo poisoned Rue's old boss Laurie's cockatoo Paladin, sparking a war. Episode three, 'The Ballad of Paladin,' ended with Rue detained by the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Season three holds a 42% critic approval rating and a 46% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Only five episodes remain of Euphoria, airing Sundays on HBO.
