The opening scene of Episode 4 in Season 2 of "Euphoria" finds Rue lost in contemplation, her heart overflowing with love for Jules. Through a mesmerizing montage of re-enacted romantic scenes, their mutual affection unfolds like a series of timeless love stories, echoing the intensities of "Brokeback Mountain," the tragic allure of "Titanic," and even the magical slumber of "Sleeping Beauty." However, Rue's sentiments are clouded by the dense fog of drug-induced haze. As Jules tenderly caresses her, Rue feigns an orgasm, a hollow gesture that does not escape Jules's keen perception.
Jules, sensing the dishonesty, seeks solace and guidance from Elliot. Doubts gnaw at her self-worth, prompting Elliot to demonstrate "the right way" by practicing on his own hand. This awkward tutorial unexpectedly culminates in a passionate kiss between them—interrupted only by Rue's message announcing her arrival. Wait, wasn't it established in last year's standalone chapter that Jules had completely severed ties with men? Apparently, not so much.
Jules finds herself entangled in a web of conflicting emotions, lying heavily on Elliot's bed, her breath uneven. Matters worsen when, amidst Rue's temporary absence in the bathroom, the pair succumbs to another kiss. The trio's web of deceit deepens, with the most glaring falsehood manifesting as a two-inch line of cocaine across the sink basin. While Rue continues her self-destructive spiral into addiction, Elliot stands as a stark contrast, disposing of his own line with a determined gesture.
Elsewhere, the tension between Cassie and Maddy simmers like a boiling kettle. Nate may suppress his feelings with a stone face, but his body language betrays him—arms folded, standoffish demeanor, and an avoidance of Maddy's gaze. His mechanical declaration of love lacks genuine warmth, speaking volumes about the shallowness beneath his robotic exterior.
However, Cassie's demeanor is far from nonchalant. She forces a painful smile throughout Maddy's birthday celebration, racked with guilt and turmoil. Her drama revolves around Nate's emotions, and her determination to prevent him from rekindling his relationship with Maddy knows no bounds. Cassie essentially coerces Nate into a relationship, threatening him with the revelation of her madness, surpassing even Maddy's wildness, should he stray. Even his strained declaration of "I love you" fails to sway her.
At Maddy's party, the conversation turns to Kat, whose depression is palpable. Kat confesses her hatred for Ethan and her uncertainty about their future. Maddy, sensing something amiss between them, urges Kat to do what feels right for her.
Elsewhere, Cal, with a bandaged head, embarks on a reckless drinking spree, driving while intoxicated. His actions are dangerous and predictable in their potential for disaster. In his intoxicated state, he visits an old bar he frequented during his college days, reminiscing about cherished moments with Derek. As he plays a song and begins to dance, a stunning montage unfolds, showing Cal dancing and Cassie losing all semblance of control, unaware that she is being watched as she dances in a bathing suit in the lounge.
Meanwhile, the tension between Rue, Elliot, and Jules reaches a breaking point. After indulging in drugs earlier, Rue starts drinking in the car, a stark contrast to her apparent sobriety and rehab stint. In a heart-wrenching moment, Rue confesses to Jules that he can no longer bear to be around her.
Unfortunately for Rue, her problems are about to escalate. At home, she resorts to popping pills from the very suitcase she is supposed to be using to sell drugs.
Back at the party, everyone, including Nate and Cassie, finds themselves in the hot tub. The mood shifts awkwardly when Maddy reveals that she and Nate are not in a relationship. Maddy's taunts are abruptly cut short by Cassie, who vomits violently into the hot tub, covering Nate, Maddy, and Kat in the unsettling mess.
Cal, ejected from the bar amidst attempts to wrestle with fellow patrons, retreats to his car with tears burning his eyelids, steering towards the solace of his home. Upon arrival, he can't contain himself and begins to urinate liberally across the floor, a scene witnessed by his震惊的家庭成员. In a moment of emotional breakdown, Cal confessionally lashes out, acknowledging Marsha as his deepest regret and acknowledging the web of secrets that binds their family together. When the spotlight shifts to Nate, he enigmatically pronounces his life a labyrinth of mysteries, cradling the family portrait beneath his arm the entire while. With these words, he exits, resolving never to return.
Elsewhere, Elliot, weary of deception, unveils the truth to Jules about Rue. He can no longer bear the weight of concealing the fact that Rue has never truly been sober, instead indulging in a dangerous array of substances. Our focus then shifts back to Rue, delving into her fragile psyche and the perilously thin line she teeters on, inching closer to another overdose. She yearns for her father, and in their subconscious embrace, it becomes evident that he is the root cause of her sorrow and depression. Rue's reckless drug use is a desperate attempt to bridge the gap to her father, whom she believes resides beyond. Jules, one of the few anchors keeping her afloat, now knows the truth—how this revelation will impact their relationship remains to be seen.
