Sam Levinson Discusses Shocking ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Finale Death
Sam Levinson has opened up about the shocking Season 3 finale of Euphoria, explaining that the choice to kill off Rue Bennett was intended to portray a stark and honest perspective on addiction.
These insights were shared in a post-episode featurette that aired immediately after the finale, where Levinson, along with cast members and crew, reflected on the narrative’s development. According to Levinson, the conclusion was never designed to be comforting, but rather a reflection of reality.
“It felt like an honest ending,” Levinson stated. “The honest ending is people like Rue don’t make it.” He also mentioned that the storyline was influenced by real-life experiences with addiction and loss, including the passing of actor Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fez in earlier seasons.
Levinson added, “I wanted to tell the story for Angus and for people who weren’t granted a second chance.” His remarks emphasized that the finale was centered around themes of consequence, relapse, and the emotional toll of losing individuals to substance abuse.
The final episode, titled “In God We Trust,” continues after a series of betrayals and violent incidents involving Rue, Laurie, and Alamo. Rue suffers injuries while attempting to escape a perilous situation linked to a drug operation. Although Alamo briefly assists her recovery, he later gives her painkillers that lead to a relapse. These pills are ultimately revealed to be laced with fentanyl, which results in her tragic death.
Simultaneously, the narrative tracks the downfall of Laurie’s operation following a DEA raid. To evade capture, Laurie takes her own life, while Alamo seizes the opportunity to gain control over the remaining drug supply. The episode escalates tension across various storylines, culminating in a violent and emotional conclusion.
A significant turning point occurs when a news report reveals that Fez has escaped from prison. This news triggers Rue’s final emotional spiral as she attempts to reach him, but instead, she begins to experience hallucinations of people from her past. She encounters versions of herself, along with Jules and her family, before ultimately collapsing in reality.
Ali (Colman Domingo) later discovers Rue’s lifeless body on his couch. Levinson explained that this perspective was intentional. “I knew that I wanted to experience Rue’s death through Ali,” he shared. “There’s a sort of helplessness. Letting Colman articulate that for us as an audience is really important.”
The episode continues to explore the aftermath of Rue’s death, illustrating how the other characters cope with grief and violence. Cassie and Lexi reflect on loss and faith, while Maddy becomes embroiled in a final confrontation linked to Alamo’s criminal activities.
Tension mounts toward a Western-style showdown between Ali and Alamo inside a strip club. The confrontation concludes when Alamo’s weapon is revealed to be empty due to a betrayal from his own ally, Bishop. Ali ultimately kills him in a final act of vengeance.
In the closing moments, Ali visits the Texas farm where Rue once stayed. He shares the news of her death with the Miller family and is welcomed inside for food and prayer. The episode concludes on a somber note, as Ali pays tribute to Rue’s memory.
Colman Domingo also shared his thoughts on filming the finale, stating, “Life is poetry, and you got to believe in that and give yourself over to that.”
The Euphoria finale is now available for streaming on HBO Max.
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