Euphoria viewers were stunned by the cliffhanger that closes out season three’s third episode.
The HBO drama returned earlier this month, jumping ahead five years and checking back in on its central cast after life beyond high school.
Featuring Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, the late Eric Dane and Alexa Demie, the series follows their characters as they try to navigate adulthood and everything that comes with it.
New episodes land weekly on Sundays in the US and Mondays in the UK. After tonight’s third instalment, many fans were left questioning what could be next for Zendaya’s Rue — and what it might mean for her future on Euphoria.
In the episode, Rue leaves Cassie (Sweeney) and Nate’s (Elordi) wedding reception early, heading out to make a drug delivery for Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) at Laurie’s (Martha Kelly) house.
Although Rue appears wary about the assignment, she goes through with it and brings Bishop (Darrell Britt-Gibson) along — another person working under Alamo.
At first, the pickup seems routine, with everything unfolding according to plan. But the final moments reveal a disturbing detail: Laurie’s parrot is dead, after Bishop secretly drugged it.
The act is thought to be payback tied to Tish’s death, after she overdosed on drugs delivered by Rue — drugs that were reportedly laced with fentanyl.
Then, in the closing beat of the episode, the situation escalates again as Rue is pulled over by police.
“Ruby Bennett? DEA. Step out of the vehicle with your hands up nice and slow,” say authorities.
The abrupt ending has left people speculating about Rue’s fate, particularly given the strong possibility she still has the drugs in the car.
Despite the uncertainty, IMDb listings indicate Zendaya is set to appear in the remaining episodes this season. Away from the show, she also spoke about what season three could mean for the series’ long-term future during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.
When Barrymore asked whether this season could be the show’s last, Zendaya’s response surprised viewers.
“I think so, yeah,” The Greatest Showman actress admitted, as Barrymore added: “I never want to ask questions like that, because it’s not my business, and yet, is this to be enjoyed knowing [it will end]?”
Zendaya once again said: “Yes, I think so.”
Euphoria season three continues Sundays on HBO Max.