Euphoria ends with character death – Zendaya carries final season

The final episode of Euphoria has caused a stir: Rue Bennett, the main character played by Zendaya, dies in the last episode. The death marks the end of a series that has grappled with addiction, mental illness, and youth trauma over three seasons.

Zendaya herself has commented on the finale. The actress expressed her gratitude for the experience, without revealing too much about the exact plot threads. Her performance in the final episode is highlighted by many observers as the pinnacle of her work on the series.

Critical reactions to the finale

However, not all critics are enthusiastic about the outcome. One review describes the series as a show that drowns in its own darkness – the finale was neither a masterpiece nor a complete disaster. The Atlantic criticizes that the series gave in to its worst impulses in its final episode, while simultaneously trying to sell a moving message.

Fans and viewers react emotionally to Rue's end, with many speaking of "tears of violet glitter" – an allusion to the series' characteristic aesthetic. The question of whether Rue actually dies or whether the finale should be understood metaphorically is intensely debated in online discussions.

The series, which debuted in 2019 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, leaves behind a divided audience: while some appreciate Zendaya's intense portrayal and the emotional depth of the finale, others argue that Euphoria took itself too seriously and lost the nuances that distinguished the early seasons.