The dialogues are so truthful, intimate, and soulful that at times I was uncomfortable because they hit too close to home. This episode is so necessary these days, no matter what your life story is, and especially if you have gone (or are currently going) through drug addiction, mental illness, traumas, and feeling like losing hope and lust for life... it speaks directly to each one of us. This especial an hour of TV series also taught me an important lesson on how to look at people with drug addiction with more compassion and understanding.
86 Reviews
Breathtaking
irinaratcu6 December 2020
This episode feels like an out of body experience. From the soundtrack to the dialogue, the two leads' acting and effervescent lighting all blend together to bring an achievement of television programming to our screens. An absolutely breathtaking 60 minutes that pry open the human mind and splice the many layers in between. This episode was nothing I expected and everything I needed.
Some of the best writing on TV this year
gonzahec6 December 2020
Simply put, the dialogue in this capsule episode is, at least in my opinion, pitch perfect. It's naturalistic, meaningful, and incredibly original. So, put strong writing in the mouths of some very strong actors and you have a wonderful piece of television that is poignant without being preachy, and incredibly relevant as well as timeless. Without spoiling anything, the brief conversation with the waitress brought me to tears because you just know this woman. You've met her before in life, whether in passing or if it's a close relative. I can't recommend this episode more highly.
This episode really hit hard!
AmitHDD6 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Let me start off by saying, this episode was one of my favorite Euphoria episodes till date. For some reason, I was able to relate so hard to what Ali was saying (even though I don't do drugs lol). I have never seen someone describe addiction like the way he did. Sensitive topics like self-shaming/blaming, guilt, life & death were handled so maturely & sincerely.
The writing for this episode was splendid! The hard hitting dialogues were impactful. Colman & Zendaya absolutely crushed it with their amazing performances & did justice to their characters.
I must admit, I was a little confused but happy at the same time seeing Rue & Jules make out & have a sweet moment in the beginning. I was like, wait a minute... did I miss something? I gradually figured out like everyone else that Rue was high as a kite & most likely hallucinating.
I know this isn't the "typical" Euphoria episode everyone knows & loves but I hope everyone enjoys this special as much as I did. Can't wait for part 2!
The writing for this episode was splendid! The hard hitting dialogues were impactful. Colman & Zendaya absolutely crushed it with their amazing performances & did justice to their characters.
I must admit, I was a little confused but happy at the same time seeing Rue & Jules make out & have a sweet moment in the beginning. I was like, wait a minute... did I miss something? I gradually figured out like everyone else that Rue was high as a kite & most likely hallucinating.
I know this isn't the "typical" Euphoria episode everyone knows & loves but I hope everyone enjoys this special as much as I did. Can't wait for part 2!
I admire this episode in so many ways.
rabbitmoon22 December 2020
When it slowly dawned on me what this episode was, I had a brief moment of distraction wondering if was budgetary limitations, Covid limitations, or neither and just a brave idea. But wow was it effective.
I feel this is exactly what people (especially the younger generation) need right now. The idea that you're not alone. A perspective shift in terms of what's important, and what isn't. The idea that you're not always right. That there is hope, and the importance of believing in yourself. So much more. Ali is like a mentor to everyone in this episode, and speaks directly to the viewer.
It was honest, well written, incredibly well performed, and just an overall masterpiece. By the final shots, I was just lost in a state of reflection and amazement. This show is extraordinary.
I feel this is exactly what people (especially the younger generation) need right now. The idea that you're not alone. A perspective shift in terms of what's important, and what isn't. The idea that you're not always right. That there is hope, and the importance of believing in yourself. So much more. Ali is like a mentor to everyone in this episode, and speaks directly to the viewer.
It was honest, well written, incredibly well performed, and just an overall masterpiece. By the final shots, I was just lost in a state of reflection and amazement. This show is extraordinary.
Wow
carlamifegogose6 December 2020
Euphoria at its best.
jnolanr8 December 2020
This episode is what defines the show. A show about the horrors of the mental disease that is drug addiction.
Euphoria has garnered a lot of eyes from younger viewers who enjoy the aesthetics of the show and, in many ways, idolise Rue and Jules' 'mood board' relationship with each other and with drugs. 'Trouble Don't Last Always' breaks all of those idolisations.
With, in my opinion, Sam Levinsons best writing to date, he expertly cycles through Rues thought processes behind her lifestyle and manages to create an entrancing image of life from an addicts eyes.
Zendaya and Colman shine in this episode. Both giving career highlight performances that leave you feeling empty, reflective and hopeful all in a few lines of dialogue.
When two fearless actors are gifted a script with the sublime dialogue of Levinson, magic happens. And this is one of those moments.
Euphoria has garnered a lot of eyes from younger viewers who enjoy the aesthetics of the show and, in many ways, idolise Rue and Jules' 'mood board' relationship with each other and with drugs. 'Trouble Don't Last Always' breaks all of those idolisations.
With, in my opinion, Sam Levinsons best writing to date, he expertly cycles through Rues thought processes behind her lifestyle and manages to create an entrancing image of life from an addicts eyes.
Zendaya and Colman shine in this episode. Both giving career highlight performances that leave you feeling empty, reflective and hopeful all in a few lines of dialogue.
When two fearless actors are gifted a script with the sublime dialogue of Levinson, magic happens. And this is one of those moments.
A deep dive into Rue's mind
kedavien-145316 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Although Rue is the narrator throughout the series we learned a lot more from her perspective on things in this episode. It seems they're using the "unreliable narrator" thing more serious. We found out Rue and Jules did not actually get tattoos for example, and we also learned that Rue feels that Jules cheated on her! It seems Rue genuinely felt her and Jules was in a relationship even though they clearly were not, so it was interesting to learn that. In summary, this episode is so important for Rue's development moving into the second season, and Zendaya and Colman acting was phenomenal.
Wonderful Bottleneck Episode.
zacekendahl6 December 2020
Masterful special episode
UniqueParticle7 December 2020
Sam Levinson wrote/directed such a phenomenal Euphoria experience! The acting in this is so captivating, I love how it's focused in a diner and deep topics of why or why not to take drugs among other such aspects like spiritual revolutions! Makes me want to rewatch the series.
Pushback against show's criticism
blah52513 January 2022
Decent bottle episode
meircynamon-9666731 January 2021
A let down
leftoutside157 December 2020
This episode was just a Ted Talk man. I get that it's very well written and there's powerful dialogue and themes, but man was it just boring. The best part about this show for me is the interweaving of narratives and story structure but to just do a bottle episode in the diner totally ruins that for me.
something different
marcoarbia6 December 2020
There is something very intimate about the episode. Two people sitting in a diner talking. Less flashy yet very gripping. The dialogues and performance are perfect. Can't wait to see how the story unfolds in season 2.
Great writing.
Masterpiece.
W011y4m58 December 2020
Quiet, contemplative perfection.
Euphoria has always been remarkably inventive from the very first episode but creator Sam Levinson really flaunts his ingenuity by stripping the show back to absolute basics in order to provide fans with a much appreciated moment to pause for reflection. Hence, the incredibly sharp focus on aiding character progression results in one of the most emotionally engaging & poignant installments they've ever done.
Thus, despite the abilities of the filmmakers at the helm of this show & the visual spectacles they can ingeniously construct in jaw-droppingly impressive manners, it's actually a delight to see the series alternatively try something new & unique instead; choosing to rely solely on genuine depth & substance rather than their distinguishable, signature stylistic set pieces. It's this deliberate creative decision, opting to return to the story with a beautifully written duologue between two of the main cast members (who give notable powerhouse performances here) - that elevates the HBO series to new levels, proving it's so much more than just what it can do, visually - capable of producing profound palette cleansers such as these.
Euphoria has always been remarkably inventive from the very first episode but creator Sam Levinson really flaunts his ingenuity by stripping the show back to absolute basics in order to provide fans with a much appreciated moment to pause for reflection. Hence, the incredibly sharp focus on aiding character progression results in one of the most emotionally engaging & poignant installments they've ever done.
Thus, despite the abilities of the filmmakers at the helm of this show & the visual spectacles they can ingeniously construct in jaw-droppingly impressive manners, it's actually a delight to see the series alternatively try something new & unique instead; choosing to rely solely on genuine depth & substance rather than their distinguishable, signature stylistic set pieces. It's this deliberate creative decision, opting to return to the story with a beautifully written duologue between two of the main cast members (who give notable powerhouse performances here) - that elevates the HBO series to new levels, proving it's so much more than just what it can do, visually - capable of producing profound palette cleansers such as these.
Brilliant
new_release_in_town6 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I waited so anxiously for this episode and it exceeded my expectations in every possible way. The dialogue was beautifully written and it sparked so many different emotions in me. Everybody should watch it. Even the people who haven't watched the first season and have no intention to do so should watch it. It has so many life lessons in only 57 minutes.
Speecheless
aritzzainal6 December 2020
This is not TV. This is life altering Dialogue.
peterpinus9 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I do not write reviews, at all.
This episode completely caught me off guard. I have been a cinema and television enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and this episode really shines through. It reminds me specifically of 12 Angry Men as in it is a powerhouse of philosophical, complex and utterly real dialogue. It is beautifully shot with both actors at an all time high. I couldn't look away from a 55 minute conversation about life, addiction, the superficial way of life that's marked this decade. What's even more beautiful is that everyone can be compelled by this dialogue. I have never touched drugs nor have my family and friends but it felt relatable at an higher level (especially the take on atheism and religion). Sometimes it will look like there's no way out and we accommodate, take it for granted but just take a step back and take a deep breath.
We forget ourselves in daily struggles, often neglecting the bigger things in life. This episode is a great reminder that it's going to be ok wherever you are in life if you put your mind to it and, most importantly, if you never stop believing in the poetry.
This episode completely caught me off guard. I have been a cinema and television enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and this episode really shines through. It reminds me specifically of 12 Angry Men as in it is a powerhouse of philosophical, complex and utterly real dialogue. It is beautifully shot with both actors at an all time high. I couldn't look away from a 55 minute conversation about life, addiction, the superficial way of life that's marked this decade. What's even more beautiful is that everyone can be compelled by this dialogue. I have never touched drugs nor have my family and friends but it felt relatable at an higher level (especially the take on atheism and religion). Sometimes it will look like there's no way out and we accommodate, take it for granted but just take a step back and take a deep breath.
We forget ourselves in daily struggles, often neglecting the bigger things in life. This episode is a great reminder that it's going to be ok wherever you are in life if you put your mind to it and, most importantly, if you never stop believing in the poetry.
A masterpiece
elliomartinez7 December 2020
This episode was incredible! It was a masterpiece that not everyone will enjoy. I was wondering where it was going and I was feeling bored and uneasy in the first 10 minutes, but the acting is so SUPREME that I kept watching. And thanks the Universe I watched it all! I was so invested! They use music at the right time, they play with all of your emotions and make you question your own life and beliefs; did I say the acting is SUPREME?
They both need an Emmy just for this episode.
They both need an Emmy just for this episode.
Such a great way to start season 2 and a very memorable one
jrneptune6 December 2020
The focus of this episode was supposed to be about addiction but it covered so much more.
To think that the Producer, director, and writer, Sam Levison, was the same person is one treat. The acting from Colman Domingo and Zendaya was spectacular. The emotional impact from Zendaya belies her young age and I felt like I was watching someone twice her age. I can't say enough great things about Colman I definitely hold him up on par with all the best actors.
This series is so timely and I have to thank HBO and everyone involved in it.
To think that the Producer, director, and writer, Sam Levison, was the same person is one treat. The acting from Colman Domingo and Zendaya was spectacular. The emotional impact from Zendaya belies her young age and I felt like I was watching someone twice her age. I can't say enough great things about Colman I definitely hold him up on par with all the best actors.
This series is so timely and I have to thank HBO and everyone involved in it.
The beauty of life.
TheFirst016 December 2020
This episode surpassed most of my expectations thanks to Zendaya and Colman Domingo. The writing and directing was off the charts too. In terms of the episode fitting into the show, Rue's life seems to have changed forever by the life lessons from Ali. Is she deciding to be a great role model for her sister? Is she gonna be more mindful of this? Is she gonna keep going down the path of relapse and leave the path of redemption advised by Ali? These are all question marks that are sure to be answered come Season 2 and so forth. I also cannot wait for more potential special episodes. Even a Part 2 which would focus on Jules interpretation or side of what happened in this episode would be amazing. In conclusion, these were 50 minutes of phenomenal television that went by super quick. I give this episode a 9.5/10 that even though we didn't get most of the main cast of the show (we didn't get it, because COVID delayed season 2 and we would have had it by now probably), still made up for intriguing television even though it mostly took place at a diner. We all needed Euphoria in our lives anyways, let's be honest.
A dialogue between hope and desolation
danybur11 December 2020
After Jules's departure / abandonment, Rue (Zendaya) relapses into drug use. On Christmas Eve she meets in a bar 24 hours a day with her tutor from her containment group, Ali (Colman Domingo) and they talk at length about drug use and its consequences.
Far from the formal dynamism of its first season (I estimate due to the pandemic), this "Christmas special" written and directed by Sam Levinson (which would function as a link between seasons 1 and 2) has a practically theatrical structure filmed with a permanent shot and reverse shot as the dialogue unfolds. Ali deploys his entire arsenal of anti-drug arguments and phrases interspersed with her personal story, ranging from depth to self-help and crashing into Rue's laconic and devastatingly depressed lucidity.
And in that game of opposites, Domingo's rather standard performance faces the extraordinary composition of Zendaya, an actress who with her gestures is capable of expressing a thousand words and moods and all the pain and sadness in the world.
A second part focusing on Jules is expected in January.
And in that game of opposites, Domingo's rather standard performance faces the extraordinary composition of Zendaya, an actress who with her gestures is capable of expressing a thousand words and moods and all the pain and sadness in the world.
A second part focusing on Jules is expected in January.
Powerful and real
nickzbekool7 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Very few shows can turn an hr episode of 2 characters sitting in a diner and make it into a showcase of emotion and realism. Perfect acting from Zendaya again after her Emmy win for season 1 who is likely to win again just based off this one episode. Rue is a tragic character that is impossible not to sympathize with but nice to see a recovering addict like Ali to put her in her place. She's lost, she's high and bluntly admits suicide is not off the table. I haven't seen a show really cover metal illness and addiction in such a raw almost documentary like style of filmmaking. I love the dynamic of the 2 characters in this episode I really hope there is more from them together in the upcoming season. The acting comes so natural it's flawless. And this episode speaks to me like a social commentary of 2020 in the way we all feel a sense of powerlessness every day. Rue to me is not a lost cause but this is definitely a road to a long path of likely more self destruction. From this episode alone season 2 will be amazing. This is from a damaged characters perspective which makes the audience more in touch with her and hard not to root for her to get it together. Brilliant episode that asks us even if not mentally ill or addicted to drugs to just listen and put judgement aside for an hr. No show to me can touch the raw and unflinching beauty of this. Like Ali said sober or high drugs take everything you are away from you. It ends with hope he's there to help Rue and hopefully addicts out there will watch this and feel hope for better days ahead. Emmys are due for Ali and Rue! Simplistic and beautiful in every sense.
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