WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the special episode of Euphoria, "Trouble Don't Last Always," now streaming on HBO Max.
Euphoria is known for its operatic, neon spectacles, but the first special episode is a stripped-bare character study that is equally entrancing. The episode is essentially a stage play that showcases the acting abilities of Zendaya and Colman Domingo in an emotional conversation about life, death, addiction and everything in between. The minimalistic quality of the episode, "Trouble Don't Last Always," allows for the genuine power of both actors to shine through in an episode that is somehow both devastating and tinged with hope.
Rue and her sponsor, Ali, are sitting in an empty diner eating pancakes on Christmas Eve, since Rue is in need of some support after the relapse that ended season 1. She is still in love with Jules, as evidenced by the sweet opening fantasy about sharing an apartment and morning kisses with her. The dingy diner is a stark juxtaposition that tells how far away happiness is for Rue. Her watery, weary eyes are absolutely heartbreaking to watch, the hopelessness physically weighing down her features.
Rue delivers some unbearable truths about not wanting to get sober and not planning on living long in a world that is fundamentally grotesque. Director Sam Levinson never pulls any punches when depicting the depths of addiction or despair, and neither does Zendaya. Her unflinching honesty makes these moments some of the most impactful in the history of the show, and prove why she won an Emmy this year. There is a gargantuan uphill battle ahead for Rue, but viewers can't help but empathize with her and wish for her happiness.
Ali brings fervor and wisdom to the discussion about addiction as a disease and the need for belief in a higher power to help Rue stay clean. Domingo holds this subtle intensity in Ali's eyes, as he reveals some much-needed backstory on his own troubled past with drugs and domestic abuse. There is a great shame in his eyes, but also redemption through his desire to help Rue. He struggles to impart on her that misdeeds don't define people for long.
One of the most moving scenes in the episode occurs when Ali steps outside in the snow to call his family and Rue tries to find the poetry of life he spoke of. Rue loses herself in a song Jules sent her, again positioning Jules as her savior and crucifier, and Ali tries to reconnect with his kid. As Levinson indulges in some heightened theatrical lighting cast through the diner window on Rue's bedraggled face, viewers see that these are just two flawed individuals trying to find something bigger than themselves.
The simplicity of the episode is its greatest strength, providing enough room for raw performances and reflection. The ineffable poetry Ali professed works because it does not need a grandiose epiphany; it can be found in a diner discussion over pancakes. Despite the bleak nature of Rue's temperament, a faint note of hope can be found in the air through Ali's uplifting message. The bringing in of the only other character in the diner, a waitress who has 17 years of sobriety, is a testament to the redemptive power of hope.
The episode's inspiring call to find meaning in the mess is a timely message for the trying events of 2020. The episode's isolated look and feel even make it believable that this diner conversation took place in the real world. Ali talks about the chaos of the world and the Black Lives Matter movement in a way that is all too familiar. In times of staying home, the need for reflecting on the poetry of life is more apt than ever.
Levinson closes this philosophical sparring with a profound rendition of "Ave Maria" and an agonizingly prolonged close-up of Rue's forlorn visage. While the episode may not deliver typical Christmas joy, it's one of the most magnificent gifts to television this year. With the Jules-centered special episode coming January 24 and Season 2 on the horizon, this episode of Euphoria was a more than satisfying bridge to hold audiences over going into next year.