HOLLYWOOD—Season three of the hit HBO series “Euphoria” has NOT been easy to watch. Why? It has not been as exhilarating and exciting as the first 2 seasons. I hate to say it, but it almost felt like the series creator Sam Levinson, just wanted to get things over with. I expected a bit more. When I say that, some things felt unfinished as it pertains to Maddy, Cassie, Jules and Lexie for me. I wanted more story for them.

The entire season seemed to revolve around Rue (Zendaya) and rightfully so because she was at the middle of so much mayhem. With that said, the series finale (which I already expected) concluded with the episode, ‘In God We Trust’ that saw some major deaths. SPOILER ALERT: If you have not already watched the episode, please stop reading RIGHT NOW!!!!

First off, that big-lipped traitor, Faye, screamed alerting Wayne, when she was disappointed no money was in that safe. Rue struck Wayne with a pair of pliers delivering a major wound to his leg, punched Faye in the face and managed to escape. Yes, Rue was already brutalized the previous episode, by Laurie and her goonies. Rue managed to get out and maker her way back to Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who I have gone back and forth about regarding his villainy. When it was all said and done, oh, he’s a villain. This is the same guy who basically captured Maddie making her his sex slave and her to pay off that massive debt as she rescued Cassie (Sydney Sweeney).

Speaking of Cassie, she mourned Nate, as did Maddie after they found him dead after being bitten several times by that rattlesnake. Cassie found a way to get from underneath the mayhem that could be tied to Alamo and Maddie. Hate to say it, but Maddie is a damn good friend to Cassie, who wasn’t always so good to Maddie. Cassie’s tale ended lonely to say the least in that big house, where Lexie was a bit of an afterthought. We got nothing really for Lexie besides what was already given, which was disappointing to say the least.

Jules who was so vital to season 1 and 2, was barely present this time around and her one scene was her crying and it was so lackluster. Jules had a beyond close relationship with Rue, so to NOT even see these characters interact was so frustrating. Laurie’s compound was raided by the DEA and unable to fathom with the thought of going to prison, hung herself. Yes, the meek Laurie was dead.

Rue returned to Alamo who gave her cash, Percocet and a week vacation, one that ultimately led to the biggest gasp of the season. Why? Those Percocet pills were laced with Fentanyl. Rue traveled to stay with Ali, and that is where the audience last saw our flawed protagonist alive. One that was a tear-jerker to witness. Why? The audience was under the illusion that Rue managed to get out, but after Maddie let it slip to Alamo about Rue working with the DEA it was all over.

Rue attempted to reunite with her mother, but it was simply a hallucination as she overdosed on those laced pills. We had a scene with Rue and Fezco (Angus Cloud). Cloud tragically died in 2023. Her pals Cassie, Lexie, Maddie all grieved her, but no one worse than Ali (Colman Domingo). Domingo has been exploding as of late and rightfully so. Domingo was the star of the episode, get ready for that Emmy, because you damn sure deserve it for that scene in the AA meeting alone. Not to mention the big climax that unfolded at the strip club with gunfire, bullets and so much more.

Nothing pleased me more than seeing Marshawn Lynch’s character blown away in a vicious act, as Ali walked into that club in his military attire for the duel of all duels. I mean Alamo was always a punk, as he utilized Maddie as a shield when a shotgun was staring him down. The stunner was that draw that saw Alamo realize his most loyal ally, Bishop (Darrell Britt-Gibson) removed Alamo’s bullet allowing Ali to finish his sendoff of Alamo for his role in Rue’s demise.

The last 25 minutes of the episode was so climatic, so delicious TV and just fascinating to watch. I haven’t been so compelled watching a series in such a long time that I didn’t want to turn my eyes away. I was satisfied with that outcome, and the overall episode was the best of the entire season, I just wanted a bit more finality for some of the other characters audiences invested their lives in for the past I don’t know 6 years!

Ali was the hero of the season as he got revenge for Rue, and rescued Maddie from the clutches of Alamo in the process. I was worried for Maddie, but it was nice to see her get from underneath Alamo in what felt like a lose lose situation otherwise. Ali returned to the home of where Rue was staying in the opener of season 3 letting the family know Rue was in a better place as he envisioned her sitting at the end of the table as they prepared supper.

Classic ending, satisfying to a degree, and top-tier writing that hadn’t always been there this season, but to say “Euphoria” went out with a bang would be an understatement, but it has been fun America.