This week, we were finally able to view the special episode of Euphoria and… we thought it was absolutely fascinating. It acts as a bridge between the first and second season, and we can tell you now that it’s fifty four minutes in which a crude and profound dialogue between Rue (Zendaya) and Ali (Colman Domingo) – her godfather at Narcotics Anonymous -, has you barely blinking…

The episode focusses on a key and crucial conversation for anyone who has been overwhelmed by the suffering that the loss of a loved one at a young age implies. Because regardless of whether they have been addicted to drugs or not – that’s a side effect- the chat is around just that, the vulnerability and pain that is felt and the lack of emotional resources to be able to deal with it. And about how not everyone is able to move forward and overcome it and may opt to do the exact opposite, to harm themselves, torpedo their own efforts even more, to feel guilty… to wish they could disappear.

A conversation that, as you will see, is astute and necessary, where Rue, in spite of initially resisting, opens up completely in an attempt to understand her actions and get a glimpse of hope, when everything is in fact lost for her, because she feels incapable of redemption, of self-forgiveness, of climbing out of that hole…

Ali plays the part of the best coach. Not only does he return everything she throws at him without being condescending or pitying her, but he handles the situation better than anyone. The fact he has been through the same situation and that he is older than her, means that he has been there and that he has made that necessary journey to find that faith that is so essential in order to carry on and not give up – and by faith we are not only referring to religion (which it is in some cases) but to faith in life. That click that makes you feel that it is worth continuing, that all is not lost, that we need to give ourselves a chance and that above all we need to believe in ourselves, no matter what.

The episode is set on Christmas Eve and although there are some brief initial scenes with Jules, the plot takes place at a dinner, where the camera is centred solely on them both. And there is no need for more. Additionally, as is the norm with this series, the photography and the soundtrack are sublime. Each moment counts, each gesture, the lights, the different perspectives… It’s overwhelming to be honest.

In summary, and as we mentioned at the beginning, “Trouble Don’t Last Always” is a reflection on life and what it means to live it to the full, about the decisions we make, about fear and pain, about handling emotions, about the story we tell ourselves, about the alternatives we have and can’t see, about guilt and feeling like a victim, about love, about self-esteem… and also about drug addiction and how to overcome it. An episode that really sinks in, that stirs you and that you make your own. An audiovisual wonder that we will watch again and that we heartily recommend.

Available on HBO.