EUPHORIA: Rue and Jules shouldn’t be together

Jules believes in conquering femininity; she must conquer men soaked with toxic masculinity that Rue does not exhibit. Jules views femininity as an illusion. She now has insecurities about her body. And She is uncertain about Rue’s acceptance of any possible change. Jules has a cynic view of drug addicts. She sees them as villains ruining the lives of the people closest to them, including Rue. “I don’t want to be best friends with someone who’s gonna kill themselves.” She tells Rue- season 1 episode 3. Jules wants to exist in two forms which is impossible; The submissive Jules sexting ShyGuy118 and the dominant Jules carrying the burden of Rue’s sobriety.

For Rue, it is quite different as she is on the worse receiving end of this intense situation-ship. During her conversation with Ali. Rue comes to believe she lives in a world that makes no sense. [Anyone else here noticing how Rue’s relationship with Ali is a symbiotic one, as their conversations give room for Ali to reflect on his youth. A world she believes no one gives a damn about her. Until she meets Jules, This vibrant girl full of energy and life Rue feeds from.

Even though Rue has a love of a mother and kid sister, She feels the love is tinted with pity and shame, making her feel worse. Thus, Rue prefers the pure love Jules has for her until even that is questioned after Jules abandons her at the train station.

I empathize with Jules and Rue. One a recovering addict, dealing with heartbreak. The other, shying away from the weight of commitment as she confronts the reality of being Trans.

While this review may have painted them to be these complicated characters, however, you choose to see it; they aren’t. The two girls are relatable to millions of teenagers and young adults in this generation, which makes HBO’s Euphoria one of the Best shows to be watching right now. Among the numerous issues being addressed, important messages being passed across through the show’s characters, one lesson I’ve learnt and you should too is this.

Before I say it, let me be clear: I am no relationship expert, nor am I the most prominent self-love advocate. But I got this one piece of advice, “Never allow your mental health to rely on someone’s physical or emotional availability.” The heart wants what it wants and all but come on! Yes, we love Rue and Jules, yes our hearts melt when we see their tik-to edits, but if we did love them as we claim to, we would call their relationship for what it truly is. “Toxic”.

Jules should focus on understanding sexuality and her multiple personalities, Let go of her previous relationships’ strings on her individuality, and focus on who she is without her commitment to Rue. On the other hand, Rue should concentrate on her sobriety outside her relationship with Jules.

Although the two special episodes lasted for about 2 hours in total, a fact awaiting exploration in season 2 about the future of Rules was established in the first few scenes of the special episodes. These two need space. They deserve balance. And we should support that.

Israel Olorunnisola is a freelance creative. When he is not writing about Film, Music, TV or Pop culture he is telling stories on Wattpad.

Pulse Contributors is an initiative to highlight diverse journalistic voices. Pulse Contributors do not represent the company Pulse and contribute on their own behalf.