'euphoria' Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: Lawfully Wedded Wives And The End Of Lives

Last week’s episode of Euphoria, brought to you by hustle, lies, and a dangerous new era, ensued; however, it was just a mere glimpse of what was to come for this week's storm of drama. In Season 3, Episode 3, we see wedding bells and personal hells. Read on for more.

Euphoria Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: “The Ballad of Paladin"

It's true: nothing could’ve prepared us for this week’s episode. Opening with a shot of Jules painting a naked body, viewers catch a glimpse into her background as an escort, having begun in art school thanks to her roommate, Vivan, who has encouraged a new stream of income for rent. From there, we’re taken through an array of Jules’ past and present men, from a lawyer to a Hollywood producer, to her current plastic surgeon fixation. Between going back and forth from school and men, Jules ultimately decides to drop out of art school due to her current financial situation. That being said, in one scene, we see Vivian listening to Jules' AirPods as she shares her decision with her parents. Fans couldn’t help but wonder… Will Vivian reappear as a villain? Or was she plotting misfortune for Jules from the start?

Not to be missed is Magick's return, in yet another sparkly ensemble and last week's aforementioned bedazzled neck brace; her client happens to be Rue’s No. 1 customer. Rue hones her skills as an underground gun dealer, jokingly wanting it to be dubbed as a ‘legit’ job, a term angering Alamo, but not any more than the pig that arrives in his club (courtesy of Laurie). While Alamo’s posse begins to plan a retaliation, Paladin, drug lord Laurie’s parrot, is not off the table of trouble.

All that to say, the episode centers around Cassie, and if you can believe it, Cassie has once again never, ever, been happier. The scene opens with groom-to-be Nate dry-heaving from anxiety in the restroom of their wedding venue. And yes, Cassie can sense something is off because Nate did not come home the night before. Ditching their characteristically chic tastes for the occasion, Maddy, Jules, and their revenge dress take center stage amid an understaged upstage—as do the $50,000 worth of florals. Other notable moments include Jules and Cal’s interaction, Cassie’s mom reliving her own wedding woes while walking Cassie down the aisle, and a passionate kiss between the happy couple, with a cameo from former classmate BB.

The emotion of it all is present, especially after Nate’s mom alludes to a misstep in judgment from a past relationship with Maddy—viewers theorizing her plotting of vengeance will be next to deadly. Soon interrupted by one of Nate’s business partners threatening him during dinner, Cassie, rightfully so, freaks out. While trying to hold things together, Lexi asks her sister if she’s okay. Cassie states, “What a weird question to ask on the best day of my life,” following a burlesque-style first dance. Moreover, Cassie’s neighbor overhears this financial frenzy, shares the news with her husband, and Nate then explains that the lack of cash flow is a result of a rare flower that has paused its zoning issue. Followed by a conversation between Jules and Nate, will something heat up here? You know what they say, old habits die hard.

Another potential easter egg is Rue (who was called to action mid-nuptials) receiving a call from Fezco, who mentions his escape from prison by way of parkour. Laurie’s aforementioned bird alamo is drugged, and chaos continues to detonate.

To wrap up, Cassie crashes out, and in typical Nate fashion, he tries to schmooze Cassie, resulting in Cassie telling him their wedding was the worst day of her life. Which only gets worse once the duo returns home, where Nate is beaten, has his pinky toe lopped off, covered in blood, and downright tortured. Not to be missed is a blood-splattered wedding dress, which Cassie pays no mind to, but instead, deems the end to her night as so unfair. 

The episode wraps with Rue being pulled over by the DAA for an arrest. Leaving viewers to ask… What’s next?