Review: Special #1 of HBO’s ‘Euphoria,’ ‘Trouble Don’t Last Always’ a Keen Drama that Keeps Intact the Power of Season 1

Sam Levinson’s Emmy-winning show “Euphoria” returns for the 2020 festive season with two-hour long specials that focus on Rue (Zendaya) and Jules (Hunter Schafer) respectively after the events of the Season 1 finale. Featuring knockout performances from Zendaya and Colman Domingo, “Trouble Don’t Last Always” sets itself up as one of the best episodes of the show so far; we see things from Rue’s (Zendaya) point of view in the first of two bridge episodes. 

Flashes of What Could Have Been, Coupled with Stark Reality

The episode opens with a loved-up sequence between Rue and Jules that appears to be insight into what could’ve been. This idyllic life is short-lived; viewers are then transported to a diner bathroom with Rue as she wipes her nose, fixes her hoodie, and walks out to meet Ali (Colman Domingo). What ensues is an incredibly deep, thought-provoking conversation; the two cover everything from sobriety, to faith, and how addicts are seen as selfish individuals, when in reality, addiction is a harrowing disease. 

Despite a sensational turn in Season 1, Zendaya’s performance across this special somehow tops her previous run as troubled Rue. If Zendaya’s performance wasn’t enough, Colman Domingo’s portrayal is outstanding. The “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” star gives a captivating performance, reprising his role of Ali, Rue’s confidant and mentor. “Trouble Don’t Last Always” keeps up with “Euphoria’s” consistently high-quality; it features mesmerising cinematography from Marcell Rév and brilliant editing from Nikola Boyanov and Julio Perez IV. 

A Continuation from Season 1 that Keeps its Themes Intact

Ali and Rue being the main characters throughout the episode allows Sam Levinson to focus on the consistent, powerful performances; Zendaya and Colman give and the relationship between these two characters authenticity and depth. Much like the show’s first season, “Trouble Don’t Last Always” once again shows off “Euphoria’s” perfect music choices, featuring songs from Labrinth and Moses Sumney.

Ali and Rue being the main characters throughout the episode allows Sam Levinson to focus on the consistent, powerful performances…”

The plot’s simplicity (two people sit and share hard truths over a plate of pancakes) makes the special incredibly captivating. It makes something that could be seen as an hour of boring television instead thematically rich; the episode is an enthralling affair that grasps viewers’ attention all the way up until the closing shot. 

The special directly continues on from the Season 1 finale, informing viewers that (*spoilers*) after Jules (Hunter Schafer) left Rue at the train station, Rue went home and relapsed and that’s how Rue and Ali came to be celebrating Christmas in a random diner in Burbank, California. “Trouble Don’t Last Always” also delves into the question of what it means to be a good person. When Ali discloses to Rue that he was abusive to his ex-wife and became the man he once hated (his father), he asks Rue if she still believes he is a good person, and she agrees.

Heavy Conversations and Emotions Line the Special’s Run-Time

Not only does the conversation question what defines someone as a good person, but it also asks the question of do your actions define if you’re a good person or not. The topic of faith also comes up in their conversation, and the idea of a higher power angers Rue. But this idea of there being an omniscient figure makes Rue ask Ali why her father had to die; she goes on to ask why survivors are ‘blessed by God’ and not just plain lucky. This then puts forward the idea of if there’s a difference in being ‘blessed’ or if people are just lucky.

“Trouble Don’t Last Always” is an emotional special that tackles challenging themes through powerful performances from Zendaya and Colman Domingo. Shot on 35mm film, the 64-minute episode features more incredible cinematography from Marcell Rév (“Malcolm & Marie,” “Euphoria” Season 1) and brilliant editing that makes for a captivating viewing experience; it still manages to maintain the feel of “Euphoria” Season 1 despite being considerably less explicit or fluorescent. 

“Euphoria” is currently available to stream on HBO Max.