‘Euphoria’ Season 1, Episode 4 ‘Shook Ones Pt. II’ Review: Crazy Carnival

If last week’s theme was confidence, this week’s theme revolves around controversy. Of course, the rest of the town enjoys the festivities as the carnival opens. However, Euphoria‘s main characters enter a series of crazy encounters. As the fireworks erupt, so does the drama following each of them.

On Sunday’s episode of Euphoria, Rue Bennett (Zendaya) and Gia Bennett (Storm Reid) head to the carnival, like everyone else. Meanwhile, Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer) has awkward (and scary) interactions with Cal Jacobs (Eric Dane) and Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi). As this happens, Kat Hernandez (Barbie Ferreira), Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney), and Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) go on an all-out rampage.

Just Chillin’

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Euphoria‘s most promising lovers would have had a great time that night were it not for a crucial detail. Unfortunately, Chris McKay (Algee Smith) denies that he is in a relationship with Cassie when probed by the Jacobs. As Cal blabbered about football as a way of life, Chris and Cassie’s night ended abruptly. It is no secret that Cassie has a history with other guys. This history is the same reason why Chris denied dating her.

Thanks to the drugs and Maddy’s drug-addled empowerment speech, Cassie found herself seducing a guy in front of everyone to see– and it made her feel horrible. The townsfolk watched in disgust and amusement as Cassie straddled the carousel ride. It was quite sad to see her go through that experience. Cassie is such a sweet person who is misguided at times. Chris, on the hand, was disappointing. Despite being at college, he still worried about what his previous peers thought about her. The least he could have done was pick up some maturity, especially after what Cassie did for him in the fraternity initiation.

Ruined Night #2

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Initially, Kat hung out with Jules up until Jules met Rue. By the time she did, Kat was inside one of the rides when she meets Ethan (Austin Abrams). Much like Chris and Cassie, Kat and Ethan would have had a great time. Sadly, Kat misread a situation as she saw Ethan talking to another girl when she bought them slushies. Ethan merely took a favor for his sister, the girl’s friend. Seeing that probably reminded Kat about her middle school boyfriend, so she flipped. Kat’s idea of revenge involved having sex with some guy who is notoriously known to do that with anyone he wanted, but there was a twist. Kat did not say that she orgasmed, and after speaking such, she walks away as if she were an action star leaving an explosion.

Unlike Cassie, Kat did not become mopey about her situation. This reaction is probably due to her not investing that much into Ethan yet since Ethan is some guy from school. Kat’s way of dealing with disappointment is not as self-punishing as Cassie’s, but it is quite dangerous. Hopefully, Ethan would have the courage to explain what happened and that Kat would listen. Or slap him in the face, then hear what he has to say. Just hear him out for crying out loud.

The Jacobs

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Jules did not ask for any trouble. She is a young, free-spirited teenager who enjoyed exploring the facets of her sexuality. She did not, however, prepare for the consequences of her actions. Jules happened to cross paths with Cal through a gay dating app, had a one night stand with him, then coincidentally finds him in the carnival. After that, she discovered Cal’s identity; the father of the angry guy at the party, Nate. Also, the man who practically built the town by himself. Thankfully, Cal calmly and fearfully approached Jules after their awkward encounter at his Chili stall. Also, Jules did not have any intention of ruining his life, so she agreed to keep quiet.

Nate, on the other hand, was a completely different case. That guy is a whack job. Thanks to Maddy’s confrontation in front of everybody, Nate decided to end things as ‘Tyler,’ Jules’ online boyfriend (?). Jules’ world collapsed as Nate revealed his real intentions. Their months of chatting were Nate’s means of gathering evidence to ruin Jules’ life, both literally and legally, after he presumably discovered Cal and Jules’ video in Cal’s collection. That psychotic version of Nate almost pushed Jules to the damn lake. Oh, and he choke-slammed Maddy to a container van after their confrontation, so there is that.

Best Friends-ish

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After a long night of looking for Gia (who hung out with a bunch of basic boys) and patching things up with Jules, Rue comes home. She covers for Gia, who smoked marijuana with the basic boys. Also, she did witness firsthand how awkward Jules and Cal interacted. The night at the carnival was not that fun, but at least, perhaps, it was enjoyable since Rue finally had time with Jules. However, she did not expect her to knock on her window in the middle of the night.

Jules had a rough experience when she met with Tyler. While Rue may not know the full details, she did know enough to see that Jules was heartbroken and disappointed. All Rue could do was offer her some clothes and let her sleepover. In a beautiful sequence, Jules realizes that Rue was there for her throughout her arrival into town. With that in mind, they kiss, finally admitting to each other that they are more than just best friends.

‘Euphoria’ Season 1, Episode 4 ‘Shook Ones: Pt. II’ Final Verdict

One of the highlights of the episode was Jules’ backstory. Her character is unique in Euphoria and also arguably the most complex. Having a childhood spent in a psychiatric institution and transitioning at an early age can be primarily attributed to her personality development. Finally, Jules and Rue’s relationship reaches a higher level. While everyone else seems to have complicated, falling apart relationships, the two misfits find a way of making theirs a reality.

Euphoria continues Sunday, July 14th with ’03 Bonnie and Clyde’ at 10/9c on HBO.