'Euphoria’ Season 3 Episode 6: Did Rue survive Alamo's attack?

Last week's “Euphoria” ended on a cliffhanger concerning Rue (Zendaya) and the threatening actions of Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) with a polo mallet. Early in the new episode, we discover that Alamo spares Rue — but only after a series of flashbacks narrated by Zendaya reveal Alamo’s past, reminiscent of “Euphoria” Season 1.

It’s noted, “The iciest woman Alamo ever knew was his mother.” His mother (played by Danielle Deadwyler) attempts to raise Alamo by herself while entangling with various unsuitable men as lovers or targets. Her revolving partners leave young Alamo with distrust towards women and a blurred understanding of male behaviour.

Rue’s spiritual dilemmas

Rue seems to be out of serious trouble as she covertly recorded a conversation between Laurie (Martha Kelly) and Alamo, earning the federal agents’ support and helping to eliminate her legal issues. Yet, she still struggles personally. A seemingly flirtatious encounter with Jules, who is painting at an easel, escalates. Rue muses internally, “Against all odds, things seemed alright. Perhaps every mistake led me to where I was meant to be,” but conflict erupts when Rue questions Jules' affair with her sugar daddy. Jules strikes Rue, causing her to fall into the canvas and then collapse beneath it.

However, Rue's challenges grow throughout the episode. Seeking solace, she sits in a church pew and telephones her estranged mother, saying, “I suppose if He’s real, so is redemption. And with redemption comes salvation, which I desperately need. I don't want to be defined by my past mistakes.” They end their conversation amicably, yet unresolved.

Something transcendent resonates through the episode: In the closing minutes, Rue narrowly avoids a vehicle seemingly intent on harming her but then sees a burning bush after exiting her car safely.

Rise of a star

Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) shines on the show “L.A. Nights,” surpassing her expectations. A flashback to her troubling wedding night turns into a powerful performance with her co-star's support. Asked by the show's producer (Sharon Stone) about her background, Cassie asserts, “I’m an artist who uses my body for storytelling.”

Clearly. It’s revealed that Cassie is active on OnlyFans — and the studio demands she shut down her profitable channel if she wants a forward role in “L.A. Nights.” (She agrees despite her sister, Lexi, played by Maude Apatow, subtly objecting.) Cassie contemplates, calls her estranged husband Nate (Jacob Elordi), and deletes her account right before receiving a chilling package in the mail: Nate’s finger, sent by his unpaid and shady creditors.

Alamo's unexpected connection…?

A fascinating development is the ongoing flirtation between Alamo and Maddy (Alexa Demie). Before Cassie left for “L.A. Nights,” Maddy managed her, and now she also oversees Alamo’s dancers (Rosalía and Anna Van Patten).

She pairs them for photos with Cassie, reflecting Maddy's knack for controversy. Maddy appears unfazed by Alamo’s menacing presence, even though, as Rue narrates early in the episode, Alamo vowed “to never again be outsmarted by a woman.” It may not be as significant as a burning bush or a fingertip in a parcel, but it’s certainly something to watch as the season progresses towards its climax.