‘Euphoria,’ Season 3, Ep. 3

*includes spoilers

In season 3, episode 3 of Euphoria, we continue to explore the backstories behind these troubled characters, in an effort to better understand why they continue to make the choices that they do (although I’m still trying to figure it out myself).

Euphoria: Season 3, Ep 3: “The Ballad of Paladin”

This episode largely centers around Cassie and Nate’s wedding and the stormy road that lies for them ahead (as they already begin to face marital problems).

When the truth comes out surrounding Nate’s financial troubles, Cassie retaliates and all hell breaks loose (yes, at the wedding).

Characters

Episode 3 starts off with Jules (Hunter Schafer) as her storyline begins to deepen, revealing the intricacies behind how she got to making so much money.

When her roommate reveals that she can make money doing a high-paying side gig, she decides to ditch art school and sleep with men for money instead.

Her “sugar baby” business takes off, particularly with one client by the name of Ellis (Sam Trammell), a successful plastic surgeon who has a fetish for wrapping women up in saran wrap. For context, this is the same man I talked about in my previous blog post, the one who Jules referred to as her “boyfriend.”

At Cassie and Nate’s wedding, we see Maddy (Alexa Demie) turn a corner and enter the ceremony wearing a stunning (but exceptionally revealing green dress). All hell is about to break loose.

Her outfit (like her character) is a statement piece all around. It’s no surprise that the dress just happens to be green (the color of envy) and in true Maddy fashion, her dress offers a number of very revealing cuts, including one in the back that is also accessorized with a hanging crucifix. I don’t blame her. Let’s be honest: when it comes to this wedding (and all of the scenes that are about to ensue), everyone will need God.

Rue (Zendaya) is working her way up the latter and digging herself deeper in Alamo’s schemes. She’s now in charge of selling guns at the Silver Stripper (most of which land in Mexico) and receives a commission in return (for any purchase that someone makes). Sounds like a wholesome lifestyle, if you ask me.

She asks Jules to be her “plus one” at Cassie and Nate’s wedding but leaves shortly after the outdoor ceremony, when Alamo calls her to take care of an urgent business matter pertaining to (you guessed it): drugs.

A pretty weird wedding

Okay. Let’s see where to start here.

So… yes, Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate (Jacob Elordi) get married. I’m not quite sure what’s worse: the wedding itself or the fact that two very toxic people joined in union… when they very well shouldn’t have.

As far as the wedding itself, we are welcomed into a beautiful (yet very over-the-top) outdoor venue, filled to the brim with flowers (the same ones that Nate and Cassie have been fighting over for the past two episodes). We later cut to a shot of Nate, vomiting and hyperventilating into a brown paper bag (you know, the one we used to carry our 5th grade lunch in?)

Once the ceremony (finally) begins, we see Suze (Alanna Ubach) walking her daughter down the aisle and it’s here where she delivers an unfiltered and ironically humorous monologue about her own bitter thoughts pertaining to marriage. This moment is oddly cynical, offering both humor and elements of foreshadowing, as Suze’s words serve to suggest the trouble that lies ahead… and it doesn’t take long for the trouble to start.

Tension rises when Naz (Jack Topalian), the shady investor that Nate partnered up with, crashes the wedding, demanding the money that Nate owes him. When Cassie puts two and two together, she realizes that her (now) husband has gotten himself into serious financial issues, putting them both in an economic crisis. What better way to draw even more attention to this problem then through a first dance?

A moment that should feel joyful and exciting, is overshadowed by whiny tears and drama. A harsh spotlight puts them into focus, as they move through a poorly choreographed dance routine. Collectively, this entire sequence and the idea behind performing a first dance really symbolizes the performative spirit of their marriage: everything feels like it’s for show and the pressure of being “watched by their guests” really emphasizes the pressure they are currently under.  To make things worse, Nate tells Cassie that they will need to “downsize” and that’s when shit really hits the fan. Cassie’s unhinged tendencies reveal themselves in moments where she continues to cry and in yelling fits (that lead to the accidental pop of a bottle cork (hitting Nate directly in the eye). Things could not get worse (but trust me, they do).

Somehow, the wedding wraps up and somehow… they are both still married. They seemingly make up on the limo ride home but all goes down hill as soon as they enter their mansion. Naz and his decrepit mafia crew are waiting inside, ready to attack at a moments notice.  

In a Quentin Tarantino style scene (filled to the brim with unnecessary gore), we see a bizarre collection of graphic images that are juxtaposed with bright colors and a bleeding/crying/whining bride (all while Nate is drowning in his own blood as he’s getting beaten up and his toe cut off). The image of a truly happy marriage, if you ask me.

Themes: Power & Money

Power and money are two prevailing themes, in this episode of Euphoria. At the core, power and money are both the root of Cassie and Nate’s marital issues. It’s the root of Cassie’s vocational aspirations. It’s the root behind Naz’s nagging demands and it’s certainly the driving force behind the continuation of Rue’s criminal involvement. Everyone wants to get ahead and unfortunately, getting ahead comes at the cost of things that should be more important, like spouses, family and friends.

Themes: Marriage & Toxic Relationships  

This really goes without saying. While Cassie and Nate’s relationship is at the forefront of marriage and toxic relationships, we continue to see these patterns in other settings and relationships as well. We see it between Rue and Alamo. Maddy and Cassie. Jules and Ellis. At the core, these toxic partnerships co-exists because they are viciously driven by greed and both parties end up benefiting in some type of way.

A Blend Between a Farce and a Quentin Tarantino Film

This episode felt like a weird blend between a farce and a Quentin Tarantino film, featuring dark humor and a collection of explicitly graphic scenes (that I’m not sure even contributed to an overarching storyline). While I understand telling a story and getting a certain message across, to what extent is the portrayal of that message just for show?

Euphoria’s season 3, episode 3: “The Ballad of Paladin” released on April 26, 2026 and you can now stream it on HBO Max.