‘Euphoria’: A Definitive Timeline of Rue & Jules’ Relationship
The release of Euphoria’s two special episodes gave fans the long-awaited aftermath of Rue (Zendaya) and Jules’ (Hunter Schafer) dramatic separation at the end of Season 1.
The cracks in the fan-favorite pair’s relationship were beginning to show long before Rue was left crying on the train station platform. Still, their bond was filled with love and support throughout their time together, which made their parting one to truly mourn. Oh, the highs and lows of young love!
Scroll down for a comprehensive timeline of ‘Rules’ from its friendly beginning to its tearful end.
An eclectic meet-cute (Season 1, Episode 1)
The two formally meet for the first time outside of a house party, moments after Jules pulls a knife on Nate (Jacob Elordi) to protect herself from his intense verbal harassments. Rue, after introducing herself to Jules, asks if she can go home with her. The pair bikes back to Jules’s house and thus, ‘Rules’ is born!
Carefree beginnings (Season 1, Episode 2)
Rue and Jules quickly become inseparable, spending most of their time at school together, hanging out and cracking jokes about the football team.
Testing ultimatums (Season 1, Episode 3)
However, their friendship is not without its worries. Jules expresses her concern for Rue’s frequent post-rehab drug use and sets an ultimatum that will come to be a crucial component of their relationship throughout the show: Their friendship can only continue if Rue stays clean.
An unexpected kiss (Season 1 Episode 3)
When Jules tells Rue that she plans on meeting up with Tyler, a boy she’s been virtually chatting with, Rue immediately expresses her apprehensions, resulting in a small fight. Feeling guilty, Rue shows up at Jules’ house and apologizes, mending their friendship for the time being. However, Rue then leans in to kiss Jules. When she doesn’t reciprocate, Rue leaves the room in a storm of hurt.
Reunited at the carnival (Season 1, Episode 4)
Despite their previous drama, the two reunite at the town carnival and pick right back up with their friendship like nothing ever happened. However, Rue’s sister is convinced their bond is more than a friendship: “Rue is in love with Jules, I think.”
Secrets underneath a first kiss (Season 1, Episode 4)
The two share their first proper kiss after Jules learns that the “Tyler” she has been talking to all this time is, in fact, Nate Jacobs, who blackmails her. Because Jules keeps this a secret from Rue, her closed-off behavior adds a layer of tension to their previously carefree relationship.
Halloween hijinks (Season 1, Episode 6)
On Halloween, the girls go to a party, only for Jules to get overwhelmingly drunk. Her carelessness prompts feelings of unease in Rue, who is still struggling to remain sober.
What happens in the club stays in the club (Season 1, Episode 7)
After Halloween, Jules heads back to her hometown to escape the tensions with Nate. She undergoes a drug-fueled night out, where she ends up growing close to and eventually kissing a girl named Anna. Rue is bedridden in a depressive state, unaware of Jules’ actions.
A night to remember (Season 1, Episode 8)
When they reunite for a school dance, it is clear that not all is mended in the land of ‘Rules.’ Throughout the night, Jules frequently texts Anna only to reveal she is in love with both girls, upsetting Rue.
Watch the gap (Season 1, Episode 8)
In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Rue and Jules decide to leave the dance and hop on a train to flee their small town. Once they reach the station, however, Rue has second thoughts and decides to stay. Jules remains on the train, leaving Rue on the platform.
Dealing with the consequences (Special Episode Part 1 & 2)
Rue reveals that she blames Jules for her relapse at the end of Season 1. She feels lied to and manipulated, with the tipping point being their separation at the train station. In Jules’ episode, we learn that her apprehension towards Rue’s drug addiction was a byproduct of her mother’s addiction, which she was dealing with at the same time she was with Rue.
Can apologies be enough? (Special Episode Part 2: Jules)
The two finally reunite at the end of Jules’ special episode when Rue stops by her house to wish her a merry Christmas. Jules takes this opportunity to apologize for her actions, but before Rue can accept, she tearfully exits the room, and the two are separated once again.
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