'Euphoria' Season 2: Who should be Rue's next love interest? Jules, Fez, Lexi and more ranked from best to worst
When it comes to Rue Bennett, the Euphoria fandom is extremely protective. Not just because it's Zendaya playing the role, although that could be a very big part of it. Rue, who has had a troubled teenage so far, with her many mental illnesses propelling her towards substance abuse, has still managed to win our hearts over. So when it comes to the matters of her heart, not everybody -- no matter how worthy they think they are, or how smitten Rue might be with them -- is an acceptable partner for her. Not long after the dependency, we saw her latch on to once she met Jules (Hunter Schafer). But with her gone, who will Rue date next? Will it be a rebound, or something more slow-paced with much more clarity? Let's rank and rate all the fish in Rue's sea when season 2 rolls in.
Lexi
Let's just start off by noting how grossly underrated and criminally ignored Lexi Howard's (Maude Apatow) arc was in Season 1. for a character with so much potential, love, care, and support she had to offer our leading lady, it's unfair that Lexi didn't even get a proper backstory when Chris McKay (Algee Smith) of all people got their 50-minute spotlight in one of the episodes. Lexi, Rue's former best friend whom she grew apart over the years, still pees for the latter in a cup whenever she has to take an impromptu drug test following her overdose in the summer preceding the show's premise. Lexi is a cluster ball of comfort and warmth for those around her -- be it her abusive alcoholic mother, her hypersexual sister Cassie (Sydney Sweeney), or even Rue for that matter. We saw hints of Lexi's feelings for Rue when Gia (Storm Reid), Rue's sister, had told the other girl at the fair that Rue was absolutely smitten with Jules. There was probably slight envy masked with concern on Lexi's end -- something that could definitely followed up in Season 2. Not to forget, Rue was Lexi's first kiss, and we already know they make a good team courtesy when Lexi was her sidekick when Detective Rue was trying to crack the case of Nate and Jules.
Fezco
Relying on a drug dealer for emotional support or romance, while you're a recovering addict might not be the best decision but there's this thing about Fezco (Angus Cloud), another character done dirty without a proper backstory in Season 1. Fez really, really cares about Rue - to a point that it might just come off as a brotherly dynamic, but they are friends. As one of his oldest customers, Rue probably trusts Fez more than the entire town, and he tries to protect her from fentanyl dealing druglords and Nate Jacobs' (Jacob Elordi) insanely sinister motives to the best of his ability. Let's also not forget how stern Fez was about not selling Rue drugs anymore; the way he insists he can't in good conscience allow her to repeat the summer and the way Rue eventually gives in is a clear indication of a bond that could be more than friendship. Sure, we don't know if Rue swings that way, but if she did, it should be for Fez and no one else.
Maddy
It just seems like the right time for Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) to unleash her bicurious tendencies and explore life beyond the rotten but polished apple that is Nate. Maddy, forever a femme fatale, was emotionally manipulated into lying about the physical abuse on her body. Debating about whether her boyfriend is actually gay or just treating her like a fool, Maddy's look was that of pure vengeance when she came across the CD footage of Nate's father Cal (Eric Dane) having a cheap motel hook up with the underage Jules. Maddy wants revenge on Nate and she could practically ruin his life by coming clean about him being the one to attack her. The other person Nate really did dirty was Jules, blackmailing her with nude photos that he acquired through catfishing. Nate made Jules testify against the guy he made Maddy claim as her abuser and that oared Rue's hatred for him. Her spite for Nate probably matches Maddy's at this point. Now that screams power couple to us!
Jules
We always knew we would have to circle back to this one. She might be gone, but with the two special episodes coming this December, chances are Jules is very much returning to Rue's life. Their connection is tumultuous too; Rue is head over heels in love with Jules, which is not a good thing for any recovering addict. Jules, on the other hand, has been through her own share of trauma; with her mother leaving them after her transition at an early age, Jules doesn't feel comfortable with being a crutch for Rue's mood as that is not a light responsibility. Why she would want to run away is understandable, and if Rue lets her back in, maybe we should too. They were adorable together, after all. And nobody lit up Rue's face the way Jules did.
Ali
We stan a healthy friendship between recovering addicts, but there's always the concern surrounding them making each other their crutches. With Rue so vulnerable and volatile, the last thing she needs is a relationship with another addict. And Ali (Colman Domingo) sounds like a godsend, don't get us wrong. His tough-as-nails persona asking Rue to attend meetings and get her s**t together is inspiring; however, much like Jules, his presence in her life seems fleeting. We shall have to wait till Season 2 to actually confirm if he is as great a match for her as he sounds. There is one catch though: he seems to be much older and their relationship wouldn't be healthy even if it blossoms.
'Euphoria' is currently filming Season 2 with two special 'bridge' episodes coming this December only on HBO.