The relationship drama seems to be never-ending on HBO's hit show, Euphoria. People are hooking up behind other people's backs, there are love triangles, and some innocent and pure romances. With the high school setting, it's unsurprising that a lot of focus is put on romantic relationships.
But, the platonic interpersonal relationships on the show are just as nuanced and interesting. The way that the main characters pair up with each other at different times and have completely varied relationships depending on who they're with is compelling to analyze.
Nate & Marsha
Nothing can be as pure--or as toxic--as a mother and son relationship. While Nate and Marsha's interactions don't seem to be abusive or inappropriate, she definitely has an oddly cavalier attitude about some of the awful things Nate has done, and Nate seems to regard her with a sort of cold indifference.
They talk openly about Nate's girlfriends, and Nate appears to want Marsha to be happy--he's glad for her to start fresh after Cal leaves the family and they're able to talk about it with each other.
Rue & Elliot
Their friendship did not start off in the best way. Rue heartbreakingly almost overdosed in the season 2 premiere right in front of Elliot, which was undoubtedly traumatizing. Still, he seemed to genuinely like Rue and they have the same sort of laid back, "go with the flow" attitude.
When they hang out together, they seem to have a great time as they laugh and dance around. Sadly, though, Rue and Elliot brought out the worst in each other with their substance abuse, and Rue didn't appreciate it when Elliot told Jules--although one could say he was trying to get Rue help before something bad happened, which shows he cares about her health and safety.
Maddy & Samantha
Although it makes no sense that Maddy got a job in season 2, she is currently working for the affluent Samantha and her son. Maddy enjoys trying on Samantha's luxurious outfits, swimming in her pool, and lounging around her expensive home. Although Samantha and Maddy haven't interacted too frequently, their scenes have created a bond between the two.
Samantha is able to provide a little bit of perspective for Maddy about the Cassie and Nate situation, without the messiness of being personally involved in it. She tells Maddy that she used to be like Cassie and she regretted it and that Maddy is still young and has more than enough time to find real, true love.
Lexi & Rue
Lexi and Rue were a lot closer last season than they are currently, and it's sad because they do have a solid friendship. Lexi truly cares about Rue, even if her addiction causes her to only care about herself at times. In fact, Lexi cares so much about Rue that she lets Rue take advantage of her love for her by facilitating her behavior.
In addition to providing drug-free pee for one of Rue's drug tests, Lexi is one of the most forgiving about Rue's drug use. She stood by her side all of season 1 and seems prepared to do it again in season 2. She's the one main character in the friend group who Rue talks to the most outside of Jules.
Jules & Maddy
Jules and Maddy didn't have too much one-on-one interaction in season 1 of the show. Of course, they were hanging out in the same group of friends a lot, but they seemed to be connected on a more surface level, besides having a good amount in common, including some amazing makeup looks that fans love to recreate.
In season 2, Maddy and Jules have some really nice moments together that show their genuine affection for one another. Maddy opens up about how dark her and Nate's relationship was when the two go bowling with Kat and Ethan, and they both talk about love. In a recent interview, Alexa Demie also revealed that Maddy was originally supposed to be the one to give Jules the tape, which would have spoken even more to their friendship.
Kat & Maddy
Kat is truly Maddy's "ride or die" friend. She immediately takes her side in the Cassie and Nate situation and emphatically agrees when Maddy rants that she wants to murder Cassie. They hang out with each other a lot, and Maddy was ive both when Kat started dating Ethan and when she ended things.
They even danced together very cutely during Maddy's birthday party, solidifying how much they love each other as friends. The only thing that was a bit odd about Kat was that she told Maddy she never trusted Cassie and that Cassie "seemed like the type to hook up with your boyfriend" but never mentioned those concerns to Maddy before that point.
Ali & Gia
While Gia may be a ing player, she has main character energy, and her scenes with Ali in the most recent episode have given her the opportunity to have the spotlight on her for once. Ali knows exactly how hard Rue's addiction is for Gia, and the neglect that she must feel because so much attention has to be on her sister.
Ali knows the exact right way to get Gia to warm up to him by lightly poking fun at Rue, earning an approving laugh from Gia. It's clear that Ali truly cares for Gia's needs, even though he's Rue's sponsor, and that will mean something special for their relationship on the show going forward.
Fez & Rue
Fez has the most bestie potential of all Euphoria characters, and it's not hard to see why. Fez and Rue's relationship may have started as business transactions, but he cares for her a lot and repeatedly tries to protect her from the world of drugs and addiction.
Fans vividly the heartbreaking scene in season 1 of Rue pounding on Fezco's door, crying and demanding him to sell her drugs and he tearily told her to go away for her own good. In season 2, Fez continues to protect Rue. He tries to keep her out of selling with Laurie and gives her a place to stay when she's on the run. Even when Rue betrays Fez's trust, he's still loyal to her and cares about her.
Rue & Ali
Ali knows exactly what Rue's going through because he's been there before. Even though she gives him an attitude and doesn't always seem interested in recovery, he never gives up on her. She insults him with his past and he still forgives her immediately. He wants her to succeed in her recovery.
The death of Rue's father played a huge part in her substance abuse and addiction, and Ali is a paternal figure that she needs in her life right now. No one can replace her dad, but having a kind, guiding father figure in the picture will give her the , praise, and the understanding that she needs.
Fezco & Ashtray
Fezco and Ashtray are a perfect example of the expression "the family you choose." Ash was dropped on Fez's grandma's doorstep when he was a baby, and Fez was immediately protective of him. Not only that, but he sees Ash as an equal, calling him his business partner and defending him when others call him a "kid."
Fez and Ash have the utmost loyalty for each other; Ash literally killed someone to protect Fez, and Fez would undoubtedly do the same. They always have each others' backs, and they're brothers in everything except blood.