Episode 3 of Euphoria Season 3 delivers a chaotic and unsettling wedding between Nate and Cassie, blending surreal moments with darker revelations.

The episode, titled “The Ballad of Paladin”, opens by exploring Jules’ entry into sex work during her time at art school.

Encouraged by her roommate Vivian, she begins meeting wealthy clients, eventually forming a more exclusive arrangement with a married plastic surgeon named Ellis.

Despite initial hesitation, Jules is drawn in by the financial stability, though the encounters grow increasingly disturbing, culminating in a scene where Ellis restrains her in plastic wrap.

Meanwhile, Rue’s storyline takes a criminal turn as she continues working under Alamo, now dealing weapons while plotting against Laurie. A plan unfolds involving Laurie’s parrot, Paladin, as tensions between rival groups escalate.

The central focus, however, remains the wedding. Nate and Cassie’s ceremony is lavish yet emotionally strained, marked by visible cracks beneath the surface

. Cassie becomes increasingly distressed, while Nate struggles with mounting financial pressure after being confronted by Naz, a creditor, during the reception. Cassie’s declaration, “I don’t want to be poor,” underscores the disconnect between appearances and reality.

Interactions between Jules and Cal add further tension, revisiting past conflicts. As the evening progresses, the facade of celebration collapses. After the ceremony, Nate and Cassie return home, where Naz and an associate violently assault Nate, leaving both physically and emotionally shattered.

The attack culminates in a graphic act of mutilation, signalling the episode’s darkest turn.

Elsewhere, Rue’s storyline ends with her being stopped by a man revealed to be a Drug Enforcement Agency agent, hinting at escalating consequences.

Episode 4, titled “Kitty Likes to Dance”  is scheduled to release on Sunday, May 3 at 9 pm ET/PT on HBO and Max.