Jules’ R-Rated Euphoria Season 3 Scene Is More Controversial Than You Think

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Please be advised that this article reveals key plot points from episode 3 of Euphoria season 3, titled “The Ballad of Paladin,” and includes explicit descriptions of sexual activity.

The HBO show Euphoria has faced a lot of criticism, and a recent scene involving Jules in season 3 has been particularly shocking. After not appearing in the first episode, Jules reappeared in episode 2, reuniting with Rue and showing her the upscale Los Angeles apartment she now lives in, which is provided by her older, wealthy partner.

Okay, so the latest episode, “The Ballad of Paladin,” really hit me hard with Nate and Cassie’s storyline – it was a total disaster, honestly, like their own version of the Red Wedding! But amidst all that drama, we finally got some backstory on Jules. Turns out, when she was in art school, her roommate convinced her to try being a sugar baby. And wow, after just one date with a rich older guy, Jules was completely floored by how much money she made with so little effort. It was a real turning point for her, you could tell.

Soon, the popular Euphoria character, Jules, receives significant financial support from a wealthy plastic surgeon named Ellis, played by Sam Trammell (known from True Blood). She starts earning a lot of money so easily that she decides to leave art school and focus entirely on working for Ellis, who becomes her sole client.

This culminates in a disturbing scene where Jules is nearly nude in the middle of the penthouse. Ellis then enters with a large roll of plastic wrap and carefully begins to cover Jules’s entire body, a process referred to as “mummification.”

He steps back to look at what he’s done, quietly telling Jules, “I might just keep you forever,” as the music swells. While the line might shock some viewers who don’t know much about ancient Egyptian practices, it’s not the biggest issue with this moment.

Jules’ Cling-Wrap “Mummification” Scene Is Dangerous (When Not Done Correctly)

If you’re curious about why someone would choose to be wrapped in plastic wrap, BDSM expert and dominatrix Melissa Todd explained it to Lad Bible, stating,

The appeal lies in surrendering control – it’s a freeing experience where you relinquish responsibility without any discomfort. The sensation of someone completely guiding your body, a very physical and visually stimulating experience, is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable.

Mummification, in this context, represents a complete power dynamic where one person (Jules) is fully dependent on the other (Ellis). This dynamic appeals to Ellis because he financially supports Jules to the point of exclusivity and entertains the thought of a permanent relationship.

BDSM Fetishes in Euphoria Season 3
Fetish Meaning Euphoria season 3 episode Context
Petplay A form of consensual roleplay, often in which the submissive dresses and acts like a pet and the dominant acts as their handler. Episode 1, “Andale” Cassie dresses in dog ears, nose, and tail while wearing a leash and collar. She wags her tail, drinks water from a bowl, and chews on a shoe. This is for her OnlyFans* page, though she and Nate engage in a moment of private petplay where he acts as her owner.
Ageplay A form of consensual roleplay, often with the submissive acting as a baby or small child (aka a “little“) and the dominant acting as their caregiver (aka “Mommy” or “Daddy“). Episode 2, “America My Dream” In a montage of OnlyFan* content creation, Cassie dresses as a baby with her hair in pigtails, a pacifier in her mouth, and wearing a diaper, while spreading her legs for the camera.
Mummification A form of bondage in which the dominant encases the submissive in a form of wrap (ie. cling-wrap, bandages, etc.) to restrict their movements. Episode 3, “The Ballad of Paladin” Ellis wraps Jules’s entire body in cling-wrap, with the exception of her mouth, nostrils, and hands.
* BDSM expert and dominatrix Melissa Todd states that petplay and ageplay are actually banned on OnlyFans.

Similar to some of the more unconventional scenes with Cassie in season 3 of Euphoria, the act of mummification might be disturbing or unsettling to some viewers. However, others may see it as a consensual and harmless kink. It’s important to note that unlike the activities Cassie participates in, mummification carries significant risks and requires careful safety measures.

Ensuring the person being tied up (the submissive) can breathe freely is crucial – as seen in the show Euphoria, their mouth and nose should remain uncovered. Scissors should be readily available to quickly release them if they become distressed or need to be untied. Above all, the person in control (the dominant) must continuously watch over the submissive.

I was really struck by a case Todd brought up – a tragic story from the UK back in 2014. A man ended up with a manslaughter conviction and five years in prison after his partner died of a heart attack during a consensual BDSM session involving cling wrap. It was a truly awful situation. What really resonated with me, and what Todd emphasized, is how seeing something unusual in the media can sometimes inspire people to try it themselves. His plea to anyone exploring kinks like that was simple, but incredibly important: please, please don’t leave anyone alone, and constantly check in on their well-being. It’s a vital safety reminder.

Before engaging in any BDSM activity, it’s crucial to have an open discussion and agreement with your partner, considering both physical and emotional safety. Todd emphasized that intense physical activities, like full-body wrapping, should only be attempted with someone you deeply trust. Essentially, don’t try these things with someone you’ve just met!

Euphoria Season 3’s Real Controversy Is Using BDSM As A Metaphor For Suffering

Okay, so season 3 is getting attention for showing these… interests, and honestly, it doesn’t feel very progressive at all. It’s not like they’re handling it with sensitivity or even just letting it be. It just feels like they’re throwing it in there to make the characters’ lives even more miserable, and it feels totally unnecessary.

While Jules appears happy with her luxurious new life in “The Ballad of Paladin,” Rue’s voiceover reveals it’s come at a significant price, a price Jules doesn’t yet seem to understand. Ellis has effectively cut Jules off from her old life, causing her to drop out of school, lose touch with her roommate and friend, and sever ties with people from her past.

As a total film and TV obsessive, I was fascinated to hear Kim Kimble, the head of hair for Euphoria, talk to Decider about Jules’ new look. She described Jules’ long blonde wig as making her like “a modern-day Rapunzel trapped in a tower,” which is such a striking image. But what really hit me was how layering that with the idea of being ‘mummified’ actually shows how Ellis uses this whole aesthetic to control Jules – it transforms what could be empowering into something really disturbing and abusive.

Despite seeming lighthearted, Cassie’s adult-themed roleplay actually reveals her hidden pain and a strong desire to be admired by men. She isn’t genuinely enjoying these activities; she’s seeking attention and approval from online strangers because she feels her husband doesn’t provide enough of it.

The show Euphoria has changed. In its first season, it explored topics like online camming with a focus on empowerment and even explained the term ‘paypig,’ sparking conversation but allowing viewers to form their own opinions. However, season 3 presents BDSM as negative and harmful, potentially shutting down open-mindedness before people can learn more about it.

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2026-04-28 02:43