Ashtray, the fiercely protective and surprisingly insightful younger brother figure to Fezco, met his tragic end in the explosive season 2 finale of Euphoria. His death, a consequence of a drug bust gone horribly wrong, marked one of the show’s most shocking and emotionally resonant moments.
The Fatal Confrontation: A Recap
The final episode of Euphoria‘s second season culminates in a raid on Fezco and Ashtray’s apartment, orchestrated as a result of Custer’s betrayal and subsequent attempt to record a confession about Mouse’s murder. While Fezco intended to take the fall for the crime to protect Ashtray, Ashtray, fueled by a potent mix of paranoia and unwavering loyalty, refuses to let Fezco sacrifice himself. He impulsively murders Custer before he can fully cooperate with the police, setting off a chain of events leading to the standoff.
During the ensuing police siege, Ashtray locks himself in the bathroom, heavily armed and refusing to surrender. Despite Fezco’s desperate pleas and attempts to reason with him, Ashtray remains defiant. In a moment of what many interpret as childish rebellion and profound fear, he engages in a shootout with the police. Although the screen doesn’t explicitly show Ashtray’s death, a final gunshot rings out, implying that he was killed during the exchange. The final shot focuses on Fezco’s devastated face, making the confirmation of Ashtray’s death even more impactful.
Understanding the Significance of Ashtray’s Death
Ashtray’s death serves as a powerful and devastating illustration of the cycle of violence and trauma that pervades Euphoria. Having been raised in a chaotic and often violent environment, Ashtray never had the opportunity to experience a normal childhood or learn healthy coping mechanisms. His extreme reactions and impulsive decisions stem from a deep-seated fear and a learned tendency towards aggression as a form of self-preservation. His loyalty to Fezco, while admirable, ultimately leads to his downfall. His death underscores the show’s recurring themes of addiction, trauma, and the complexities of family.
The absence of an explicit visual confirmation of Ashtray’s death leaves some viewers with a lingering hope that he might have survived. However, the narrative cues and the devastating reaction of Fezco strongly suggest that Ashtray is, indeed, dead. The impact of his death will undoubtedly be felt throughout the show, particularly by Fezco, as he navigates life without his younger brother and partner in crime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: Was Ashtray’s Death Actually Shown on Screen?
No, Ashtray’s death was not explicitly shown on screen. We hear a final gunshot after he engages in a shootout with the police while locked in the bathroom. The episode then cuts to Fezco’s distraught face, implying that Ashtray was killed in the exchange. The ambiguity allows for some interpretation, but the narrative clues strongly suggest he did not survive.
H3: Why Didn’t Fezco Just Stop Ashtray?
Fezco’s attempts to stop Ashtray were ultimately unsuccessful. Ashtray was a highly independent and impulsive character, and Fezco, while being a stabilizing influence, couldn’t always control his actions. The situation escalated rapidly after Ashtray killed Custer, leaving Fezco with limited options to de-escalate the conflict. Furthermore, Ashtray’s deep-seated fear and distrust of authority made him resistant to Fezco’s pleas.
H3: What Led to the Police Raid on Fezco and Ashtray’s Apartment?
The police raid was triggered by Custer’s betrayal. Custer, an associate of Fezco and Ashtray, was working with the police to gather evidence about Mouse’s murder. He intended to record a confession from Fezco, but Ashtray preemptively killed him, leading to the standoff with the police.
H3: Will Fezco Be Arrested Because of Ashtray’s Actions?
Fezco will likely face serious legal consequences as a result of Ashtray’s actions and Custer’s murder. While he attempted to protect Ashtray, the police witnessed the shootout and will undoubtedly investigate Fezco’s involvement in the drug dealing operation and the events leading up to the raid.
H3: How Will Ashtray’s Death Affect Fezco?
Ashtray’s death will profoundly impact Fezco. Ashtray was not only his younger brother figure but also his closest companion and business partner. Fezco’s grief will likely be intense, and he may struggle to cope with the loss and the guilt he feels for not being able to protect Ashtray. This event could potentially trigger a relapse into past addictive behaviors or further solidify his desire to lead a different life.
H3: What Does Ashtray’s Death Symbolize?
Ashtray’s death symbolizes the destructive cycle of violence, trauma, and the lack of opportunities that plague many of the characters in Euphoria. He represents the tragic consequences of a childhood marked by instability and exposure to criminal activity. His death highlights the show’s themes of addiction, poverty, and the struggle for survival in a harsh environment.
H3: Could Ashtray Actually Be Alive? Is There Any Chance He Survived?
While there’s no definitive on-screen confirmation of Ashtray’s death, the narrative strongly suggests that he did not survive. The gunshot heard after the shootout, combined with Fezco’s reaction, indicates a fatal outcome. While Euphoria is known for its dramatic twists, bringing Ashtray back would diminish the emotional impact of the finale and contradict the themes explored throughout the season. The possibility remains extremely slim.
H3: What was the significance of Ashtray flushing the drugs down the toilet?
Ashtray flushing the drugs down the toilet symbolizes his attempt to protect himself and Fezco from further legal repercussions. Knowing that the police were closing in, he instinctively tried to eliminate any incriminating evidence. It also represents a desperate attempt to control a chaotic situation, albeit a futile one.
H3: What was Ashtray’s relationship with Faye?
Ashtray’s relationship with Faye was primarily transactional. Faye lived with Fezco and Ashtray and was aware of their criminal activities. While there wasn’t a strong emotional connection, Faye’s actions ultimately led to Custer’s downfall, albeit indirectly, which indirectly caused the police raid.
H3: Why did Ashtray have so many tattoos?
Ashtray’s tattoos are likely representative of his life experiences and the environment he grew up in. Tattoos can be a form of self-expression, marking significant events or relationships. In Ashtray’s case, they might symbolize his resilience, his connection to the streets, and his attempt to create an identity for himself in a world where he often felt invisible.
H3: How old was Ashtray supposed to be?
Ashtray’s exact age is somewhat ambiguous, but he is generally understood to be around 13-14 years old. Javon Walton, the actor who played Ashtray, was 15 during the filming of Season 2. His age further emphasizes the tragedy of his situation, highlighting the loss of innocence and the premature exposure to violence.
H3: What will happen to Fezco in Season 3 after Ashtray’s death?
Fezco’s future in Season 3 remains uncertain, but it’s highly likely that he will grapple with the trauma of Ashtray’s death. He will likely face legal challenges as a result of the police raid. His experiences could lead him to seek redemption, potentially leaving behind his criminal past and pursuing a more stable and fulfilling life. Alternatively, the grief and trauma could push him further down a destructive path. His relationship with Lexi, if it continues, could be a source of support, but his personal demons will undoubtedly continue to haunt him.