Zendaya on Euphoria Season 2, Episode 5: Rue Bennett’s ‘Redemption Is Possible’ – Glamour

Zendaya loves Rue Bennett, and so should you. 

The Euphoria front-woman shared a touching note ahead of the season’s episode 5 climax, expected to be one of the most emotional in the season, in which viewers see Bennett struggle with opioid withdrawals and an intervention, reflecting America’s growing crisis among drug users.

The 25-year-old actor, who won a primetime Emmy award for her portrayal of Bennet in season 1, wrote on Instagram that her character “hits rock bottom,” in the show, but even more so in the second season. Despite this, Zendaya wrote that Rue is a character that should be loved and sympathized with—leading viewers to have a “greater understanding of the pain” that those struggling with addiction face, and that their “redemption is possible.”

“I care about her deeply. I also care about the people who care about her, because I think many of them share her story of addiction and sobriety, and many of them share a lot of emotional disorders, and I think it’s important that we continue to have that love for her,” the star shared on Instagram.

Zendaya, who has played beloved characters in the past with other projects, went on to add, “I think it’s important that we have characters that are flawed. And remember that we are not the worst mistake we’ve ever made.”

This isn’t the first time Zendaya has opened up about the emotional and mature journey she portrays as the high-school age Bennet, famously advising viewers about the potentially triggering subject matters discussed in a pre-premiere post, writing that she can still feel fans support even if they don’t chose to watch: “Take care of yourself and know that either way you are still loved.”