So, if you’ve been binge-watching Euphoria like I have, you’ve probably noticed a lot of things. The glitter. The drama. The drugs. But there’s one character who somehow steals the show in the quietest, yet most impactful way—Ashtray. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what to make of him at first. He’s like a time bomb wrapped in tattoos and teenage angst, just waiting to go off. And then, bam—he does. If you haven’t noticed yet, Ashtray isn’t just some sidekick. He’s a key character, holding up the entire show in ways that sneak up on you.
The First Time We Meet Ashtray
Here’s the thing. When we first meet Ashtray in Season 1, you’d be forgiven for thinking, “Who’s this little punk?” He’s tiny. He’s covered in tattoos. He’s the kind of guy who could walk into a room and make everyone uncomfortable without saying a word. Honestly, I’m not sure if it’s because of his stare or the fact that I spent half the time wondering how a kid that young is that invested in drug dealing.
But you know what? That’s the beauty of Ashtray. He doesn’t need to speak much. In fact, he doesn’t speak much at all. His entire presence oozes tension. It’s like a metaphor for life: sometimes you can say a lot by not saying anything at all.
Why Ashtray Stuck With Me
Let’s break this down. Why does Ashtray leave such a lasting impression? It’s not just the tattoos or his ability to make grown men sweat. No, it’s the complexity of his relationship with Fezco. That’s where Ashtray really gets interesting. These two? They’re not just family—they’re the kind of brothers you’d ride or die with, no questions asked. And that right there is one of the most tragic things about Euphoria: these characters might be messed up, but they’re all we’ve got.
The Fezco-Ashtray Dynamic: Sibling Goals (Sort Of)
Okay, if I’m being real, Fezco and Ashtray are basically the definition of a dysfunctional family dynamic. Fezco is older, a bit gentler in his own way (unless you mess with him), and clearly trying to hold onto some shreds of humanity. Then there’s Ashtray, who comes in all guns blazing—literally.
I mean, imagine being a kid and getting raised in the world of drug dealing, crime, and danger. Ashtray is basically shaped by survival. Fezco? He’s more about loyalty and trying to be a good guy, despite everything. Still, their relationship? It’s solid. It’s real. And when Ashtray decides to murder Mouse, you get the feeling that this kid’s been living on borrowed time since day one.
Ashtray Doesn’t Play By the Rules
There’s something wild about how Ashtray never seems to second-guess a situation. He’s the kind of kid who’ll be in the middle of a drug bust and just… not blink. He’s calm. Calculating. Ready to do whatever needs to be done, no matter how messed up it gets.
But what really makes him stand out isn’t just his ability to drop a hammer on someone’s head (which he totally does). It’s that he makes decisions like a grown man. Actually, scratch that—he makes decisions like someone who’s had to deal with stuff no kid should ever have to face.
Is Ashtray Just a “Sidekick?”
Fezco might be the older brother, but Ashtray isn’t there just to follow his lead. Nah, man. He’s a self-made player. Sure, he’s not running the whole operation, but he’s definitely calling some shots along the way. And trust me, it’s not all about the drugs. It’s about loyalty. And yeah, sometimes about not dying.
If you’re still thinking Ashtray is just a minor character, well—take a look at his actions. This kid doesn’t take orders. He’s a natural-born leader, for better or worse.
A Tragic Hero in the Making
Now, let’s talk about the sad, ugly truth: Ashtray isn’t going to be around forever. And Euphoria makes sure you know that. As the show goes on, we see that he’s not some cartoonish villain or some hero to root for—he’s a kid who’s been molded by a cruel world. The violence, the drugs, the lack of any proper guidance—it all leads him to make decisions that come with consequences.
Where’s the Line Between Right and Wrong?
When Ashtray kills Mouse, there’s this sickening moment where you realize he’s just like any adult in this show. But then again, he’s not. He’s a child. He’s doing what he thinks is necessary to protect his brother and survive. But is that enough? Does that justify murder?
My answer’s a hard “no.” But the show doesn’t let us off that easily. We’re supposed to ask these questions, not just about Ashtray, but about everyone else on the show. And that’s the brilliance of his character.
Ashtray’s Iconic Moments (You’ll Never Forget These)
Now, here’s the kicker: Ashtray isn’t just a minor character hanging around the fringes. He’s had some of the most unforgettable scenes on the show. I mean, come on—his final moments? Jaw-dropping. Ashtray’s whole life, in a sense, comes down to a few pivotal moments. One of those moments is when he kills Mouse. It’s not just about the shock value; it’s about the psychological toll it takes on both Ashtray and the audience.
Ashtray’s Defining Scenes
- The hammer scene. It’s iconic. It’s brutal. It’s like watching a kid, no older than 10, go full gangster on someone.
- Then there’s the ending. No spoilers, but let’s just say—Ashtray doesn’t go down quietly.
Who Is Javon Walton, Anyway?
Let’s pause for a second. The guy behind Ashtray, Javon Walton, is legit. He’s a 16-year-old who’s a boxing champion turned actor, and his portrayal of Ashtray is one of the most raw performances I’ve seen in years. There’s this thing about him, right? He doesn’t need to shout to make an impact. His silence says more than a whole monologue ever could. That’s some serious acting chops.
Fun fact: The kid has his own brand of streetwear now. I guess being a badass character on Euphoria has its perks.
Ashtray’s Loyalty Is His Greatest Strength (And Weakness)
Okay, here’s where things get really deep. Ashtray’s unwavering loyalty to Fezco is both his greatest strength and his biggest flaw. He loves his brother to the point of obsession, and it leads him to make choices that no child should ever have to make.
- Ashtray is loyal. Even when it means making terrible choices.
- He’ll risk his life to save Fezco, without thinking twice.
This bond, this pure and tragic love for his brother, is what makes Ashtray such a compelling character.
A Legacy That Won’t Fade
Euphoria may be full of colorful, chaotic characters, but Ashtray is the one that sticks with you. Not because of the flashy moments (although there are plenty), but because of his quiet power. His subtlety. His absolute refusal to back down. Even in the most ridiculous of situations, Ashtray holds his ground.
And let’s be honest—without Ashtray, Euphoria wouldn’t be half as captivating. Fezco might be the lovable drug dealer, but Ashtray is the one who keeps us on the edge of our seats, wondering if he’s going to be the hero or the villain. Spoiler: He’s both.
Ashtray: A Symbol of Lost Innocence
At the end of the day, Ashtray is a symbol of something we all wish we could forget—the fragility of youth. He’s not just a character; he’s a reminder of what happens when kids are forced to grow up too fast. Too fast. Too soon. Just like that 2020 sourdough starter of mine. RIP, Gary.
