Why Did Bishop Betray Alamo in Euphoria's Finale Before Brutal Death?

Viewers were left confused by why Bishop betrayed Alamo in Euphoria‘s series finale.

During the Sunday, May 31, episode of the HBO show, Ali (Colman Domingo) came into the Silver Slipper to avenge Rue's (Zendaya) death. He held Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) at gunpoint before they agreed to a Western-style showdown. But when Alamo drew his gun at Ali, it misfired.

It was later seen that his associate Bishop (Darrell Britt-Gibson) secretly unloaded the gun so there wouldn't be any bullets. This caused Ali to spare Bishop, but it also left viewers perplexed.

Some fans thought Bishop's conversation with Maddy (Alexa Demie) inspired him to make a change. Others, meanwhile, pointed to an earlier scene where Bishop discussed snakes with Rue as a possible narrative hint that he himself was a snake in the grass waiting to strike against Alamo.

There were even theories that Rue wasn't the only one recruited by the DEA and that perhaps Bishop was also spying for them.

Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 58, clarified what the cast assumed off screen, explaining to Variety, "This is just my conjecture, but I think when you're in a position of power like Alamo, there are always people within your fray that would want the top seat."

The actor saw Bishop's betrayal as a play for power.

"Bishop would be one of those guys. Kidd [Asante Blackk] has an opportunity to shoot Ali as well, because he has his gun, but Bishop tells him no. So it's not just Bishop," he added. "Kidd doesn't stand up for Alamo as a boss."

While reflecting on what could come next, Akinnuoye-Agbaje teased a "changing of the guards," saying, "Everything seems to be crumbling, and they've realized this is the time to take the reins with Bishop."

He continued: "Alamo could be somewhat demonstrative toward Bishop, too. He kind of puts him down, ridicules him a little bit. He says he's got no manners, he doesn't speak, he talks in this monotone. He plays him a bit like an idiot, even though he knows he's useful."

Akinnuoye-Agbaje went on to shut down theories that Bishop is a secret hero.

"I don't think Alamo particularly likes the fact that, of all his henchmen, Bishop actually enjoys killing," he noted. "There's something extremely psychotic about him."

Bishop's decision was ultimately nothing more than a "power move," with Akinnuoye-Agbaje concluding, "Bishop knows this is the time to do it. Maddy's there, and I think he has intentions for her as well. This is probably the first time we've seen Bishop be favorable toward a woman. He's plotting his own path."

Euphoria is currently streaming on HBO Max.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 7:31 AM.