How did Junior die in Hightown? Details from the Starz crime drama, explored

The character Junior in the Hightown TV show became quite an intriguing one right from the start. From the beginning of the show, we see a grim and dark atmosphere in the series. This atmosphere becomes the breeding ground for the crimes that slowly unfold.

The aspect of drug abuse, alcoholism, and death in the series creates a heavy and thought-provoking energy in Hightown. Among the other characters, Junior’s character stands out. This is especially because of his complexity.

His ultimate demise in the seventh episode of the first season left viewers in a state of shock. The fandom did not expect that the series would bring Junior’s end in such a hurry.

How did Junior die in Hightown?

Junior in Hightown was a drug dealer. He was also a close friend of Jackie. In the seventh episode, we see that Junior dies due to a drug overdose. His body is found inside a bathroom. In the eighth episode, his death is confirmed.

However, what led to his sudden death in the series? If we look back, then we would be able to see Junior’s descent into the world of crime and drug addiction. With passing time, he became more and more involved with the complex web of crime that Frankie Cuevas was the head of. However, eventually Frankie Cuevas is the one who orders to kill Junior.

Osito, on the other hand, instead of killing Junior, kills Kizzle and tells Junior to escape. Osito even gives him a chance to escape to Miami, away from all this. However, before Jackie is able to make his escape, something happens. The pressure of his past action casts a shadow on Junior’s life. Ultimately, Junior faces his end after overdosing on carfentanil.

It is painful to see how Junior’s life ends in an undoubtedly tragic twist. After Junior died, many viewers took to the internet to voice their disappointment and heartbreak. Junior truly deserved much more than just ending up in a bathroom stall, dead.

In an interview, Shane Harper, who plays the role of Junior in Hightown, speaks about Junior's eventual death. He says it was the only way that he could have ended. He says,

“Obviously Junior’s trajectory throughout the season has been really up and down but mostly spiraling down, and I feel like it is the only way to really bring home the narrative for his character arc in Rebecca [Cutter]’s world that she created.”

After Osito tells Junior to chop off Kizzle’s body and then dispose of the body, Junior’s mental situation takes a turn. Shane Harper adds about Junior’s mental state after Kizzle's death,

“That was a weird headspace for Junior to be in because he had just gotten back on his addiction right before that. So he’s in a really weird headspace trying to keep his head in what’s going on. I think he’s a little confused, but walking through the woods, he’s not stupid. He knows that something serious is going on. When Osito pulls a gun, he’s immediately shocked. “He was my friend I thought I kind of trusted. Obviously he’s a drug dealer, but I didn’t think he would kill me.”

Shane Harper truly does a commendable job in bringing out the complexities of Junior’s character in Hightown up until his end. His death creates an immensely difficult situation for Jackie, as he was her friend.

Trending

For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback