The first episode of Sam Levinson’s The Idol series, titled ‘Pop Tarts and Rat Tails,’ has finally aired on HBO after much debate and discussion about the reveal of his raunchy new project. With plenty of pressure and expectations for the new show, following a controversial decision that led to a creative overhaul and delay in the release date, The Idol’s pilot attempts to set a strong tone for what could follow.
The Euphoria creator Sam Levinson is back with the help of Reza Fahim and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye for the release of The Idol. Co-creator Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, who plays a nightclub owner named Tedros, stars alongside Lily-Rose Depp and her character Jocelyn, atop a stacked cast of talented actors and even some real-life pop stars.
Much like Levinson’s previous hit show, this mature-rated series made headlines in the last year for its decision to focus on sensitive topics and include suggestive scenes. It was also the subject of controversy when it was revealed that there would be some major changes made to the narrative and overall structure of the series after director Amy Seimitz’s departure, but now that it’s out, just how good is the premiere of The Idol?
Lily-Rose Depp’s and the Weeknd’s intriguing characters
From the opening shot, the burden is placed on Lily-Rose Depp to convince the audience that she is Jocelyn, a complex pop star who is struggling with her identity and lifestyle but can show up and perform when it matters. The range of emotions she effortlessly cycles through during the entire photoshoot sequence, her ability to leave us intrigued immediately highlight what we’re in for.
Abel Tesfaye, better known as the Weeknd, should also be applauded for his performance in episode one, his shifty and uneasy nature he brought to the strongly written Tedros made his entrance in Jocelyn’s life an impactful one. The edginess in his performance from the club scene to his arrival at her home, added a layer of tension that was needed to hook viewers in.
Levinson’s direction and creativity can certainly be felt in this episode and were crucial in setting up the state of affairs. One of the most impressive takeaways is the unique elements that were given to each of these stereotypical music industry characters. While this show is expected to satirize the industry, it is a major challenge to strike the balance between ridiculousness and relatable, and so far it seems to be doing just fine.
Can Jocelyn trust Tedros in The Idol?
When we’re introduced to Jocelyn she shows all the signs of a celebrity in freefall, from dealing with a public scandal, flippantly breaking the agreed-upon terms for the photoshoot, and being treated like a child by her agents, managers, and even her best friend/assistant Leia.
Unlike many of the other characters we are introduced to in Jocelyn’s life, who are mostly considered with looking after themselves, Tedros’ motive for getting to know Jocelyn is not quite as obvious and he becomes immediately questionable during the club scene. It is difficult to determine if he has a sinister ulterior motive, and this is played on brilliantly with moments like the closing scene of episode one, where he literally has her life in his hands.
With nowhere or no one honest to turn to, it is expected that she will place her trust in Tesfaye’s character Tedros to start living a more fulfilling life. He has said many of the right things to convince her that he knows an alternative path forward, and what that might be is where the story lies.
Will The Idol be worth watching?
The Idol episode 1 review and rating: 8/10
The opening episode of the show may not have been filled with intense action, but it focused on establishing the world and introducing the key characters within Jocelyn’s inner circle. Despite the slower pace in advancing the narrative, the pilot effectively presents a clear and straightforward premise while also weaving in complex character dynamics. To Levinson’s credit, the slower moments were properly utilized to provide extra context for viewers and nothing felt like unnecessary filler despite the strong presence of nudity and suggestive scenes.
Little needs to be said about Lily-Rose Depp’s performance that is not already obvious, her casting appears to be one of the best choices this show has made and is promising for its chances at success. Although the jarring nature of Abel Tesfaye’s Tedros character worked brilliantly for this introductory episode, it will be interesting to see if his character will open up to reveal his true motivations as the story progresses.
The writing in The Idol also does its job of leaving the viewer curious to learn more about the side characters as the series progresses, with plenty of potential and moments to build on for the likes of her co-manager, Chaim, portrayed by Hank Azaria, her lead dancer and friend, Dyanne, who is played by Blackpink’s pop icon Jennie Ruby Jane.
Although this was a strong opening that attempts to defy expectations, there are still many online who find issues and oppose the new series. Whether they will be proven right or wrong is yet to be seen, but so far the show has delivered a strong opening that is worth watching and judging for yourself.