It’s not TV, it’s HBOh wow, they just went there.

 

The premiere of The Idol dazzles with its visually striking cinematography and vibrant colors. Its look is akin to creator Sam Levinson’s popular HBO show Euphoria. Levinson not only brings the visual style he’s become known for, but also a brash fearlessness in storytelling, not afraid to push buttons and cross boundaries. 

 

Within the first few moments of the show, we see skyrocketing pop star Jocelyn’s (Lily Rose Depp) talent for turning her emotions on and off like a light switch. She makes us question if what we’re seeing on the surface is really what’s going on in her mind, or if she’s hiding darker thoughts and urges. This opening scene hints at a captivating and unpredictable protagonist. 

 

The supporting cast shines with Eli Roth and Hank Azaria providing amusing comic relief. Jocelyn’s representation/entourage treat her like a commodity instead of a person, but hide it under a false veil of feigned care for her wellbeing. They bring up her previous mental breakdown and make it clear that they want to do everything in their power to keep their ‘meal ticket’ alive and well, to sell out live shows and albums to make them all rich. 

 

The show presents an artificial, vain, graphic and gratuitous behind the scenes look at stardom and a perpetual struggle to be satisfied, even when it seems they have everything they could ever want to be happy. I’m intrigued to see what direction the show takes over the course of the season. While not featured in the first episode, Suzanna Son (star of controversial indie darling Red Rocket) is slated to be a recurring character, which is bound to add heart and humanity to the show and another talented addition to the star-studded, versatile cast.