The Idol: This years most misunderstood TV show

HBO's highly anticipated summer show has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of both hype and disappointment. Regardless of which side of the pond you reside on, the aggressive promotion of the "dream" pairing of Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd captured attention. Lily-Rose Depp, although not unfamiliar due to her famous parents, reached new levels of exposure. Meanwhile, The Weeknd, known as the music draw for a new generation, seemed like the perfect match on paper. However, the media's response to the show left critics worldwide scratching their heads, questioning whether they were right or simply missing something.

The first episode of the show plunged viewers into turmoil within the management of pop star Jocelyn. A leaked post featuring Jocelyn with ejaculate on her face sparked a heated debate within her team, played brilliantly by Hank Azaria, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Jane Adams, Eli Roth, and Rachel Sennott. The managers grappled with damage control and pondered how to handle the situation. Roth's character passionately expressed the frustration of having a star client with such an outrageous scandal. Adding fuel to the fire, Depp's wardrobe immediately stirred controversy, with barely-there outfits that pushed boundaries and explicit crotch shots leaving little to the imagination.

However, beneath the surface glamour of multi-million-dollar mansions, The Idol exposed a dark and sordid underbelly. It presented a brutal reality akin to the experiences of many individuals in the industry, be it music or film. The entire character list was painted with shades of loathsomeness. Depp's portrayal of Jocelyn lacked substance, reducing her to an airhead with minimal talent, bordering on being a mere sex object. The show explicitly showcased the aggressive sexuality surrounding Jocelyn, with her backup dancers touching her inappropriately during a music video. Jocelyn's managers viewed her as a valuable commodity, but her disposability lingered in their minds. Nikki (Jane Adams) constantly juggled scandalous stories and sought to stay relevant, while Chaim (Hank Azaria) demonstrated a caring yet sinisterly aggressive demeanor.

Then enters Tedros, portrayed by The Weeknd, who emerges as one of the most disturbing TV show villains. Within minutes of meeting Jocelyn, he engages in explicit sexual acts with her, escalating to choking her while stimulating her nether regions and forcing her to sing. The descent into depravity only deepens after his arrival, leaving everyone encountered from that point onward with a tinge of filth. The show raises questions about how young audiences will respond to such explicit content and whether it blurs the line between artistic expression and exploitation.

The Idol cleverly weaves its narrative, presenting a fairy tale-like story in a non-linear fashion. It moves forward and backward, challenging expectations. This temporal dance mirrors the journeys of the main characters, Depp and The Weeknd, who are both broken and empowered, while simultaneously breaking down powerful individuals. The show's true strength lies in its ability to keep viewers guessing about where the power truly resides. Clues to the twists and turns are subtly placed from the beginning, only fully revealing their significance in the final moments.

As wild as the show may appear, it never ventures beyond the realm of potential reality. Even when delving into cult-like scenarios, The Idol remains grounded within the boundaries of plausibility, drawing parallels to the world inhabited by figures like Harvey Weinstein. Predatory behavior and the portrayal of The Weeknd as the ultimate predator are central themes. However, beneath the facade of power, The Weeknd's profound sadness and vulnerability are evident. His character becomes a tragic figure, desperately clinging to fame and power despite lacking both.

The show's score deserves special mention, blending catchy, uplifting pop with an Islamic twist on Vangelis. What sets it apart is that the actors themselves perform each song, showcasing their talent as both actors and singers. The dark and gritty songs resonate with the story's themes, with particular emphasis placed on the lyrics. Among the tracks, "World Class Singer/I'm A Freak" takes center stage, encapsulating much of the show's strength and secrets.

Written by Sam Levinson, Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), and Rezza Fahim, The Idol draws from their personal experiences in the industry. Sam's transition from indie projects to studio-dominated ventures, influenced by his own life and that of his father, Barry Levinson, lends authenticity to the narrative. The Weeknd's fourteen-year journey in the music industry echoes throughout the show, exploring themes of disposability and the vanishing act that money can cause.

Ultimately, The Idol is a story about the abuse of power. Its exploration of sexuality holds significance because true villains derive their power from sexual aggression. Unlike other shows that use sex solely for attention-grabbing purposes, The Idol justifies its explicitness as an integral part of the narrative. It remains plausible and effectively demonstrates where the show's true strength lies. Unexpected twists keep viewers on their toes, with the mastermind behind it all becoming increasingly evident upon revisiting the series. While some may find The Idol alien, insane, or tacky, those familiar with the industry recognize its accurate portrayal of certain levels of reality.

HBO's The Idol leaves a lasting impression despite its mixed reception. It boldly tackled controversial themes, delving into the dark side of fame, power, and the music industry. With its talented cast, intricate storytelling, and unflinching exploration of sexuality, the show pushed boundaries and challenged viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. Whether it was the provocative performances, the haunting score, or the unexpected twists, The Idol succeeded in leaving an indelible mark on the summer television landscape. It may not have lived up to all the hype, but it certainly left an impression that won't be easily forgotten.