The Idol: A Failed Attempt at Provocative Teen Drama
Introduction
The Idol, a new TV series produced by HBO, has been receiving poor reviews from critics and audiences alike. The show, created by Sam Levinson, the mastermind behind the critically-acclaimed Euphoria, attempts to push the envelope with provocative themes and graphic visuals. However, instead of being a thought-provoking exploration of teen angst, the show comes across as a bad parody of itself.
The Premise
The Idol revolves around Jocelyn, or “Joss,” a young pop star attempting to make a comeback after a highly publicized mental breakdown. The plot is set in motion when a compromising photo of Joss, featuring a “certain bodily fluid,” circulates online. The show uses this incident as a jumping-off point to explore the dark side of fame and the entertainment industry.
The Problem with the Show
From the outset, The Idol fails to establish a coherent tone, constantly oscillating between attempts at social commentary and gratuitous nudity and shock value. The show tries to tackle serious issues, such as mental health struggles and the damaging effects of public scrutiny, but these themes are overshadowed by the excessive use of nudity and overt sexuality.
Furthermore, the show makes questionable choices that seem designed to provoke rather than serve the story. For example, The Idol features numerous scenes of star Lily-Rose Depp in varying states of undress, seemingly for no reason other than shock value. The opening scene even mocks the concept of an “intimacy coordinator” meant to ensure the actors’ safety during nude scenes.
The Idol’s Treatment of Women
The most significant issue with The Idol, however, is its portrayal of women. The show’s male creators have been accused of pressuring their actresses into doing nude scenes in the past, which makes the gratuitous nudity in The Idol feel particularly jarring. The show also features troubling scenes of sexual violence and abuse that seem designed to titillate rather than critique.
The Weeknd’s appearance in the show is also questionable, with his character displaying misogynistic behavior that the show appears to condone. The character claims to want to “sexually liberate” Joss so she can sing better, and in one scene, ties her robe over her face to obstruct her breathing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Idol is a failed attempt at creating provocative and thought-provoking teen drama. Instead of exploring complex themes and nuanced characters, the show relies on shock tactics and gratuitous nudity to draw in viewers. The show’s poorly-executed attempts at social commentary and its problematic portrayal of women and sexual violence make it a show not worth watching. Rather than adding substance to the genre, The Idol is another example of Hollywood exploitation of young actors and a misfire for Levinson and HBO.
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