The Idol Episode 3 Review: A Rollercoaster of Hollow Storytelling or a Diamond in the Rough?

The Idol Episode 3 Review: The third instalment of HBO's 'The Idol', aptly named 'Daybreak', follows the series' trend of a lackluster opening. Billed as a gritty representation of the celebrity underworld, the series appears to lose its grounding through a pervasive male perspective, obscuring any substantive narrative at its heart.

Jocelyn: A Pop Icon or a Puppet in the Grand Scheme?

The central character, Jocelyn, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, seems trapped in a whirlwind of manipulative forces, chiefly Tedros, the nightclub mogul, played by The Weeknd. As he imposes his dominance on Jocelyn's life and career, the audience is left wondering about her emotional stance amidst this tumult. This narrative scenario, ripe for exploring the exploitation of young talent, fails to deliver a compelling commentary.

Substandard Performances Undermine Storytelling Impact

Despite the tense dynamic between Jocelyn and Tedros, the overall impact is softened due to The Weeknd's lacklustre performance. His abusive actions, potentially providing a chilling exploration of the protagonist's manipulation, instead come across as clumsy and unconvincing. Similarly, despite Depp's earnest efforts to convey Jocelyn's internal struggle, the narrative's focus on her as a passive victim rather than an active character undermines her performance.

Underused Supporting Cast and Wasted Opportunities

The narrative’s missteps extend beyond its primary characters, with the underutilization of Jennie Kim's character Dyanne as a glaring example. Additionally, the series fails to maximize the impressive performances by Rachel Sennott as Leia, Moses Sumney as Izaak, Hank Azaria as Chaim, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Destiny. Despite their limited screen time, these actors manage to leave a lasting impression, drawing attention to the narrative's missed opportunities.

'Daybreak' exemplifies the series' struggle to make the most of its promising premise and talented ensemble. The faint glimmers of potent storytelling only emphasise the series' unfulfilled potential, culminating in a rather disappointing viewing experience. Despite these shortcomings, viewers may still hold onto the hope that 'The Idol' can turn its narrative trajectory around in the forthcoming episodes. With new episodes airing every Sunday on HBO, only time will tell if the series can truly break into a new day of compelling storytelling.

Also read: The Family Man: Manoj Bajpayee, the ‘Affordable Asset’ of Bollywood? Unraveling the Wage Disparity in Indian OTT Space

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