The Idol
The Idol is a captivating TV show produced by Sam Levinson, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim. It tells the story of an up-and-coming pop star, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, and her intricate connection with Tedros (played by Tesfaye), a leader of a self-help organization that has developed into a cult. Supporting roles are filled by Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Moses Sumney, Jane Adams, Jennie, Eli Roth, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Ramsey, and Hank Azaria.
The development of the series began in June 2021 when Tesfaye announced his involvement in creating, executive producing, and co-writing a drama series for HBO, alongside Fahim and Levinson. Joseph Epstein and Amy Seimetz were initially chosen as the showrunner and director, respectively. Seimetz’s original vision for the project revolved around a troubled actress falling victim to an exploitative industry figure and fighting to regain control over her life.
In September 2021, Depp was cast as the lead actress opposite Tesfaye, and the remaining cast members were announced between November 2021 and July 2022. Production experienced delays and underwent significant creative changes, leading to Seimetz’s departure from the project in April 2022. Levinson took over as the director, choosing to discard Seimetz’s work and reshape the series. Filming resumed in May 2022, with locations in Los Angeles and Bel Air. The Idol premiered its initial two episodes at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, followed by its official airing on HBO and Max starting June 4, 2023.
‘The Idol’ Episode 5 Recap
In Episode 5 of “The Idol,” Jocelyn’s rise to prominence is intertwined with Tedros’ downfall as their troubled relationship takes center stage. Manipulations, confrontations, and a grand showcase set the stage for a dramatic turn of events. Will Jocelyn’s triumph come at the cost of her relationships and the truth behind her success? Find out in this captivating episode of “The Idol.”
Opening Act Rehearsal
Jocelyn begins the episode in high spirits, singing a new song that reflects her newfound confidence. However, Tedros appears disheveled, drowning in alcohol. The lyrics of Jocelyn’s song mirror their troubled relationship. Jocelyn confronts Tedros, asking him to leave because he is not in the right state of mind, while she is focused on her music.
They argue about the inspiration behind the song, and Jocelyn asserts that Tedros’ role in her life is over. She reveals Tedros’ manipulative tactics to everyone present, exposing his elaborate plan to connect with her through Dyanne and the club.
Presenting the Song to Nikki
Jocelyn presents her song to Nikki at the office, who loves it. However, Fink, concerned about the upcoming tour, expresses his worries. He informs Jocelyn that the team will have a meeting soon. Jocelyn is eager for the show to begin.
A Massive Showcase
Jocelyn prepares the whole team for a grand showcase. Chloe, Izaak, and Ramsey, brought in by Tedros, will be part of Jocelyn’s opening act, while Tedros is relegated to the sidelines, witnessing Jocelyn’s rise to prominence. In Tedros’ absence, he pretends to be in charge, emphasizing the importance of sexuality in marketing.
He urges Xander to assert himself and not let Jocelyn dominate him. Fink, Nikki, D, and Chaim arrive at the house and are treated to a bizarre welcome show by Tedros’ associates, leaving them confused and uncomfortable.
Chloe’s Impromptu Performance
Fink is solely focused on Jocelyn and the tour, but D asks Chloe to sing while they wait for Jocelyn. It turns out to be part of Jocelyn’s plan for a dramatic entrance. They are astounded by Chloe’s talent. Meanwhile, Leia receives a call from Rob, who is accused of sexual assault at Jocelyn’s house.
Rob asks Jocelyn to provide a statement refuting the accusations. Rob also reveals that Xander took photos of the incident, intending to defame him. Jocelyn makes her entrance, persuades Fink to trust the rest of the team, and assures him that everything will go smoothly.
Reluctantly, Fink gives in and witnesses an incredible performance. They are amazed to discover that these talented performers are not signed to any label but were discovered by Tedros. Meanwhile, Leia tries to confront Xander about his actions with Rob, but he appears uneasy and implies that Jocelyn is aware of the situation but chooses to ignore Rob’s calls.
Jocelyn’s Plan Unfolds
It remains uncertain whether Jocelyn was aware of the situation, but it doesn’t seem to bother her much. She appears tearful but is convinced that Tedros orchestrated this to hurt her. Jocelyn instructs Chaim to pay Tedros off to get rid of him.
Amidst the chaos caused by the news about Rob, Tedros urges Xander to join the party and perform. Xander delivers a fantastic performance, and although Jocelyn had no prior knowledge, she claims credit for orchestrating the entire show, adding Xander to the opening act.
Chaim’s Revelation and Jocelyn’s Performance
Chaim shares a story with Tedros, drawing parallels to Red Riding Hood and a hunter who defeats the wolf and claims the title of the hunter. Meanwhile, Jocelyn prepares to perform, hinting that she might be the big bad wolf in control of everything.
She gives an intense and highly sexual performance that impresses everyone, especially Fink. He expresses his pride as a father figure and praises her outstanding work. Fink decides to resume the tour, and Chaim seemingly deals with Tedros. Leia realizes Jocelyn’s manipulative nature and decides to leave her. On the other hand, Jocelyn sabotages Dyanne’s release, prompting Nikki to encourage Dyanne to write more music based on her experiences.
Chaim’s Plan and Tour Success
Chaim devises a plan to get rid of Tedros by having Talia write an exposé about him instead of focusing on Jocelyn. Talia enthusiastically embraces the idea, seemingly solving their Tedros problem. Six weeks later, the tour arrives in Los Angeles, looking spectacular. Chaim, Nikki, and Fink celebrate their victory over Tedros, having sold out stadiums within three weeks. The three songs Jocelyn had been working on are released in the lead-up to the tour.
TRENDING
‘The Idol’ Episode 5 Ending Explained
In the thrilling conclusion of “The Idol” Episode 5, Jocelyn’s true colors are revealed as she orchestrates a grand show, manipulating not only Tedros but her entire team, the producers, and even her fans. As Jocelyn takes the stage in a breathtaking performance, her cunning nature comes to light, leaving her team and viewers stunned. The episode’s ending leaves us questioning Jocelyn’s motives and the lengths she will go to maintain her status as “The Idol.” Discover the shocking twists and turns as Jocelyn’s triumph intertwines with Tedros’ downfall in this gripping episode of “The Idol.”
Tedros’ Arrival and the Eerie Atmosphere
Tedros arrives at the stadium, confident that there is an artist pass waiting for him. However, as he enters with a timid demeanor, the bodyguards mock him, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere. The green room is occupied only by D, who is aware of Tedros’ visit and warns him that any attempt to harm Joss will result in dire consequences at her hands. When Joss appears, they engage in a lovey-dovey exchange, expressing their longing for each other. Tedros notices a hairbrush that Joss claims belonged to her abusive mother, but it turns out to be brand new. Joss offers him a knowing smile, suggesting that she may have fabricated or exaggerated her past. They hold hands as Joss leads him to the stage, creating an almost romantic scene.
Joss’ Performance and Revelations
Finally, Joss takes the stage and shares her experiences of a challenging year. She emotionally declares the people of Los Angeles as her family, expressing her deep love for them. Dressed in a white sheer dress that resembles an angelic figure, Joss captivates the sold-out stadium, with Nikki, Fink, and Chaim among the thrilled crowd cheering for her.
The Surprising Twist and Joss’ Manipulation
As The Idol episode 5 comes to a close, Joss shocks everyone by announcing that she will introduce the love of her life to the audience and calls Tedros onto the stage. The team watches in astonishment as Tedros joins Joss and they share a kiss. Joss proclaims that Tedros belongs to her for the rest of his life and orders him to stand in the corner. The episode concludes with the title card displaying Joss positioned prominently within the words “The Idol.”
It becomes evident that Joss has been the master manipulator all along, not only manipulating Tedros but also her team, the producers, and even her fans. The name “The Idol” captures the essence of her grand deception, as she will stop at nothing to become the biggest star and maintain her fame. This revelation resonates with Rob’s earlier comment about Joss’ unwavering determination to achieve her desires.
The Idol Plot
Episode 5 of “The Idol” takes the story to new heights with its gripping plot. The episode opens with Jocelyn in high spirits, showcasing her newfound confidence as she sings a new song. However, Tedros appears disheveled and consumed by alcohol, mirroring the troubled state of their relationship. Jocelyn confronts Tedros, demanding that he leave due to his unstable state of mind. She asserts that their connection is over and reveals Tedros’ manipulative tactics to everyone present, exposing his plan to connect with her through Dyanne and the club.
Jocelyn presents her song to Nikki at the office, receiving positive feedback. However, Fink expresses concerns about the upcoming tour, and a meeting is scheduled to address the team’s worries. Despite this, Jocelyn eagerly awaits the start of the show.
Jocelyn prepares a grand showcase, with Chloe, Izaak, and Ramsey joining her opening act, thanks to Tedros’ influence. Tedros, now relegated to the sidelines, tries to assert control by emphasizing the importance of sexuality in marketing and urging Xander to stand up against Jocelyn’s dominance. As Fink, Nikki, D, and Chaim arrive at the house, they are greeted with a bizarre welcome show orchestrated by Tedros’ associates, leaving them bewildered and uncomfortable.
While waiting for Jocelyn’s arrival, D asks Chloe to perform, unaware that it’s part of Jocelyn’s plan for a dramatic entrance. Chloe’s talent astounds everyone. Amidst the unfolding events, Leia receives a call from Rob, who accuses Jocelyn of sexual assault. Rob also reveals that Xander took incriminating photos. Jocelyn enters, convincing Fink to trust the rest of the team and promising a smooth performance. Reluctantly, Fink gives in, and they witness an incredible display of talent from the performers, all discovered by Tedros. Leia tries to confront Xander, but he hints that Jocelyn is aware of the situation and chooses to ignore Rob’s calls.
As chaos ensues following the news about Rob, Tedros encourages Xander to join the party and perform. Xander’s fantastic performance surprises everyone, and Jocelyn, although unaware of his intentions, takes credit for orchestrating the entire show and adds Xander to the opening act.
Jocelyn’s intense and highly sexual performance captivates the audience, particularly Fink, who expresses pride as a father figure and commends her exceptional work. Fink decides to proceed with the tour, seemingly confident in Jocelyn’s abilities. Meanwhile, Leia realizes Jocelyn’s manipulative nature and makes the decision to leave her. On the other hand, Jocelyn sabotages Dyanne’s release, prompting Nikki to encourage Dyanne to channel her experiences into writing more music.
Chaim devises a plan to deal with Tedros by having Talia write an exposé about him instead of focusing on Jocelyn. Talia eagerly agrees, seemingly resolving the issue. Six weeks later, the tour arrives in Los Angeles, looking spectacular. Chaim, Nikki, and Fink celebrate their victory over Tedros, having successfully sold out stadiums within three weeks. Jocelyn’s three songs, which she had been working on, are released in anticipation of the tour.
The Idol Cast
Actor |
Character |
|
Lily-Rose Depp |
Jocelyn |
|
Abel Tesfaye |
Tedros |
|
Suzanna Son |
Chloe |
|
Troye Sivan |
Xander |
|
Jane Adams |
Nikki Katz |
|
Rachel Sennott |
Leia |
|
Hank Azaria |
Chaim |
|
Moses Sumney |
Izaak |
|
Da’Vine Joy Randolph |
Destiny |
|
Jennie (Jennie Ruby Jane) |
Dyanne |
|
Hari Nef |
Talia |
|
Eli Roth |
Andrew Finkelstein |
|
Mitch Modes |
Mitch |
|
Ramsey |
Ramsey |
|
Sophie Mudd |
Sophie |
|
Melanie Liburd |
Jenna |
|
Karl Glusman |
Rob Turner |
‘The Idol’ Episode 5 Review
“The Idol” Episode 5, crafted by The Weeknd and Sam Levinson, falls flat as it reaches its finale. From weak character development to predictable plotlines, this episode is a mess that fails to inspire or engage.
The episode begins with a confrontation between Jocelyn and Tedros, focusing on Jocelyn’s desire for authenticity. Unfortunately, the show continues to undermine Jocelyn’s agency, making her a pawn in Tedros’ game. Lily-Rose Depp delivers a strong performance, but The Weeknd’s lackluster acting undermines the power of the scene, leaving it grating and distracting.
As Jocelyn tries to regain her power by taking her new music to her label, her dialogue is repeatedly interrupted by Tedros’ presence. His abusive nature becomes evident as he attempts to manipulate and belittle her, refusing to let her shine on her own. This refusal to position anyone higher in power than Tedros reflects poorly on the writing, as the show fails to say anything new or meaningful about the underbelly of stardom.
The rest of the episode revolves around Jocelyn’s attempts to convince her record company about her tour plans with her newly adopted music cult, while Leia investigates accusations against Jocelyn’s ex. The characterization and dialogue in “The Idol” are astoundingly bad, minimizing Jocelyn’s attempt to stand on her own and mockingly addressing serious issues.
The episode is a jumble of half-baked ideas that fail to land. The highlight comes when Jocelyn performs her new song, showcasing Lily-Rose Depp’s talent. However, this moment is cut short by footage of Tedros’ arrest, interrupting the emotional impact. The male gaze of power derails anything interesting, leaving viewers frustrated.
The most perplexing aspect of Episode 5 is the ending, which portrays Tedros as Jocelyn’s savior and the love of her life. After standing up to her abuser and regaining her agency, it is disheartening to see Jocelyn prop him up on her stage. The decision feels insidious and trite, lacking any explanation or reasoning, making it a poorly executed story beat.
“The Idol” Episode 5 disappoints with its dedication to portraying female suffering for the male gaze. It squanders the potential for a great piece of media, ultimately leaving viewers disillusioned. This episode serves as a reminder that, according to Sam Levinson and The Weeknd, Jocelyn’s success can only be achieved by remaining tied to her abuser, undermining any message of empowerment or growth. “The Idol” Episode 5 fails to deliver a satisfying and meaningful conclusion, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and missed opportunities.
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