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The first episode of HBO’s new series The Idol is out on various streaming platforms. And, quite expectedly it has received backlash on social media for its misogynistic themes, and over-sexualisation of the female body. The show has been in conversation since it premiered at Cannes Film Festival, a few weeks back. The show is being created by the music artist Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, Euphoria director Sam Levinson, and Reza Fahim. All male. There is a backlash on the female character dealt with in the show. People on the internet are talking about how male writers over-sexualised female bodies.
The Idol created a buzz when its series of promotion clips/teasers dropped on the internet. The involvement of The Weekend, in the show’s creative process also generated quite a lot of hype. Although, all that buzz has turned south now after the first episode aired. There were certain reservations about certain scenes in the show, and they have come true.
The satire of the show’s elements is lost in the glorification of certain themes. For example, Rolling Stone article calls the show toxic. People on the internet feel that the treatment of the show, and certain themes glorify ‘rape’ culture. Further, there are scenes which instantly put female characters in certain sexual undertones.
Same story with Euphoria
Sam Levinson was criticised for something similar in his previous show Euphoria. If you have seen the Emmy-award-winning HBO show Euphoria, then you know it is quite an extravagant show. The character and sexuality are quite out there. That element reflected the vulnerability of characters in the first season, but it became too much and unnecessary for season two. A few actors talked about their discomfort in performing those n*de scenes. Some said they were over-sexualised as well.
Conclusion
The Idol is the show about Jocelyn (pop artist) and her journey to reclaim his lost title of the sexiest pop star. Through her, the show aims to focus on the dark side of fame, and the ever-evolving social media game. There is Tedros, played by The Weekend, who guides the pop artist in her quest.
The character of Jocelyn is played by Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Hollywood actor Johnny Depp.
The lack of dignity of female characters also starts a conversation about having more female writers and involving them in the creative process. The satire of secularisation is lost when the concepts aren’t handled with the utmost nuance. That is why most of the backlash has been out, and this should be taken into consideration whenever HBO approves another Sam Levinson project.
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