“The Idol” Episode 2 Recap: “Double Fantasy”

**TRIGGER WARNING** The following recap contains descriptions of self-harm that some readers may find upsetting.

The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp’s new show The Idol has certainly made an impression on viewers. Although the first episode elicited comments about both of their acting skills, people were intrigued enough to give the second episode a go. Last night, HBO premiered “Double Fantasy,” which went all the way with all of the allusions to sex from Episode 1. In fact, this could very well be the episode that makes people check out, or stick around for the long haul.

Evolution Of A Pop Star

Overall, a lot took place during the 50-minute runtime of “Double Fantasy.” Firstly, it begins with Jocelyn who is clearly ready to reinvent herself after taking Tedros’ critiques about her singing to heart. If you remember, he told her she sings like she doesn’t know how to have sex. This subsequently prompts her to re-record “World Class Sinner” with a whole bunch of moans and breathy cadences. She shows her management team the song and says that this is what she wants to release. Ultimately, they are mortified by the change in sound, and her manager lambastes her for being “ungrateful.” This is where we learn that Jocelyn had to have a tour canceled following the death of her mother. This was mostly spawned by the fact that she had a mental breakdown, which is something we heard a bit about in Episode 1.

Following this scene, Jocelyn calls Tedros and asks if he can come over to record some songs. However, he is currently in one of his clubs and reveals that he will be busy for a few days. Additionally, his friend Izaak is there. Although we will learn more about Izaak later, it is important to point out that he is in the midst of trying to get with Leia, Jocelyn’s assistant. Again, this is a plot point that returns throughout the episode.

Music Video Time

Overall, the majority of The Idol episode 2 takes place on set during the music video shoot for “World Class Sinner.” However, it quickly devolves into a mess that brings Jocelyn’s mental well-being into question. First off, Jocelyn arrives on set almost three hours late. It’s here that her manager Nikki explains that she had cuts on her thighs and that they were being airbrushed. This is a very obvious allusion to self-harm, although we never actually see it take place. Throughout all of this, her team is scrambling to get information on Tedros, who they claim is from Hawaii, and owes a lot of people money. From there, Jocelyn is a bit taken aback by the strip club setting of the music video and it clearly isn’t to her liking. Despite trying to power through, she messes up her takes and continues to ask for new takes. Although the director is getting mad, Jocelyn keeps trying but continues to fail.

After asking to continue the shoot the next day, she is talked out of it by her other manager, Chaim. Throughout all of this, there is an absolute calamity on set. This leads to numerous jump cuts of various different people talking about Jocelyn and what’s going on. Clearly, there is a lot riding on her performance here, and she isn’t living up to the expectations. Finally, however, she nails her final take. The only issue is, the camera was out of focus. This leads to a mental breakdown on set where Jocelyn can be heard calling for her mom, all while her feet and thighs begin to bleed. Nikki then tells Joss that needs to go home and rest. She also promises that they can film the music video the next day.

Betrayal In The Works

However, during the music video shoot, Nikki realized that the best dancer in the room is Dyanne. Dyanne was the stand-in for Jocelyn during rehearsal. Ultimately, she was the one teaching Jocelyn how to do her moves. While Jocelyn was trying to collect herself during the shoot, Nikki was asking Dyanne to sing for her. Upon learning that she’s quite good, she has her lay down a track. Lastly, before moving on from the music video setting, Nikki tells the journalist from Vanity Fair that the story is about to get bigger. Presumably, this has to do with Nikki’s new obsession with Dyanne, and her realization that Jocelyn may not be cut out for being a Global sensation.

“The Idol” Plot Thickens

In the next scene of The Idol episode 2, we find out that Jocelyn is actually broke and needs to make these songs happen. Otherwise, she could lose everything. This subsequently prompts her to call Tedros as she wants him to come over. However, the plot takes a turn as after their phone call, we see Dyanne with him. The show establishes that he and Dyanne are a couple. Moreover, he reveals that Nikki has called him personally about signing her. This is interesting as the rest of Jocelyn’s team has expressed fear about Tedros and his newfound influence on their star. Overall, this new revelation makes it seem like Tedros has some sinister plans for Joss.

Later that night, Tedros shows up with Izaak and a girl named Chloe. The latter appears extremely happy to be at Jocelyn’s house and immediately goes skinny dipping. Meanwhile, Izaak meets up with Leia while Tedros and Jocelyn do their own thing. Eventually, the show devolves into borderline softcore porn. Jocelyn and Tedros go off to the bedroom, as do Leia and Izaak. Meanwhile, Chloe is lurking in the shadows, watching Tedros command Jocelyn to do things for him.

Wrapping Up “The Idol” Episode 2

Lastly, The Idol ends with the following morning’s events. Chloe wakes up early and begins to play the piano beautifully. Moreover, she can be heard singing a song that impresses Jocelyn. She and Tedros then go down to the piano, as Izaak and Leia also arrive. That’s when Izaak begins to sing a duet, revealing that these two actually have a song together on Tedros’ label. Jocelyn begins to tear up at the song, and the episode ends.

From here on out, it is difficult to get a read on where this show is going to go. However, it is clear that there are some unique plot points on the horizon. That said, a lot of the dialogue and scenes can be a bit much to bear at times. Only time will tell whether or not this continues to be a success for HBO, or a horrendous flop. Let us know what you thought of episode 2 of The Idol, in the comments section below.

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