The Idol, a television show currently in its third episode, introduces us to Tedros (played by Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye), who is trying his hand at acting. While his performance may not be top-notch, it is evident that he has had a significant influence on the show, leading to a larger role. However, his character initially lacked appeal.
In Episode 3, we finally see a glimmer of Tedros’ potential. His best moment, strangely enough, occurs when he shows his insecurity. As the series progresses, showcasing Tedros’ vulnerabilities will enhance the overall quality of The Idol. Although the first two episodes didn’t reveal much about Tedros, Episode 3 peels back a layer, providing us with a deeper understanding of his character.
By this point in the show, we are meant to believe that Tedros has control over his group of followers, including Jocelyn (portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp). He believes that music can be a vehicle for spreading messages, yet he hasn’t convincingly demonstrated his influence as a cult leader. However, his scene in the fitting room reveals a new side to his character. Previously, Tedros appeared one-dimensional, often engaged in explicit encounters with a limited vocabulary. It was challenging for Tesfaye to deliver these lines effectively. Nevertheless, Tedros’ moment at the fitting room was a significant improvement.
In the opening of Episode 3, titled “Daybreak,” we witness a shopping spree where Tedros is at his worst. He attempts to rebrand Jocelyn’s wardrobe, exerts control over paparazzi and fans, and even dictates who can and cannot look at her. His breaking point occurs when he confronts a store employee whom he believes is showing too much interest in Jocelyn. This outburst highlights his insecurities, revealing that he despises feeling inferior to those around him and despises relinquishing control. This need for control becomes a defining characteristic of Tedros, evident in his attempts to manage the crowd and his subsequent firing of Jocelyn’s chef. It explains why he is on the shopping spree in the first place – he craves complete control over everything.
One of The Idol’s major criticisms is its lack of clarity regarding Tedros’ cult. While much is left to interpretation, the opening scene of Episode 3 sheds some light on the matter. Tedros’ insecurity in public gives us context as to why he would attract a following. Although many details remain unknown, his desire for power and control aligns with the traits of a cult leader. Convincing us of his influence still requires work, but this glimpse into his character offers a glimpse into his reasoning. Tedros strives to have all the answers and holds sway over his followers, as demonstrated when Dyanne seeks his approval or when Izaak is subjected to a shock collar in earlier episodes.
The Idol still has a long way to go in terms of improvement, but the portrayal of Tedros’ insecurity was undoubtedly his best moment so far. Catch The Idol every Sunday night on HBO, or stream it on Max.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
