Pop Tarts & Rat Tales

The episode lays convincing groundwork for the setting and plot immersing you in the overly sleazy manipulative world of entertainment management. While many complain about the graphic nature and 'The Weeknd's acting skills I think it has a lot to offer and while it's not for everyone, i think unlike euphoria, it matches the age of its characters with its appropriate target audience. So while there are a lot of low reviews, I think the rating drag is being exacerbated by viewers outside the intended audience complaining the show isn't for them.

This show has scope to develop a compelling plot and has a fantastic cast, I just hope the poor reception is the bi-product of extensive marketing to the wrong audience and fades quickly as people tune out.

Unsure why this series is being review bombed. I feel maybe it's the type of show/film that isn't everyone's cup of tea, which is fine... except they marketed it to everyone. And it just... isn't. It reminds me of French cinema in that it's told somewhat like a docudrama.

While I think the first episode had "issues" there's lots of interesting things at play. I think the filmmaking is very well done - particularly the opening shot of the first episode. And also watching the stars team scramble when someone posts some unsavory content about the Depp's character on Twitter, ruining her plan to make a comeback.

Everyone is also saying The Weeknd can't act, should stick to music. I don't think that's necessarily fair - his character, so far - is poorly written. Can't imagine what another actor could bring to it.

I'm probably gonna watch all of it because I love Hank Azaria and he's really funny in his role here.

Not for everyone - not necessarily good - but interesting - something to keep an eye on, if you think you can.

A lot of this so far almost confirms what i believed - that the controversy was purely speculation and marketing tactic, the content is nowhere near as graphic as i expected and feels way more implied, and people blowed it out of proportion without even watching, however this is no euphoria, and assasination nation was better so far to, it's good but nothings blown me away other then the cinematography, decent industry satire with good performances, definitely feels like it's going to build up more of a plot though as this is only a pilot, i'd recommend for the style more then anything honestly.

Wealthy Hollywood airhead elites unironically pushing political agenda, both in front of and behind the camera. Boring, visually and cerebrally bankrupt. Unlelatable in every way. Soulless. Tries to be hip but comes across as insincere. Feels more like a reality series. Characters unlikeable each carrying the mentality of 'woe are we in our perfect world'. Unbelievable that this was written before the writers strike. Carries a feeling of being made by people with narcissistic personalities. If you're someone who dislikes thinking and just likes something for its pretty colors then this series if for you. Apprécier.

The first episode starts with some promise - the first twenty minutes or so give a variety of perspectives, fun performances, some quippy dialogue, interesting shots, an idea of whats to come. But then the episode slowly goes ... nowhere.

You can sense that the show is trying, in some sense, to be topical. To be of the moment and to reflect current pop culture, money, sex, power, etc. But, ultimately, I don't think it has a coherent thought to follow or even an interesting/unique perspective to offer.

Jocelyn seems a bit vacant. Her motivations are unclear, her character lacking. The full episode doesn't give much insight as to who she is, how she got there, where she wants to go, what drives her, or even why she wants to be a pop star. This all could be purposeful, to make her seem vulnerable and directionless. But I can't say that it's compelling as of yet. And Tedros is even less compelling.

It's not encouraging that I'm more intrigued by the side characters than by the leads. But I'm willing to watch another episode to see if the storytelling gains some kind of narrative/thematic focus.