Étoile

First a definition, the title means "Star." In the context of ballet, 'étoile' is used to designate the leading dancer in a ballet company, often referred to as a "principal dancer" in English.

This new show just became available, streaming on Prime. My wife and I watched all episodes over a week, and my overall summary is "never a dull moment." We watch a series like this to be entertained and this one is thoroughly entertaining. I did have some issues, too much profanity from one character and the France part moves so fast that the small English subtitles are hard to read in real time.

The husband and wife Palladino team are responsible for two of my favorite series, "Gilmore Girls" and "Mrs. Maisel." As I reflect, while the stories are interesting, the real fun are the interesting characters and unique dialog. The main characters are always somewhat "off center" and quirky. People we would rarely encounter in real life.

This new show, 'Etoile", is like that too. It starts with a meeting and negotiation, New York and Paris based ballet companies. Both are in some financial trouble and it is thought exchanging stars, select dancers and choreographers, would ignite interest for both companies. So over the 8 episodes we alternately see what is going on in each city, and the stories, including a few love affairs, that develop from all that.

All the main characters here are very "off center" and very quirky, but the actors are talented and mostly pull it off well. My wife's favorite was Tobias, the creative but antisocial choreographer that was loaned to France. My favorite was Cheyenne, the "etoile" loaned to the New York company.

Ballet is the overall theme but isn't really the total focus. The entertainment arises from the characters and their interactions. And there are some real "characters."

It ends in a way that could set up for a second season. I hope it does, I'd like to see all the characters continue on. This has been for us one of the more entertaining TV miniseries.

Yes the shows has its fault but Luke Kirby pretty much makes up for all of them! Some of the characters are very caricatured but the dance and the acting performances make the sometimes awkwardly written storylines bearable enough to enjoy the show in a single binge! The Palladinos as usual repeated some of the old favourites and it's an absolute pleasure to see all of them. The dialogue is sharp and quick- very signature Palladino stuff. Overall, not unlike my review, the story lines are a bit all over the place but their casting team as usual has hit it out of the park with exceptional talent in every single scene.

The first episode or two were a little bit slow or maybe it was just because I had to figure out all the characters at first, but I binge watched it in two days and loved every minute of it ..the characters , the dancing and it's great to see some of the Actors from Gilmore girls and marvelous, Mrs. Maisel on screen again! I especially loved Tobias the choreographer at first he was infuriating, but then his quickness became endearing and almost funny... i'm just trying to figure out how they get such great actors who could dance as well because in their bio I didn't see anything about dancing, but they were all amazing dancers and I'm not necessarily a ballet person, but I really enjoyed every dance sequence..I highly recommend the show and can't wait for next season!

First I was quite a bit skeptical about watching Etoike, set in the ballet world. However I was in quite for some positive surprise. The series' tone is light, fresh and quite funny. Great actors throughout, esp Kirby, Gainsborough and Brit national treasure Callow. I went away thinking: "what an energetic,great breath of air" Etoile is.exactly what we need in these dark days. Highly recommended. I personally like it more than Mrs Maisle and Bunheads. Great music, cinematography and locations, especially from Lincoln Center in the premiere. Good dialogue & direction, the Paldinos did it again.

Whip-Smart dialogue, absurd sub text, world building, absolutely BRILLIANT casting.

GO IN EXPECTING A LIGHT SHOW AND GIVE IT A CHANCE TO PULL YOU IN - otherwise you won't get it. The first episode didn't pull me in, I stopped and came back later knowing what to expect watching ep 2 and binged entire thing

I think all the negativity is coming from people who are expecting a far more serious show; I've always felt even with Mrs Maisel her work is very marmite- You either "click" with Amy's POV or you don't.

If you surrender to the unique pacing of the show it completely absorbs you; it's world building, it takes you on these absolutely absurd detours you wouldn't have guessed in a million years that are hilarious IF you never take the show too seriously

Using Charlotte to solidify Kirby's talent for people who dont know him or had any doubts is brilliant and I adore Cheyenne; so admittedly I think this would be difficult to watch if you can't see the fun in her character.

ADORE the fact that they went all out with a bizarre tortured genius choreographer; everything about him feels like an indulgence to Mrs. Maisel fans. The character top to bottom and dialogue is superb. I always felt that if given absolute freedom we'd have full episodes around these wonderful side characters in Mrs Maisel like the magican. Since that show was such a success it walked so that Etoile could boldly run - giving us what feels like an encore for those characters catering to this niche audience that is forever grateful!

A big fan of Kirby I was expecting a different show, admittedly I watched the first episode and worried. When I came back I guess I went in knowing how silly it could be and willing to embrace it binged the entire season and I as left absolutely CRAVING more at the end and feeling EMPTY back in the real worlds

I will be heartbroken if they don't get a next season (it's giving me flashbacks to Pushing Daisies but I'm hoping the incredible work they've given Amazon will count for something)