Taking over the Sunday slot from ‘Succession’ would always be a hard act to follow. But no one expected ‘The Idol’ to be such a drop-down. We’d even take a step further to say it killed the Sunday slot. It would have been fine for the show to become a self-aggrandizing view of a dude with a rat tail. But why does Abel have to be a massive blowhard?
In the episode ‘Stars Belong To The World,’ Abel, as Tedros, does leave Jocelyn out to pasture. He continues to milk every ounce of pain from his merry little band of followers…for Jocelyn? Something about “servitude” makes it okay for him to hold people hostage. There’s more of where that comes from, as we learn from Jocelyn’s co-manager Destiny. Secrets are unveiled, and jealousies are inflamed on ‘The Idol.’
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‘The Idol’: The Truth About Tedros
‘The Idol’ begins with Destiny, Jocelyn’s co-manager, running a background check on Tedros. To everyone’s surprise, Tedros isn’t his real name. He is Mauricio Costello Jackson, with a rap sheet that sends shivers down your spine. Destiny suggests offing the creep, but Chaim disagrees. Instead of developing a plan involving them disposing of Tedros’ body, they decide Destiny will visit Jocelyn and report her findings to Chaim.
A fat load of good that does, as Jocelyn’s subservience towards Tedros keeps taking darker turns. Destiny meets Chloe, one of Tedros’ followers. She takes Chloe under his confidence, suggesting she becomes her eyes and ears. Meanwhile, Tedros makes good on his promise to invite Mike Dean to produce Jocelyn’s album. While she’s artistically blossoming, there’s no denying she believes it is all coming from Tedros.
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‘The Idol’: Xander Gets Attacked By Tedros
Here’s where ‘The Idol’ gets from bad to worse. Tedros picks Xander (Troye Sivan) as the target for his twisted punishment. In agonizing pain, Xander reveals Jocelyn’s mother outed him at 13. She was so jealous of his singing voice that she made him give up his music contract. However, he takes back the accusations after being tortured with a shock collar.
At a party celebrating Jocelyn finishing her album, Dayaane shows up. Zonked out of her mind, Chloe tells Jocelyn about Dayaane being in love with Tedros. Betrayed, she texts her ex, Rob. They have sex, as Jocelyn makes sure Tedros knows. After Rob leaves, Xander tricks him into taking a comprising photo with his female friend. With this act of loyalty, Xander is indoctrinated into Tedros’ cult.
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