Warning: this article contains spoilers for the season one finale of The Idol.
People were shocked by the twist ending shown during the season one finale of The Idol, when it was revealed that Jocelyn had manipulated everyone. This rug-pull was further explained by star Lily-Rose Depp, and director, Sam Levinson, who claimed that Jocelyn is a “strategic person.”
Throughout the series, viewers were presented with the idea that Jocelyn was being manipulated by Tedros, and that he was taking advantage of her. However, by the end, she not only broke up with him and had her people pay him to leave, but they also ended up back together during her LA performance.
In an interview with Deadline, Depp revealed that all of this was intentional, and that she knew exactly what she was doing throughout the events of season 1. Depp also added that Jocelyn knew what she wanted and that she got everything out of Tedros before she kicked him out of her house.
“I think a lot of the audience will watch maybe the first few episodes and think that this guy is taking advantage of her. By the end he realizes that she knows exactly what he’s doing and she knows exactly what she’s doing.
“Jocelyn is a very calculated and strategic person. She knows exactly what she wants and she’ll stop at nothing to get it. Tedros was her muse and that she got what she needed out of him.”
Levinson added to this, saying that Tedros had been the victim all this time, and that he was Jocelyn’s muse for her next song. He claimed that Depp’s character needed to “devour” those around her, which led to him becoming a victim in the series.
“Throughout the season, Jocelyn has been searching for inspiration. She’s looking to go to an uncomfortable place, and it’s just ultimately looking for that next song, that next album. Tedros becomes the conduit for that creative unlocking. Jocelyn needs to devour those around her to feel like she has something to say. Tedros has actually ‘become the victim.’”
The finale of The Idol showcased that Jocelyn has been in control all along. Not only did she show that she had power over Tedros, but she also ruined Dyanne’s music career before it even started. At the same time, Jocelyn used the artists Tedros had found to become headlines for her tour while also ruining his life. By the time the episode ends, she manages to one-up her entourage by bringing him back into her life.
Unfortunately, not everyone was pleased with the dramatic ending presented during the finale. While there hasn’t been any confirmation of a second season, there have been calls for the show to be canceled.
If you want to binge-watch season 1, all five episodes of The Idol are available for streaming on Max.