#ReleaseTheAmyCut: Viewers Of ‘The Idol’ Are Heated After Original Version Leaks Online “We were ROBBED”
(the thumbnail has been removed due to copyright claims i’ve been getting over it on Twitter but i decided to leave the original tweets some of which have been taken down already and are not visible.)
“The Idol” received backlash since before the show even debuted in June due to production changes that were intended to take away from the “female perspective” the show had. After images from the ‘original’ version of The Idol have leaked online, viewers of the show reacted saying it left them feeling “robbed” of what would be an amazing show. These images, from the directorial vision of Amy Seimetz, have shed light on a different narrative arc for the main character, Jocelyn, leaving fans both intrigued and disappointed.
The resurfaced photos offer a glimpse into a more nuanced storyline for Jocelyn, suggesting a hidden child star past that was previously unexplored. The photos which reveal an elaborate and detailed set featuring “Jocelyn” merchandise, have sparked speculation about the character’s trajectory and untapped potential. Fans were left feeling robbed of a potentially more captivating story after being left underwhelmed by the shows debut.
The controversy surrounding “The Idol” was already at its peak following the airing of the season finale, leaving viewers feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. The unexpected plot twist portrayed Jocelyn as a master manipulator who willingly endured abuse from Tedros to seek inspiration for her music. The sudden turn of events, deemed unearned by many fans, resulted in disappointment from viewers and a sense of narrative dissonance.
Since (and before) its premiere in June 2023, “The Idol” has faced ongoing criticism and debate regarding its portrayal of women. Online discussions have centered around the show’s alleged misogynistic elements, with one Vulture critic describing the sex scenes as “like faint rape-fantasy porn,” while The Playlist labeled the series as “crude, gross, and sexist.” The leaked photos have further intensified these conversations, raising questions about the original intentions behind Jocelyn’s character arc.
After the original version was reportedly ‘80% done’, significant production changes were implemented for “The Idol.” Director Amy Seimetz departed the project, making way for Sam Levinson, known for his work on “Euphoria.” This sudden switch in creative leadership only fueled fans’ frustrations, prompting a surge of tweets demanding the release of the “Amy Cut” and expressing disappointment over the perceived wasted time and money.
“The Idol” finds itself at a crossroads as leaked photos from the original version of the show shed light on a different direction for the character of Jocelyn. With viewers and critics divided and debates about misogyny continuing online, the future of the series remains uncertain; with HBO stating that a Second season has “not yet been determined.” Whether these leaked images will lead to a reconsideration of the show’s narrative or simply add fuel to the fire, one thing is clear: The importance of how stories like “The Idol” are portrayed should not be ignored.
