Étoile

Although the series could benefit from taking a few more risks, “Étoile” still feels bolder and fresher than almost any other show released this year. From its vibrant opening credits to its meticulously crafted costume design, the series feels tailor-made to be everyone’s new obsession.

A project that is, somehow, even more Amy Sherman-Palladino–y. It’s way more energized, so intent on its niche fascinations it can’t help but charm you.

The couple (who also brought us Gilmore Girls) make a triumphant return to the world of barres and no-holds-barred ambition with the delightfully nimble Étoile.

Her [Amy Sherman-Palladino's] most sprawling, least accessible, but perhaps most personal TV project yet. .... Those who can get on its wavelength will be well-rewarded with a funny, passionate celebration of both ballet and the weirdos who make it.

We’re giving Étoile a recommendation more on hope and the Palladinos’ reputation than anything we saw in the first episode, which moved slowly and felt a bit too insular for our comfort.

For six or seven episodes, the hour-long series is likably light-on-its-feet, infused with its creators’ love and admiration for this world and boasting strong lead performances. .... Some of the things that happen in the Étoile homestretch are so pointlessly dumb they soured me on a show that I’d mostly been enjoying.

While the dancing is stunning, and some characters have a few amusing traits, “Étoile” is an exhausting show centering a slew of insufferable people obsessed with hearing themselves speak.

This series is a ballet nerd's dream. Closer in tone to Mrs. Maisel than Gilmore Girls or even Bunheads, there are laugh out loud moments and sly insider instances - Tiler Peck as the nerve struck Ava (genius!), Sylvie Guillem's shoes (**** dancing is wonderful - there needs to be more, of course but the Sherman-Palladinos havecaptured the heart and soul of two very different ballet companies with the personalities and cultural differences to go with them. Casting is smart and the writing, in two languages, as always is fast and spot on. May Etoile avenge Bunheads and run formany seasons.

Etoile is best when the dancers dance and the story (or what passes for one) gets set aside and off-camera. There is a phony energy, an overdrive that reinforces the perception that artists and managers are shallow, snivelling dopes. And while there maybe some truth to that notion, it doesn't pass muster as entertainment. The show is exhausting and feels much longer than its actual running time. That was episode 1 -- hoping that the cliches soon fade and that there can be something to begin matching the ballet, which is the centrepiece of the series.

A little too chaotic sometimes, pacing issues. The actress and plot for Mishi are terrible and boring.

Visually, Étoile is absolutely beautiful. Luke Kirby is good, Charlotte Gainsborough and Gideon too, and I wish to see more David Alvarez! Not up to the standard of Mrs. Meisel!

What a mess. The characters are insipid and just plain annoying. The only one with a degree of believability is the French mother to the lead ballerina. The lead ballerina could use a good **** slap. She’s not even that good a dancer.