The Shards Episodes 1 and 2 Review: Teen American Psychos Unplugged
Welcome to the Wild World of The Shards!
So, let’s talk about The Shards, FX’s latest binge-worthy drama that dives deep into the lives of some very privileged teenagers living in a surprisingly grimy 1981 Los Angeles. And no, this isn’t your typical teen show — we’re talking about a mash-up of glamour, drama, and just the right amount of psycho vibes!
What’s the Deal?
Right off the bat, we see a shiny disclaimer stating, “This story is fictional. Any similarity to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.” It’s like the show is waving a neon flag, asking you to buckle up!
Who’s behind the madness, you ask? None other than the infamous Ryan Murphy and Bret Easton Ellis, the brain behind American Psycho. I mean, who better to serve us a plate of drama garnished with controversy? This series is based on Ellis’s 2023 novel of the same name and the title doesn’t lie — it serves up some wild twists on autofiction while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Meet Bret and His Fancy Friends
We get to hang out with Bret Easton Ellis himself (played by Igby Rigney), who’s navigating his way through a life of excess with his high-society pals. Think sex, drugs, and existential crises as they all try to figure out their identities and what’s lurking just outside the party lights.
Enter the mysterious Robert Mallory (Homer Gere) — he’s not just any new kid; he’s a potential serial killer stalking these hedonistic halls. But wait, there’s more! We also have Kaia Gerber (yes, Cindy Crawford’s daughter) as Susan, Bret’s childhood crush, and Evan Rachel Wood as the chaotic mother of his girlfriend. Let’s just say the casting choices are…interesting, adding to the glam and chaos of this show.
Visually Stunning Yet Utterly Disturbing
Now, let’s not skip over the fact that The Shards looks fabulous! The production design is nothing short of a visual delight with its retro sets and costumes. You’ll find yourself drooling over the aesthetic while simultaneously feeling the bile of dread building in your stomach as the storyline progresses.
It’s got shades of Blue Velvet and hints of The Great Gatsby, and yes, Murphy and Ellis know how to paint a picture of decadence mixed with underlying darkness. One moment you’re admiring the glitter and glam, and the next, you’re questioning your life choices. It’s a topsy-turvy rollercoaster ride!
Drama Unfolds
As we dive deeper, we see Bret having a not-so-innocent crush on his girlfriend while desperately trying to suppress his feelings for his male friend. The dynamics are as tense as your uncle at a family gathering. And let’s not forget Robert, who seems to be more than just a pretty face. He draws Bret into a web of intrigue and danger that’s hard to resist!
But here’s the kicker; as much as we want to know what’s happening, the show sometimes gets caught up in telling rather than showing. You see scenes of Bret sobbing in his car while the narration booms, “I was crying so hard!” We get it, Bret! The visuals can speak for themselves, buddy!
The Verdict
Despite its quirks and flaws, The Shards pulls you in like a magnet. It’s gloriously trashy and a tad crazy, making it the perfect guilty pleasure. You might not be raving about it at your next highbrow dinner party (your snooty friends might snicker and call it “The Sharts,” which, yikes!), but deep down, you’ll keep tuning in, unable to look away from the madness.
Buckle up, folks; new episodes of The Shards drop every Wednesday on FX. You won’t want to miss this wild ride!