Étoile

I have some criticisms, and yet I kind of love the series — it’s that kind of show. You recognize the flaws, but that doesn’t stop you from appreciating it as a whole and wanting to watch more.

The dialogue is, as always, quicker than a chaîné turn; the takes are long and lush (with all eight episodes directed by the Emmy-winning duo, whose love of the master shot emphatically endures); and the settings and costuming are unsurprisingly sumptuous, especially in Paris. .... However, some of the more dance-focused cast members fail to pop against their fellow actors.

Packed with terrific choreography by “Maisel” alum Marguerite Derricks, the luxe-looking series — Season 1 comprises eight hour-long episodes — is filmed on location at familiar, postcard-worthy locales. .... If you’ve never seen “Swan Lake” — or even “Black Swan” — don’t fret. If you don’t know a plié from a pirouette, not to worry. “Étoile” is about the people, not the bends, leaps and spins.

Highly enjoyable. .... The dancers are good, naturally, even if the dances can sometimes feel less exciting than we’re meant to find them. More interesting is the placing of bodies in space when nobody’s dancing, lending a choreographic energy to ordinary conversations.

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.

Étoile has all the elements of a classic Sherman-Palladino joint, which is to say that it’s a pleasure to watch. The dialogue is punchy. Cultural references abound.

Étoile is a sharply written and excellently acted show that’s all but guaranteed to satisfy fans of Sherman-Palladino’s trademark style. While the pacing and romances are on the weaker end, the stunning dance numbers and nuanced platonic relationships more than make up for it.

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.

While Étoile’s numerous characters help make the show feel very lived-in, it's also overstuffed, and I struggled to keep track of everyone in the first few episodes.

There were moments when I wished Étoile dug a little deeper or aimed for less obvious punchlines. But when it works, it works. These showrunners know how to set up a satisfyingly messy romance, and how to introduce a deep friendship with years of backstory beneath the surface.

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.