‘Dare Me’ Episode 1: Coup d'état' teases us with blood, gun and a whole lot of toxicity of cutthroat competition

From a form of entertainment, cheerleading has taken the shape of a business since it first began in the 18th century. And the evolution of the activity can be observed distinctly in USA network’s coming-of-age mystery thriller ‘Dare Me’, which premiered today. Based on the novel of the same name, authored by Megan Abbott, the show is narrated by Addy, one of the members of the cheerleading team and Beth’s best friend, who the blood smeared all over the former’s phone and vehicle’s gear stick could belong to. 

We can’t draw the conclusion yet because that’s how and when 'Coup d'état', the first episode of ‘Dare Me’ begins. Addy (Herizen Guardiola) takes us back to the time when she was determined to find her way out of the city through colleges far off, while Beth (Marlo Kelly) wanted to get the hell out of her house unable to watch her separated parents canoodle each other secretly under the same roof. 

And to both, cheerleading is the last ray of light in their dark lives, which however changes soon after the advent of coach Colette (Willa Fitzgerald). The girls think they are the best, but their new coach has her ways to bring the worst out of them. 

The series through the first episode itself establishes that there is more than one conflict of interest existing among the members of the team and Colette. So here’s what has happened so far: Addy is in total admiration of her new coach, who she believes has the potential to lead the team, while Beth instincts lean the opposite way. Firstly, the newcomer has waged a war against the lead or top girl by replacing her with a much less-experienced Tacy. As if that wasn’t enough, her best friend is lying her trust blindly in the known stranger. 

The first episode of ‘Dare Me’, however, ends by peeling a new layer off Colette’s persona, who was spotted by Addy and Beth fornicating in the middle of the woods in a car, while her husband and child were asleep back home. 

Will Addy’s opinion of Colette change following what she witnessed? Or will the coach find her way around a naive girl? 

The next episode of ‘Dare Me’ will air on January 6 on USA Network.