Episode 8 of Etoile kicks off with an poignant scene where Jack finds himself perusing coffins for Nicholas, despite the fact that he's still very much alive. Geneviève, sensing his distress, offers him solace and gently urges him to join her in Paris once all the current turmoil has settled. Jack retreats to his office, where a note from Cheyenne catches his eye, bearing the simple yet evocative words, "4 Days." The implication that she'll soon be away dawns on him.
Cheyenne returns home to an unexpected surprise: Mishi has taken up residence under her roof. A heated exchange ensues between mother and daughter, intensifying when Cheyenne discovers that Bruna attended Mishi's performance.
Across the pond in New York, Gael breathes a sigh of relief upon learning he has a brief respite from "The Nutcracker." His serendipitous encounter with Quinn soon follows, filled with lighthearted and amusing banter, hinting at a possible reignition of their spark.
Cheyenne and Bruna venture to the graveyard to pay tribute to Cheyenne's late father, whose untimely demise occurred when she was just a toddler of three. Their quest to locate his gravestone proves challenging, serving as a backdrop for a poignant conversation. Cheyenne confides in Bruna about her recent slip on stage, contemplating if this could mark the end of her dancing career.
The scene then shifts to a vibrant boxing arena, where Gabin engages in a spirited sparing session. Geneviève enters the fray, delivering a ray of hope by informing Gabin that the charges against him will be dropped, thanks to the sketchy backgrounds of his attackers. She further reveals that Matthieu has severed ties with Tobias, who instead sent him to an anonymous alcoholics meeting rather than a rehearsal. With a promise of redemption, Geneviève emphasizes that Gabin's return is contingent on his good behavior.
Does Jack extend the position of Artistic Director to Cheyenne? Jack is on a mission to fill Nicholas' shoes, yet he finds himself continuously encountering Cheyenne's posters, their vibrant images jumping out at him from every corner. Intrigued, he reaches out to Crispin, inquiring about the rationale behind suggesting Cheyenne. Crispin downplays it, insisting that it was merely a casual suggestion, devoid of serious consideration.
At the bustling flea market where Bruna plies her trade, she and Cheyenne confront Timeo regarding his mysterious dealings with Mishi. Timeo, with a sheepish grin, admits his growing fondness for Mishi and explains that his Instagram disappearance was solely due to exam preparations. However, he was uncertain if his sentiments were reciprocated. Bruna, ever the encourager, urges Timeo to chase after his heart's desire with Mishi.
Meanwhile, Jack dials Cheyenne's number, enthusiasm brimming in his voice as he conveys his wish for her to step into Nicholas' shoes as the Artistic Director of MBT. To his surprise, Cheyenne abruptly ends the call, leaving him hanging.
Elsewhere, Tobias' tirade against his dancers is abruptly halted by Gabin, who delivers the welcome news that the charges against him have been dropped. Without missing a beat, Tobias instructs Gabin to rejoin the fold immediately.
On another note, Gael's chance encounter with Quinn during a jog leads to an impromptu stroll, deepening their bond. Later that evening, Bruna, Cheyenne, and Mishi gather for a nightcap, with Mishi soon succumbing to the allure of slumber. Taking advantage of the intimate moment, Cheyenne broaches the subject of Jack's job offer, only to inform her mother that she intends to decline it.
How does Tobias' opening night unfold? On the much-anticipated evening, as Tobias' second dance piece is set to premiere, chaos ensues. Tobias, overcome with an intense surge of emotion, loses his composure and begins shouting at everyone to halt the proceedings. He abruptly silences the music, storms onto the stage, and passionately declares his need to start anew.
Amidst this tumultuous scene, Cheyenne approaches Geneviève with momentous news. She reveals her intention to accept Jack's job offer, her mind made up despite her recent slip-up. Geneviève, fiercely resistant to the idea of losing Cheyenne, pleads with her, but Cheyenne remains steadfast in her resolve to plan for her future.
Fuming with anger, Geneviève calls Jack and berates him for circumventing her to poach Cheyenne. She sternly warns him to stay away from Paris and to forget about her entirely. Upon returning to the auditorium, Geneviève finds Tobias engaged in a literal creation of a new piece on stage, discarding the previous one as it failed to embody his true self. Her assistant informs her that the unfolding drama is being live-streamed and has already gone viral on social media.
Seeing an opportunity to capitalize on the unexpected spectacle, Geneviève decides to embrace the madness. She orders the stage feed to be streamed live on a large screen outside the auditorium, drawing a crowd that rapidly gathers. After a significant delay, Tobias finally unveils his new piece. Addressing the captivated audience, he shares how Paris has transformed him, subtly expressing his feelings for Gabin. He reveals that this is the first dance piece he has created that he doesn't want to forget.
As the performance officially commences, thunderous applause echoes through the auditorium. As Gabin strikes the final pose, Tobias, unable to contain his emotions, rushes onto the stage and kisses him passionately. The moment is electric, cementing Tobias' night as one of unforgettable drama and artistic rebirth.
Does Gael opt for Cheyenne or Quinn? Cheyenne returns to the Shamblee Theater for her Wheeldon rehearsal, only to discover Gael awaiting her arrival. With a heavy heart, he terminates their relationship, asserting that she lacks the capacity to accommodate others in her life. Subsequently, he ventures out to meet Jack, confessing to him that he has feelings for Quinn and his aspiration to remain with the company, continuing his dance journey.
Cheyenne initiates her rehearsal with the choreographer, surprising him with her unexpected cooperation. Later, Nicholas awakens Jack, who is slumbering beside him. Jack, overjoyed to see him conscious, exclaims the joyful news throughout the MBT, his enthusiasm halted only when he encounters Cheyenne, whose career hangs in the balance.
How does Season 1 of Étoile conclude? The much-anticipated opening night of Cheyenne's show arrives. Crispin teases Jack about the job offer for Cheyenne, suggesting a cunning plot to create tension between her and Jack. As the performance commences, Cheyenne shines brightly on stage.
Meanwhile, in Paris, Timeo presents flowers to Mishi after her performance, leading to a romantic evening together. Following Cheyenne's mesmerizing performance, she glares intently at Quinn from the orchestra pit before storming off the stage in a huff. She rushes to the dance studio, tears streaming down her face as she laments over Gael, her job, and Geneviève. Jack, in an attempt to console her, finds himself in an unexpected embrace with Cheyenne, their lips meeting despite both acknowledging the wisdom of refraining from such actions.
In a mid-credit scene from Episode 8 of Étoile, everyone gathers to welcome Nicholas back to the MBT with a festive celebration. He reunites with Cheyenne, who responds cryptically, "We'll see."
