Date First Published: 06 July 2017 – Classic Rock Radio (UK)
Uncle G’s FUN Television Reviews
Source: Netflix Series (Season 1)
Spotlight: GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling)
By: Gary “Uncle G” Brown
Twitter @GBrown0816
Some days ago I got sick of watching the political cable news channels, and picking up the remote, I spoke right into it saying;
“Netflix.”
I’m a second-year subscriber. Started out with their snail mail Blu-ray/DVD service. Seriously good turn around. While staying in Pennsylvania, I watched about 50 movies in nine months (Dec 2015 – Sept 2016).
Voice command remote is awesome! Seconds after I spoke, Netflix’s streaming service appeared on my TV. Once signed in, the first thing I saw was a promotion for a brand new series they just debuted called; GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling). A comedy/drama about the making of a professional female wrestling cable TV program. It all takes place in the 1980’s. Inspired by a true story.
The promo image(s) Netflix uses/used for GLOW is very enticing. Caught my eye.
Of course, my first reaction was to pass and scroll immediately down to my list. Am into season 5 of a comedy sitcom called; 30 Rock. Well written! Very funny! I totally missed the show when it first aired. Was going to eat dinner, and watch an episode of that. Instead, I added ‘GLOW’ to my list, and before I knew it, was watching the ‘pilot’ episode. Finished the debut season within a few days. Decided “GLOW” was something I could write about. Started doing research. Taking a break, I stepped out for a bit. Got some good smoke from ‘Verts Neighborhood Dispensary’ here in Fort Collins, and a big bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade on the way home. Viewed all ten episodes of GLOW again, in a row. A little over a half hour long each. I proved that it’s possible to sit down and binge watch the whole thing. Would need to devote about five to six hours of your life. You can do an old time ‘intermission’ like they did back in the day when a movie contained many reels, or the theater wanted to sell more snack food. I did bathroom breaks.
“Uncle G” discusses … GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling)
When it comes to a movie or a new series, if I’m not interested 20 minutes into something I’m watching, then it’s bye-bye whatever it is. I’m even harder on Netflix’s stand-up comedians. Five minutes into their act and I’ll decide if I want to go on any further. After all, only so much time in a day. In that situation, it’s pretty cut and dry. Their act either makes me laugh, or it doesn’t. Here comes the thumb down rating.
I’m not sure if I was completely hooked twenty minutes into the 37-minute first episode (Pilot) of GLOW. All I know is I kept on watching. And yes, by the time it was over, I already had decided to watch episode two in which was entitled; ‘Slouch.Submit.’ With a title like that, how could I not?
GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling) is an adult comedy/drama. Behind the scenes includes some heavy hitters in the entertainment industry, associated with past shows you might recognize; Jenji Kohan (Orange Is The New Black), Liz Flahive (Nurse Jackie_Homeland), and Carly Mensch (Weeds).
In front of the camera, is a wonderful main cast, and a bunch of equally wonderful, supporting actors/actresses.
Season One of GLOW tells the tale of how the semi-popular cable TV problem that ran from 1986 to 1990, came into being. Being around back then, I admit I never tuned in. Frankly, television wrestling wasn’t ever a favorite of mine. Placed in the same category as soap operas. I really couldn’t care less. Not to criticize. Certainly, I understand the entertainment value. Having ladies wrestle is more appealing to me, than seeing the men. Especially when their heads are between each other’s legs. The last wife I had, she and her family were heavily into all the wrestling programs. I never even came close to sharing that passion with them.
In defense, besides the usual one on one body contact, sometimes be it with pretty people (male or female), are storylines that will either suck you in or make shake your head in disbelief, as to how horrible this can truly be. Sketches and storylines created purposely for shock effect. The actual wrestling match can be engrossing if wrestlers are skilled. Should storyline and actual match be equally good, the thrills and chills for those into it, are seemingly orgasmic. Going by outward appearances.
The cast of GLOW includes Alison Brie (Mad Men), and Betty Gilpin (Nurse Jackie). Both portray main characters of the program. Episode one opens up with Alison’s character, Ruth Wilder, at an acting audition. Professionally she could be doing better. Life appears a total uphill struggle. Luckily her BFF is a stay home new Mom/former soap opera actress; Debbie Eagan. As a friend, she totally rocks, until something happens involving Ruth, and Debbie’s husband that redefines their relationship.
The stereotypical B movie director of GLOW, cocaine-loving Sam Sylvia. Superbly portrayed by successful stand up comic/actor; Marc Maron. Throughout the 10 episodes, expect lots of well-written one-liners from this guys mouth. Reflections and dealings with the life around him. Capable of being a sorry sack of shit, deep inside redeeming qualities.
There is really not a character, no matter how small, that seems wrong, or out of place. The cast of GLOW is more diverse than the original show. Again, that long dead series is but a pool of ideas from which to pick or choose.
One of my favorite characters besides the three I already mentioned; Sheila the She-Wolf. Played by Gayle Rankin. Found her interesting from the get go. Am looking forward to at least one show in Season Two (assuming Netflix renews) devoted more to Sheila’s backstory.
So many great characters on GLOW … Melanie Rosen (actress Jackie Tohn) is another one I dig.
A couple more mentions. Capturing a few minutes screen time, and while doing so making a lasting impression, actor; George Murdoch. Most people know him for his association with professional wrestling. I watch him almost every week on Fox News; The Greg Gutfeld Show. A likable fellow. Appears so out of the ring anyway. His character on GLOW is the ‘Mighty Tom Jackson.’ Part of a wrestling dynasty that’s tied to one of the GLOW women. Her name is ‘Carmen’, and is portrayed splendidly by actress, Britney Young.
Warning
GLOW contains nudity and adult language. Nothing that ever insulted my intelligence, or dulled my visual senses.
Many times throughout the 10 episodes, Netflix’s GLOW, starring the beautiful Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin, made me laugh out loud. I might have been even been shocked, at least once. Was pleasantly surprised to see Elizabeth Perkins. Showtime’s Weeds was such a delight, and Elizabeth’s acting, especially comedic skills, made me a fan for life. In GLOW, she plays a supporting role; Birdie.
“Uncle G” rates … GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling)
Using the same one to ten star rating system, whereas one star means it sucks celery stalks, to ten stars which would mean … it’s like totally bitchin … “Uncle G” gives the new Netflix comedy/drama GLOW … 10 STARS! Even if nit-picking, I just can’t seem to find anything wrong with this. I like the way it was filmed. The soundtrack includes many a song that the radio station I write for, play every day.
I conclude that the gorgeous ladies of GLOW make a great team, and along with the few token guys in front of the camera (only kidding) are extremely capable of going just as long as the real television show did. Even longer.
Helpful Websites
Official Netflix GLOW webpage
https://www.netflix.com/title/80114988
Gary “Uncle G” Brown Official Archival Website (where old stories go to die)
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