Women don't sweat. . .they've GLOW! And they did an f-ing fabulous job while being at it. Netflix newest original piece of programming was a hell of fun laced with some heartwarming and emotional moments turning this random bunch of girls into a FAMILY. GLOW is created by Liz Flahive (Homeland, Nurse Jackie) and Carly Mensch (Nurse Jackie, Orange Is The New Black, Weeds). Orange Is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan and Tara Herrmann executive produce alongside Flahive and Mensch who are serving as showrunners.
FAVORITE EPISODE: LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE (1x07)
I loved everything about this episode, the pacing, the acting, the whole plot of the episode was simply on point. Debbie's upbuilding arc finally started to unfold and her seeking out Ruth at this point was so hard for her character. The work out with Carmen's brother was fun but on the other hand showed a serious side to how hard the girls were working for their goal.
The live audience run through was fun and gave all the girls enough screen time. I certainly didn't expect Mark to show up and wreck the big move the girls were working so hard on.
Also, a very pleasant surprise was the connection established between Carmen and Bash. A very weird combination but with enough sincerity to make it count and make it memorable.
TOP 3 CHARACTER ARCS:
The combination of great writing and an excellent performance by Betty Gilpin made Debbie Eagan one hell of a character. Debbie was so edgy and well developed throughout the 10 episode run and considering how much screen time she had to share. I loved how her arc just blew up with episode 5 when she attended the wrestling event with Carmen and Melrose. The awkward hook up with Steel Horse and the follow-up talk with Cherry about how awkward it felt after being so long with one man was executed so well, Betty's performance was truly on point. And it didn't stop here opening up to Ruth again and the possibility of making her marriage work again was extremely well handled. I loved how she threw it into Marc's face when she revealed she was still a member of the team. Totally a GO GIRL moment!
Sheila the She-Wolf
Was I a bit weirded out when they first introduced the character but as the story progressed I found myself liking her more and more. The way they opened up her character first to Ruth and later to all the girls was really beautiful. I loved the joy she was experiencing/showing off during the rollerskating. She felt so comfortable in being herself that she simply stopped caring who was looking at her. Gayle Rankin did so much acting with her face and I loved every single bit of it, even the times she scared me.
Ruth Wilder
From her first to her finale take Alison Brie was outstanding. Her character was already in th gutter and the GLOW writers didn't have much mercy on her. Alison really gave a lot to the character and you could feel the struggle she was going through, no matter how much Ruth tried to hide it. You could feel her squirm under the uncomfortable energy Debbie's presence brought to the team an you could see he hilariously fail in compensating all her flaws. Her finding her Russian alter ego and developing it with Gregori were priceless moments that made me lmao. And while Alison proved how amazing she is in akwardand comedic moments she didn't lack brilliance in the dramatic moments either. Her reaction to her pregnancy was really moving and getting an abortion was another phenomenal moment.
LEAST FAVORITE CHARACTER: Mark
Didn't like him from the moment he convinced our sweet protagonist to jump in the sheets with his married a*s. He is sucha stereotype characterand I understand that someone like him was needed for the story and Debbie's development. Still, I appreciate him trying to change himself for her but that doesn't mean I am not working on a Voodoo doll atm.
MISSED OPPORTUNITY: Arthie
This character deserved much more attention and she should've been a much bigger part of the story or at least her character background should've been. That scene in the last episode where people were throwing things at her was so poingnant. I hope that in potential second season the writers will take a shot at this story.
PERSONAL FAVORITE: CHERRY
Such a great character. I loved her being the Mama bear so much and Sydelle Noele was great in the role.
THE PATERNITY TWIST
I didn't see this coming, it never came to my freaking mind. I really thought Sam would score Justine at that party. I did love the twist, it gave Justine another dimension and I like Justine so I was all for that. Not the biggest fan of Sam but Marc Maron did a really great job. He was a convincing SoB and his interaction with Ruth and Justine were priceless.
THE FAMILY
I'm a sucker for family shows but I love it even more when unrelated characters become a family over the course of the show. Yes the girls were bickering from time to time and getting into some arguments but at the nd of the day they would pull in the same direction.
This is it guys. I hope you've enjoyed my PoV on GLOW's first season. I really hope the show gets another season cause I need to see a lot more of these characters. As always feel free to share your thoughts down below in the comment section.
