More Drama
Of course not everything will run smoothly when you have this many strong personalities vying for screen time and creative control, networks and sponsors to appease, and morality watch dog groups to contend with. With so much drama at the outset of season 2, I was surprised that the first few couple episodes seem to drag a little.
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The pace picks up by about episode 3 (of 10), as the ladies are always at their best when they have a common goal. Catty infighting gets old fast, but when this group gets their shit together the ladies are a force of nature.
New Cast Members
Season 2 marks the arrival of a few new faces. Yolanda (YoYo), played by Shakira Barrera, is a Mexican-American lesbian stripper who joins the ladies because she apparently gives a good lap dance. Look for her to inspire some new emotions in one particular GLOW lady.
Former porn cameraman, Russell Barroso (Victor Quinaz), is part of a semi-surprising love triangle that begins to play out this season.
Timely Topics
While season 1 saw characters dealing with infidelity, miscarriage, abortion, drugs, and sexism, season 2 introduces two LGBTQ story lines, the AIDS crisis, and such hot topics as sexual harassment, immigration and parenting.
Watching Sam’s (Marc Maron) developing relationship with Justine (Britt Baron), who revealed that she was his daughter (when he tried to kiss her, ewww), was one of the more touching aspects of the season. Kind of amazing considering what an abrasive jerk he can be. Not exactly the best candidate for Father of the Year.
Cheese Whiz, anyone?
Episode 8 is a mildly disturbing mash up of cheesy comedy sketches and wrestling matches, letting the audience experience what a televised episode of GLOW looks like. It’s honestly a bit cringey. Was all 80’s television that bad? That goofy episode aside, once it finds it’s footing, season 2 of GLOW offers the same badass feminist fun and extreme athleticism of season 1. The final episode wraps up a nice little package for Season 3 to explore if Netflix decides to renew.
