User Reviews

In the #MeToo world that we live in we realize the horrors that when on with executives and on sets and in hotel rooms, but it is so depressing to think how it was swept under the rug in the 1980's. This episode wisely showcased how horrible it is and how it can happen even when you don't expect it.

The Ruth and Debbie relationship needed another twist and this may have been the thing to do it.

As a middle aged white male, I've been keenly aware of the Me Too movement for a while, but never felt much about it. Something about the way Alison Brie's character is treated by the executive really made me feel for her. Maybe it's because we really care for this character after 15 episodes. Nothing too overt or offensive even happens, but we really see how trapped Ruth is.

The rest of the episode has a kind of boring storyline about Bash. Giving it a 9 for the Ruth scenes.

"G.L.O.W." loses the patio sponsor and suffers from "soft ratings" but because the studio's Hollywood hotshot is attracted to Ruth (claiming to be a "fan of Zoya"), she is set up with a "dinner reservation" with him at a bungalow...for, you know, to "talk about the character" and her "future with the show". As Sam, Debbie, and Bash try to come up with ideas to bring better ratings to the show to impress Tom Grant (Paul Fitzgerald, the typical corporate Hollywood television sleazebag) Glen (Andrew Friedman) feigns a real possibility that it isn't all over yet...later with Tom in the bungalow knowing full well that Ruth would have to "compromise" in order for the show to remain in its decent timeslot. Later when Ruth returns to the G.L.O.W. studio, Debbie is distraught because Tom and Glen put the show in the dead 2 A.M. slot almost assuring that ratings would be non-existent and the kid audience intended to attract would not be watching, figuring a cancellation is on the horizon. Debbie's reaction when Ruth reveals she fled from the bungalow before Tom could use her for sex (their "wrestling" in the room was creepy enough, certainly calling to mind as of recent the Weinstein scandal) isn't as anticipated...Debbie was furious at her for not giving in or at least for not playing the part. It is that moment where Debbie's desire to be a success beyond the famous soap opera success gets the better of her and Ruth remains a target of her scorn and outrage, but such cruelty is a bit jarring (as intended). Ruth "not spreading her legs as usual", not "thinking about all the girls" and just herself was especially a deep stab of the knife with a specific twist. Bash also gets some extra attention, his search for "butler" Florian (who skipped after another payment/check bounced) ending in disappointment. Carmen and Rhonda are willing to help him look for Florian as he has been sleeping on the floor in their hotel room due to loneliness. They locate a gay night club revealing to Bash Florian's sexual orientation which he didn't seem to realize. While the show seems to hint at Bash's "confusion", the way he seems disoriented and taken aback doesn't necessarily all the way conclude he's gay...Florian was indeed a life-long friend, but Bash missing him greatly could eventually lead to something. Bash eating soup with his mother's butler and possibly working on her to be a sponsor for the show intervenes in his night being a total bust. Alison Brie just continues to be a revelation on this show, her anxiety in Tom's room and later the disgust of what she was expected to do with him, not to mention responding with shock at Debbie's dismissive anger towards her for not giving over her body are spot-on and definitely speak volumes for all those actresses down through the years who always felt that there was no alternative besides the casting couch. I have to say I was reminded as to why I didn't miss Sam during the last episode as he's just as volatile and stressed out as ever before, clearly ("Where's my water...I feel so disrespected") looking for a break and not getting much confidence from those behind the future of his show. This episode was over in a hurry, clocking in about nearly 18 minutes. Establishing the cult following the show would depend on, the ladies realize they have fans who have taken to their personas, looking to capitalize financially on their hero and lust worship...the title of the episode comes from guys sending certain girls dick pics and foul letters depicting sexual lewdness. Good to see the somewhat neglected Sheila the She-Wolf get some love in the episode, focus on her enthusiastic and growing fanbase truly unsettling and discomforting her.

I have had this uncomfortable feeling that GLOW is not as feminist show as advertised. It skillfully camouflages itself as a progressive and intelligent show, screaming women empowerment and freedom of sexual expression. However, if you look deep into the script, Sam Sylvia is the most misogynistic, sexist, authoritative, and laziest person whom the writers describe as a leader of the pack. Toxic characters like Sam or Tom Grant can exist in the show. However, It's about how these men characters are treated with utmost respect when they casually comment and behave as sexists.

It shouts women's solidarity. However, it's always Debbie who attacks and tricks Ruth. Viking who sides with Ruth that she does not get the recognition she deserves gets fired, and nobody says anything including Ruth herself. More importantly, there is no development of guilt, sorrow, or agony in the show. It's the same thing with Ruth. When Debbie accuses Ruth for NOT SLEEPING with K-DTV boss, thus canceling the show, it shows Sheila overcoming her fear of meeting new people and starting to talk to fans and Ruth looking guilty as heck. ARE YOU FREAKING SERIOUS?? It's not the same thing when someone above your position uses sexual favors to advance you in the work environment. Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch should be banned for using the word feminism. K-DTV GLOW can be offensive as heck, but Netflix GLOW does not have to.