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Glamorous centres around Marco Mejia (Miss Benny, real name Ben J Pierce), whose mum wants him to work as a paralegal for her company, when he’d rather continue his job at the make-up store.
As the saying goes: Do a job you’ll love and it won’t feel like work, and circumstances lead to him getting the chance to give make-up maestra Madolyn Addison (Kim Cattrall) a makeover with all her own products.
His other ambition is to get a ton of followers on his Instagram account, even though he only has around 500 at the start of the series.
When it comes to the plot, it’s not exactly The Usual Suspects in terms of complexity. Madolyn has a make-up business which has been running for decades, but feels it’s bland and needs a spark to revitalise it, even though they still make more money than most other brands. Of course, between her usual staff and new recruit Marco, who does she think will win the day for her?
Yep, exactly. But this isn’t an Agatha Christie mystery, it’s rather a fun comedy/drama.
I can see that on day one, IMDB lists this series as a 3.9/10, of just 161 reviews, most of which will come from people who haven’t even watched it, since I think they’ll be put off by the billing, and which was probably unnecessary to state upfront, as it describes Marco as “a young gender non-conforming queer person”.
To me, he just seemed like a young, gay lad who’s trying to find his way in life, and who does know what they want to do in their life when they’re in their 20s?
Personally, I can’t say I understand the modern apparent necessity to be known by one’s pronouns, but then I’m just the wrong side of a certain age, tech is starting to elude me, and I never understood Videoplus+ codes.
So far, though, I’ve seen two episodes of Glamorous, and have really enjoyed it. Whoever you are, it’s very funny and very accessible. It also gives positive messages, such as when Marco ends his ‘insta’ posts (whatever they’re called, since I don’t really use that app) with “You’re fabulous, say it back!”
It was also hilarious when something shocks Marco, and he responds, “Oh, my Gaga!” 😀
Episode two also features Ladytron’s Playgirl in a nightclub. I wish they’d play that in Manchester. It’s a top tune! However, one character is shown carrying a toy gun. Albeit for comedic and well-intentioned purposes, there’s not a chance in hell that would be allowed in any nightclub! But then, this is a TV drama, not a documentary.
Oh, and I have to say, I was quite disgusted to see obvious product placement for promotion for Pepsi… because everyone knows Pepsi Max is far nicer! And why buy a can, when you can buy two 2-litre bottles from Morrisons for £3.50! So, I buy eight each time. It’s absolutely lush! 😛
So, ignore the 3.9/10, give Glamorous a try and see what you think. Hell, it’s worth it for Miss Cattrall alone. She’s still got it!
Thanks to our friends at Netflix for the screener prior to release.
Glamorous is not available to pre-order on Blu-ray or DVD, but is on Netflix from today.
Detailed specs:
Cert: 
Running time: 45-60 minutes per episode (10 episodes)
Release date: June 22nd 2023
Studio: Netflix
Format: 2.00:1
Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Writers: Jordon Nardino, Justin W Lo, Ashley Skidmore, Tony L Gomez, Celeste Vasquez
Music: Joy Ngiaw
Cast:
Marco Mejia: Miss Benny
Madolyn Addison: Kim Cattrall
Parker: Graham Parkhurst
Dizmal: Damian Terriquez
Tony: Matt Rogers
Teddy: Ricardo Chavira
Cliff: Joel Kim Booster
Geoffrey: Brock Ciarlelli
Marco’s Doppelganger: Andrew Rotilio
Dana: Meher Pavri
Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.