There is nothing like putting on an episode of "Gladiators" for 45 minutes of non-thinking, relaxing yet rousing entertainment. After a couple of months, I finally finished this mid-1990s UK version and I can confidently say it's one of the best: the events, the gladiators, the contenders, the crowds, the referees, the commentator (often very funny) - they all kick ass. In fact, it's hard to understand why the show stopped in 1999 - but on the other hand, maybe it's a good thing that it went out on a high. The first season might be a little rough around the edges (do we really need the rules of each game explained in every episode?), but from the second season on the show finds its footing and never loses it again. Many gladiators came and went (or stayed) through the years; everyone has their favorites I'm sure, but it's an almost objective fact that Hunter is the all-around best of the males, the unbelievably gorgeous, gracious, kind-hearted, Hang Tough Queen, British Wonder Woman (need I go on?) Jet is the all-around best female (with fast Lightning, powerhouse Nightshade and her replacement Rio close behind), and Wolf is the top showman. The show is also a pure celebration of female power and athleticism, to a degree that no other show has ever come close to and probably never will (OK, I can think of one: "Fear Factor". That's definitely a Girl-Power show too). Flaws? Well, the same as the other Gladiators versions: too much talk. There are more interviews with the contenders than necessary, a few too many "how do you think you'll do?" - "I'll give my 100%, that's all I can do" Q&A. And there are also too many cutaway shots to the crowd, especially in later seasons, sometimes in the middle of the events! Yes, the live crowds are a big part of why the show was such a hit - but the contenders and the gladiators are a bigger part, and their in-game action is more important than the crowd reaction. Anyway, that's nit-picking. The show as a whole is exactly what I wrote in my summary above: Tremendously Entertaining. An easy 8/10.
Review of Gladiators
