American Gladiators Documentary (Review)

[WillBrink]

Ex Gladiator Debbie Clark recommended I check that out and I'm glad I did! I remember the show well, and knew a few of the competitors, as they were well known in the bodybuilding world. Sadly, two of them passed away, one, Tonya Knight, just recently.

I didn't follow the show back in the day much, and didn't realize how popular it was. What's great about this documentary as it's so iconic to the time, a reflection of the late 80s/early 90s and will bring back memories for those who were alive then, or those who wanna see how fun and crazy that times was and the show captures it well. It was also just at the cusp of when steroid were no longer a poorly guarded secret, there was a cultural shift happening, and American Gladiators was caught in the transition. In these times of PC/woke nonsense, this is also a refreshingly honest show discussing sex, drug, and deeper examination of what drives us to "succeed." I put that in quotes because what is often viewed as "success" is a disaster for the individual, a facade to convince both the person and the world you "made it" and it's often BS.

One aspect of this show that does not get the credit it deserves; I can think of no show before it or after (sadly...) that really showed muscular athletic women in a good light, as role models to young women, as both feminine and powerful. Can you name another show that accomplished that? I can't.

Finally, It's also yet another cautionary tail that if you're an athlete, be it on a team or a show, etc. you're health and well being is very low on the list of concerns to those making the real $, and no matter how tough and bad ass you think you are, you're one injury away from being left with nadda, so think carefully about singing a chit contract!

Whether this blast from the past brings back memories for you (sure did for me!), or just gives insight into what the time was like, you will wanna view that one. Rating A.

[Det-Sog]

That's on my watch list. I tried out and became an alternate contestant for the tour back around 1990. That was back in my SWAT days. I was a machine back then, and my God had a crush on Tonya Knight. R.I.P..

[Diamondback]

Finally, It's also yet another cautionary tail that if you're an athlete, be it on a team or a show, etc. you're health and well being is very low on the list of concerns to those making the real $, and no matter how tough and bad ass you think you are, you're one injury away from being left with nadda, so think carefully about singing a chit contract!

Also illustrates the importance of having an exit plan drawn-up and ready to go when needed, whether from injury or boredom--most of the guys in pro football, basketball, any injury-prone sport that don't go riches-to-rags it's largely because they live frugally during their active years (maybe a RARE and small indulgence here and there but otherwise basically middle-class) and set the bulk of it aside in prudent investments, like John Elway with his car dealership or Shaq investing in Papa John's.

Which I suppose we really could just chalk up as "self-discipline and good impulse control."

[SteyrAUG]

Watched it, I used to love that show but had no idea there were earlier, terrible pilot seasons.

Zap was always hot.

[Disciple]

One aspect of this show that does not get the credit it deserves; I can think of no show before it or after (sadly...) that really showed muscular athletic women in a good light, as role models to young women, as both feminine and powerful. Can you name another show that accomplished that? I can't.

American Ninja Warrior, arguably.

[WillBrink]

That's on my watch list. I tried out and became an alternate contestant for the tour back around 1990. That was back in my SWAT days. I was a machine back then, and my God had a crush on Tonya Knight. R.I.P..

She was a very sweet person BTW.

Also illustrates the importance of having an exit plan drawn-up and ready to go when needed, whether from injury or boredom--most of the guys in pro football, basketball, any injury-prone sport that don't go riches-to-rags it's largely because they live frugally during their active years (maybe a RARE and small indulgence here and there but otherwise basically middle-class) and set the bulk of it aside in prudent investments, like John Elway with his car dealership or Shaq investing in Papa John's.

Which I suppose we really could just chalk up as "self-discipline and good impulse control."

You gotta have a plan and most don't. They're of an age that they live day to day and will never get old and or injured and are taken advantage. One difference is, those on AG were paid very little compared to any other pro athlete (which is really what they were with a far more rigorous schedule than other pro sports where people are intentionally trying to hurt you) and when some of them asked for improved pay, were let go. I don't believe that legal today, not sure on the details.

American Ninja Warrior, arguably.

They actually do a good job of that. I was not thinking in terms of competitors per se, but they do a good job of showing the women as athletes vs bimbos and such. Maybe the first show to do that well since AG? I'm always very impressed with the athleticism of the NW competitors.

[SteyrAUG]

American Ninja Warrior, arguably.

Almost mentioned that one. Another great show that gives me hope.

[militarymoron]

I'm watching it in Netflix now. I used to watch the show in the 90's and enjoyed it. I worked out at the same gym that Lori Fetrick (Ice) went to and chatted a few times - she was shy but friendly. I was just in my early 20's, and still a kid trying to put on a little muscle on my bones. A few years later, I'd see Lee Reherman (Hawk, RIP) at a different gym I joined, and he was always very friendly and outgoing with the regulars and would often ask for spots. Big fellow. I was surprised to hear of his early passing.

Jessie Graff from ANW is a regular at my climbing gym, and she'll sometimes do speed climbing runs with my son. She's in impressive shape, and a really nice person to boot.

[WillBrink]

I'm watching it in Netflix now. I used to watch the show in the 90's and enjoyed it. I worked out at the same gym that Lori Fetrick (Ice) went to and chatted a few times - she was shy but friendly. I was just in my early 20's, and still a kid trying to put on a little muscle on my bones. A few years later, I'd see Lee Reherman (Hawk, RIP) at a different gym I joined, and he was always very friendly and outgoing with the regulars and would often ask for spots. Big fellow. I was surprised to hear of his early passing.

Jessie Graff from ANW is a regular at my climbing gym, and she'll sometimes do speed climbing runs with my son. She's in impressive shape, and a really nice person to boot.

I wub her. Crazy good athlete, good looking.

[vandal5]

Will have to check this out.

I used to watch the original show a bit when I was a kid. Always thought it was so cool.
As to ANW, I personally like the original more. It was everyone agai st the course and the competitors all cheered each other on... was not who went the furthest or fastest... it was if you could beat the course or not.