Betty Gilpin’s Netflix Show Serves as a Heartbreaking Reminder of the 93% RT Hit That Was Unfairly Canceled After Three Seasons

The gripping new Western series American Primeval features Betty Gilpin in a role that starkly contrasts with her well-known character in GLOW. Since her acting debut in 2008, Gilpin’s breakthrough came with her portrayal of the contentious Dr. Carrie Roman in Nurse Jackie. Her career further ascended during the 2010s with notable performances in Elementary and Masters of Sex, ultimately leading to her iconic role as Debbie Eagan, also known as Liberty Belle, in GLOW. While American Primeval stands out as one of Netflix’s premier Westerns, it marks a significant departure for Gilpin, who is primarily recognized for her work in dramatic roles.

Unlike other contemporary Westerns, such as Yellowstone, which often portray the American Wild West in a glamorized manner, American Primeval delves into darker themes and isn’t shy about showcasing graphic violence. The narrative begins with the journey of a mother and her son seeking to traverse the frontier, yet it quickly evolves into a story dominated by violent factions and territorial disputes. In this series, Gilpin portrays one of her most complex and harrowing characters to date.

American Primeval: A Major New Role for Betty Gilpin, Six Years Post-GLOW

Comparing Gilpin’s GLOW and American Primeval Characters: Resilient Women in Divergent Circumstances

Since her time on GLOW, Betty Gilpin has diversified her roles, taking on compelling characters such as Crystal in the intense thriller The Hunt. However, as critics point out, her character in American Primeval starkly contrasts with her previous roles, as the series is often labeled as “unbearably bleak.”Gilpin embodies Sara Rowell, a woman fleeing a violent past while searching for a guide to assist her in navigating the treacherous frontier. The violence that ensues when her pursuers finally catch up to her is jarring, with the series earning comparisons to the horror Western Bone Tomahawk.

In a pivotal scene, Sara retaliates against her assailants in a brutal display, marking a significant turning point for her character’s development.

While both American Primeval and GLOW share connections to true stories, neither character is directly based on real individuals. Yet, Sara and Debbie reflect similar resilience, each striving for new beginnings amidst starkly different historical challenges. Debbie seeks to escape the oppressive “casting couch”culture of the 1980s by establishing herself as a producer, whereas Sara is desperately fleeing from her pursuers. Their tenacity is evident, with Debbie resorting to questionable business ethics, while Sara’s circumstances drive her to violence in a desperate fight for survival.

The Cancellation of GLOW: What Led to Season 4 Being Axed?

GLOW Season 4: A Possible Demand vs. American Primeval Season 2

Despite receiving acclaim, as reflected in its impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, GLOW was abruptly canceled after three seasons, having been renewed for a fourth during August 2019. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately altered Netflix’s plans, leading them to cancel the anticipated season in October 2020. Given the show’s focus on wrestlers, filming amidst social distancing guidelines would undoubtedly have posed significant challenges. Reflecting on the cancellation, Gilpin shared her disappointment on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, saying, “I was super sad we didn’t get to finish out season 4. Maybe someday something will happen.”

In contrast to the unresolved cliffhanger of GLOW‘s third season, the conclusion of American Primeval sees Sara escaping to California after Isaac sacrifices himself for her and Devin. With the primary characters facing grim fates or seeking less violent paths, the narrative may have reached its intended conclusion. Currently, Netflix has yet to affirm any plans for a second season of American Primeval, which raises the question: Would fans prefer a return of GLOW for its fourth season over continuing with American Primeval given the latter’s reduced character roster?

Source: Happy Sad Confused

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