As in the ’80s TV show with interesting hair and many layers of make-up? Then you may be interested to read Russell Brown’s post from Public Address:
A while back hereabouts, there was general acclaim — not least from the ladies — for the idea of bringing back Gloss, the 80s TV drama that has lived on in the dreams of New Zealanders these past 18 years. Well, here it is.
Just the first episode, mind. And that took some doing, such is the nature of the rights enshrined in the original actors’ contracts for the show. But please, enjoy.
Gloss has been brought you by NZ Onscreen, the living archive of New Zealand television and film that I’ve been on the trust board of for nearly year. It’s a non-profit, public good project funded by NZ On Air. It officially launches tomorrow, but the passwords are off this morning, so please, go look.
Highlights from episode one:
* When Chelsea Redfern gets some colourful splotches put in her already frosted hair for her dad’s wedding, prompting big boy brother Al to ask “Who did your hair? A progressive kindergarten?”
* The credits revealing that Maxine Redfern was dressed by a young Trelise Cooper. Also spotted – ’80s icons Thornton Hall and Patrick Steele.
* Kerry Smith – the epitome of big hair, big clothes and big glasses.
But here’s the thing – watching an episode in its entirety, you very quickly get over the “’80s! lol!” moments and just start to take it on its original terms – a wonderfully trashy, glamorous drama/soap, celebrating a part of Auckland that never really existed.