Little need be said when reviewing the “new” American Gladiator. I remember back when I was in high school many moons ago–SarahK must have graduated from college by that time–the original version would be on Sunday nights after the news. The show was low-budget syndicated schlock, but it was entertaining. When I heard that NBC was bringing American Gladiator back, and in prime time no less, I expected the premise would be taken to the next level. In fact, the show is virtually identical, except that the gladiators are a lot less interesting. The show seems cheap and shabby. It uses the same set as Dog Eat Dog, and I would have much preferred that Dog Eat Dog had come back.

Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali are down in the arena to interview the male and female contestants. Hulk is not very animated, and speaks in an airy. falsetto/steroid-laced voice. Laila is capable. The color commentator who narrates the action stinks–he’s boring and uninspiring. They should have brought in a pro wrestling commentator. Heck, they could have brought in the guys from BattleBots (man, I miss that show), who would have done a far better job. (I also loved Robot Wars, with its stellar casting and presentation).

Anyway, back to American Gladiator. The first female competition ends in one of the contestants getting hurt. I couldn’t figure out why they would have used that as a premiere episode, until the final competition with the replacement turned out to be fantastic. The guy competitions were nothing special. The second hour was also nothing special.

The show is junk, and I might tune in if I accidentally came across it, but it certainly isn’t Tivo season pass worthy.