Netflix’s latest vibrant series, Glamorous, has quickly captured audience attention following its release on the streaming platform last week. This show delves into more than just the high-stakes decisions faced by beauty industry mogul Madolyn Addison, portrayed by Kim Cattrall. It also explores the journey of self-discovery, identity, and belonging.
Marco Mejia, played by Miss Benny, embarks on a transformative path, evolving from an enthusiastic cosmetics store employee to a major player in Madolyn’s company. Alongside his professional ascent, he encounters profound personal changes that redefine his sense of self.
Glamorous shines as Netflix’s latest must-watch series (Photo: Glamorous/CBS Television Studios)The finale celebrates Marco’s growth, emphasizing the themes of queerness and LGBTQ+ identity that the series thoughtfully embraces. With the conclusion bringing both joy and resolution, it leaves a lasting impression of self-acceptance and empowerment.
What Happens to Marco in the Finale?
Marco’s journey throughout the series highlights the challenges of entering a new career, forming relationships, and seeing through romance. Alongside these experiences, his unapologetic embrace of his gender non-conforming identity remains a central focus.
During the eighth episode, Marco and Parker, played by Graham Parkhurst, progress in their relationship. Although their dynamic has been casual, they officially adopt the title of boyfriends.
During their Fourth of July getaway, Marco alters his signature style to blend in with Parker’s social circle, exchanging his usual bold fashion for simple attire, a makeup-free look, and understated shoes.
His mother offers a heartfelt reminder that he has never been concerned about pleasing others, recalling moments from his past, such as getting his ears pierced and confidently wearing nail polish to school for the first time.
Marco’s Struggle for Authenticity
Chad, portrayed by Zane Phillips, reinforces this sentiment when he privately questions whether Marco truly wants to change himself to fit Parker’s expectations.
Despite some enjoyable moments during their trip, Parker’s behavior takes a harsh turn. He puts Ben, played by Michael Hsu Rosen, in an uncomfortable position, cruelly calling him “pathetic” for pursuing Marco—unaware that Marco had been romantically involved with both of them simultaneously.
By the ninth episode, Parker’s attempts to control Marco’s personal expression become even more apparent. He invites Marco to a formal event, describing it as “dressy” while explicitly instructing him to wear only a jacket and tie—excluding makeup.
Parker’s discomfort with Marco’s fashion and beauty choices makes it evident that their relationship is stifling rather than supportive. Marco finally stands up for himself, cutting ties with Parker by telling him to “gaslight the next girl,” leaving Parker to attend the event alone.
In the final episode, Marco’s confidence and self-awareness reach new heights. While much of the episode centers around Madolyn’s business endeavors, Marco finds himself in the midst of a storm of influencer drama, and with Venetia returning to the company, he also faces some personal crossroads.
A Journey of Self-Acceptance
His mother’s upcoming move means he must find a new place to live. Additionally, he and Ben unexpectedly cross paths with Parker and his new partner—who happens to be an almost identical version of Parker himself, reinforcing Parker’s self-absorbed nature.
Rather than concluding with a focus on romance, the series places Marco’s relationship with himself at the forefront. Venetia’s dedication proves instrumental in stabilizing Madolyn’s company.
Marco and Parker’s relationship takes a defining step forward (Photo: Glamorous/CBS Television Studios)While searching for her charger in Marco’s office after he leaves, she stumbles upon a business card from Callen-Lorde, a well-known New York healthcare provider for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The next scene shows Marco approaching the clinic while narrating, “I’m finally ready to know myself.” Venetia examines the card further and discovers that it belongs to Dr. Ripley Thomas, a specialist in transgender healthcare. Smiling to herself, she acknowledges Marco’s personal growth, saying, “That a girl.”
The episode also revisits a touching moment with Marco’s mother, Julia, as she prepares to move. Overcome with emotion, she reassures Marco, saying, “You’re the best daughter a mother could have.”
As Rufus and Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody plays in the background, Marco steps onto a bustling street filled with confident women, smiling as he catches his own reflection in a storefront window. He affirms, “We’re beautiful.”
Ending with Marco’s embrace of his transgender identity marks a meaningful move in representation for television dramas. Instead of framing his journey as one of struggle or inner turmoil, Glamorous presents his future as full of possibility and growth.
The question of a second season remains unanswered, as Netflix has not made an official announcement. However, the finale does introduce another intriguing twist—Chad and Madolyn’s world is shaken when Chad’s father unexpectedly arrives at the company offices.
His identity remains concealed, and viewers are left without a look of who he is, setting the stage for further intrigue and potential disruptions to the company’s future.
