Review of Sordid Lives

When it comes to actors, you get what you pay for. With that in mind, the best part of the new Logo series Sordid Lives: The Series is its breathtaking cast that includes Olivia Newton-John, Rue McClanahan, Bonnie Bedelia, Caroline Rhea, and Leslie Jordan — even if, in the case of this labor-of-love project, most of this A-list talent apparently worked for far less than their usual fees.

Will & Grace’s Leslie Jordan chews the scenery — hilariously — as a Tammy Wynette impersonator everyone calls Brother Boy. Since the series opens in 1998 on the day that Wynette died, Jordan has plenty to work with.

Leslie Jordan

Unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy Logo

And Newton-John, McClanahan, Bedelia, and Rhea all definitely have their moments in at least the first two episodes, the ones made available for review from the series’ upcoming 12-episode season.

Clockwise from top left: Olivia Newton-John,
Rue McLanahan, Caroline Rhea, Bonnie Bedelia

But it’s not just the well-known actors that make their mark in this quirky, character-driven project. Beth Grant, known for playing hicks in movies like Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and No Country for Old Men (2007), is stunning as Sissy, the none-too-bright sister of series matriarch McClanahan.

“People don’t believe she’s not really that character,” says Del Shores, the creator of the series.

In one scene, Noleta, played by Caroline Rhea, is desperate to have a heart-to-heart with someone, and Beth Grant’s Sissy is the only person available. Despite Sissy’s discouragement, Noleta plows right ahead spilling her guts, while Sissy does everything she can to get her to shut the hell up. It’s pure comedy gold.