Glória

In 1968 the Cold War is at its height with East and West vying for victory. As part of the propaganda war the Americans operate RARET, a broadcasting facility at Glória do Ribatejo in a remote corner of Portugal. At the time Portugal isn't democratic but has a fascist government. This government is staunchly anti-communist; largely due to their support those fighting for independence in Portugal's African colonies.

Centre of the story is João Vidal, a Portuguese engineer at RARET. He is the son of a government minister but we soon learn he was recruited by the Soviets while serving in Angola. When a translator is found dead shortly after an important tape that had been prepared for broadcast disappears James Wilson, the facility's American boss becomes concerned that the Communists have infiltrated the base. João's life is further complicated when he gets involved with a woman whose fiancé is serving in Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau).

I really enjoyed this Netflix series. It beautifully captures the '60s aesthetic and the feeling of Cold War paranoia. The story isn't rushed but doesn't feel too slow. Many characters are fairly ambiguous. Protagonists, including João, are shown to do things that most people would judge unacceptable. Events are shown in a fairly matter of fact way leaving viewers to decide the rights and wrongs of the various politics. There isn't a huge amount of action but what there is is well staged and exciting. The cast does a solid job bringing their characters to life; this includes both Portuguese and American actors. The finale leaves many questions unanswered so hopefully theer will be further seasons Overall a solid Cold War drama that is well worth watching if you are interested in the era and are looking for something a little different.

Honestly this show was way better than I expected... Totally believable !!!! Netflix and does it again... The acting was superb by the Portuguese crew as well as the Americans.

The story is absolutely compelling the Cold War scenario was fabulous on point, it reminded me a bit of The Americans which is also stunning show.

I highly recommend this show and I'm really looking forward to watching season two.

Glória is the first show I ever "binged watched". The characters are so beautifully constructed and explored, each one revealing a necessary layer and direction to the story.

The entire plot is a succession of events that make you want to go back just to have that "ahhh" moment again. In the end it leaves you feeling that you could, no, should watch it again.

An amazing first to Portugal, can't wait for more.

This is a well set, well cast show with a semi believable plot. The characters are all well played. Someone has gone to great effort to get the clothing and the cars right. It's not quite so accurate on the technical details. Sabotaging the transmitter by opening a door and defeating an interlock is not possible. The interlock can be defeated but the transmitter will have gone off the moment the door opens. Then be restarted. Such offs generally trigger alarms. Frequency hopping is a little more complicated and was generally achieved by running several frequencies simultaneously. As long as you have more transmissions than the Russians have Jammers the signal will get through. I am keen to know which site was used for the exterior shots. The Gloria site has been dismantled. Technical details aside it's a good story and shows people as they are especially in a somewhat remote site.

Excellent writing, directing, acting, cinematography and production design AND sound which is rather rare nowadays.

As others mentioned it before, the atmosphere and aesthetic of the time are masterfully captured and portrayed. Very solid acting - great to watch and follow all characters. Even the smallest roles deliver and add greatly to the overall picture.

Highly recommended. Also, if one searches a bit one can find lots of information on the net about the history of this facility, obviously run by the CIA with the usual obscure objectives.