The second that Bobby Barnes appears on-screen in Season 3's third episode, there's electricity. The entire franchise had moved to Las Vegas to capitalize on the opportunities there, which meant that characters like Bobby Barnes had a real platform on the show. 

The character epitomizes the energy and glamor of Las Vegas, and the show he puts on is unforgettable. Bobby Barnes' drag show is done to impress new character and producer Sebastian "Bash" Howard into letting him be a part of GLOW full-time. 

Though Bobby Barnes isn't successful in securing a spot on the GLOW cast, his hilarious impressions of Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, and Barbra Streisand entertained Bash and Sheila. 

Bash's struggle with his closeted homosexuality ultimately prevented him from signing Bobby. Bobby Barnes and Sheila end up bonding backstage, and she eventually steals his Liza Minnelli costume to wear into the ring. Their friendship becomes one of the most tender parts of the third season, as he tells her that she has a stage presence on her own.

The character of Bobby Barnes is believed to have been inspired by drag queen Kenny Kerr, who performed in Las Vegas beginning in the '70s. Kenny used to impersonate Barbra Streisand and his comedic timing bore a lot of similarity to Bobby Barnes' performance. Kenny Kerr died in 2012 at the age of 60, but his performances are still highly watched and studied by comedians and drag queens alike.