Guest Author - Amy Romine
There have been a lot of conflicting opinions about this break out hit. I have to admit I had my doubts about its staying power. We all know the viewing audience can sometimes be fickle in their tastes. Glee thus far has proven its ability to not only feed the hidden Gershwin in all of us, but also make us laugh, cry, gasp and surprisingly, think.
With a fairly unknown cast the ensemble of actors definitely embrace their individual roles and have fun in the portrayal. The character of Sue Sylvester the common villain in every episode is layer with conflicts of who this person really is and why acts the way she does. All of the characters are well rounded and layer in shades of gray. No one is ever an absolute sinner and no one is a saint.
On what other show can you see an impressive recreation of the classic Donald O’Conner number “Make ‘em Laugh’ and Gwyneth Paltrow leading and shaking to the sensor approved Cee Lo Green song “Forget You”.
In a back drop where a variety of themes can be explored It’s characters are bigger than life and yet grounded in the reality of a high school setting. The writers have done a brilliant job in weaving socially relevant topics such as personal insecurity, sexual bigotry, and the current ‘hot topic’ of high school bullying into the mixed genre without a misstep.
Glee offers positive reinforcement of individuality and walking against the grain. The singing and show-stopping numbers work as an alternate expression of the shows main themes, constantly reaching out and supporting its realistic values. Glee doesn't expect you to be perfect. It expects you to be you and that is something we all need to experience.
One of my favorite things about this show is that it is the one time during the week my whole family (three kids ranging 5 to 16 years old) will sit down in the same room, laugh, banter and enjoy. If Glee succeeds in nothing more than bringing families together for one hour a week, I would say every episode is worth an Emmy!
Please check the Prime Time TV Forum for links to clips from tonight's Glee.
Have an opinion? I want to hear from you! Share your thoughts with me, post your comments or questions to the Prime Time TV Forum Listed at the bottom of the page.
