Glee

I must admit, just as I was losing faith in TV I have been deliciously surprised by shows that appear to be rejecting the direction that most shows are taking where a 'sexy' cast is substituted for substance of any kind. I haven't enjoyed a new show so much since Pushing Daisies.

Glee is a colourful, fast paced and witty take on school life, and although it is very much a characterture, it presents a point of view which I can identify with. It does not (like so many recent shows about school or college age kids) present story lines involving kids who seem to have endless amounts of money or nice things (even if the money isn't mentioned). It offers us characters who are willing to do what they love, and follow their heart despite how unpopular it will make them. I think people are beginning to realise that life is not all about the school years, and being true to yourself is more important than fitting in with the cool clique 100% of the time. Kids in high school need to be shown this while they are in high school, not have to compare their personal experience with the fast cars and hot bodies that shows like the O.C. offer up.

What makes this show even better, is how funny it is! Jane Lynch is hilarious as the ball-busting, feminist-extremist cheer leading coach! The whole cast delivers the quick-quips brilliantly. On top of this the inventive use of A Capella music as a underling soundtrack is exciting and fresh. The way that music has been woven so thoughtfully throughout the whole show just strengthens the storyline that music is the driving passion of the main characters and that Glee club is FUN!

There have only been 2 episodes so far, but I eagerly await the rest of the season. It cannot come fast enough. I am definitely signing up to the glee club!

(Revisit - 13/6/11)

By the end of Season 2 I have lost my enthusiasm for this show. I still watch it, and will keep watching it if and when they bring out season 3... but it became formulaic and dull somewhere at the beginning of season 2. It has it's moments, but they are getting further and further apart.