Last May, when I first saw the series premiere of “Glee,” I instantly fell in love. I fell in love with the music. I fell in love with the dancing. I fell in love with the characters. But above all, I fell in love with its message.
I often describe “Glee” as “’High School Musical’ for grown-ups,” and in a lot of ways, that is true. While the directors and producers of HSM (Disney) would never have a storyline where the head cheerleader and president of the celibacy club finds herself pregnant (and at 16 too!), the message of being yourself, no matter what may be popular, considered “in” or what your friends are doing. In the age of peer pressure running rampant, this is important message to have. The only way to true happiness is by being you.
I also love “Glee” for the way it handles social issues. When Kurt “came out” early in Season one, his single, mechanic father did not respond by yelling, by trying to change his son, or by disowning him. He simply looked him in the eye and said “I know…and I love you just as much.” That is just one of the examples of the grace with which “Glee” handles things that are tough to address in our society.
Now don’t get me wrong – I don’t love “Glee” just because of the heavy issues it tackles. The talent on this show is unbelievable and just when I think they can’t do better, they kick it up a notch and blow me away! It’s hard to believe they are going to find ways to top themselves this season.
And the comedic moments, make me laugh out loud, even after I’ve seen them before. Jane Lynch’s Sue Sylvester has lines that not only make you laugh, but also make you stop and wonder “Did she really just say that?!”
There’s a little bit of Gleek in all of us. Yes, the characters are over exaggerations and caricatures, but there’s also something so familiar about them. So, on Tuesday nights this year, don’t be afraid to unleash your inner Gleek. Be proud. Sing out. More importantly: Gleek out!
