I have a dilemma. I am in a relationship that Facebook would label, “It’s Complicated.” The relationship started off with fireworks, but after a few months, the sizzle began to fizzle. Sure, there were still glimpses of why I fell in love in the first place. But now, I find myself frequently agitated, confused and disappointed. I stick around, not only because I hope things will improve, but because everyone else around me seem to say things look wonderful.
Oh, Glee. I believe we are at a crossroads.
WARNING – if you follow this post, there are some small spoilers. If you have not watched the show up to “Never Been Kissed”, then either don’t read further until you have, or don’t complain if I vaguely ruined something. No major spoilers, though.
I kinda, sorta incited the ire of a complete stranger on the internet today. Via someone else’s Facebook status, I eventually vented my frustration with the show – namely outing Rachel and Mr. Schue as (IMO) some of the most vile and rephrensible characters on television. Schue goes out of his way to ruin Emma’s relationship with Stamos after directly pointing out how happy and healthy she is, because he wants her back? Vile. Every week, it seems like Will’s M.O. is to teach backward lessons and incorporate himself in the musical numbers. There are no consequences for his lack of professionalism.
I mean – WHO IS TEACHING SPANISH AT WILLIAM MCKINLEY?
And Rachel’s gone from being a misunderstood outsider to a totally frothing at the mouth self absorbed lunatic. Every time she gets called out for her bad behavior – she shrugs it off because that’s who she is. She wants fame and being a jerk is the consequence, no apologies needed. The character is regressing into this petulant child who throws a tantrum until she gets what she wants.
I mean – SHE JUMPED DOWN FINN’S THROAT FOR LIKING JESUS. REALLY?!
I didn’t go into that much depth – but the internet stranger pointed out that I was doing exactly what I condemned Schue of doing. No – not awkwardly rapping with minors. Destroying something that made other people happy.
In my defense – I started the convo by pointing out how the football coaches were (ironically) the most sympathetic characters on the show. And yeah – I slammed on Rachel and Will, but I’m also a fan of the Kurt/Burt storylines.
And while I tried to clarify for internet stranger that, I wasn’t hating for the sake of being nasty, I had the same thought most lifetime forensics folks have. I critique that which I love. My whole job is to be nitpicky and rarely satisfied. Especially with scripts and performances. I felt like I was just doing what speech people do. Maybe my word choice was a bit heated, but I sincerely felt awkward that I had really pushed a stranger’s buttons on a friend’s Facebook.
But then I got to thinking about it more after reading other Facebook statuses. I have plenty of intelligent, articulate, like-minded friends on Facebook. We share similar tastes in political, social and pop cultural items.
So why do I feel like everyone else is blissfully in love with Glee while I’m getting the ole Dutch oven?
On the one hand – it’s just a television show. I should probably just un-wad my panties.
On the other – I feel angry at the wasted potential and talent. I feel betrayed by the “theme” episodes that are more interested in iTunes revenues than plot or character development. I feel like a quirky cast of loveable losers have become bristling and erratic. In an effort to complicate Sue (though I like her occassional soft side), she’s become the soothsayer and voice of reason. When coaching a team – having “the other guys” you have to beat gives your team a sense of cohesion. The Us vs. Them. There’s no cohesion amongst the Glee characters. There’s no overarching plot. Nobody seems interested in talking about nationals in New York. Wasn’t that a musical number? Oh yeah. Now there’s sectionals? Huminah-what? There’s nothing driving the club or creating conflict. The reason why Kurt is the most compelling character is because homophobia is the ever present villain. Kurt is topical and sympathetic. Kurt has grown the most. And his dad, Burt? Well Burt’s just awesome. Otherwise, I’ve just felt frustrated and bored with the show.
And I feel like, other than Corey, I’m the only one. So many of my friends maintain that passionate, feverish love for the show I once had. Like I said – I love the topicality of the Kurt storyline, but that’s about it. I just can’t wrap my head around being the only one who feels disappointed. Am I alone? I mean – I’m still an SNL fan, and I stuck through Grey’s Anatomy when Denny THE FREAKING GHOST was floating around – so I don’t give up on shows easily.
But I need someone to help me. Either validate my observations that the show has become a plot-light iTunes commercial with stagnant characters – or PLEASE show me the error of my ways and explain how I’m just not getting it. Because right now, I’m feeling like half the viewers of Lost after the finale…completely lost.
