I have to admit that I've never watched Glee. Until Saturday night. The Oxygen network was having a night of back-to-back episodes of Glee.
Some of it is really over the top, corny, just-too-much. But as a gay man who loves music, dance, and theater, what can I say. But, I was so impressed with the wonderful way it addressed being gay, being bullied, being accepted, being supported. I know; it's television, not real life.
I've just seen part of three episodes. And I cried. (Don't I always!) Does it really happen that way? No. Television has little relationship to reality, even though we think it should (?) just because it looks like "reality." But maybe it shapes a few people. Maybe it will make a difference.
In one episode, the bully is (finally) confronted by the gay kid. (I can't remember all the characters names). The big, mean, football player bully is shocked at being confronted. He's caught off guard. His true colors emerge, but only for a second. The big, beefy football player leans over and kisses the gay kid. OMG. It's not just the twinky femme guy, but maybe the beefy footballer, too?
Too simple, too TV? Maybe. But when we see it as art, as theater, as story, maybe it can tell us something else. Isn't that why we like plays, and art, and literature? Stories can tell us the Truth in ways we would not otherwise get it. As Picasso said, "Art is the lie that tells us the truth." I hope someone will get some truth from it.
9 comments:
Kurt Hummel and Dave Karofsky. The latter is played by Max Adler (the beefy closeted football guy) and the former by Chris Colfer who won a Golden Globe for his portrayal.
Chris gave an amazing acceptance speech. Google: "chris colfer golden globe speech" to hear it.
Many times television programming creates a perception of reality that when seen often enough and by enough people, actually *becomes* our reality. In other words, television shapes our society.
I'm glad you saw the good bullying episodes of Glee. They are certainly the most important ones IMHO.
You're a crier too? I cry all the time. I cry when I see an instant coffee commercial. LOL
Want something to really cry about? Watch either "The Secret Garden" (1993) or "The Color Purple" (1985) and you'll cry your eyes out. I always do :-)
I've tried to watch GLEE and I just cannot get into it. I have enjoyed Jane Lynch in several films including Taladaga Nights, 40 Year Old Virgin [HILARIOUS!!] and Best In Show. Here;however, I find her personality, which she plays in ALL her films, to be annoying on a weekly basis. Hey, she won an Emmy so who am I to say.
I really wish the music would be recorded LIVE with the filming instead of being sweetened in mixing room and placed over the show.
I read the creator asked Kings of Leon if he could use one of their songs and they said NO, to which he slammed them saying, "F**k you Kings of Leon!" and called them, "self-centered a**holes". Lead singer Caleb Followill said in return that it was not a slam towards GLEE [they even turned down requests from Ugly Betty] but that they simply did not know what it was. GLEE apparently wanted to use their song 'Use Somebody' and the band felt the song was already 'over-played' which I feel WAS!!
Kings of Leon are artists, GLEE simply recycles music other people have crafted and churns it out weekly. Did you know the GLEE kids have had more singles on the Hot 100 chart then The Beatles!!
The Beatles -- the most influential band of all time [yes, debatable]surpassed by.... actors??? Very sad.
And now, I shall step down from my soap box. Thank you for your time....
I really like Glee. As a theater person and choir person, I can relate. I also like way Kurt is a fleshed out character, he has his good points, he has his bad point, just like all of us.
Glee's by far one of my favorite shows, if not my favorite. I really loved Kurt's rendition of "Hold Your Hand" when his dad was in the hospital.
Signed,
A "GLEE"K
Ah, a new fellow Gleek! Welcome to the Dark Side. :-D
Yeah, it's corny, over the top, stretches the power of belief, and often shallow, but *way* entertaining for some of us. :)
(and I always have the tissues handy!)
BTW, if you did not see the early episodes in which Kurt's father steps up to the plate of acceptance of Kurt, be sure to watch it - - and keep the tissues handy.
Someone loves Glee; I only see the bits at the local bar on 'Show tunes' night.
The nasty gym teacher reminds me too much of a woman who stalked me, so count me out!
There have been many creative and "teachable" moments in Glee; the episode that you describe being one of the topmost, imo. I'm glad you've been able to see a few episodes. It really is sending a wonderful message about following one's heart and dreams.
That entire storyline has been well thought out and performed. Even last season, with Kurt coming out to his father and how that played out was nicely done.
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