"Glee" Discussion

[Escapay]

I enjoyed the episode as I was watching it, but thinking about it in retrospect, I didn't like it all that much.

One of the things I liked about "Glee" was that when they did a random song-and-dance, it was connected to whatever was going on in the story. Having the majority of the numbers simply be hallucinations/inside-their-heads felt like the Rob Marshall way out. It either works brilliantly (Chicago's "Cell Block Tango") or it doesn't (Nine's "Cinema Italiano", despite itself being a fairly good song), and in "Glee" none of the numbers really worked for me. They all really felt like a way to pad out a poorly-thought "tribute". The Madonna one was much better.

I did love when Santana said "Leave Brittany alone!" a la Chris Crocker, and then later on when Rachel asked "Is this real life?" a la David After Dentist. Who knew "Glee"'s two best lines in the episode were inspired by YouTube and not Britney Spears songs?

albert

[Disney's Divinity]

Overall, I thought the tribute episode was fairly weak. But it was easily better than the Madonna episode for me. Just because the Madonna ep. seemed like the storylines took a break to focus on singing Madonna songs. This one still had plot taking place. Tbh, I would prefer them not to have tribute episodes altogether. They’re always pretty dull.

The first half hour was really bad, but it picked up a little more afterwards. I love how they did Terri. The "Toxic" song was the only Britney-related part of the episode that I liked. Just because Sue being smacked around by the students was hilarious. And I loved the last song Rachel did, though it was a bit of a repeat of the way last week's episode ended.

John Stamos was better than I expected. And I was glad to see Emma again. Regardless of the romance plotline, I've always really liked the character.

[UmbrellaFish]

As others have said, this wasn't really a very good Glee episode. The musicals numbers by themselves were fantastic, and there were some fantastic one-liners, but overall, it was fairly messy. I don't think it was half as good as the Madonna one (although Britney Spears looks great!), but it wasn't terrible, either. Grilled Cheesus should hopefully be very good.

[zackisthewalrus]

For me, this was better than the Madonna episode, but it wasn't great. I loved the YouTube references Escapay mentioned earlier, and Brittany had some other great one-liners also. I'm looking forward to "Grilled Cheesus" next week.

[Chernabog_Rocks]

I've never seen the Madonna episode, so I can't compare them. However I did enjoy this epsiode well enough. Slave 4 You and Me Against the Music were pretty good, I enjoyed the fact that Brittany and Santana were able to do a song on their own. Toxic was great as well, it was nice seeing Schue be involved with them in a song for a change.

For me though, Stronger was just...a bit of a weaker song. I didn't enjoy it too much, probably because I don't overly care for Artie as it is.

Regarding the fantasy dreams, it wasn't as well done as Chicago but I still laughed about it regardless.

For the series overall, I'm hoping they start giving other characters more focus (especially Tina) and less Finn, Rachel and Finn/Rachel songs. While Lea is an awesome singer, it's nice to let the others get some spotlight too.

[dvdjunkie]

It is amazing what a little......errrr.......a LOT of makeup can do to make a person look nice. Brittany Spears has had her 15 minutes of fame and I don't think any of these songs did her any justice. This episode seemed to be very disjointed, and the breaks for the song and dance just didn't make sense.

I know we are supposed to forget that we are watching a television show about "teenagers" in high school (none of these actors are young enough to be in high school) and we are supposed to be thinking about it being a big Hollywood musical show, but I am still dumbfounded how they can sing in certain areas of the school and it sounds like they are in a recording studio. And why don't they spend more time showing rehearsals, and the little flub-ups that happen?

To make this a more watchable show, I think they should have each show be a story about a certain song, show the rehearsals and how the song is laid out, and in the final 8 minutes give us this particular song. Just having someone who breaks into song and dance whenever they feel like it, just leaves me cold.

I remember when they tried this format on an ABC show called "Cop Rock", and it died before the end of the first season and was never heard from again.

Any date set yet for the "Rocky Horror" tribute show. I hope all the rumors of Susan Sarandon surprising Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf are true. I know he is older and has put on a little weight, but Tim Curry is still available and I think it would be cool to have him make a quick appearance.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

^ Tim Curry's agent said that he wouldn't be participating in the episode (which has already been filmed). I hope Susan Sarandon made it, but I don't think they ever asked her to be in the episode--she just said that she would like to be in it.

In other news, here are the full songs for Grilled Cheesus (minus Losing My Religion):

http://www.gleethemusic.com/us/episode/grilled-cheesus

[Escapay]

I know we are supposed to forget that we are watching a television show about "teenagers" in high school (none of these actors are young enough to be in high school)

That's nothing new to high school shows.

Most of the cast of the original "Beverly Hills, 90210" had already graduated high school when they were hired for the series. And Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea) was already in her mid-30s.

The cast of "Dawson's Creek" were all 18 and over when the series, with 16-year-old characters began.

A week after "James at 15" premiered in 1977, Lance Kerwin (who played James) turned 17.

Personally, I'd rather have older actors who can act as teenagers rather than teenage actors who are inexperienced. Besides, age is just a state of mind ("tell that to my thighs!" Blanche Devereaux would then chime in.).

and we are supposed to be thinking about it being a big Hollywood musical show, but I am still dumbfounded how they can sing in certain areas of the school and it sounds like they are in a recording studio.

It's called suspension of disbelief, Bill. Like any Hollywood musical in which anyone who sings sounds pitch-perfect despite no onscreen depiction of a rehearsal.

And why don't they spend more time showing rehearsals, and the little flub-ups that happen? To make this a more watchable show, I think they should have each show be a story about a certain song, show the rehearsals and how the song is laid out, and in the final 8 minutes give us this particular song. Just having someone who breaks into song and dance whenever they feel like it, just leaves me cold.

How do you watch a movie musical, then? Even some musicals feature a "rehearsal" scene that is really just a production number for the movie. "Dancing in the Dark" from The Band Wagon is meant to be an improvised dance between Gabrielle & Tony, but is perfectly choreographed and performed. And what would be the point of a scene with Gene Kelly practicing "Moses Supposes" with a few flaws before he and Donald O'Connor randomly burst out singing it during a vocal lesson in Singin' in the Rain?

It's the same thing with "Glee". Both are fictional "universes", after all. The characters within that universe (like any musical universe) can just break into song and dance and sing pitch-perfect (or auto-tune perfect) and with flawless choreography.

Any date set yet for the "Rocky Horror" tribute show.

It's scheduled for October 26.

albert

[pap64]

To add what Escapay said...

Grease...EVERYONE IS NEARLY THIRTY IN THAT MOVIE. And they sing perfectly to boot.

I'm sure the High School Musical movies had the same problem as well. I think Saved by the Bell also had older kids playing teenagers.

[ajmrowland]

I know we are supposed to forget that we are watching a television show about "teenagers" in high school (none of these actors are young enough to be in high school)

That's nothing new to high school shows.

Most of the cast of the original "Beverly Hills, 90210" had already graduated high school when they were hired for the series. And Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea) was already in her mid-30s.

The cast of "Dawson's Creek" were all 18 and over when the series, with 16-year-old characters began.

A week after "James at 15" premiered in 1977, Lance Kerwin (who played James) turned 17.

And then you got Smallville. The first four seasons took place in High School, largely, and the cast was well into their mid-20s. I mean, watch the pilot episode and just try to convince anyone that Tom Welling is really 14 and not 24.

I dont really watch Glee. is this one of those shows where you can just jump in anytime without a fear of getting lost?

[rs_milo_whatever]

So was this the most watched episode? I kind of had the idea that Hell-o still had quite a few more viewers. Either way, I enjoyed it, may be not a good episode or a tribute worthy of Britney Spears but it was quite funny and finally we got to see good choreography. The episode also is also one of the most successful music wise; every song in the episode got to the top 10 on Itunes, Toxic being number 1. It also made every single Britney album and compilation re-enter the top 100 pop albums beating out recent albums released by current artists such as Justin Bieber and Katy Perry... I can't believe people still say Britney had "15 minutes", it's more than safe to say that it was more than 15, and with albums and singles still worldwide number ones and one of the most successful tours in history just last year it is also more than safe to say her minutes are over.

I was already disappointed that characters and storyline were taking the backseat last season, but they really have to do something about it this season, otherwise just create a variety show where they cover songs instead of a scripted comedy.

[UmbrellaFish]

It's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.

After two sort of lackluster episodes, Glee has come back full force. This was an awesome episode, and I loved every single second of it.

I'm too tired to go into a detailed review, but whatever the case, I just wanted to say Glee rocked tonight!

[Disney's Divinity]

Tonight's show was brilliant! I have to be honest, I was really worried about this episode. And the way it began wasn’t encouraging (that whole, child won’t go out, then parent has medical problem is beyond cliché at this point). But after the first 10 minutes or so, the episode went the perfect direction. All the songs were great (the weakest was probably Lea Michele’s “Papa, Can You Hear Me?”), and everything was so hilarious and poignant at the same time. Easily one of my favorite episodes to date.

Also, I’m glad they gave Kurt storylines that go beyond being gay, for once. Loved that they didn't go the "and he becomes a good Christian in the end" route. And Jane Lynch was incredible in this episode. Loved Emma’s scenes, too.

Can't wait to hear Elton John's "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" next week! I love this show. <3 I was so happy, I had to come on right now.

[Flanger-Hanger]

I loved the first episode of the season, it did a good job of setting up all the new characters, had enjoyable musical moments and got me really excited for the rest of the season.

The second was lousy for me as it had little story/character development and was all about Ms. Spears whom I don't care for at all. I could have done without it.

Thankfully this episode was much better than both the last one and what I was expecting. I feared something really preachy, but instead got a very fair and moving episode instead that gave even more insight into Kurt's relationship with his father and had good musical sequences too (though I don't have a huge urge to own any of the covers done). Hopefully the rest of the season will be more like this episode and not like the last.

But I am looking forward to the Rocky Horror one and what they might do!

[TheSequelOfDisney]

I liked a lot of tonight's episode (much better than Britney/Brittany):

* I loved everything that happened to Finn in the episode. He was funny and emotional and Cory did a great job. Good stuff. His Losing My Religion was awesome, though it could've been longer.

* Lea had so little screen time this week (which upsets me because she is one of the two lead characters--along with Matt Morrison--so the show should focus mostly on her journey). Papa, Can You Hear Me? was my favorite song this week. Lea did an amazing job and it arguably rivals Barbra's version. Fantastic job!

* Mercedes finally had some action this episode. She sang two solos! (Amazing, right?) I Look To You was awesome and even though I didn't particularly care for Aretha's version of Bridge Over Troubled Water, Amber really killed it.

* Puck's version of Only The Good Die Young was pretty good, as well. I'm thinking it's even better than Sweet Caroline. I'm glad to see that Mark got something to do/sing in this episode because he's kind of been lacking (but don't get me started on Quinn and Tina's absence lately).

* Something finally happened to Kurt that wasn't focused on his sexuality! Finally! Took them long enough. That go so boring it wasn't even funny. His I Want To Hold Your Hand was okay, but I didn't really like it that much (I much rather perfer the "original" version by T.V. Carpio and, of course, the original Beatles version).

* Quinn finally got some lines! Can't wait for Lucky next episode! I really hoped she would've sang something in this episode, especially since she was so religious in the first season. Oh, well. There's next week, I guess.

* Brittany was awesome as usual. I hope she doesn't go to being just a background character again--especially since she just got an episode.

* I don't think Artie said anything. Which is sad. Kevin's an awesome singer/actor.

* Tina got to sing in a group song!!!! One of Us was pretty awesome, and I'm glad she lent her beautiful voice to this version. Though I've never heard of the song Sing! that she'll be singing next week (along with Harry Shum Jr./Mike Chang), I'm sure it'll be done wonderfully. Give me more Tina!

[Scarred4life]

This could possibly be my favourite episode. After last weeks lackluster episode, this one was very refreshing. I loved every minute of it, and the songs were fantastic. I didn't think there was a weak one throughout the whole episode. I liked how they ended it, Kurt didn't suddenly turn Christian, and his father didn't magically recover. Amazing episode, and it really got me excited for next week! (Can't wait for "Don't Go Breaking My Heart".)

[UmbrellaFish]

Julie and Disney?????? In one episode! My God, it was a great night!

Seriously though, this episode was definitely great. For the first time, I think all the music selections fit and were all executed very well (I really digged that last duet with Rachel and Kurt). And if all signs aren't pointing to Sam being gay... I might be crazy.

Oh, and I loved Brittany and the meatball!

I'm not to bummed about there being no new episode next week because I will be going to my own Sing-Along Sound of Music! Still, I'm anxious for The Rocky Horror Glee Show!

Oooh.... And did anyone notice the Tangled commerical?

EDIT: Oh, and the fact that I completely forgot about/didn't notice the lack of Sue in this episode (until the Member's Project commercial, that is) is a testament to how good this episode was.

[TheSequelOfDisney]

I liked a lot of this episode, too. I loved all of the performances (even that weird one with Rachel and Finn because it was so off-putting that it was funny), but my favorite is probably River Deep, Mountain High. Amber and Naya killed that song and all the dancing that went with it was wonderful.

I don't really think Sam is gay, but then again, they might just want us to think that. I would really like to see Sam and Quinn together, even though I also think that Quinn should hold off on dating people for awhile.

I've only seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show twice and I really didn't like it that much, but maybe I will like it better once it's been Glee-ified (which normally happens with most songs they cover). I guess there'll be a rerun of some episode next week, but I don't know what it'll be. This season is shaping up to be much better than the second half of last season.

[rs_milo_whatever]

I like Brittany/Artie much more than Tina/Artie

[TheSequelOfDisney]

I like Brittany/Artie much more than Tina/Artie

Too bad Artie dumped her. It actually looked like Brittany really cared about Artie's feelings after he told her about losing his virginity and how she hurt his feelings. I knew it wouldn't last, but they were definitely a unique dynamic to the show. I doubt we'll see them together again, but it would be totally awesome if we did. You never know. We got Puckleberry back for an episode.