On Glee:

I am in love with this show.  

Follow the links at the bottom of the page and give it a watch.

We have got to keep this show on the air.

In defense of Glee:

Those of you who know me well know that I'm a cynic.  But I also like to laugh.  Being a cynic who likes to laugh means that I love sarcasm and satire...basically anything that feeds my inner Daria. Humor that is black as night is just the right shade.  A lot of people see this as depressing. I just see it as honest.  If you're completely happy with the way the world is, you are not paying attention or you are just stupid.

But from time to time, the lighter side of my soul recoils in horror at the inky blackness: "Life isn't devoid of beauty or truth!" it screams.  "Happiness is possible. Optimism is an option!"  In my younger years, I would roll my eyes at this little voice and scoff in disdain.  But as I get older, the voice makes more and more sense to me.

Which is why I am in love with "Glee."  Glee, if you aren't hip to it, is a new off-beat, screw-ball musical comedy set in a high school.  The story centers on an optimistic albeit narrow sighted high school teacher who re-instates the school's Glee club.  Of course, only the lowest of the low on the high-school food chain join Glee.  

As such, Glee is one part biting social commentary.  It doesn't overlook life's problems.  All the characters (kids and adults) come complete with their own bags of festering, stinking, life crap. But Glee deals with them in a hilariously funny tounge and cheek way.  And, most importantly, the show refuses to rest in the realm of satire.  Don't get me wrong...the satire is there. 

Example: Best line from last night's episode comes after one of the characters has been attempting to throw up in the school bathroom (she wants to be skinnier so a boy will like her). The guidance counselor sees her bending over the toilet and the following conversation ensues:

Counselor: "Were you just throwing up?"

Girl: "No"

Counselor: "You missed the toilet."

Girl: "No, the girl who was throwing up before me left that. Don't worry. I tried to do it, but I couldn't. I guess I just don't have a gag reflex."

Counselor: "One day, when you're older, that'll turn out to be a gift."

Dark, satirical, funny humor? Check.  But there is also optimism in the show.  The kids really do believe in Glee club.  Will (their teacher) really does believe in them. The musical numbers are sincere and uplifting.  Love, heart, and optimism are at the core of the show.  Glee is about having something to believe in that also makes you happy.

Rachel=my favorite

Glee is smart. It is observant. It gets the fact that life can be horrible. But it also shows that there are parts of life to be joyfully, "glee"-fully celebrated.

And isn't this balance what my soul really needs anyway? Yin and Yang. Light and dark existing in harmony. 

So.....Long live Glee!!!!!!! (aka. please please please FOX network, don't cancel this show).

Glee has only shown two episodes and both are available to watch free with no pirating penalties and in high quality from FOX's website. 

Check them out here!

and to learn more about the show in general: Glee