Tonight: A Glee Off

One Saturday in September my boyfriend and I sat down for lunch with only 15 minutes of time to spare. I'd TiVo'd the season premiere of Glee, so we decided to press play and see what we thought. Singing TV?? We were curious, but we were skeptical. I remember in the first 10 minutes we were both intrigued, but neither of us had mentioned anything more than that. We were stuck in that stage of finding something new and different, where outspoken approval hesitates because it's not what you'd expected - because it has surprised you - because it has impressed you. (A similar experience happens often when finding a great new band. We hold back on expressing our like until we know for sure.) Our attempt at Glee was short and rushed, as we had to get him out the door and on the road. However, I had a chance to watch two more episodes tonight. (I had a Glee off of my own.) And here's why I like Glee.

Glee is definitely a good show. I'm not at all a musical / theater person. I can appreciate a show from time to time, but it's not at all a passion of mine. But even though it's not my thing, I've gotta admit it's pretty great for television. This show is so unique because of that. And there are plenty of people who love, love, love musicals and dance numbers, so I can imagine how great Glee is for them.

The characters are excellent. The cheerio coach. The star singer. The conflicted jock. The quirkiness, and distinct individual personalities remind me of Arrested Development, also a FOX show, and it's just the right combination of dramatic & mirroring real life. It's not your average, every day sitcom or drama. It confronts high school and life situations, but with a subtle hilarity, and extroverted thoughtfulness. It feels like watching something with the quality of an HBO show, but without the provocative gasping. There is a sarcastic tone about it, topped with some of the best [glee club] cover versions of popular songs that you've probably ever seen.

Check it out if you haven't. Right now they're doing a nice little recap at the top of the show, so it's not too hard to get into at this point. And if you really want to start from the beginning, I hear it's on Hulu.