Glee?

[RickRS]

Not a dance competition show, but I'm interested in the new show Glee that premiers/previews tonight after Idol. I was a fan of Fame back in its day and am unsure what to expect with a scripted comedy show that might include dance.

Anyone else looking forward to this show?

[wooh]

Not sure if I'm excited about the premise, or if I just feel like I am because I'm loving the "Don't Stop Believing" that they play with the commercials, but I'm going to check it out.

[RickRS]

Did catch the show last night. Only two dances were shown, both glee club show dances. Love the competing school's "Rehab" and the show's final number with our glee club of losers, "Don't Stop Believing", which raised goose-bumps. Not High School Musical, it's more realistic than that.

This show gets a "must watch" slot on my schedule from now on. Unfortunately, that means waiting for the start of the fall season for the next episode. :(

[wooh]

I really liked it. Don't know if it will keep me watching, but the show was really cute and smart and funny. Just made me happy. Can't wait to see the next episode in the fall!

[RickRS]

From TVGuide.com:
Fox's Glee debuted to 10.75 mil 1 and needs to resume its first season, like, yesterday! Fox notes that Glee was Tuesday night's No. 1 Twitter topic, while New Directions' version of "Don't Stop Believin" emerged as the No. 2 most downloaded song on iTunes.

Youtubes from the show for those that missed it. This ones a past champion that our loveable losers will have to defeat:

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Fox has the full episode available on their website: http://www.fox.com/fod/play.php?sh=glee for anyone that was to catch up.

[soshedances]

Definitely going to have to check this out!

[etp777]

rofl, turns out this show really is based on the show choir from my old high school. Thankfully, I wasn't part of it, though many friends were. ;)

[chachachacat]

Love it! Great episode tonight. I have LOVED "I Dreamed a Dream" since I saw Les Miz in the late 80's.
Also love "On My Own," which I got to sing once.

[RickRS]

Love it! Great episode tonight. I have LOVED "I Dreamed a Dream" since I saw Les Miz in the late 80's.
Also love "On My Own," which I got to sing once.

Great episode, indeed. This show is the most entertaining hour of television, ever. Love the songs, love the dance, love the comedy, love it all. Just not sure how I'm going to handle a long, hot, bleak, dry, dusty, summer without some Glee to keep me going... ;)

[ash_sk8s]

I looooove Glee. I cannot wait for tomorrow's episode - Gaga!

[Ray Sison]

It's a very entertaining show.

[Amanda Coyle]

Not a dance competition show, but I'm interested in the new show Glee that premiers/previews tonight after Idol. I was a fan of Fame back in its day and am unsure what to expect with a scripted comedy show that might include dance.

Anyone else looking forward to this show?

I did look forward to it before it came on and now it's in my top ten viewing! :)

[AMeader]

Glee finale is on Tuesday!

[Amanda Coyle]

Glee finale is on Tuesday!

*jumping up for joy*

[chachachacat]

Two tearjerker numbers for the finale! :cry::D

[Beto]

Two tearjerker numbers for the finale! :cry::D
Definitely an emotional episode and *loved* Sue's motivations at the end. Makes perfect sense. :D

[TinyDancer109]

Did anybody catch the episode about God?? I was bawling. Seeing as how I am having rough time in my life right now too, I keep listening to two songs from the episode that really touch me (and I like better than the originals):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OxLmnZVSH4&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86IKt5IixEA&NR=1

Although, I think they should have played less of Rachel's "poppa can you hear me?" song and played the whole song for "What if God was one of us?"... Kurt's part is great and it would have made sense for him to have that solo in the episode.

[Beto]

Did anybody catch the episode about God?? I was bawling.
You weren't alone. Kurt's version of the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand" had me crying. I've gone through the experience of having my father in the hospital and not waking up. It's not something I'd wish on anyone.

Seeing as how I am having rough time in my life right now too, I keep listening to two songs from the episode that really touch me (and I like better than the originals):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OxLmnZVSH4&NR=1

Although, I think they should have played less of Rachel's "poppa can you hear me?" song and played the whole song for "What if God was one of us?"... Kurt's part is great and it would have made sense for him to have that solo in the episode.
Agreed. I'm also a little sick of Rachel at this point because I want the other cast members to have the spotlight.

[katherinejh]

Did anybody catch the episode about God?? I was bawling


I probably shouldn't have watched it. It hit a little too close to home for me right now and I pretty much cried for the entire hour.

[RickRS]

You weren't alone. Kurt's version of the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand" had me crying. I've gone through the experience of having my father in the hospital and not waking up. It's not something I'd wish on anyone.

I loved Kurt's version. Took a upbeat "teenage love" song from the Sixties and gave it a whole new meaning, full of sadness and pain. And, unfortunately, like Beto, having lost my father to cancer, resonates personally.

[Merrylegs]

I loved Kurt's version. Took a upbeat "teenage love" song from the Sixties and gave it a whole new meaning, full of sadness and pain. And, unfortunately, like Beto, having lost my father to cancer, resonates personally.

I think it's the same version of the song used in the movie "Across the Universe" in the movie it was Evan Rachel Woods singing.

I found that episode difficult to watch. Heavy stuff. And, like you and Beto, I have lost both of my parents to cancer. I hate cancer.

But I love Glee!

[Beto]

I think it's the same version of the song used in the movie "Across the Universe" in the movie it was Evan Rachel Woods singing.

I found that episode difficult to watch. Heavy stuff. And, like you and Beto, I have lost both of my parents to cancer. I hate cancer.
Ditto. It's beyond horrific watching someone that helped bring you into the world deteriorate before your eyes. I really do hate cancer.

But I love Glee!
I *heart* Glee! I didn't know about my passion for musical theater until very late in my life but I'm glad to have it and this show feeds it!

[TinyDancer109]

LOVED LAST NIGHT'S episode!!!! <3 Kurt <3 and the livin on a prayer/start me up mash up was soooo hot!!!!

[Ray Sison]

What do you think? Some so-called pundits think that Glee might have "jumped the shark". The reason: lots of high-profile cameos and bigger-than-ever production numbers.

On the other hand, Glee bucked conventional wisdom (and pulled through) with Season One's "The Kiss" finale...

[Beto]

The show's wildly uneven but when it hits one out of the park it gets back on track. I watch every week with my gf and don't think it's jumped the shark yet.

[Ray Sison]

The show's wildly uneven but when it hits one out of the park it gets back on track. I watch every week with my gf and don't think it's jumped the shark yet.

Beto, yeah. I love the show. Unlike so-called "reality TV", it actually takes effort and talent and inspiration to make an episode of Glee!

:cheers:

[Ray Sison]

Recently, Heather Morris was chosen as one of television's great current scene-stealers--making the best of every opportunity that she's been given on Glee...

[Beto]

Recently, Heather Morris was chosen as one of television's great current scene-stealers--making the best of every opportunity that she's been given on Glee...
All the more impressive when you consider that she was initially cast as a dancer who wasn't going to have any lines.

[Kits]

I am so hooked on this show thanks to my roommate. I didn't think I was going to like it, but after watching the first season on DVD I can't wait to see more!! :D

[Ray Sison]

I am so hooked on this show thanks to my roommate. I didn't think I was going to like it, but after watching the first season on DVD I can't wait to see more!! :D

:cheers:

[Kits]

lol it sounds like my next door neigh boor got the Glee soundtrack. For once I am not complaining about loud music. :D

[Ray Sison]

lol it sounds like my next door neigh boor got the Glee soundtrack. For once I am not complaining about loud music. :D

Very cool! :cheers:

[Ray Sison]

Funny! The Justin Bieber tribute episode. Heather Morris is probably my favorite on the show... :)

[chachachacat]

Is she Brittany? She is funny and a fantastic dancer!

[Ray Sison]

Is she Brittany? She is funny and a fantastic dancer!

Yes, chachachacat! She is considered one of TV's current great scene-stealers--making so much of her opportunities on screen. As far as being a great dancer, some IMDB trivia gives some insight into that:

Heather Morris (who had been a back-up dancer for Beyoncé Knowles' tour) was hired to play the character of Brittany after she was first called in by show choreographer Zack Woodlee to teach the "Single Ladies" dance to the cast.

From http: // www .imdb. com/title/tt1327801/trivia

[TinyDancer109]

I had read about that, Ray.

I have to say, i really liked the alcohol episode last night. :) Principle Figgins is a riot! LOL

[Ray Sison]

I had read about that, Ray.

I have to say, i really liked the alcohol episode last night. :) Principle Figgins is a riot! LOL

TD, oh how I wholeheartedly agree! :cheers:

[GJB]

I don't normally watch the show. I tuned in last night because Gweneth Paltrow was on. She played the Sex Ed Teacher. I thought she did a great job. I really enjoyed her singing !

[Ray Sison]

I don't normally watch the show. I tuned in last night because Gweneth Paltrow was on. She played the Sex Ed Teacher. I thought she did a great job. I really enjoyed her singing !

Me too! :cheers:

[chachachacat]

The tango with Matthew Morrison and Gwyneth Paltrow! Fun!
I still get excited to see ballroom anywhere in the mainstream.

[Ray Sison]

I've been enjoying the newer episodes... :)

[RickRS]

Still haven't see this week show. Going to have to stream it off the FOX site tonight, as the local FOX station and Dish satellite network haven't agree on retransmission fees and Dish can't carry that local station anymore in my area.

But commenting on the general trends going on in Glee, I wish Kurt wasn't at a different school. I love Blake and the Warblers; the all male choir stuff they perform is super and contrasts well with the New Directions performances. And I like Blake and the storylines about Kurt's crush on him. But I miss Kurt's interactions with his New Directions classmates, it was fun having him challenging for head diva, something he doesn't/haven't done in the Warblers.

[Twilight_Elena]

The Santana/Brittany really got to me... so emotional! Santana turned out be excellent... who knew??? Also Brittany is quickly becoming a fave.

Didn't really like Mr. Schue in this ep, the Holly/Schue thing was a bit forced...

[Ray Sison]

The Santana/Brittany really got to me... so emotional! Santana turned out be excellent... who knew??? Also Brittany is quickly becoming a fave.

Didn't really like Mr. Schue in this ep, the Holly/Schue thing was a bit forced...

Brittany IS my fave! :cheers:

[Twilight_Elena]

Still haven't see this week show. Going to have to stream it off the FOX site tonight, as the local FOX station and Dish satellite network haven't agree on retransmission fees and Dish can't carry that local station anymore in my area.

But commenting on the general trends going on in Glee, I wish Kurt wasn't at a different school. I love Blake and the Warblers; the all male choir stuff they perform is super and contrasts well with the New Directions performances. And I like Blake and the storylines about Kurt's crush on him. But I miss Kurt's interactions with his New Directions classmates, it was fun having him challenging for head diva, something he doesn't/haven't done in the Warblers.

Blaine is pretty cool (was a great fan from his Harry Potter Musical days) and it's good that Kurt has a friend but we are missing out on his solos and awesome diva moments, aren't we? :(

[TinyDancer109]

i have a feeling deep in my soul that Kurt wll come back to new directions eventually once he is a little more comfortable in his own skin. :) maybe with a new bf :)

Brittany kinda pissed me off this episode because she made such a big deal to push santana to talk about her feelings but then said "oh great, i feel the same way, but i am still going to continue dating artie".. then what was the point of talking about feelings????

ETA - how awesome is Kurt's dad???!!

[Twilight_Elena]

ETA - how awesome is Kurt's dad???!!

Amazing father. If only most parents could be supportive like that...

[Ray Sison]

Santana is wonderful... :) And Emma, too...

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTc1MjUzMTA1MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTM2Njg0Mw@@._ V1._SY314_CR4,0,214,314_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm128156160/nm1724323)

[TinyDancer109]

Emma!!!! <3 but i feel bad for her hubby. :( he is such a great character too!

[GJB]

I've only seen a couple of episodes. I don't really pay much attention to the storyline. I just watch for the song and dance numbers.

[Ray Sison]

One beauty of the show is that it can appeal to different people in different ways like that... :)

[Ray Sison]

Emma!!!! <3 but i feel bad for her hubby. :( he is such a great character too!

Yes, Emma is adorable! :)

[RickRS]

Blaine is pretty cool (was a great fan from his Harry Potter Musical days) and it's good that Kurt has a friend but we are missing out on his solos and awesome diva moments, aren't we? :(

LOL, last night was like they were reading our minds. Kurt FINALLY get his time in the spotlight. There were musical numbers so good I had goose bumps.

Of course, those goose bump moments numbers weren't "Only Child", "Trouty Mouth", and "Big Ass.....Heart". Loved the silliness of the characters' early song writing effort.

And for a guy that's never been kissed, it wasn't half measures when that milestone passed for Kurt: no demure little moment but full-on teenage lust from Blaine.

I had expected the Regional comp results was going to be a tie between New Directions and the Warblers. Surprised that didn't happen.

[Ray Sison]

Santana is wonderful... :) And Emma, too...

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTc1MjUzMTA1MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTM2Njg0Mw@@._ V1._SY314_CR4,0,214,314_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/media/rm128156160/nm1724323)

Some people think that the appeal of Emma may be partly from being like a lovely cartoon character. The vivid red hair and colors that she wears on the show. And those beautiful big, expressive eyes...

[Ray Sison]

Looks like Quinn is trying to get Finn back...

[Ray Sison]

And there's also the Brittany-Santana (aka "Brittana") sub-plot now. Always something interesting...

[rbazsz]

The show is very entertaining and the dances are good -- although it's hard to tell if the dances are for real they way they only show 5 seconds before cutting to another scene. The flashing of scenes in that show gets very annoying.

[DeCarabas]

I'm probably a bit of an oddity being a straight man over 30 but I'm also a musical theatre performer so maybe that balances. I'm also a screen/stage writer, independent filmmaker, musician and sound engineer as well as an acting/voice/dance teacher. Additiojnally, I did some time as an IT professional (programming mostly) in the late 90's but that doesn't really apply here.

That being said, I like the show but I don't love it. There are a LOT of problems here.

The 'live' numbers are (very) obviously not. There's no attempt by the engineer to make it sound like the kids are performing in the spaces they're in. It's not that hard to do. I'm not the best audio guy I know but I know how to fix that.

Ok, soapbox time. AUTOTUNE IS THE DEVIL! I can hear it on almost everyone from time to time and I'll grudgingly accept that with television's tight production schedule that it might be occasionally necessary but I don't understand why you hire actors who can't sing to be in a show about kids who sing. Actually I do understand but if I went into it I'd be on a long rant about the industry and I'll spare you that.

Now Matthew Morrison (Schue) CAN sing. He's really, really good. No complaints. Jane Lynch - Ditto. Artie and Rachel are also both quite good. Stamos (when he shows up) is also excellent. Puck is O.K. but he doesn't have a lot of range. Finn has talent but he's extremely raw. I haven't heard enough of Blaine to make a decision but I have heard the dreaded AT on his voice more than once.

The others are mediocre to bad (Kurt is often shockingly bad) and studio magic cleans it up. Maybe the untrained ear can't hear it but I can and it annoys me to no end. Just so you know, the actor playing Kurt probably can't consistently produce those 'impressive' solos in a live setting.

I DO have a vocal processor in my studio. It's a fairly impressive-looking piece of gear. I never use it unless absolutely necessary on people I record and I NEVER use it on me.

By contrast the dancing is actually pretty good, what you see of it, but that's a combination of the director only showing you what's good (creative and/or strong technical camera work) and the fact that there's no way to electronically correct bad dancing.

The acting is usually good and it's getting better as the actor's settle into their characters a little more. If there is character inconsistency then it's most likely due to having multiple directors and multiple writers. Gwyneth Paltrow is terrible but then she usually is.

The writing is often sharp and snappy but it's a bit uneven (having multiple writers is partly to blame). Often I see characters saying and doing things that are not only inconsistent with the character as established but violate plot continuity (a consistent complaint of mine with television). Some of this can be chalked up to the 'character filter' but a lot of it is just flat-out bad writing.

I generally like the plot lines and their resolutions are usually satisfying although some of the more external plots (Stamos, Paltrow) often seem tacked on (I liked Idina Menzel, tho).

My main problem with the structure of the show is this: In a good musical (stage or film) the musical numbers flow organically from the story and the transitions from non-music to music are seamless with a natural flow. Often the show will shift back and forth within a song and if it's good it feels natural.

Now in GLEE, by contrast, the non-show musical numbers often have a stilted, contrived feel. So much so that if I don't like the song I'll fast forward through it since I know I won't get any useful plot information from it.

This isn't nit-picking. I could nit-pick for pages. The problem for me is I want to love this show and I only like it. And I only like it by doing my best to ignore it's obvious problems.

This isn't exactly a complaint but It's worth noting that these 'kids' are ALL old enough to be well out of high school (I believe Kurt is the youngest at 21) and in most cases out of college as well (Finn and Puck are nearly 30). This cast (if they could sing) would be more appropriate to RENT than GLEE. You can hide a lot with make-up and creative lighting but eventually it's going to show.


My 2 cents. Do with it what you like.



DeCarabas

[Ray Sison]

DeCarabas, thanks for sharing your opinions. You have a lot of good points. We all have our favorite shows and our own tastes...

Oh, and Welcome to Dance Forums! :mrgreen:

[Terpsichorean Clod]

Welcome to Dance Forums, DeCarabas! I really enjoyed reading your review.

[Ray Sison]

This isn't exactly a complaint but It's worth noting that these 'kids' are ALL old enough to be well out of high school (I believe Kurt is the youngest at 21) and in most cases out of college as well (Finn and Puck are nearly 30). This cast (if they could sing) would be more appropriate to RENT than GLEE. You can hide a lot with make-up and creative lighting but eventually it's going to show.
DeCarabas

This is not unexpected in high school movies and TV shows. It's very common to have actors in their 20s and even their 30s in these--so much so, that this is practically the convention now. For example: last year's Easy A and Beverly Hills 90210. And Ralph Macchio in all his Karate Kid movies...

[Ray Sison]

I liked the dancing by Finn and Mike (especially by Mike) in that one number in the latest episode (which features music by Lady Gaga). The dude that plays Mike (Harry Shum Jr.) does cool dance grooves. He has a larger role now than in the past...

As usual, I loved Emma in her scenes as well...

[ajiboyet]

Harry Shum was in Step Up 3D and a couple other dance movies. He's really good. And I do think they can sing.

[Ray Sison]

Harry Shum was in Step Up 3D and a couple other dance movies. He's really good. And I do think they can sing.

Cool! I did not know that about Harry Shum! Good for him! Thanks for that info, ajiboyet! :cheers:

[ajiboyet]

He is commonly known for being a part of such dance films as Stomp the Yard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomp_the_Yard), You Got Served (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Got_Served), and had recurring roles as Cable on Step Up 2: The Streets (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Step_Up_2:_The_Streets) and Step Up 3D (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Step_Up_3D).

...

He was also one of the lead dancers with stars such as Beyoncé (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyonc%C3%A9), Mariah Carey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariah_Carey), Jennifer Lopez (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Lopez) and Jessica Simpson (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Simpson). He was a silhouette (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silhouette) for the famous iPod (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPod) commercials.[/URL]


Source: [url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Shum,_Jr (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Shum,_Jr.#cite_note-6).

I really like him.

[Ray Sison]

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Shum,_Jr.

I really like him.

Yeah--he's very good... :cheers: