I have seen three episodes of Glee: The Lady Gaga episode from season one and both season two episodes. I have found all three lacking. I know Glee is an extremely popular show and I'm trying to figure out why. Yes to some degree it is simply opinion, but there are some universal factors in regards to television shows that should guide our opinions. For Glee I examined 3 factors.
1 - Are the characters likable and is there satisfying progression in the storyline/storytelling? From what I've seen firsthand and the summaries I've watched I would tend to say no. The characters seem uninspired to me, fitting into the usual high school stereotypes without too much likability - or, in my case, relatability. Plot lines seem to be who is sleeping with who mixed in with trying to gain popularity or reveling in a lack of it.
2 - Is there good comedic value in Glee (since it falls under the genre of comedy/musical, I think it fair to judge this component, especially considering what one might call traditional drama components - see my previous factor - are greatly lacking)? Again, I would say no. I've seen little humor at all and the bit I've seen seems to be trying to play off of high school elements in ways that have been done again and again. The little comedy there is simply seems to fall flat.
3 - Is the music good? Well, here there may be many varying opinions that I can see some merit in. The music is generally catchy - in a show tunes kind of way - but this catchiness often seems to come at the expense of substance. Also, many of the covers seem to really strip the original versions of their artistic merit by replacing it with simply fun and enjoyment. Is this wrong? I would argue yes, but others may not see it that way. I think pop culture should be more than just amusement.
The bottom line is that I have trouble seeing what's so enjoyable about Glee. Also, I don't see many elements that give Glee an overall message worth watching. (I'll admit, there does seem to be a strong theme of individuality and acceptance present throughout the show, albeit, not always presented in the best possible manner.) However, I've only seen three episodes of the show so perhaps there is more I haven't seen. I have tried to watch enough of Glee to give it a fair critique and I feel that I have seen enough to give my two cents. That being said, what do you fans of Glee think? What compels you to watch the show and what themes and elements do you see presented in the show?
