‘Glee’ hit a flat note
By
Caitlin Peterkin |
IDS
POSTED AT
12:03 AM ON Nov. 18, 2009
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We all like to think that today’s society is becoming more open to alternative practices and ideas.
And in many aspects, it is.
Relationships, fashion and entertainment have all become more cutting-edge within the last decade. I, for one, doubt that Lady Gaga would be able to do half the things she does if people were as conventional as in the 1950s.
“Bad Romance” music video, anyone?
But there are still social norms that people are afraid to break. Last week’s episode of “Glee” proved just that.
As a television show that prides itself on diversity and unconventional standards, Glee fell short of fulfilling this promise. In recent weeks, the show has become a staple among music lovers, and past performances have proved its versatility.
But Wednesday’s episode showed a more conservative side by appealing to the Broadway standard of a female lead performance.
As the glee club prepares for sectionals, the director, Will Schuester, selects “Defying Gravity” from Wicked for the group to perform. He automatically states that the group’s female lead, Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michele, will take the solo.
Kurt Hummel, played by Chris Colfer, looks crestfallen when he hears this news. As the club’s flamboyant character, it has been his dream to perform the show-stopping number from Wicked. He even has an iPod dedicated strictly to selections from the musical.
The conflict results in a “diva-off,” and the two characters battle it out in auditions. In the end, however, Kurt throws the competition because of his dad and allows Rachel to win.
Although Rachel does have a strong voice, I was disappointed in the outcome. Having the Idina Menzel look-alike perform the song showed a lack of creativity. I wish the writers of Glee had scripted a different conclusion because I thought Kurt deserved the solo more.
Not only did I fall in love with the purity and strength of his voice, but “Defying Gravity” pertains especially to his character.
Kurt has struggled throughout the series with his sexuality and coming out to his father. Now that he has the support of the glee club and his dad, he has a stronger sense of acceptance.
The lyrics relate directly to him: “I’m through accepting limits ’cause someone says they’re so. Some things I cannot change, but ’til I try, I’ll never know.”
Kurt tried to change the social norm of having a female perform his favorite song. It showed his strength and perseverance, and his performance was truly touching.
Entertainment and theater strive to be more cutting-edge, but “Glee” played it safe by preventing Kurt from singing a traditionally female song.
I’m not saying everything about “Glee” last week was horrible. In fact, this was one of the few qualms I had about the episode.
But the series should aim for showcasing its other stars every now and than. While Lea Michele is undeniably talented and one of the strongest singers, seeing other characters perform gives the show more versatility and universality.
Yet one small weakness does not detract from the show as a whole. “Glee” has proved that it’s here to stay – nothing is ever gonna bring it down.