IF YOU WATCH

‘Glee’

When: Tuesdays, 8 p.m.

Network: FOX

They’ve done Madonna, they’ve done Britney, they’ve even done ‘Yentl’ (yeah, it was odd). But tomorrow, Glee finally tackles a film theme. In honor of Halloween, this week’s Glee episode takes on ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’ In theory, the episode should be great — talented singers taking on an old classic — but with the way this season is panning out, it’ll end up being another flop.

The Emmy Award-winning comedy currently suffers from a case of good ideas with bad execution. The writers’ grand ideas and commitment to cover every song ever written has overshadowed the gems that made Glee special last season. Character development, interesting storylines and the whole idea that ‘being who you are is good enough sometimes’ take backseats this time around.

Finn and Rachel’s annoying puppy love crossed the threshold of cute into disgusting with Rachel’s neurotic ego taking center stage. The beautiful friendship that blossomed between Quinn and Mercedes never comes up, and now Brittany breaks hearts. One of the show’s biggest selling points, the students’ relationships, feels awkward and disjointed in favor of more songs.

The best episode thus far, ‘Faith,’ felt forced. The subject matter pulled heartstrings, but the actual acting fell flat compared to the monologue Kurt’s father gave when he overheard Finn call Kurt an inappropriate name. The burgeoning romance between Quinn and newcomer Sam has potential. But the fact that they fell for each other, went on a date and became a couple all in one episode weakens the ‘aw’ factor viewers developed watching Finn and Rachel or Tina and Artie come together.

So Glee isn’t quite what it used to be, and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ episode won’t cure the second-season slump. But here are five suggestions Glee can use to save this season and avoid the same problems in its third season.

1. Re-emphasize the characters: Yes, Glee was never extremely plot-driven, but there were some ongoing storylines that fueled viewers’ anticipations. Extend Quinn and Sam’s romance; add some drama to the mix, like Puck or Finn becoming jealous. More tension never hurt anyone (at least not immediately).
2. No more music videos: There must be a reason why MTV stopped airing them so much. The beauty of the musical numbers diminishes when it turns into a full-blown music video found in a bathroom or dream sequence. Let’s go back to singing in the music room.
3. Different voices: A good thing about this season is that other characters besides Rachel get to sing. At the same time, she still overpowers every song. As for Mercedes, her soulful voice is great — just not when she holds high notes for an entire number. How about some variation?
4. Sue me: Let’s be honest, Sue Sylvester’s (Jane Lynch) character is a show staple. Her lack of filter and obsession with competitive cheerleading give viewers a lot to laugh about and make them root for those kids in New Directions even more. She needs to refocus on taking the club down, despite her random act of kindness of keeping the club going at the end of the first season.
5. Sell the show, not more iTunes tracks: When Glee first started, artists were afraid to have their songs remade. Now everyone wants a Glee-done track. That doesn’t mean everyone should get one, though. Only songs that fit should make the cut into the show. Paramore’s ‘Only Exception’ didn’t need to be redone, but it was anyway. Stick to a plan, not just random tunes.

kaoutram@syr.edu

 

Stay Tuned…

Halloween Specials

AMC’s Fearfest

From zombie movies to horror classics, AMC helps count down the days until Halloween.

From now until Oct. 31

ABC Family’s 13 Nights of Halloween

Tame Halloween favorites for those who love the holiday but can do without the gore and guts.

From now until Oct. 31

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’

Will Linus finally see the great pumpkin? Will more rocks be handed out for trick-or-treating goodies? Tune in and find out in this Halloween animated classic.

Thursday, Oct. 28

ABC

Published on October 24, 2010 at 12:00 pm