Is Fox’s Glee a Bad Boyfriend? 

I’ve been an ardent supporter and fan of Glee since its summer premiere back in May 2009. I used to sing in a school choir (briefly before I had to give it up for more academic courses – yep, I’m a nerd) and I believe arts entertainment is as important as athletics. I’m a fan. But I’ve noticed since September 2010 that my once highly enjoyable and mightily entertaining show has changed. Or maybe it’s that in the honeymoon period of our relationship is over. At first I was willing to overlook Glee’s many flaws, but I’m kinda getting fed up. My gripes:

Rachel is unlikeable. I personally have always enjoyed Rachel (at best) or felt sorry for her (at worst). But after she sent Sunshine to a crack den, I lost all sympathy for her. I’m tired of her being so selfish and I’m glad Mr. Schu finally called her on it this week. I want to like Rachel. I understand that there are people in the world like her but I need her to be less of a brat.

Mr. Schuester has become unlikeable. Maybe he was unlikeable last year – he did have a serious flirtation with Emma while still married to Terri (don’t get me started on that) – and lately he’s been following Emma around like a lovesick puppy. It’s pathetic. I don’t want to see him like this. I was also unhappy to see him team up with Sue (really, Will?) to bully Coach Beiste (is that name necessary?). And when he kisses her? I’m sorry, but I couldn’t suspend my disbelief at all for that moment. He recovered somewhat during last night’s episode. Let’s have more of that Will.

Too much Kurt. It’s hard for me to say this because I really like where his storyline is going. Bullying is becoming an epidemic and I think it’s so important to see the emotional and physical toll it’s taking on kids – and especially gay youth. But did they have to make Burt and Carole’s wedding all about Kurt? I miss having him at New Directions but I do like seeing how he’s dealing with his new surroundings as a Warbler. It’s not a smooth transition and I think it’s a wonderfully realistic portrayal of being the new kid at school.

Sue can be toxic. I’m not really sure where to start with her but I don’t miss her when she’s not around. A lot of her storylines are so ridiculous I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes. I love Jane Lynch; I think she’s a bit of a comic genius. And I do acknowledge that a show like this needs her malevolent presence to fight against. But can we tone her down a bit? Can we make Sue more human? When she does show compassion, I have such a hard time reconciling it all. That’s not the Sue I know so it rings both disingenuous and false. I don’t want her character to disappear, but a little Sue goes a long, long way.

There doesn’t seem to be enough time for supporting characters. Maybe they should stop having so many recurring/guest stars on the show – although, for me, Gwyneth Paltrow is a notable exception. I’d love to see her back anytime. I know who the “main characters” are, I guess, but it would be nice to spend a little more screen time with Mercedes, Artie, Mike, Tina, Quinn, Brittany, Santana, Puck and Sam. I don’t need much more, but a little more would be great.

Now, there did seem to be a bit of a reprieve in the bad behavior in “Special Education.” As I mentioned, Mr. Schu put Rachel in her place and, I think, handled the Emma news quite well. Rachel and Kurt’s dynamic was so refreshing and I’m glad the glee club could put all that bickering aside and perform so well as a group. I really like that Finn and Rachel broke up. I know they belong together but I don’t mind them being apart occasionally. It was nice seeing a more sedate Puck and I applaud that he couldn’t betray Finn like that again – bros before hoes. Sorry, Rachel.

Ok. I’ve vented. Now I’m willing to let it all go and watch next week’s episode (the last fresh episode before the post-Superbowl extravaganza) with new eyes. You’ve got a clean slate Glee. If there are more problems in the future we’ll talk again, and I don’t think you want that. I don’t want to break up. Please don’t make me do it.