"Glee" strikes the right chords
By Favian Ng, channelnewsasia.com | Posted: 10 November 2009 1207 hrs

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SINGAPORE: It seems that high school dramas are all about being famous and popular, think "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Gossip Girl". So, what happens if you are on the other end of the popularity scale, and one day rise up to become the top dog?

Well, "Glee" sums that all up, with a whole lot of singing and dancing thrown in. In fact, "Glee" couldn't be a better name for this one-of-its-kind musical dramedy with its choreographed numbers that you can't help but sing and dance along to.

Now, I'm not a musical kind of guy but "Glee" left a smile on my face, and it's no wonder this Fox drama which started airing in the United States in September, has become one of the most buzzed-about shows of the season.

When former glee club member Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) returns to McKinley High School and discovers the club in a derelict state, the Spanish teacher decides to take over and revive it.

Not so easy though. The principal isn't keen on parting with his limited budget, and Will's decision to revive the club isn't going down well with the alpha-female Sue Sylvester (Jamie Lynch), coach of the school cheerleading team.

However, glee club has no members and after a recruitment exercise, Will manages to form a ragtag group of talented misfits.

His charges include an overachieving drama club diva, Rachel Berry (Lea Michele); the good-hearted Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith), a football jock who happens to love singing (a cardinal sin in high school football); Aretha Franklin-wannabe, Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley); Beyonce worshipping gay boy, Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer); wheelchair kid Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale) and gothic Asian girl Tina Cohen-Chang (Jenna Ushkowitz).

Watching this bunch of mismatched characters getting into their groove is a joy. Even Will gets into action with a slick rendition of Kanye West’s "Gold Digger" in the pilot episode.

The arduous journey to recapture the glory days begins as the students not only fight for glee club's survival but also for their own existence in McKinley High School.

Created by Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck"), "Glee" is a refreshing change from the usual sci-fi, crime or medical dramas and the musical aspect is the main highlight. To set the record straight, "Glee" is no "High School Musical" where the cast burst into song when they can actually start a normal conversation. It's more of a post-modern musical, think "Chicago".

Glee's repertoire ranges from 1980s classics to hip-hop raps. Watching Will perform "Gold Digger" was addictive, and it makes you want to get on your feet and rap along.

But "Glee" isn't all about the music.

Beneath all the song and dance is a good old tale about living your dreams and passions without regret. There are plenty of life lessons to be learnt as the kids learn their strengths and weaknesses, and overcome social stigmas to blossom into their own person.

On the whole, "Glee" resembles a Civic & Moral Education textbook as it explores adolescent issues such as dealing with peer pressure, teenage romance, pregnancy and responsibility.

Even the adults have their problems. Will's marriage to Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) takes a turn for the worse when he finds himself attracted to Emma Pillsbury (Jayma Mays), the school guidance counsellor.

The show has produced some breakout stars in the form of Lea Michele and Cory Moneith. The Broadway-trained Michele who plays the larger-than-life Rachel, not just looks every part the diva, she has the voice to match the looks. And her emotive rendition on Rihanna's "Take A Bow" will make you pour your hearts out for her.

As for Moneith, his boyish charms and baritone pipes suit his good-natured character but might come across as boring and safe. What happened to teenage angst?

Jamie Lynch who plays Sue Sylvester, the dominant coach of the cheerleading squad, definitely deserves a mention. Sue is so merciless and always has the most brilliant and wicked lines reserved for her.

Demanding that Will close down glee club, she said, "You do with your depressing little group of kids what I did with my wealthy, elderly mother, euthanize it!" Oh, what a sinful delight she is.

"Glee" is a hilarious but sincere homage to the likes of "Hairspray", "American Pie" and "Bring It On". Though not very original, it's been a while since a series this refreshing and entertaining burst onto our TV screens.

As the saying goes, 'If music be the food of love, play on'. The same goes for "Glee". - CNA/fa

Glee is available on-demand on SingTel mio TV Channel 700.