I appreciate the need for queer representation on television. I appreciate that a mainstream series is taking on the issue of bullying in light of several recent gay suicides. What I don't appreciate is the hypocrisy of Glee telling me to be tolerant.
I just don't think Glee is all that tolerant on the whole. The series gives us a bunch of flat high school stereotypes that it fleshes out whenever it's convenient for the plot. What is Kurt's defining characteristic other than his sexuality? Not to mention the fact that his flamboyance and femininity are so often played for laughs. And it's not just the gay character—or characters, since we have more than one now. How about the representations of Jews on this show? There's Rachel, an obnoxious overachiever who wants to be Barbra Streisand. There's Jacob Ben Israel, an absurdly offensive character type that went out of style early last century. And, OK, Puck, but I'm pretty sure the joke there is that he's not what you'd expect a Jew to be.
But I digress. I'm no Glee fan—I've made that clear before—and my biggest problem with the show is its inconsistency. One week it's a tremendous farce, and the next it's an earnest "issues" episode. In my mind, the show tends to fail on both fronts, though I'll admit there are occasional moments of awesome. (I really kind of liked "Teenage Dream," despite the fact that Blaine is awful. More on that in a bit.) But Glee can't stick to a tone or a message, which makes episodes like "Never Been Kissed" all the more frustrating.
Just look at the treatment of Coach Bieste in this episode. Her name sounds like "beast." She's been a punch line from the moment she arrived. She fulfills every stereotype of the lesbian gym teacher, except for the fact that she makes a point of telling Will she isn't gay. And yet, we're suddenly supposed to take her seriously. We're shown images of her in her lingerie and doing ballet—images that are "funny" because she's a masculine woman shown in a feminine context. Then we're told that laughing at her makes us bullies and we should all be ashamed of ourselves. And this coming from Will, who had the insensitivity to tell Coach Bieste that she's literally a boner-killer.
The world of Glee is one in which characters and plot don't need to be developed—it's all tell and no show. We're supposed to feel sorry for Coach Bieste because Will tells us to. He also delivers one of the episode's many useless platitudes to cheer her up: "You are a beautiful, amazing woman whose heart is just too big for most men to stand." And then he kisses her, which is always the best response to bullying.
And suddenly another gay character appears, conveniently enough. His name is Blaine and he's basically perfect. He says things like "Prejudice is just ignorance," and sends texts that say "COURAGE." He's a handsome, confident, out-and-proud gay man who goes to a magical all boys school where everyone is accepting because they have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bullying. It's an utterly absurd—though I'll admit attractive—fantasy. (OMG, he's a "teenage dream!") And it's meaningless, because Blaine is not a character so much as a cipher used to spout this episode's message.
The other newly outed—well, to us at least—gay character is the bully, who shoves Kurt around and says a lot of things that are far less cruel than most of what I heard in high school. The shocking twist, of course, is that he's a homophobe because he's really a closet case. Does this happen in real life? Definitely. Is this character another dull, simplistic cliché? You betcha. My biggest fear at the moment is that the three-episode gay bullying arc Chris Colfer promised will somehow incorporate the bully's suicide. That would make things even heavier and, as "Never Been Kissed" proved, Glee is not up to the task.
At the end of the episode the boys did a girls' song (yes, that's the show's idea of subversion)—a mash-up of The Supremes' "Stop! In the Name of Love" and En Vogue's "Free Your Mind." The latter is about as deep as Glee gets, with the timeless lyrics, "Be colorblind, don't be so shallow." Maybe I expect too much from a series that has already revealed itself to be glittery drivel. But come on. Realistic characters, compelling storylines, a consistent message—is that really too much to ask?
What did you think of the message in "Never Been Kissed"?
Follow TV.com writer Louis Peitzman on Twitter: @LouisAtTVDotCom
@bert1011
You are probably the biggest idiot who has ever graced the internet with their incompetence. You obviously didn't even read the article yet you still have the balls (read: blind stupidity) to call the author unprofessional? I can't believe you are actually insisting that only fans of a show have a right to review it positively or negatively. You just dismissed the entire validity of the article because he prefaced his reasons for disliking the show by stating that he disliked the show.
If your only defining characteristic is your sexual behavior than you are just a pervert.
If you dislike the show, why do you talk about it at all? That shows unprofessional bias. "I do not like this show, you already know that, but hey, read my review. I hope you expect to see something positive about it." You could just as easily say "I dislike this show, so I won't discuss it as a topic." And also, who cares if you think it "misses the mark?" Yes, many people have commented and read this review, but these comments are because of your bias. Please, for the Glee fans, and for those who want an honest Glee review, let someone else review Glee. Thank you.
@izzyshepp101: "YOu obviously did not understand the point of this episode."Of course, the first thing you do when someone insults something you like is tell them they don't understand. The reviewer states the point of the episode several times over and doesn't understand it? I can't help but get the idea you're operating on faulty logic here."You simply don't like the show and I think that is clouding your ability to really see the point they were trying to get across."Why are people who like the show agreeing that it was handled poorly? Hey. I asked you a question. ...No, really. I'm wondering about your rationalization for that. Are they just not true fans? That would paint you as a fanboy/girl. Are they just too dumb to get the message of a hammy primetime teen drama? That would paint you as an elitist. I think George Takei put it best with his famous quote, "You are made of stupid!"moreless
Great show....there are a few flaws but nothing is perfect I will continue watching there are lott worse things on TV....They gave Sarah Palin a show so I will take a few flaws in Glee than sit thru an hour of a crazy person in nature who could possibly become president
I agree with yunie35. I'm really disapointed with the second season and it might even be shunned from my pvr schedule if it doesnt improve fast
I think that Louis Peitzman made some good points in his review. Even as a Glee fan, I can see that the show is flawed. I personally believe that this new season of Glee is not as good as the first one. 6 episodes have already been aired and I only loved one or two of them.What is missing is a story arc that holds us for the whole season. And less terrible plots like Beiste/Shuester, I really considered just skipping through those scenes, that's how bad I thought they were. First season had many pots boiling at once : Finn/Rachel, Quinn's pregnancy, Shuester/Emma, etc. This season makes me think they just disperse too much and that they don't know where they're taking us, in narrative terms.Like or not, Glee has, well had, consistent storylines. What it never had are "realistic" characters, because who would want that when we have Sue, Emma and Finn? Glee has whimsical characters, always a plus, right?moreless
I like Glee alot, but this is a well written article that makes some good points. Couldn't have said it any better. Even though the show's heart was in the right place, I didn't care "Never Been Kissed" for exactly these reasons. Still, I'm not surprised at how many people completely fell for this "fluffy" episode. That's "gleeks" for you....
Well said Mr. Peitzman. Glee is at it's absolute worst when it tries to evoke emotion from the audience. What made Glee popular was it's humor and musical accompaniment. As of late I have found Glee to be entirely too preachy & political for the context in which it's based. I don't tune into Hollywood to tell me how to think. I tune in for entertainment. Think about it.
@izzyshepp101 agreed, you couldn't have said it any better
@ smewthstf: that's no excuse. Plenty of phenomenal shows operate on the same schedule as Glee, and they produce stellar work week after week (see "The Good Wife," "Friday Night Lights," or "Mad Men," for current shows, or "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for a show that has ended its run). Granted, no series is perfect--every series has missteps. But people seem to leap down the throat of every reviewer on this site that ever has a negative review. To claim that this is a "hate" review is ridiculous (clearly no one noted that Louis himself is a self-asserted homosexual male, so this is clearly not him bashing something he hates on). He provides evidence for his reasons for disliking this episode, and points out very clearly several problems that anyone not blinded by abject support of this show, and anyone that knows a thing or two about good writing, would notice--should notice. He's not being hateful or biased; he's doing his job of watching with a clear, critical eye.moreless
YOu obviously did not understand the point of this episode. And addressing things like the closetted gay football player is very important and that does not make him a boring cliche character. If they did something like saying that there are no closseted gays and that all homosexuals are obvious then you would probably say that the show is unrealistic. You simply don't like the show and I think that is clouding your ability to really see the point they were trying to get across.
With its all "tolerance" and openness Glee supports at least one of ugly, hurtful, national stereotype - brutal Polish character - Dave Karofsky (his surname suggests he is Polish or at least that he comes from Central and Eastern Europe). Karofsky is brutal, stupid, close-minded, he represents pure force and hatred. For me this shows how antipolonizm is widespread in Hollywood. And how hypocritical are producers of Glee. Why such character was not named - Nansen, Schmitd or Rousseau? Think about it.
Fantastic review written by someone who is on the outside looking in. Sure, it will piss of people who love the show, but that just means they are fanboys. It was obviously a badly written episode and deserves whatever flak it gets.
This review is just awful. Simply put - this isn't some novel or movie series that writers get months and months to plan out and produce. The writers and producers saw that there is an issue that needs to be addressed. ***phobia and they did their best. I give em props. Thanks for not pretending that they don't exist.
You guys in the comments say that only someone who loves the show should be able to write down a review? That's SO wrong... not only those who love the show should NOT write any kind of review about it (because they would not see any flaws on it), but they should stop posting hate comments to any objective review.
i agree. glee, with its propagation of stereotypes is one of the main driving forces of bullying. luckily, its viewership is only about 3 million. while that is a large number in tv terms, it means that the other 347 million people in America think it is garbage and a waste of time. its a good thing too, we dont need yet another tv show telling kids that you have to to discard people for being different.
Just because someone isn't a fan doesn't mean they can't write a fair review. Just as bad would be someone who refuses to see any flaws with the show, which are plentiful. Just because something is meant to be over-the-top or fantastical doesn't mean it should resort to cheap plot devices and bad expository dialogue which happened throughout this episode. Any FAIR reviewer can see that the writing was sloppy, lazy, and lacked any subtlety, which is, I believe, Louis's point. Sheesh.
er! reviewer alert, seek help. You have some serious issues, i wish your shrink well!
worst review ever,
First off..this is one of the worst reviews I have ever read. Second, why in the heck would someone who DOESN'T like the show decide to review it?!! If you don't like it, then do us (Glee Lovers) a favor and don't tune in to the dang show!!! Everyone has their own opinions..just do us a favor and keep yours to yourself!
Reaally guys, can we not get a better reviewer for Glee. This person says that he doesn't like Glee, so who the hell chose him/her to review???! Offcourse people are titled to have there own opion, but this is crazy...i'm gay myself, i don't like to be called queer..that sounds awful...i'm gay or homosexual..and proud of it...beside that..i loved Blaine and his version of Teenage dream..and i think the whole bullying Kurt thing happens in real world more often then you maybe think and i can imagine that you would fantasize about a school full with boys who don't let anybody get bulled and excepts gay guys,...so i think you are realy wrong with your Glee reviews...!!
The songs are great, the characters are all funny or weird of special in there own way...songs are great....maybe you should look for a other series to dash on...moreless
inmotion57 has a great point. It's tv. Fantasy. Not to be confused with reality. But Louis also has a great point, if the following was indeed your point: unfortunately still too many people cannot really tell the difference between the two.
@ChrisSpinas1 This is the first week I've written a review for Glee.@rayrod50 As I explained before, queer is an acceptable term that has been used for two decades as a way of incorporating all facets of the LGBT community. Here's a Wikipedia article about queer theory: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queer_theory.
KenCunningham, you are a ***ing *** -rayrod50, queer isn't considered an offensive word by the people who are it. Don't worry.
Funny that the dissenters here don't actually give any evidence for why Louis is incorrect or inaccurate. You claim that he just bashes the show, then you just bash his review. Really doesn't give your side much credence.
Can't believe that you actually used the word queer How can you expect to be taken seriously when you used such a hurtful word to describe a homosexual?
can someone get a new reviewer for glee, cause seriously this one doesnt like glee and each week has a problem with it.. its like asking me to review gossip girl, which i HATE!!
I loved this episode, it shocked me, made me laugh, brought tears of emotion to my eyes... Teenage Dream was amazing.
I loved "Teenage Dream" the Glee/male version . I think its the best song it was so cheerful. I felt sorry for Beast but the imaginary flashes were hilarious . I'm glad that Noah is back . I liked this episode I think it was good unlike the previous episode which was a let down for me .
I loved ''Teenage Dream'' Glee/male version
Just watched my first episode of GLEE. It's a fun show. Better then many out there today. Just enjoy it. Why read anything into it.
You're right at some points, but I think we should absolutely not compare Glee and reality. I'm a huge american tv show fan (Glee, How I met your mother, desperate housewives, supernatural, true blood, etc, etc), but it's really important that people stop comparing fictions and reality. The all point of Glee is about songs , and impressive shows, and exaggeration but not reality. Every thing is a 100% exaggerated or unique but that's what makes the show. Imagine Glee without Sue or Emma or Rachel or Britanny ? They're not the type of people you meet in real life, but that's what makes it fun.
BTW the Blaine School guys were Black coats with Red Ribbons all over it ... I think it is pretty much a gay school , maybe they need a Mirror to see that every day they dress up like Gays. :p
I 101% agree with the review... Beastie a 40 years old virgin *** that\'s just otter crap as crap as Will\'s character has become! I hope he comes out of the closet. my problem with Glee this season is there is no story at all. GLEE has become a sitcom, where something starts in first few minutes and then ends on it in the end. C\'mon there is not a prolonged story for which we look out for.. what ya think? I love Glee cast they are great and they rocked the Mash-ups and I was thinking that they deserve every bit of Success ... But I have strong feelings that One day Glee will wind up like Ugly Betty which started off on Top notes and fell flat on its face.Every other week Glee goes Off air and they run Re-runs then seems like after 13 episodes they will go on hiatus on 4months again like last year. that\'s too much...Glee will run longer than Ugly Betty because there are NO.1 Smash hits songs comes every other week and as long as they will cover them people will tune in and go to their concerts and buy CDs. But lets be Honest if ya miss one of the episodes of Glee, you wont miss much in story and you will miss the songs only.All I want Glee to become a T.v show rather than a SitCom. I loved Glee and Glee Cast but i can\'t stop to consider that In United States of Tara ... Lionel as Marshal\'s Gay mentor was far brilliantly presented... so Glee is coping the Whole Story from United States of Tara. Just because Cable Shows has less viewers than FOX it doesn\'t mean that We don\'t know from where they Stole the Story. Right? Even if you remember Pregnant Quinn was straight from \"The Secret life of American Teenager\" because it was becoming Phenomena how they dealt with he Issue..So under all the genius mind of Mr.Ryan Murphy is a Stealer ideas I bet Dexter or Big C are coming Next in Glee :-Dmoreless
Louis, in a comment you wrote that the U.S. is behind in times when it comes to the representation of gay characters in TV shows.. I live in The Netherlands. Once known to be the most tolerant country in the world. Yeah well.. in your face, maybe. Second you turn your back they're all talking about you. About how you're gay or fat, or ugly, or weird, or just plain different than them. The US is, IMHO, together with the UK at the top of countries that represent gays on TV, albeit in a stereotypical manner. And that is purely because a lot of US and UK shows reach across the globe. As a gay person I say, let's just be glad that queers exist in the many TV show universes. But yes, I also yearn for a gay character that doesn't have issues with it.moreless
"But I digress. I’m no Glee fan" So why are you writing an article on Glee?!?!?!?!? you're not wrong. it's not realistic. it is just fluff and glitter. but NO SHOW IS REAL. but they handled the topic fine. better than most shows do minus Degrassi.
Can't comment on GLEE per se since I have avoided it desperately from the beginning. But the best treatment of a gay character currently may be Jonathan Del Arco's medical examiner on THE CLOSER. The key is that he is gay described as such, and it makes absolutely no difference to who he is. That level of comfort is what I am hoping for -- the way it no longer makes news or even gets noticed when black actors play certain roles. (Actually, I'd love to see him being the center of one episode, maybe his fiance -- I see him as in a settled relationship but waiting for the court cases to finish to get married -- being a suspect in a case. But the only reason I want that is to see the whole cast dancing with various partners at his wedding reception as the final scene of the show.) A similar treatment was done with Angel on -- the much missed by me -- MERCY, where he was never the center of an episode. Most gays, even if out, live quiet lives little different from straights (I'm bi, btw). Sadly, it will be some time before the 'segregationists' like goral finally fade back into the woodwrok.moreless
I think it didn't completely missed the mark. For the better part of the episode bullying was portrayed exactly the way it goes. For no reason what so ever, someone gets beaten up. I absolutely loved the scene where Kurt steps up at confronts that guy with his fears. Until the second that guy kisses him. Suddenly we have to feel apathetic to him and he can still go on without anything really changing. I agree that the whole boys academy was lame beyond believe. I felt like we were seeing Ryan Murphy's dream opposed to a serious episode.
Sorry Should read armed forces not just army