A Little Glee

Okay so I promised some thoughts on Glee -- and here they are! The sophomore season has had plenty of high points but the season has not been perfect, so let me put in my two cents to the producers on what they can fix (love that I think I can actually change things).

A positive -- The season has continued to create poignant story lines. Kurt's bullying, Kurt's Dad's illness and the joining of Kurt and Finn's families have created socially significant, touching scenes with amazing acting skills by Kurt, his Dad and several other cast members.

A negative -- Too many of these great storylines are interrupted by specials (Rocky Horror and Glee Christmas) or guest stars (more on those later). I want to keep following the stories, not get sidetracked for the "special effects."

A positive -- As always there are some great song choices that inspire my love for song and singing. Love the new boys choir and their a cappella arrangements -- Teenage Dream and Hey Soul Sister were spectacular. Plus New Directions covers of Florence and the Machine and Paramore and Cee Lo were fresh and fun.

A negative -- The "is Rachel the next Barbra Streisand" (or should I say "is Lea Michele the next Barbra?") agenda was too obvious. Papa, Can You Hear Me? by Kurt's Dad's bedside? I loved Rachel and Kurt's Barbra / Judy duet - loved it - but there just felt like too much Barbra (and maybe too much Lea). Plus the back and forth with Mr Schuester and Emma was just ridiculous (and still is). He's married, he's separated, she is engaged, he is divorced, she is dating, she is married! Whatevs.

Which brings me to my next positive -- The show has finally incorporated ALL of the Glee members and added new characters that have staying power! Brittany has actually overshadowed Coach Sue with her one liners this season. Mike Chang speaks! Santana is a racy vixen and her duet with Mercedes was amazing. New stud Sam has a great voice and has added a spark to Quinn's character (and her voice!). I can't stand "I've Had the Time of My Life," but Quinn and Sam made it sweet and fun. Coach Beast brought me to tears with her gift to Artie this week.

But the winner for best new character? Darren Criss as Blaine is the best addition to any cast. He won me over with his voice (and the a cappella arrangements) plus I'm happy to see Kurt happy and this crooner is a charming performer. So likeable, and so talented. He is finally some competition for Lea Michele! Now where is that duet?

And now a negative -- NO MORE GUEST STARS. The choices are disruptive to the storylines and overshadow the real reason we watch the show -- the actors on the show. We didn't need to see Britney for Brittany to become lovable and show off her dance chops and what was Carol Burnett showcasing? Love Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth from last season because they played characters that were integrated into the storyline. Yes, Gwyneth was funny and her Cee Lo performance was amazing and the Spanish teacher moments were great. But did we need the closing song and dance of her and Lea from Chicago or even the Umbrella mash-up? Did we need an all Gwyneth Glee episode? I don't think so. I heard the big post-Superbowl episode will feature Katie Couric, BORING!!

So, in summary to Glee creator Ryan Murphy -- more bringing tears to my eyes, less Veteran's Day specials or Easter mash-ups, more unpredictable song choices, less Barbra, more of all of the cast members, and definitely no Hollywood stars touting their new project (look Gwyneth can sing go see her as a Country star!). Oh and PLEASE -- MORE Darren Criss and a Blaine / Rachel duet this Spring! Thank you, your pop cultre obsessor.

Remember Ryan, I'm not afraid of calling you out for your mistakes, so don't be ashamed of your obsessions...