Gleeful for Glee

If there's one television show this season that I can't get enough of it's FOX's new hit, Glee.  Glee is the continuing story of a high school glee club, its members and the adults (in this case, a group of teachers and coaches) who anchor the whole thing.  In many ways, the show models other teen stories:  the central group of students are talented misfits who no one has much faith in, and yet, who continue to prove everyone wrong.  But that's not really what's worth watching about Glee.  The joy of the program comes from the sometimes dark, always quirky characters--the budding superstar and drama queen, Rachel; the overzealous and hilariously cruel cheerleading coach (played by Jane Lynch); the adorably obsessive-compulsive counselor--who would all drive us nuts in real life, but who we love to root for in this setting.  And let's not forget what this show is all about:  the music.  The cast is truly superb:  so much so that if you don't find yourself singing along, or at least bouncing your knee or foot, you're very much alone.  In fact, if you listen enough, you may find yourself forgetting the originals of the many popular songs the cast covers.  For example, in the last episode of Part I of this season, the lead role of Rachel, played by Lea Michele, "out Barbara Streisands Barbara Streisand" (to quote a friend of mine) in her version of "Don't Rain On My Parade" from Funny Girl.  That alone is something to see.

Part II of Glee begins next week on FOX.  In the meantime, check out Part I on DVD, or either of the two tv soundtracks, at your local library.  You'll be oh so happy you did.