Not sure if you folks reading Asylum realized it, but "Glee" aired its "winter finale" last night. It will be going into hibernation until April, when the group of singing teens will reappear in an oh-so-fitting spot after the Tuesday episode of "American Idol."How do I know this? Because I watched it. And not because I was doing it to keep my fiancee happy or because I was acting in my capacity as editor of TV Squad. I actually like the show. And I'm not afraid to admit it.
Unlike some other shows that are aimed toward the female 18-34 demographic (like the entire CW lineup), a man can watch "Glee" and feel secure in his masculinity, for a number of reasons:
1. Lea Michele, Dianna Agron and Jessalyn Gilsig: Eye candy! Yes, other shows have this too, but the eye candy here don't just brood and pout; Michele has the comic chops to carry the show as annoying overachiever Rachel; Agron has been good as the conflicted, pregnant Cheerio Quinn; and no one can play stone-cold crazy quite like Gilsig.
2. Ryan Murphy: The show's creator / executive producer isn't exactly used to doing "OMG" kind of television. He and his writers may be channeling modern teens in the show, but some of the dark elements of his other show, "Nip/Tuck," tend to creep in during every episode.
In last week's episode, for instance, glee club mentor Will Schuester finally discovered the fake pregnancy of his wife Terri (played by the aforementioned Gilsig); the ensuing confrontation was pretty intense, but didn't seem that out of place with the usual tone of the show.
3. Jane Lynch: Some viewers don't like Lynch's character of ruthless Cheerio coach Sue Sylvester, claiming she's a handlebar mustache away from being Snidely Whiplash. But someone needs to be the alpha male on that show, and Lynch plays a good one. Cocky, aggressive and willing to do anything to crush the little gleesters, it's been fun to watch her in her limited screen time. Good to see the veteran comic actress finally getting her due.
There. I feel much better now. And I think I still have my manhood intact ... I think.
Is there any show that you watch that makes you check your testosterone levels?
Joel Keller is the editor-in-chief of TV Squad. His hormone levels came back fine during his last blood test, so he feels safe, even after a half-season of watching a television musical.
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Thursday 10 December
By SV
Last night on Leno, Saints quarterback Drew Brees admitted he watches Glee.
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Friday 11 December
By Craig
Watching Glee, even loving it, certainly does not make you less manly. I do all kinds of traditional non-manly things: I love cats, cry, sometimes tear up in sad movies, am not obsessed with football (still like it just not obsessed), like to decorate, iron my shirts, have no problems asking for directions and I still consider myself pretty manly. Having said that I can't stand Glee, mainly because I have a strong dislike (okay, hatred) for musicals. In Glee, they especially like take great songs, trash them and turn them into mush. Thanks to my first attempt to watch the show, I can no longer listen to the Police and I'm only scared what might come on next. And if you can't guess it, I didn't like Rent either. What you might find ironic is that Desperate Housewives is one of my favorite shows and I never miss it.
You might find it ironic that one of my favorite shows is Desperate Housewives. What gets me in
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Friday 11 December
By Aquarius121
I'm so happy you're standing up for men everywhere who love Glee! I'm not a guy, but I can see how some men might be kinda scared to like this show. Anyway it's a really funny show with just enough drama and good acting to make it interesting, plus some good song choices. I disagree with Craig about the music, they usually don't murder the original. Although...I did hate Will's version of "Don't Stand So Close To Me" if only because he looked like a douchebag weirdo while performing it. God he annoys me.
:)
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Saturday 12 December
By samster
Jane Lynch is fantastic, and her character, Sue Sylvester, IS the show. I watch Glee because of this character and the great script writing this show has to offer.
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Wednesday 16 December
By glennc
without a shadow of a doubt.
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