Fatima Abdihakim is a sophomore communication studies major. She is from Sunrise, Florida but her family originated from Somalia. She enjoys sleeping, reading, browsing the Internet and other relaxing habits. She enjoys fantasy shows and recently started watching “Glee” in her spare time. Her favorite quote is “Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most” by Mark Twain.
I can’t tell you how many friends I’ve lost since it began. How many times I’ve caught myself humming ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ before transitioning into ‘Push It’ (push it real good). How FOX has become the “danger zone” on the guide. How my family can’t even bear to look at me on Tuesdays.
These are the woes of a not-so-secret Gleek. Actually, before I launch into my tale of misery and despair, let me begin by defining what I am:
Gleek – (n) Anyone who is obsessed with the television show “Glee” may call themselves a “Gleek.” It is a combination of the words “glee” and “geek,” implying that the person is a “Glee Geek.” This is similar to calling someone a “Trekkie” (someone who is obsessed with Star Trek) or a “RENThead” (someone who is obsessed with the musical RENT).
Yes, it is as embarrassing as it sounds. I know what you’re thinking. Why the hell is a sophomore college student, with a schedule packed tighter than the jeans the kids wear nowadays, actually taking an hour of her Tuesday nights every week to watch a bunch of twenty-somethings run around pretending to be high school kids and singing top-40 songs?
I wish I could explain it without sinking into a hole of shame. I’m just not the type to watch “Glee!” I’m smart, I’m funny (in an awkward ‘oh-she’s-not-trying-to-be-funny-that’s-just-how-weird-she-is’ kind of way, but still), and I’ve got two older brothers for Pete’s sake! I watch shows like “Doctor Who” and pretend to understand whatever sport my brothers have on at the moment!
This.
Is.
Mortifying.
Then again, that’s just me being defensive and embarrassed about my life choices. Give me about 15 minutes to get out of the fetal position, and I can tell you that “Glee” is so much more than it’s made out to be.
Has there ever been a TV show more appropriately named than “Glee?” It both represents and inspires exactly that quality. Yet, if I tell you the show is about a high school glee club and features bursting-into-song musical numbers, you’ll probably react like I did at first: You can take that and get out of here. I dig a good musical, but I’m not the kind of guy who’ll watch one every week (girl. Guy? Wait, no, girl).
But this comedy from creator Ryan Murphy (“Nip/Tuck”) is actually so close to decent that it blasts past any defenses you might put up against it. “Glee” will not stop until it wins you over completely. The bastard. It’s the story of Will (Matthew Morrison), a high school Spanish teacher who takes over a pathetic glee club filled with adorable misfits. The whole thing is just so damn cute that you watch it just to take a break from your grimier, more interesting shows.
The story itself is manic, unorganized, forgetful, and more repetitive with each episode, but I grew to love it anyhow. The actors have the most amazing voices and decent acting ability that you barely notice that what you just watched was ridiculous until after the promo of next week’s episode. Plus, hey, if that doesn’t convince you, the cast is pretty damn easy on the eyes.
But I watch for plot. Not for Harry Shum Jr’s magnificent dancer’s abs. That’s just silly.
Although the show plays up stereotypes for comedic effect (the jocks and cheerleaders are unsurprisingly cruel, the glee club’s resident “diva” is a full-figured African-American girl, etc.), the universal message is for students to step out of their cliquish “boxes” and work together. Kind of corny, yes, but at least it has a good message. The show also frequently deals with sexual orientation and the seemingly abundant homophobia that exists within the walls of major public high schools (predictably, the show is slammed by conservatives as pushing a “pro-gay agenda”, but who cares about them?).
I don’t want to sound like I’m reviewing the show. “Glee” is probably one of the worst things on television in terms of plot development, continuity, and, frankly, likeable characters. But, my God, it’s lovely. It’s bright and colorful, so I suppose that’s what gets my attention. But on a much deeper level…it’s just a bunch of twenty-somethings pretending to be teenagers singing top-40 songs.
I hate myself. Come join me. Please?
