Lauren likes TV: Glee-hee-hee!

Glee (FOX, Fall, 2009) ^[1] — I had high expectations for this and it did not disappoint. It was actually better than expected, not because it was oozing with cheese, but because actually, it wasn’t. Obviously, it’s had its cheesy moments, but I actually saw some similarities between Glee and the 1999 dark comedy, Election ^[2]. It’s funny and entertaining, yet quietly odd (and the main chick, Rachel, is reminiscent of Reese Witherspoon’s award-nominated role as the uptight teacher’s pet, Tracy Flick). 

The characters that stood out to me most were the shy, and adorable, Finn (Cory Monteith) ^[3], who should brace himself for fan pandemonium once the show kicks into high gear, and Kurt (Chris Colfer) ^[4], who is the most interesting character I’ve seen in a long time. And let’s not forget about the real main character of this show, the music. We’ve already seen two greats, Rehab and Don’t Stop Believin’. In addition to the millions of iTunes downloads (#4 most downloaded song this week), my bet is that the soundtrack is one of the top-selling albums of 2009/2010. I should pre-order my copy now.

 Others Noteworthy

24 — It was interesting to see the softer side of 24. Usually some major bomb or rescue comes down to the wire. Instead, they focused on Jack and how he has lived with his conscience after what he’s done through the years. He knew what he was doing was wrong in his mind, but right in his heart. Obviously, Jack will eventually survive, but I don’t know how he’ll go on after everything he’s been through. Next season takes place in NY… wha wha!

Gossip Girl — GG saw them as she wanted to see them… In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions: a whore, an ultimate insider, a coward, a weakling, and an irrelevant nothing. First the blast heard around graduation, then the ultimate bomb was dropped. It was the highlight of the season for me. GG rules, whoever she may be.

90210 — Call me crazy but I didn’t hate this! The blowout between Naomi and Annie was epic and I have to say, the acting wasn’t horrible… in fact, Naomi, who I normally loathe, was rather good in this episode. My favorite part was obviously the kinda lame, yet somewhat amusing stoner scenes with the Wilsons. Surprisingly, the only retarded part (not including the bizarro dream sequence with Brenda Walsh) was the ending. What the hell was that? Ethan must be dead.

Lowlights

Samantha Who? has been cancelled. This is a travesty. What will I do without my weekly dose of aloof Sam and her entourage of funny, chubby and/or narcissistic-al friends? And don’t get me started on her condescending, criticizing, yet somewhere deep-down-loving mother. I’ll miss her the most. Apparently it was because of money… cost-cutting. It’s only a half-hour for Chrissakes… 22 minutes, really! The Newlys are gone but certainly not forgotten. 

What to Watch, Week of 5/25

We are down to the nitty gritty here. The only things I have left on my plate are the following:

My Boys — Just a friendly reminder that this show is great. The episode about the ups and downs of Facebook was humorous and something we can relate to. Each week it’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s endearing… and it’s ending. Tuesday’s episode is the season finale. 

Harper’s Island — I have stuck by this farfetched murder-mystery. It’s ridiculous, I can’t take my eyes away. My pick for murderer is still alive. It’s always the best man, right?

Of course there’s also some fabulous reality kicking in… The Bachelorette (was it me or were suitors hotter than usual?) and So You Think You Can Dance (the best competition on television) are underway.

Happy Memorial Day!