Monday 10 August 2009

Possible Fall Favorite - FOX's "GLEE"


Starting its run on September 9th, “Glee” looks to be a promising new show in Fox’s fall line up. It’s kitschy and cheeky, and even a bit cartoonish, but there’s something charming about the characters and concept that will keep audiences watching. Creator/Producer Ryan Murphy has hoped to garner some attention by pre-releasing the series pilot (available on itunes) – a move that has proven successful in the past for other projects.

Set in a small Ohio town, “Glee” follows the group of endearing misfits who make up the high school’s glee club. Once an award winning show choir, the club is now a small collection of talented youngsters who are all but invisible to the rest of the student body. These outcasts include a flamboyant and fashion conscious Kurt (Chris Colfer), talented but wheelchair bound Arty (Kevin McHale), a stuttering goth named Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz), and powerhouse drama queen Mercedes (Amber Riley). The stars of the group, however, are found in Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and Finn Hudson (Corey Monteith). Although incredibly talented, Rachel is an annoyingly self-impressed perfectionist who is set on reaching Hollywood no matter who she needs to step on to get there. Finn, the star football player and stereotypical popular guy, finds himself stuck in glee to avoid detention. In a school where status and image is everything, Finn’s reputation is threatened only by his abilities as a singer.

The first episode not only introduces us to these young men and women, but primarily to the teachers who offer them guidance and support. Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) was a member of this glee club during its glory days, and has taken on the task of trying to legitimize the club once again. His enthusiasm is almost like a giddy delusion, however, as it seems clear to even the members of glee that they are a lost cause. He seems saddened not only by the failure of his former creative outlet, but also by the stagnant state of his life and marriage. His wife Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) shows little encouragement or attention, controlling him with unrealistic expectations and demands. His only support lies in the school’s guidance councilor, Emma Pilsbury (Jayma Mays), who is obviously and deeply enamored with Will. Her bubbly energy is countered by her quirky obsessive-compulsive germ phobia. Their painfully cute determination is countered by the administrators and other teachers, who clearly have no interest in the survival or success of the glee club. First in line to watch their failure is girls cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester – played perfectly by none other than Jane Lynch.

Unfortunately, the pilot is overwritten, cloyingly predictable, and harshly clich̩. The story is an old one Рoutcasts seeking to prove their small-town world wrong. Luckily though, the show is saved by its delightful characters, talented cast and heartwarming message. There is much to look forward to from these incredible young newcomers. Keep an eye out for the exciting and smile-inducing musical numbers, such "Don't Stop Believing" and "Bust Your Windows"...

If nothing else, “Glee” will provide good filler between FOX’s myriad of crime dramas, and will add to their line up overrun by animated series’ and reality shows.


(image care of http://www.homorazzi.com)

Wednesday 5 August 2009

MTVU - The Missing Channel


MTVU, one of the many MTV channels, is characterized by "college music, activism, shows and activities on campus" (website heading). It hosts a series of exemplary programs, including Dean's List, where every episode a different student hosts a top ten countdown of their favorite artists and videos.

One of the few stations which still plays music videos, MTVU manages to effectively intertwine rock, alternative, hip hop, pop and eclectic music - giving equal attention to each genre. While clearly aimed at the college-aged crowed, MTVU continues to prove itself as a valuable tool for students and musicians alike.

Unfortunately, MTVU is only accessible on college campuses. For those of us who have recently graduated, the network's original "I want my MTV!" rings painfully true. Left to our own devices, finding new and upcoming artists has become more of a chore than an enjoyable experience. With MTVU in the background while doing home work, preparing for a night out, or simply relaxing in a dorm room, artists like Santigold, B.o.B, Oren Lavie, and others become sudden favorites. Tuning into MTV or MTV2 regularly results in disappointment and resentment. Neither satisfy the desire for good music, let alone anything new or interesting.

As far as I can tell, the viewing public over the age of 18 is sick of the terrible reality shows, the categorized music hours featuring horrible classic rock or unbearable hip hop, and the repetitive video countdowns. MTVU has news updates. It shares information about what's going on at colleges around the country. Exciting artists that aren't (yet) played on the popular radio stations are introduced and given a chance. If only MTVU could get the same opportunities from the programming gods...