Why We Need 'Glee'

Every few years, a series comes along that revolutionizes the limits of what television can do. In 2001, “24” tried -- and succeeded -- in telling fully serialized storylines taking place in real-time. Then, in 2004, “Lost” began a surreal trip back and forth through time (sometimes literally) in a mythology-rich tale about a group of interconnected lives. And in 2009, the face of television was changed once more by a little series called “Glee.”

Centering on a high school Spanish teacher named Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) and his efforts to restore the glee club -- of which he was once a member -- to its former glory, the musical comedy series has fast become a force to be reckoned with in our popular culture. And this prominence can only be heightened this Sunday with Fox’s decision to air “Glee” directly following the Super Bowl, the most-watched television event of the year.

Only midway through its second season, “Glee” has not only proven to be one of Fox’s biggest hits but has spun off a collection of merchandise that includes record-breaking album sales and digital downloads, a series of novels, a clothing line and even a video game for the Nintendo Wii.

Sure, with its riveting musical performances and a laundry list of big-name guest stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Neil Patrick Harris, there’s little denying that “Glee” is currently the hottest, most-talked-about show on television. However, there’s more to its appeal and cultural significance than simply its superficial entertainment value.

In addition to the sales of its own music, the show’s spirited musical performances have introduced an entirely new generation to classic hits by artists like Journey, Queen, Bon Jovi, Tina Turner and more.

True, more of the show’s focus this season has been on modern, fresh-from-the-charts selections, such as Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” but on the whole, the series doesn’t pick and choose its songs from the Top 40 but embraces a broader musical palette, including the regular use of tunes from classic musicals like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Les Miserables” and “Funny Girl.”

“Glee” helps keep these timeless classics part of American pop culture and even boosts the success of current hits, such as Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” and Cee-Lo’s “Forget You,” both of which experienced massive jumps in sales following their inclusion on “Glee.” In essence, the show has been a shot of adrenaline into the falling music industry, which has seen a steady decline in sales for years. No wonder most artists -- with Kings of Leon among the notable exceptions -- are quick to give “Glee” license to use their music on the show.

Some critics may point out that the show’s use of existing songs undermines the creativity involved in “Glee,” but while it may be true that the songs it features are not exclusively created for the show, that’s never really been the point of “Glee.”

Creators Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan and Brad Falchuk have set out to create a show that represents a celebration of the arts in a time when reality television and a pointless obsession with celebrities and those desperately seeking their fifteen minutes of fame appears to reign supreme.

“Glee” is about how the arts -- whether it’s music, film, literature or some other medium -- can affect us, how they can move us emotionally or open our minds to view the world in a way we hadn’t before. And in presenting bits of pop culture, such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” or Madonna’s library of hits, the show infects viewers with the same vitality and excitement that its characters have for the arts, to the point that it’s inevitable for viewers to be left smiling by episode’s end.

From Naya Rivera’s bitchy cheerleader Santana Lopez to Cory Monteith’s reputation-conscious football player Finn Hudson, every single character on the show is merely playing a role, filling out a stereotype in high school in order to fit in, and this is the entire point of the show’s structure.

There’s a moment in the first season finale “Journey” when each of the 12 glee clubbers proclaims how they’ve changed since glee club started. None of these kids truly knows who they are inside and who they’re destined to become later in life, and they’re able to find their voice -- literally and figuratively -- through music and their interactions with the other outcasts that have joined the New Directions show choir.

Celebrating people who are different has always been a very clear focus on “Glee” as well. Whether it’s Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and her obsessive need for attention, wheelchair-bound Artie (Kevin McHale) or African-American diva (Amber Riley), all of the New Directions are cast out by the rest of the school and forced to find the strength in themselves to be true to themselves, forsaking the opinions of others.

This isolation is especially apparent with the ongoing struggle for glee clubber Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) to come to terms with his sexuality. Since the series began, Kurt has felt oppressed and alone because the world around him has preconceived notions of how people should behave, how they should dress and, yes, who they should love.

With Kurt’s storyline and elsewhere, the show attempts to break down stereotypes. “Glee” has often tackled serious subjects -- including bullying, teen pregnancy, peer pressure and religion -- that high school students face every single day. It has addressed each of them in a way that asks viewers to question the validity of their own values. And all the while, the show has maintained the sharp, sardonic sense of humor characteristic of its most famous character, cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester (Emmy winner Jane Lynch).

Sue’s antagonistic relationship with the glee club has long been a focus for “Glee,” but even her rough exterior has turned out to be the result of neglectful parents and an older sister with Down’s syndrome. It’s a testament to the show’s writing that each of its main characters emerged well-rounded and fully developed right from the show’s inception.

That’s not to say that “Glee” is perfect, by any means. In fact, the storytelling -- especially in the second half of its first season -- can come across as inconsistent and choppy, and some of its creative choices (a Britney Spears tribute episode? Really?) are questionable.

However, none of that changes the fact that the series and its creators have good intentions in mind.

As illustrated in its pilot episode, the message of “Glee” encourages viewers to follow their dreams and live their lives with passion. For instance, only moments after the credits have begun rolling, Will stops at McKinley High’s trophy case, focusing on a tribute to his former glee director.

“By its very definition, Glee is about opening yourself up to joy,” it says.

In taking up the post of glee club director, he reawakens the fire in his heart that died out years ago, and just the same, “Glee” challenges viewers -- both young and old -- to shake off the shackles of our comfort zone and follow our hearts to what we really want in life, regardless of the dissent of those around us.

Name another show that radiates such a powerful message. Or open your mind and give “Glee” a chance if you haven’t already. Don’t worry, we won’t tell Sue.