I loved ''Glee'' and seldom missed an episode, but this one-of-a-kind, Ryan Murphy creation hits its peak in its 1st and 2nd seasons.
In its prime, it was a pop-culture phenomena that won Emmys and Golden Globes. I enjoyed their fun and infectious, show-choir renditions of Journey's ''Don't Stop Believin','' Queen's 'Somebody to Love,'' Bon Jovi's ''It's My Life'' and Katy Perry's ''Teenage Dream,'' to name a few. Plus, ''Glee'' introduced lots of showtunes, like ''Don't Rain on My Parade,'' to younger audiences. And ''Glee's'' songs became hits on Billboard.
Above it all, there was that multi-ethnic, multitalented cast that won a SAG Award for Best Ensemble. And the delightful characters they played: Mr. Schue, Finn, Rachel, Kurt, Blaine, Sue Sylvester. Since ''Rise'' is also set in a high school, it has the same archetypes: the inspiring drama teacher; the quarterback who sings; his girlfriend; the gay kid, etc. Yet, ''Rise's'' characters all seem like pale versions of the more ''Glee''-ful originals. |
