Glee The Complete Third Season now available

  FOX's Glee recently released The Complete Third Season on DVD and Blu-ray. This is the final year of high school for many of the original members of the New Directions, and they would like to go out with a bang. That means winning Nationals, setting themselves up to achieve their dreams, and for at least two students, a walk down the aisle.

Season three begins bumpy. Sugar Motta (Vanessa Lengies) tries to buy her way into the glee club, but given her lack of talent, she is rebuked by the existing members. But she soon finds friends when Mercedes (Amber Riley) and Santana (Naya Rivera), tired of losing the solos to Rachel (Lea Michelle), join forces with Sugar as the Troubletones. Now there are two rival glee clubs at the school, fighting for attention and competition awards.

Who do these girls get to coach their new singing group? Why, it's none other than former director of Vocal Adrenaline, Shelby Corcoran (Idina Menzel)! Shelby's return to Lima comes at a bad time for Quinn (Dianna Agron), who is really struggling with her own purpose. Suddenly, Quinn sees the chance to make Shelby look bad while getting her baby (adopted by the teacher) back. Unfortunately for Quinn, her accomplice in this matter, Puck (Mark Salling), decides a better alternative might just be to seduce Shelby into a relationship.

Toss in a renewed rivalry with the Warblers, led by the duplicitous Sebastian Smythe (Grant Gustin), new students, hockey bullies, the return of a few familiar faces, four winners from The Glee Project, a musical, and a couple of love triangles, and season three turns out to be a heck of a ride for Glee!

Of course, besides the fun and the singing, things do tend to take a more serious, nostalgic bend towards the end of the season. Graduation is looming. Rachel and Kurt (Chris Colfer) try to get into NYADA by impressing the legendary Carmen Tibideaux (Whoopi Goldberg), and both face failure. Finn (Cory Monteith), too, sees his dreams slipping away, and is faced with the reality of his father's secret past. This complicates the plan the three of them have to move to New York City, Finn and Rachel as husband and wife.

And there are also a couple of dark turns. Most memorably, Coach Beiste (Dot Jones) falls in love with an abuser. Glee has a lot of cheeriness in it, but it's hard to see things looking up when one's own husband is beating you. Jones turns in a masterful, award-worthy performance as a woman struggling with self-esteem and pride.

Other highlights of the year include Santana and Brittany (Heather Morris) fully out of the closet and together as a couple, a kinder, gentler, pregnant Sue (Jane Lynch), Burt (Mike O'Malley) saying a touching goodbye to Kurt, Ricky Martin as a Spanish teacher, Will (Matthew Morrison) being honored for his influence on the kids, a Michael Jackson and a Whitney Houston tribute, Helen Mirren providing an inner monologue for Becky Jackson (Lauren Potter), and two elections.

Of course, not everything flows smoothly. Glee, while frequently killing musical numbers, is very uneven in the writing. There will be fantastic episodes, like "Nationals," running close by horrible installments, like "Prom-A-Saurus." Sometimes the students lose their character, or seem to switch which grade level they're in. Parents who act like they've been at every event throughout the series just now show up on screen.

Season four will be a very transitional year for Glee, with a lot of fresh faces filling in the holes in the club, while splitting screen time with the alumni, especially Rachel, as they move into adult life. Will things improve, providing a different, but more stream-lined show? Or will added chaos finally cause the whole train to wreck in spectacular fashion? You'll have to tune in to find out.

In the meantime, besides twenty-two episodes, Glee The Complete Third Season has plenty of extras to keep fans busy. From extended and deleted scenes, to the popular Jukebox, to behind the scenes featurettes such as "Meet the Newbies," "Saying Goodbye," and "Ask Sue: World Domination Blog," this four disc set is filled with gleeful goodness.

Many will wonder if it's worth it to buy the Blu-ray release over the standard DVD. That depends, of course, on how much you care about quality. There are few special effects in Glee, so visually, high definition may seem unnecessary. But concerts look and sound better in an immersive experience, which argues for the Blu-ray. Glee in high def looks wonderful and has a crystal clear 5.1 DTS audio track. There isn't any spitting and popping, with each note landing flawlessly. The rich blacks in the performance scenes are stunning, and each bright light and glittering sequin stand out beautifully. So, yes, I recommend Blu-ray.

Glee The Complete Third Season is available now.

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Do you love Glee? "Yes/No"

      FOX's Glee returns from Christmas break with "Yes/No." After seeing Coach Beiste (Dot-Marie Jones) has eloped, Emma (Jayma Mays) grows anxious for a proposal from Will (Matthew Morrison), who asks the New Directions to help him craft one. But a conversation with Emma's parents (Don Most and Valerie Mahaffey) leaves him doubting whether or not Emma is ready for marriage and a family. Love is in the air for the kids, too, as Becky (Lauren Potter) sets her sights on Artie (Kevin McHale), Mercedes (Amber Riley) tries to pick a guy, and Finn (Cory Monteith) thinks about his future with Rachel (Lea Michele).

     Many did not expect Will to actually pop the question to Emma in "Yes/No." First of all, talking to her parents is a colossal mistake, which he should realize, considering their disastrous first meeting. The fact that he would listen to such mean, spiteful people, and take their words to heart, is completely unacceptable. After two and a half seasons of dancing around each other, fans would have been justifiably upset if Will or the writers had used this as an excuse to delay the union any longer. Thankfully, that doesn't happen. And Will's ability to quickly see the truth of the matter, and deliver his wonderfully elaborate proposal, should prove that they are meant to be together, and will last as a couple.

     The feelings between Will and Emma are always there, even when Will is trapped in a horrible marriage. Once freed from those bonds, Glee takes a detour. Which, since this is television, after all, that's not only acceptable, it's expected. What is unexpected, and more than acceptable, is allowing the pair to culminate that romance into something permanent so quickly! After all, Glee is only midway through season three, and many shows keep these things going on for years past that. So it's a joy that Glee goes another way.

     As for the attraction between Will and Emma, and Will's doubts, those are legitimate. Emma does have a debilitating condition that cannot be ignored. Perhaps she will be OK with mess once she has her own kids, but there's no guarantee of that; she might even grow worse. As such, they are definitely not ready to start a family, and it's great that Glee allows them to have a real conversation about it. But Will appears prepared to wait, and committed to helping Emma, who by her own right, is working on her problem. Progress will be slow, and any serious talk of kids before late season five is premature. However, "Yes/No" begins things on the right path.

     This little story leads to a wonderful musical number. Emma sings "Wedding Bell Blues," with Coach Beiste and Sue (Jane Lynch) backing her up. Emma only gets about one song per season, and this is her best yet. It's relevant, fun, and a good vocal showcase. Also, seeing Beiste and Sue in bridesmaid dresses, and making it appear that Emma has adult female friends, is wonderful. Perhaps Sue really wouldn't back Emma up in this way, but Sue does offer moral support, so that's cool.

     Other songs are done by the kids as they attempt to help Will stage his proposal. The "Moves Like Jagger/Jumping Jack Flash" mash up is OK, if a bit of fluff. It is more memorable for its choreography than melody. "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" is much sweeter, though admittedly sappy. However, it also gives some insight into other characters, including Santana's (Naya Rivera) deep love of Brittany (Heather Morris). And, of course, the one Will uses for the actual question, "We Found Love," is spectacular both aurally and visually, with a big synchronized swimming sequence. Excellent!

     It must be noted that while Coach Beiste may move a little fast in her relationship, already getting married to a character just introduced a handful of episodes ago, it is instant attraction between the two of them. Not to mention, Beiste has been waiting a long time for her man, and this one seems worthy. Viewers will surely only hope for the best between the pair, and have reason to be optimistic about the union.

     Will is not the only man to ask the big question in "Yes/No." Finn asks Rachel to marry him in a moment that seems pretty perfect. The girlfriend is shocked, and this episode does not reveal her answer. There are a number of things Rachel must consider. For one, she still has dreams of a Broadway career, and worries throughout Glee whether she can accomplish that while being with Finn. For another, they are still in school, and not even to college yet! Surely, that's too young! Her soulful "Without You" reveals that she has strong affection for him, but marriage is a huge step.

     It doesn't help that Finn is going through something that really doesn't have anything to do with Rachel. Finn tells Will that he is considering enlisting in the army, to follow in the footsteps of his war hero dad. But Will clues Emma, Burt (Mike O'Malley), and of course, Finn's mom Carole (Romy Rosemont), into the decision, and the adults confront Finn for a frank discussion. Carole admits that Finn's dad wasn't a hero, and struggled with addiction after a bad experience in the service, eventually dying from the condition. It's a shocker, but one a mother understandably keeps from her son while he's growing up. Finn is devastated.

     So is Finn's marriage proposal just his way of trying to give his future some meaning? Robbed of following daddy's path, might he just be clinging to something else? Or, perhaps not. Finn has to really look inside himself, searching for the thing that makes him special, and he feels that Rachel is that thing. Which is certainly endearing. Perhaps they are too young, but Finn's desire to be with Rachel comes from a genuine place, and is sincere. As to whether Rachel is ready to commit to him in that way, well, that remains to be seen. But since this is television, and there is at least one more season left for the pair, she'll probably say no.

     Glee doesn't seem to disparage military service in "Yes/No," but it does discourage it for the character of Finn. It's certainly not a decision to be taken lightly, and one that isn't right for most people. Hopefully no one will be offended by this scene of talking the young man out of enlisting. No offense seems intended, nor warranted.Instead, it calls attention to the harsh truth, less often spoken of, about our troops. Which is something worth exploring.

     Mercedes also struggles with her romantic notions in "Yes/No." Pursued by Sam (Chord Overstreet), Mercedes insists that what she has with him is just a summer fling, and she is over him, happy now with Shane (Lamarcus Tinker). But in "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face," her thoughts go to Sam, not Shane. Does this mean that Sam is the one that she wants (hehe)? Probably, since Sam is a more central character, and unfortunately, despite Tinker's other respectable credits (Cougar Town and Friday Night Lights) before coming to Glee, he has been used practically not at all. Mercedes may choose Sam, but the real crime here is Tinker being wasted on Glee.

     If you didn't understand the "hehe" in the preceding paragraph, think of the lyrics in Grease. This is made a more obvious link by the rendition of "Summer Nights" Sam and Mercedes perform in "Yes/No." One wishes Glee took more liberties with the words to apply the number to the couple's actual doings. What is present, instead, is a version extremely true to the movie it comes from, with camera shots echoing the original. It's cool, and a well done homage, but it doesn't really give fans any insight into what actually happens between the two off screen, and that is something many long to see.

     A quick question, though. Since Sam has a letter jacket previously in Glee, why does he need to join the swim team to get another one? He is shown wearing it in season two, presumably because of his football stint. Even if he no longer owns the jacket, he could just buy another, right, without having to re-qualify for it? Sure, it gives a good excuse to bring in NeNe Leakes as Coach Roz Washington, an amusing, if unnecessary, bit part. But the logic behind this plot doesn't make sense. And surely Sam knows Mercedes well enough by now to realize that she doesn't care about something so trivial. Also, the Sam from season two would never be this superficial. It feels out of character. Though it does feel like Grease, which may be the point.

     During "Summer Nights," Kurt (Chris Colfer) is seen with the girls, while Blaine (Darren Criss) is singing with the boys. Yes, this seems logical. But Kurt complains to Blaine in a prior episode that Blaine considers him the girl in their relationship. Mightn't this be part of the reason? And really, what's so wrong with it?


     The final couple in "Yes/No" to get some meaty plot is Becky and Artie. Becky searches for the perfect man, aided by an awesome, overconfident inner narration spoken by none other than Oscar winner Helen Mirren! This is explained by Becky stating that she can sound like whatever she wants to in her head, a true statement, and done wonderfully by the great actress. There can be no complaint about Mirren's role, and one is happily surprised that she enthusiastically took the part.

     Back to the central issue, though, Becky wants a guy. She chooses Artie because he is handicapable, like her, and cute. Artie goes along with it at first, because he finds he likes spending time with Becky, and he doesn't want to be rude. But he does eventually tell her that he just isn't interested in anything more. With typical swagger, Becky walks away from him, leaving Artie feeling bad, and Glee viewers with a broken heart. Not that anyone expects or wants Artie to be with Becky. But the poor girl deserves to be happy!

     The thing that is cool about the character of Becky is how she is treated as such an average student by Glee. Name one other television series that lets someone with Downs act like anyone else, sharing the same hopes and dreams, and almost never makes the character's story about her condition? Becky not only soars as an individual, she's an inspiration and role model for millions of people who share her ailment. She doesn't let it define her life. Yes, it's ridiculous to heap accolades for this fact in 2012, as it should be done everywhere, and it's almost criminal that Glee is the only series to truly tackle the issue in a realistic way.This is one of the reasons that Glee deserves respect, even if one does not care for cheesy musical numbers. Not to mention, actress Potter is fantastic in the part.

     What's more, the character of Sue is probably at her best written in "Yes/No." Besides her involvement in the Emma situation, she also offers support to Becky. Sue confronts Artie, but in a caring way, not a bully way. She advises Becky. Sue is also there to comfort Becky in the end. Glee has opened Sue up before, especially around her deceased sister and Becky, as she has a soft spot for them. However, this is probably the most sincere and well developed Sue episode yet, and despite playing only a small role in "Yes/No," it's a wonderful bit of story. More Sue like this, please!

     Also, more Glee episodes like this, please! "Yes/No" mostly stays away from the familiar tropes, and the things that don't work. It allows for serious conversation, and stories that feel real and relatable. The characters have a level of authenticity that they don't always exhibit. The songs are pretty good, and accent the story, rather than distract from it. In all, "Yes/No" will stand as a shining example of what Glee can, and should, be.

     It does not appear that Glee will be releasing its third season in two seperate DVD sets this year, unlike the first two seasons. That's OK. It's really been unnecessary.

     Watch Glee Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.


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Article first published as TV Review: Glee - "Yes/No" on Blogcritics.

Prime Suspect - The Complete Collection on DVD

     Perhaps now is a good time to look at Prime Suspect, the British series which will soon enjoy an American remake on broadcast television. Last year, Acorn Media released The Complete Collection on DVD, and thus, it's easy enough to get a look at the approximately twenty-five hours Oscar winner Helen Mirren (The Queen, Red) spends breathing life in to Jane Tennison. More of a series of television movies or miniseries than a traditional show, Tennison's life is observed over fifteen years (with a big gap after the first five) as she works her way up in the police ranks, and deals with numerous personal issues. Prime Suspect aired on PBS in the States.

     Prime Suspect won a number of awards over its run, which ended in 2006, including Emmys, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes. Thus, it is not surprising that Mirren stars, given that she herself has won all of those, plus an Oscar, numerous SAGs, and many others. Tennison is a complex character, both when breaking into a traditionally male-dominated profession, and also dealing with sour relationships and alcoholism. It's a tour de force, and a treat for those who generally only get a couple of hours of Mirren at a time. Her gritty, realistic portrayal has lots of depth, as well as the sheer raw talent that Mirren is known, and has been honored, for.

     Mirren isn't the only actor who deserves kudos for her work on Prime Suspect. Though others do not appear throughout the entire series, notable people that were a part of the effort include Tom Wilkinson (The Kennedys, John Adams), Tom Bell (No Bananas, The Krays), John Benfield (Cassandra's Dream), Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter, The English Patient), Johnny Lee Miller (Eli Stone, Trainspotting), John Bowe (Silent Witness, Cranford), Zoë Wanamaker (My Family, Love Hurts), and Bryan Pringle (Brazil, A Prince Among Men). With such a talented cast, it is no wonder Prime Suspect is revered as a highly successful drama.

     For those bored the gluttony of police procedurals on the television, Prime Suspect is not just one of those, though it certainly contains many elements of such. The highly personal nature of much of Tennison's plot, as well as a number of deeper, social issues explored in depth raise it above the drivel. While a number of series, including The Closer, claim to pay homage to Prime Suspects, none come close to the caliber of the Mirren-led series. It truly rises above the rest.

     The DVD set of Prime Suspect - The Complete Collection is nice in that it collects all of the adventures in one nice, neat set. Early seasons are 4:3 in picture ratio, and not even in stereo, so there isn't a big technological advantage to the newer release over previous ones. Special features are lite, too, only included in the final two series. There's a photo gallery, cast filmographies, and two featurettes, totaling less than an hour and a half in length. But, of course, the main draw are the nine mysteries that encompass the set, not the bonuses, or lack thereof. Those make the purchase well worth the price.

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Article first published as DVD Review: Prime Suspect - The Complete Collection on Blogcritics.