Glee americano

This week's installment of FOX's Glee is called "The Spanish Teacher." Figgins (Iqbal Theba) tells Will (Matthew Morrison) that he is up for tenure, but that he should probably learn some Spanish if he wants to be considered for the position. Will is, after all, a Spanish teacher. Enrolling in a night class taught by David Martinez (singer Ricky Martin), Will realizes just how little he knows, but tries to correct that by bringing a Latino flair to glee club, as well as his normal teaching duties. In the end, remembering what passion is all about, Will opts for a transfer to the history department, leaving his old job open for David. Emma (Jayma Mays), who is already comfortable in her position, is chosen for the tenured position over Will.

While Glee has never shied away from camp, exposing Will as a fraud of a Spanish teacher crosses the line. Will says that Spanish was the only teaching position open at the time he was seeking employment, so he took the subject. And that was how many teachers settled into their jobs decades ago. However, such hiring practices have not been realistic in Ohio, or almost any other state, in quite some time. There is no way that Will would be hired to teach a foreign language without majoring in it in college and passing tests. The educational process in Ohio is pretty strict, and he could not teach a subject he knows nothing about. As such, the entire thing is completely ridiculous.

And that's not even getting into the outdated system of tenure shown in this episode.

Does McKinley not have a choir director position? It is understood that glee club is an extracurricular, but most high schools of any size have a teacher devoted just to vocal music. McKinley certainly qualifies as such. If there is a teacher already holding that position, why haven't they been seen on the show before? It would make sense, given the musical focus. And if there is not, why aren't Will and the club lobbying for a levy to pass to restore their music program to normal, basic standards? Certainly this is something that they could get people in the community behind.

Those involved in the educational system have plenty of reason to be offended by "The Spanish Teacher," but those of Latin descent may have even more beef. Will and the guys massacre "La Cucaracha" in a silly performance. Later, Will's "A Little Less Conversation," an Elvis number by the way, is not any better. Both have mediocre vocals and unacceptable costumes. Adding bulls into the dance in the latter song is terrible.

But "The Spanish Teacher" does have a handful of redeeming qualities. For one, Santana (Naya Rivera) is as angry at the racism and the injustice as any viewer, and she shows it. She puts Will in his place, and tells him just how wrong what he's doing is. In this, she serves as the voice of the audience. Thank goodness Glee chooses to include this position.

Also, most of the Latin music is actually quite good, owing mainly to the fact that Rivera and Martin perform it. Their "La Isla Bonita" is exciting, and Martin's "Sexy and I Know It" lives up to its title. By showing an alternative to the bad performances, Glee somewhat salvages the plot, even though it can't save the character of Will this week.

Martin does pretty well in his acting gig. There really is nothing to complain about in his character of David, nor the way he plays the role. While it is regrettable that David did not sing any Ricky Martin songs in "The Spanish Teacher," perhaps this can be corrected in a future appearance. And if David starts dating Holly Holiday (Gwyneth Paltrow), it could be a perfect match up!
 
Other plots in "The Spanish Teacher" come out better than the A story. Mercedes (Amber Riley) and Sam (Chord Overstreet) go to Emma for advice, and after giving them some very funny pamphlets, Emma advises them not to talk to each other for a week. They sort of break this rule when Mercedes sings "Don't Wanna Lose You," and Sam comes back with "Bamboleo / Hero." If there is anything Glee delivers as a recurring message, it's that music can speak louder than words. But the pair does not have any actual conversation for seven days.

The problem is in the way this story ends. After a week, both appear anxious to talk to one another. But then Mercedes leaves with Shane (Lamarcus Tinker). Based on every physical and stated clue in "The Spanish Teacher," one would assume that Mercedes would dump her boyfriend to be with Sam. And maybe she still will. But she certainly doesn't tell the devastated Sam that as she walks away. It's an interesting story that drops the ball at the last moment.

Will and Emma's romance is given a happier ending. Will gets annoyed with Emma's pamphlets when he is stressed out by the tenure issue. Seeing that he is wrong to criticize, and that the pamphlets are a wonderful achievement, he apologizes. It's pretty inexcusable that Will treats Emma so meanly, but at least he understands that he is in the wrong and tries to make up for it. And Emma getting the tenure, totally justifying her career performance, overshadows her boyfriend's bad behavior.

Rachel (Lea Michele) tells Kurt (Chris Colfer) and Mercedes about her engagement to Finn (Cory Monteith). Kurt is supportive when Rachel asks him to think about his relationship with Blaine (Darren Criss, taking a short break from Glee to do Broadway), but later, Kurt confronts Finn. Kurt tells Finn that he is getting married for all the wrong reasons and selling himself short. It gives Finn something to think about, and Kurt is completely correct in his assertions. The question is, can Rachel and Finn survive as a couple after calling off their engagement? And how much have things been set into motion for the nuptials already? If next week's preview is any indication, the marriage plans have hit the ground running.

Finally, Sue (Jane Lynch) has the strangest scenes this week. For some, her character is extremely erratic, first chewing out Santana for reporting her misbehavior to Figgins, then saying to Becky (Lauren Potter) that Sue understands why Becky turned her in. So Becky is the culprit, and because Sue likes Becky, Sue is willing to consider motivation behind the act. However, is that any excuse for the drastically different reactions Sue has towards the two students? Or for her misbehavior in the first place, which involves asking high school boys for their sperm?

Yet, there is a really sweet bit between Sue and Emma where Sue explains why she is asking for Will's swimmers. Sue's words are sincere and heartfelt. While Emma is still not comfortable with the arrangement, suddenly fans can get on board with a Sue/Will baby. Then the plot is abandoned without explanation, when Sue says that she has found another donor. She gave up so easily? Who's the new daddy? So, again, erratic, and strange.

If the writers can decide which version of Sue they'd like to right for, please let us know. It would be nice to have a consistent character. There is a difference between have a layered persona, and acting contrary to established behavior patterns, and "The Spanish Teacher" definitely achieves the latter.

Which means between the music, Sue's story, Will's character, Mercedes's decision, and everything else going on, "The Spanish Teacher" comes across as a garbled mess. Not one of Glee's best efforts, unfortunately, though it contains a handful of solid moments.

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

MORE GLEE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of the Glee reviews I've ever written. To purchase Glee DVDs, streaming episodes, music, and more, please click here. Article first published as TV Review: Glee - "The Spanish Teacher" on Blogcritics.

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.


     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here for all of the Glee reviews I've ever written.

     To purchase Glee DVDs, streaming episodes, music, and more, please click here.

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

Cougar Town The Complete Second Season on DVD

     For those who haven't watched ABC's Cougar Town, or only caught the first few episodes of the first season, then you have no idea what you're missing. What started as a series about a 40-something year old woman named Jules (Courteney Cox) seeking to date much younger men, morphed into an adult buddy sitcom in the middle of the first year, and solidified into what the show ends up being by the first season finale. Basically, it's about a group of adults who dearly love each other drink wine, hang out, play Penny Can, and get into some goofy situations.

     Cougar Town The Complete Second Season hits store shelves this Tuesday, August 30th, and it much better exemplifies the series than season one does. Included in this three-disc set are all 22 funny, remarkably consistent season two episodes. In the second year, Jules and Grayson (Josh Hopkins) begin to get serious about their relationship, Travis (Dan Byrd) goes to college, and Bobby (Brian Van Holt) attempts to make something of himself. Laurie (Busy Philipps) searches for love, which Andy (Ian Gomez) and Ellie (Christa Miller) already have. Tom (Bob Clendenin) tries to worm his way into the Cul-De-Sac Crew, as they call themselves, and Barb's (Carolyn Hennesy) occasional appearances are the only real reminder of the failed start to an otherwise wonderful show.

     Oh, and the title, of course. The title card changes every week in season two to poke fun at Cougar Town, which series creators Bill Lawrence (Miller's husband) and Kevin Biegel freely admit is the one of, if not the, worst show title on television. They are considering changing it, but no official news on that front has been announced as of yet. However, if Cougar Town had not been named that, we would never have gotten such hilarious title cards, so there is a silver lining in it all. If a name change is imminent, might I suggest The Series Formerly Known as Cougar Town?

     Season two is bolstered by new guest stars and recurring characters. Smith (Ryan Devlin, Brothers & Sisters) returns to spark Laurie's feelings once more. Travis's attentions are torn between high school girlfriend Kylie (Spencer Locke, the Resident Evil movies), who'd like an open relationship, and new grad student love interest Kirsten (Collette Wolfe, Hot Tub Time Machine). Kevin (Lamarcus Tinker, Friday Night Lights) is Travis's roommate, though Glee has snapped him up this summer, so it's uncertain how much of season three he might be in. Wayne (CT producer Michael McDonald, MADtv) opens a new wine bar. On a more personal level, Gomez's real life wife, Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), drops by as Andy's flirty cousin. Ken Jenkins, who starred in Lawrence's Scrubs, is Jules's father, Chick. And Sam Lloyd reprises his Scrubs character of Ted in the two-part, Hawaii-set, season finale. It's a very talented group.

     As far as DVD extras go, there are a half dozen deleted scenes totaling less than three minutes, a two minute blooper reel, and an eight and a half minute featurette listed as (still called) Cougar Town: Season 2, which does a fine job establishing the new tone of the series. One would only need to watch that bonus feature to get what Cougar Town is all about now. Andy's Dreams is a six webisode series, mostly involving movie parodies, and they are included on the DVD, as well as an introduction and behind the scenes look at the web series. It's about one episode-length all together, and provides a fun, alternate look inside Andy's head.

     What is missing from the special features are any commentaries at all, and the Actors Vs. Writers Vulture.com web series that was online during the long winter hiatus last year. The Vulture videos were fantastic, and it is really too bad they are not included, as they really helped fill the gap for fans missing their beloved show.

     In any case, Cougar Town: The Complete Second Season is well worth the purchase. Be sure to buy it when it comes out on Tuesday, August 30th.

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Article first published as DVD Review: Cougar Town The Complete Second Season on Blogcritics.