I was introduced to Glee in 7th grade. My mom purchased the first half of season 1 on DVD because she had heard the media raving about it. My sister and I sat down with her to see what the hype was all about. Once Mr. Schuester exclaimed, "From the top!" after the glee club's first official performance of Don't Stop Believing I was hooked. Glee was a whole new exception to my TV series obsession. I had never been so excited to watch more episodes of a show before. Honestly, I could have watched all 13 episodes on the DVD that very first night we chose to view the pilot.
This TV show came into my life at the perfect time. Middle school wasn't horrible, but it was awkward (well duh, it's middle school). There was so much going on with Glee that I felt totally resonated with my early teenage years. Being insecure, discovering my passions, crushing on guys who didn't know I existed, stressing about my social standing, etc. There was no other show airing that I felt represented people like me. That's always been a huge praise for Glee; it sheds light on the underdogs. We learn that all the main characters are outcasts in their own right, but can find solace in each other, and more importantly, music.
I would say middle school was the point in my life where I realized how much I enjoyed singing. I watched this entertaining show every week that showcased characters who not only dealt with problems I could relate to, but who also had a true love for performing. Especially the show's lead Rachel Berry.
Now I hope I'm not as conceited or as high maintenance as Rachel, because the girl can get kinda crazy. It's remarkable how much a fictional character has helped me shape a sense of identity on and off the stage. She also passed on her gold star obsession to me. :) Rachel had this infectious energy when she sang that so often gave me goosebumps. What I really admired about her though, even more than her talent, was her persistence. She knew her peers disliked her, but she refused to let it phase her. The confidence and drive within her made her a winner and even when life knocked her down she knew she was capable of enduring. The actress who plays her, Lea Michele, knows the power of strength during difficulty as well.
A huge part of what drew me to Glee was the central relationship of Finn and Rachel (famously referred to as Finchel). Of course it was the classic "popular boy somehow finds the loser girl attractive" bit, but Lea Michele and Cory Monteith's chemistry is truly what made this relationship so addicting to watch. I rooted for the couple onscreen and soon offscreen when it became clear that Lea and Cory couldn't stop the sparks from flying when around one another. They eventually started dating and seemed to have real promise of a future together. Cory Monteith's sudden death was heartbreaking for me, millions of fans, and no doubt his friends, family, and love, Lea. It was definitely the first celebrity passing that affected me deeply. This was a man I looked up to, laughed with, and adored watching every week. His death wasn't just a loss for the show, but for all those who were in awe of Cory's light and spirit.
I will agree with the masses that once Finn Hudson was no longer able to grace our television screens, Glee took an unexpected turn. The storylines became stranger, the new characters were uninteresting, and the reality the show used to be so brilliantly grounded in was disappearing (sometimes painfully). However, because I started out as an avid fan, I refused to give up on Glee. This show had done so much for me that it only seemed right to devote my viewership till the very end. Thank goodness I did! No, the series finale wasn't perfect, but it gave me closure; which I think all loyal fans deserve. I basically grew up with these characters, experiencing their pain and happiness right along with them—therefore Glee will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't express my gratitude enough for the creators, cast, crew, and everyone else responsible for keeping this inspiring show on the air for six beautiful seasons. That's six years of teaching me the healing power of music, how important friendship is, to dream big and boldly, and what it really means to value one's individuality and take pride in being special. ♥
This TV show came into my life at the perfect time. Middle school wasn't horrible, but it was awkward (well duh, it's middle school). There was so much going on with Glee that I felt totally resonated with my early teenage years. Being insecure, discovering my passions, crushing on guys who didn't know I existed, stressing about my social standing, etc. There was no other show airing that I felt represented people like me. That's always been a huge praise for Glee; it sheds light on the underdogs. We learn that all the main characters are outcasts in their own right, but can find solace in each other, and more importantly, music.
I would say middle school was the point in my life where I realized how much I enjoyed singing. I watched this entertaining show every week that showcased characters who not only dealt with problems I could relate to, but who also had a true love for performing. Especially the show's lead Rachel Berry.
Now I hope I'm not as conceited or as high maintenance as Rachel, because the girl can get kinda crazy. It's remarkable how much a fictional character has helped me shape a sense of identity on and off the stage. She also passed on her gold star obsession to me. :) Rachel had this infectious energy when she sang that so often gave me goosebumps. What I really admired about her though, even more than her talent, was her persistence. She knew her peers disliked her, but she refused to let it phase her. The confidence and drive within her made her a winner and even when life knocked her down she knew she was capable of enduring. The actress who plays her, Lea Michele, knows the power of strength during difficulty as well. A huge part of what drew me to Glee was the central relationship of Finn and Rachel (famously referred to as Finchel). Of course it was the classic "popular boy somehow finds the loser girl attractive" bit, but Lea Michele and Cory Monteith's chemistry is truly what made this relationship so addicting to watch. I rooted for the couple onscreen and soon offscreen when it became clear that Lea and Cory couldn't stop the sparks from flying when around one another. They eventually started dating and seemed to have real promise of a future together. Cory Monteith's sudden death was heartbreaking for me, millions of fans, and no doubt his friends, family, and love, Lea. It was definitely the first celebrity passing that affected me deeply. This was a man I looked up to, laughed with, and adored watching every week. His death wasn't just a loss for the show, but for all those who were in awe of Cory's light and spirit.
I will agree with the masses that once Finn Hudson was no longer able to grace our television screens, Glee took an unexpected turn. The storylines became stranger, the new characters were uninteresting, and the reality the show used to be so brilliantly grounded in was disappearing (sometimes painfully). However, because I started out as an avid fan, I refused to give up on Glee. This show had done so much for me that it only seemed right to devote my viewership till the very end. Thank goodness I did! No, the series finale wasn't perfect, but it gave me closure; which I think all loyal fans deserve. I basically grew up with these characters, experiencing their pain and happiness right along with them—therefore Glee will always hold a special place in my heart. I can't express my gratitude enough for the creators, cast, crew, and everyone else responsible for keeping this inspiring show on the air for six beautiful seasons. That's six years of teaching me the healing power of music, how important friendship is, to dream big and boldly, and what it really means to value one's individuality and take pride in being special. ♥
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