by Christina Conner

Created on: September 20, 2009

Last May, I watched the preview episode of Glee, and I thought that it looked fantastic. There was relationship intrigue with the high school students and the teachers. There was a great rendition of Journey's Don't Stop Believin. The first episode this fall seemed to focus on the clichs: the popular cheerleaders, the misfit glee clubbers, the shrew wife, the adult trying to relive and recapture the glory of their youth.

My tone thus far may seem disparaging, but I still do believe that despite and even with the high school cliches, I feel that the show will still be a hit. Emphasizing the trauma and stress experienced in high school, like the most recent episode with the girl who had a crush on her guy friend who was actually gay but had never come out, will have a clear draw for a young demographic. It is more relatable then other teen shows out at the moment: Gossip Girl, Melrose Place, 90210, etc. The high school characters are not made out to be sophisticated adults; it allows them to be teens with all the angst and young love and raging hormones.

The show banks on the popularity of movies like High School Musical and other TV shows like Hannah Montana, etc. It combines the popularity of music with the popularity of television. There is a fantastic element to any musical that is very appealing; people simply don't break into song in everyday life.

Also, cliches are cliches for a reason. Anyone who remembers high school or spends time in them knows that there are most definitely ranks and a hierarchy to high school society.

The show features relatable situations with relatable, though at times over the top and a bit ridiculous, characters. There are few who haven't experienced unrequited love or dreamed of something out of their reach. If the show can give a bit more authenticity and a bit less cheesiness, the response to the show will grow, and it will definitely be a hit. These are things that, for the most part, could actually happen and so they become more interesting to watch.

No other weekly show has drama and comedy mixed with singing and dancing. Generally the music is blended artfully into the context of the show, though I must admit that I didn't quite buy the boy band with the teachers from the high school. It seemed a bit forced almost, though I must admit that it was entertaining.

Overall, I will keep watching Glee and I know that I won't be the only one.

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