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Feb. 22nd, 2011 11:03 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rockinhamburgerSo, Glee.
Let's be real for a minuter here. Glee's not the best show, in general. The episodes usually range from anywhere in the spectrum of totally amazing to really, really bad. But, if you're still watching it in its second season, you probably measure the good and the bad and come out choosing to love the show despite its many, many flaws.
With that in mind, I liked tonight's episode.
I laughed, I grinned like a maniac, I stared at my screen in horror, I facepalmed, I furrowed my brow, and I laughed some more. These are, in my opinion, excellent reactions to have when watching a television show. If I'm entertained, then the creators are doing something right.
Now, I understand why people are upset. There were definitely things in this episode one could take issue with. HOWEVER!
I don't think this episode was ragging on bisexuality. I'm bi myself, and so I am extremely conscious of what biphobia looks like, tyvm, and what Glee just did? Not biphobic. A character on the show eye-rolled at the idea that a previously out and proud gay boy was suddenly wondering if he might be bi. He was not discounting bisexuality as a valid identity, he was speaking in specific terms, and even if he were questioning the validity of bisexuality, he's a sixteen year-old gay boy who knows next to nothing outside of his own existence and experiences. That sounds an awful lot like ignorant teenage-hood to me. Do I think Kurt was speaking from a place of ignorance? Yes. Do I think he was lashing out because he was hurt? Yes. Do I think the writers of Glee were trying to say bisexuality doesn't exist? Absolutely not. Let's please try to remember that not everything a character says is the message being presented, and that we also have Brittany and Santana, two clearly bisexual teenage characters on this show bi-ing it up.
(Also: I am speaking FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE when I say that I am not really all that bothered by bi-ignorance. It's definitely annoying when people assume that we who identify as bi are straight and experimenting or gay and repressed, but I choose to school people when they put those notions forward in my presence, or to ignore it completely when I'm just not in the mood. People are ignorant. I'm not gonna waste my time worrying about ignorance when it literally has no bearing on my life.)
Now, I've also seen some dismay expressed over Blaine's characterization in this episode. Again, I get it, but I do think people are overreacting. Let's not forget that everyone on this show is STUPID. Like, really fucking ridiculously STUPID. Logic and previous experience with this show would dictate that Blaine will also, occasionally, act like a fucking moron, and as a teenager and as a character, that makes perfect sense. Teenagers question who they are all the time and behave completely contrary to how they've behaved in the past. It's part of growing up. Glee unflinchingly explores that on a regular basis, so if you're gonna take issue with it, at least be consistent. Blaine was an idiot, but so was basically everyone in this episode and in this show on the whole.
Let's talk about Burt and Kurt. So Blaine passed out in Kurt's bed and Burt walked in the next morning and LOGICALLY ASSUMED there were sexual connotations to be taken from that. The context and evidence was incriminating. When Kurt told his dad that nothing had happened, he wasn't actually addressing Burt's valid concern that his son had had a boy he liked in his bedroom overnight. Kurt was being defensive instead of listening to his father. Also, Burt was perfectly within his rights as Kurt's father to call Kurt out on what would eventually, if not immediately, come up in their home. He's allowed to lay down the law, to request that the incident not be repeated. Did Kurt also have a point that Burt should look into the technicalities of gay relationships for reference, so that Kurt could go to him as a proper support system? A resounding yes! But the conversation was not homophobic. Let's just say, for argument's sake, that Burt was uncomfortable with his son having a boy over for somewhat ignorant reasons (as in, I don't like the idea of my son being gay and acting on that). If that were that case, we have to remember that new things take time. Burt's not always going to be Father of the Year; he and Kurt are going to have to navigate these waters together, communicating openly to try and come to an agreement and understanding of each other. If Burt really IS uncomfortable with his son having a boy over for nefarious reasons, it will absolutely be addressed within the show. If there's one thing Glee never fails to do it's to take advantage of the talent of Mike O'Malley and Chris Colfer in a scene together, so I'm sure there will be follow-up to that conversation, which, for the record, I found compelling and daring and really neat.
There are so many other things I could say, but I think I've said enough for now. I don't expect anyone to agree with me on these points, but I'm laying it all out just the same.
GO KLAINE GO.
Let's be real for a minuter here. Glee's not the best show, in general. The episodes usually range from anywhere in the spectrum of totally amazing to really, really bad. But, if you're still watching it in its second season, you probably measure the good and the bad and come out choosing to love the show despite its many, many flaws.
With that in mind, I liked tonight's episode.
I laughed, I grinned like a maniac, I stared at my screen in horror, I facepalmed, I furrowed my brow, and I laughed some more. These are, in my opinion, excellent reactions to have when watching a television show. If I'm entertained, then the creators are doing something right.
Now, I understand why people are upset. There were definitely things in this episode one could take issue with. HOWEVER!
I don't think this episode was ragging on bisexuality. I'm bi myself, and so I am extremely conscious of what biphobia looks like, tyvm, and what Glee just did? Not biphobic. A character on the show eye-rolled at the idea that a previously out and proud gay boy was suddenly wondering if he might be bi. He was not discounting bisexuality as a valid identity, he was speaking in specific terms, and even if he were questioning the validity of bisexuality, he's a sixteen year-old gay boy who knows next to nothing outside of his own existence and experiences. That sounds an awful lot like ignorant teenage-hood to me. Do I think Kurt was speaking from a place of ignorance? Yes. Do I think he was lashing out because he was hurt? Yes. Do I think the writers of Glee were trying to say bisexuality doesn't exist? Absolutely not. Let's please try to remember that not everything a character says is the message being presented, and that we also have Brittany and Santana, two clearly bisexual teenage characters on this show bi-ing it up.
(Also: I am speaking FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCE when I say that I am not really all that bothered by bi-ignorance. It's definitely annoying when people assume that we who identify as bi are straight and experimenting or gay and repressed, but I choose to school people when they put those notions forward in my presence, or to ignore it completely when I'm just not in the mood. People are ignorant. I'm not gonna waste my time worrying about ignorance when it literally has no bearing on my life.)
Now, I've also seen some dismay expressed over Blaine's characterization in this episode. Again, I get it, but I do think people are overreacting. Let's not forget that everyone on this show is STUPID. Like, really fucking ridiculously STUPID. Logic and previous experience with this show would dictate that Blaine will also, occasionally, act like a fucking moron, and as a teenager and as a character, that makes perfect sense. Teenagers question who they are all the time and behave completely contrary to how they've behaved in the past. It's part of growing up. Glee unflinchingly explores that on a regular basis, so if you're gonna take issue with it, at least be consistent. Blaine was an idiot, but so was basically everyone in this episode and in this show on the whole.
Let's talk about Burt and Kurt. So Blaine passed out in Kurt's bed and Burt walked in the next morning and LOGICALLY ASSUMED there were sexual connotations to be taken from that. The context and evidence was incriminating. When Kurt told his dad that nothing had happened, he wasn't actually addressing Burt's valid concern that his son had had a boy he liked in his bedroom overnight. Kurt was being defensive instead of listening to his father. Also, Burt was perfectly within his rights as Kurt's father to call Kurt out on what would eventually, if not immediately, come up in their home. He's allowed to lay down the law, to request that the incident not be repeated. Did Kurt also have a point that Burt should look into the technicalities of gay relationships for reference, so that Kurt could go to him as a proper support system? A resounding yes! But the conversation was not homophobic. Let's just say, for argument's sake, that Burt was uncomfortable with his son having a boy over for somewhat ignorant reasons (as in, I don't like the idea of my son being gay and acting on that). If that were that case, we have to remember that new things take time. Burt's not always going to be Father of the Year; he and Kurt are going to have to navigate these waters together, communicating openly to try and come to an agreement and understanding of each other. If Burt really IS uncomfortable with his son having a boy over for nefarious reasons, it will absolutely be addressed within the show. If there's one thing Glee never fails to do it's to take advantage of the talent of Mike O'Malley and Chris Colfer in a scene together, so I'm sure there will be follow-up to that conversation, which, for the record, I found compelling and daring and really neat.
There are so many other things I could say, but I think I've said enough for now. I don't expect anyone to agree with me on these points, but I'm laying it all out just the same.
GO KLAINE GO.
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no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 04:53 am (UTC)(I still can't believe that people think Burt was being homophobic. Puh-lease.)
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 05:29 am (UTC)(Me neither!)
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Date: 2011-02-23 05:26 am (UTC)I am SO GLAD you agree with me. Ngl, I was marginally afraid to click on your comment in case you weren't in agreement (should've known better; you're always awesome).
I completely agree that, from a shipper's standpoint, I want Kurt and Blaine together. But I have no doubt that they are going to go there eventually, and that their relationship will contain even more failtastic examples of miscommunication than in tonight's episode. If Klainers are upset about this, they might want to stop watching now. Ryan Murphy has been very explicit that if and when Klaine happens, it will be as flawed as any other Glee relationship, which I heartily approve of. Glee's a dramatic comedy, not fanfic. (Altho sometimes they do seem to take cues from us! :D) I hope Klaine fans aren't expecting smooth sailing, 'cause they will be sorely disappointed.
As for the Burt-homophobia point, I'm not sure how prevalent that opinion is within the community (I decided not to read past the last ten pages or so of comments, because they were so rage-blackout inducing that I had to stop), but I did see a few discussions about the Kurt-Burt convo that either outright stated it was homophobic or at least implied it. Which is just -- NO.
You know, it's funny, when I watched that scene earlier, I couldn't help but flashback to something I wrote in my fic Details (if you'll allow me to be a little gloat-y for a moment), where I had Burt pointing out that Kurt accuses Burt of having a problem with him every time they hit a new thing. And VIOLA -- canonical evidence of that. (Okay, lots of gloating *sheepish smile*) Kurt's SIXTEEN. Taking offense during tough conversations is his go-to defense mechanism. I'm glad Kurt brought up his concerns, but for anyone to suggest that Burt was uncomfortable with Kurt having Blaine in his room because Blaine's a boy -- just, stfu. Like, seriously.
And YES YES YES re: Blaine. I'm so happy he's not a shell of a character anymore. They're giving him depth and conflict and developing his character. (You know, so he can smarten up and make a move on the gorgeous boy sitting across from him every day :D)
YAY FOR RAMBLING!!!
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 07:57 am (UTC)I THINK I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH RACHEL.
And Shue. I liked Shue in this?
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Date: 2011-02-23 12:28 pm (UTC)You've fallen in love with Rachel!? Excellent! omg, there is so much Rachel-hate going on right now in the community that it's bizarre. She was hysterical! People take this show way too seriously. It's an overly dramatic comedy about high school teens, so of course they're hysterically clueless!
And YES, I actually LIKED Will in this episode, oo! And I nearly-certifiably hate Will, so that's awesome! He did his job while still coming off as the flawed character that he is (but charming and funny rather than annoying and douchy). Will's voicemail message for Emma? That was comedy gold, while also being character-driven and surprisingly sweet. And the Will/Bieste friendship just touches my heart.
WHATEVS, HATERS. We dope, as Artie would say.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 01:11 pm (UTC)Wow.I may get ran out of Klaine fandom for that. The liking Karofsky and Azimio is already a black mark against my name.I was crying with laughter when Sue played that message over the intercom. Genius. Drunk!Will every week, please
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Date: 2011-02-23 02:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-23 05:55 pm (UTC)...just wanted to share that.
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Date: 2011-02-24 01:16 am (UTC)DEAR GAGA, HOW ARE YOU THESE DAYS?!
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Date: 2011-02-28 06:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-28 09:24 pm (UTC)I just got home from school and your comment reminded me of the video, and I immediately RACED over to watch it twice in a row.
I FUCKING LOVE IT! THIS WOMAN OWNS MY HEART, I SWEAR TO CAPITAL H-I-M! Seriously, she's incredible. Every time she does anything I'm just -- it's like all my dreams have come true. I have always wanted someone to rise up in the ranks of the music industry through the typical pop image and then torpedo it and do something amazing, but this is FAR BEYOND ANYTHING I COULD HAVE HOPED FOR. Born This Way, both the single and the video, are fucking perfection.
I LOVE THIS WOMAN.
THOUGHTS!?
no subject
Date: 2011-02-28 10:03 pm (UTC)I thought the first part was a little preachy in terms of her manifesto - but she means it so genuinely that I can't fault her for it. Part of what I like is how she turns her marketing schticks into actual motivating positive messages. It's more like people who believe in being kind and respectful and loving themselves who also happen to love Gaga, rather than Gaga fans who listen to whatever she says about being kind and respectful and loving themselves, if that makes sense.
But the entire intro was so post-modern visual art, I don't even know what. It like, belongs in MoMA, it was so post-modern.
But yeah, the whole "birth of a new race" monologue - it was a little over the top, but then again what isn't about her. I feel like without the context of the rest of her album and the concept that she's going for, it seems more on the side of "...what?!" than "WHAT!"
But I am so fucking excited to see what the rest of the album is. The concept of the split self that she's going for here, the good/evil, virgin/slut - she really likes to mess with that dichotomy. And the alien virgin Mary character that she plays in the video - with the eternal eye on her chin! - holy fucking shit. I feel like in another life, she was an award-winning novelist.
But holy shit, THE CHOREOGRAPHY! LAURIE ANN GIBSON IS A FUCKING GENIUS. It was really, really mesmerizing.
And the drag skeleton! And when her head is literally on display! Fucking oh my God.
I don't know what it all reminds me of, but she's doing homages to all kinds of people. There's Frank Miller in there, and Madonna and Michael of course, and old time 60s/70s sci-fi, and a whole lot of burlesque moves, I feel like.
But just. WOW.
no subject
Date: 2011-02-28 10:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-02-24 12:53 am (UTC)It's the emotional equivalent of someone being like: "Take a deep breath, chill, it'll all work out."
FWIW, I definitely didn't think Burt was being homophobic, but I do think what he said was awkwardly phrased: "You being 'inappropriate' in my house" sounds kind of... I don't know. I think they could have said it a little differently?
And I'm definitely not one of those people that expects the Klaine endgame to be smooth sailing, but I think I'm slightly less certain than you that Klaine IS endgame - because seriously, with some of the shit this show has pulled, I just feel like I can't take anything for granted.
Anyway, sorry for spewing words at you, but thanks for sharing your calm and lovely thoughts with us - it was just what I needed. ♥
no subject
Date: 2011-02-24 01:13 am (UTC)I do think what he said was awkwardly phrased: "You being 'inappropriate' in my house" sounds kind of... I don't know. I think they could have said it a little differently?
Fair enough. I can see how that might have come off awkwardly to you. But I do think Burt was talking about sex in general and not gay sex in specific. I think he was merely setting out ground rules for the future. I got the impression they were both speaking in knee-jerk reactionary terms. Plus, Burt's not perfect. My favourite thing about this show are the Kurt-Burt scenes, hands down. What I like about them? They don't ever read like the rest of the scenes in the show. There's an unwavering honesty and vulnerability in their conversations that strikes a deep chord in me, and part of that is how they tend to miscommunicate and say things they don't really mean, or perhaps regret a particular wording later on. But I do genuinely believe Burt meant, 'I don't want you, my son, having sex in my house (or at all) because it find it inappropriate'. Kurt being gay had, in my opinion, zero to do with Burt's discomfort.
As for Klaine being endgame, I'm not convinced they will be. They're in high school. It wouldn't be very realistic to have Kurt Blaine be each other's one true love, never wanting anyone or anything else ever again. Would I prefer thy stay together forever and ever? Would I really enjoy seeing them happily committed to each other in the end? Fuck yes I would! But do I think it's likely or realistic? Not so much. But that doesn't really bother me. I'd just like to see a gay teen relationship play out on my television, and I love Kurt and Blaine so of course I want them to try it out, but I would not be at all surprised if Klaine weren't endgame. Which is okay! We'll always have fanfiction :)
You don't have to apologize for being honest! I'm glad you knew you could be!
no subject
Date: 2011-02-24 01:32 am (UTC)Clearly I am way too invested in these characters and need therapeutic interventions of some sort. Or, more realistically, probably just more fanfic. :)