Stars: Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Jessalyn Gilsig, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Kevin McHale, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Amber Riley, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz
Writer: Ian Brennan
Director: Eric Stoltz
Network: Fox, airs Tuesday nights
Original Telecast: February 22, 2011

Once again I find myself confronted with the most dreaded GLEE tendency to smack the audience over the head with the theme for the episode. Last week ran the borderline with the title “Comeback”, and this week’s show “Blame it on the Alcohol” was just one messy step from being an ABC After School Special. I honestly hate that GLEE is mine to review now, simply because I love the show, but the last two episodes (the ones I’ve reviewed so far) have been less than favorites of mine. So now, people are going to think I’m a hatchet man reviewer.

This week’s dramas all revolved around what can happen under the influence of alcohol. I honestly was never a drinker in high school. When you have a parent that’s a teacher and another parent that is part of the highway patrol, you keep your nose clean – hence the drinking during school issue never really was a problem for me. So the main point of this show was a bit lost (at least relating to my high school years).

Last week I wished that I could see more of the Blaine (Darren Criss) and Kurt (Chris Colfer) relationship. I got that in angry spades this week with the new ‘twist’ that Blaine thought he might be straight. Speaking as a gay man, you  know what you are, you can lie to yourself and others, but deep down you know if you are gay from whatever age you realize it. The fact that Rachel (Lea Michele) tried to take Blaine made me wish Kurt was a little more aggressive and gave her a good sock to the nose. Girls that love gay boys the wrong way, and are intent on changing them are not cool – even though I’ve run across my fair share in my day (and all of those conversions ended up making the guys even more resolutely gay). Remember ladies love your gay friends – don’t LOVE your gay friends. Though it all worked out in the end and Blaine is still gay. *whew*

While on the subject of Rachel, let’s discuss her green chiffon dress that she wore for her basement party. I know the character is dowdy and a little more than ass-backwards in terms of style, but my God! Where did wardrobe find that thing? They had to do some serious thrift store rooting to find an outfit that visually offensive. So thumbs up!

Will (Matthew Morrison) and Coach Beiste (Dot Jones) going to the country western bar (otherwise known in LA as the Saddle Ranch) was a great scene for the two of them and I really love the relationship that is growing there. On the other hand, Will deciding to give up drinking to set an example will put the kibosh on any more shenanigans for the two of them for now.

I guess my last beef is with the writing of this show. I grew up around teachers. I was a teacher once upon a time, and the way a lot of GLEE scripts are written are just ridiculous. I realize that it’s a musical sitcom, but the things the writers have Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) getting away with would mean immediate dismissal and no return to her job. Her playing Will’s drunk dial over the school PA would be prime lawsuit material, and again while I realize this is a TV show, can you guys give it a little bit of realistic credibility?

The music this episode was pretty broad ranging from “Tic Toc” to “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” so the music kept things interesting and entertaining. I just hope next week’s episode isn’t as preachy and a little more fine tuned.

AGREE? DISAGREE? LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD – COMMENT BELOW

CLICK HERE for AX’s interview with DIANNA AGRON

CLICK HERE for ASSIGNMENT X’s interview with DARREN CRISS

CLICK HERE for more of ASSIGNMENT X’s GLEE reviews

CLICK HERE for ASSIGNMENT X’s interview with MATTHEW MORRISON

CLICK HERE for AX’s exclusive interview with CORY MONTEITH

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