Only two weeks have passed since “Glee” aired its winter finale that ended with cheerleader Quinn in a potentially fatal car crash. The uncharacteristic cliffhanger is an example of creator and show runner Ryan Murphy’s mismanagement of the series.
FOX’s musical comedy about a group of high school misfits in a show choir was at one point a solid show. In its original 13 episodes, Murphy, taking on most of the writing duties, constructed a tight and cohesive series filled with insightful storylines and rich characters. Each episode progressed the storylines, and the songs did not dictate that week’s plotline.
Since those episodes, the series has been floundering, often recycling the same plots. Over the last three years, Murphy forces his characters to learn important life lessons only to forget them next week. Rachael, the main character, is currently stuck in a cycle where she must be reminded to consider other people in the choir over her own ambition.
Currently, “Glee” is adrift without any endgame, with the exception for the core cast to graduate this May. This season has been filled with mandatory guest spots from the sister-reality show and a slue of songs with no ties to the storyline to fill the contractual soundtracks.
To Murphy’s credit, he did handle the school bullying storyline with grace and dignity. In the on-going storyline, openly gay student Kurt was tormented by a fellow student. Murphy provided a thorough examination of the current crisis many high school students face on a daily basis.
Needless to say, “Glee” remains broken. Perhaps the best thing Murphy can do is step down and allow someone with a vision for the show to take over and return it to its former glory.
“Glee” returns this April.