By Hope Boyer
<[email protected]>

The latest phenomenon to sweep the FOX Network of teen drama television shows is none other than “Glee,” a high school musical waiting to happen. Filled with sassy actors and truly raw talent, “Glee” has my sister and I waiting up on Wednesday nights for the next performance, which always leaves us begging for more.

It all begins with McKinley High School Spanish teacher W©ill Schuester (Matthew Morrison) as he manages to reform the Glee Club that he was a member of as a McKinley High student. He is attempting to live vicariously through the talent and age of his current Glee Club members. His bitterness of never becoming famous himself causes him to push harder for students to audition and take part in his recreation. His entire success as Glee Club teacher and sponsor revolves around the manipulation of Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith).

By tricking both into staying in and joining in Glee Club, he raises the club from its current obscurity into the world of drama and show make-up. Filled with drama about the next competition and everyday teenage struggles, “Glee” will have you riveted on the spot.

Monteith is stunningly convincing in his role as the high school quarterback who must maintain the perfect image for his cheerleader girlfriend, Quinn (Diana Agron). He does a lovely job of portraying the confused teenager who is really just trying to find his place in the world that he currently lives in. The rivalry between Agron and Michele reaches new levels as soon as the competition for Monteith’s heart begins. Michele is perhaps my favorite character as she is the queen of show biz and unconditionally, irrevocably in love with the non-accessible Monteith.

As the dramatic episodes continue to bring in more and more similarities to CHS, the show becomes more and more addicting. As a current member of a competition show choir, I understand where the drama and stress comes from. Michele is exceptionally good at maintaining her future career as a star.

Unfortunately, just like most high schools, McKinley tends to discriminate against those who stand out. The classic torturing of the talented kid is shown time and time again throughout the different episodes. While Michele knows that she is different and discriminated against because of that, she continues to be herself and to press on towards the same goals.

I think what will really make “Glee” more popular among teenagers is the fact that it is so different than anything else on television. You’ll be sitting there watching, and randomly, the actors or performers will just break out in song. It reminds me a little bit of the “High School Musical” trend but with much better music, actors and it is broadcasted as a TV show (rather than as a movie).  With only seven enticing episodes out, the first season of “Glee” can only get juicier.