Go Back  DVD Talk Forum > Entertainment Discussions > TV Talk
Reload this Page >

Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Community
Search
TV Talk Talk about Shows on TV

Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-26-10 | 10:49 AM
  #51  
MrX's Avatar
MrX
DVD Talk Hero
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 26,382
Received 476 Likes on 343 Posts
From: Chicago
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by spainlinx0
So is the creator gay?
Yes
Old 05-26-10 | 10:49 AM
  #52  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: San Leandro/San Francisco
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by wmansir
+1

I was looking forward to this episode, but Bad Romance aside the musical numbers were lame.

The Kurt's dad speech would have come off a lot better if Finn wasn't mostly in the right. And how small must Finn's place be if Kurt's place is twice as big but still only has two bedrooms? And damn, Kurt can really stretch a budget. For $300 bucks he created a whole Victorian whorehouse look.

Also, it seems like they snuffed out the Rachael's mom storyline while it was still in it's crib.
Sure, Kurt has been creepy but that doesn't give Finn the right to start calling him ***.

So is this the end of Idina?
Old 05-26-10 | 10:57 AM
  #53  
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by Draven
But remember that Kurt is 16 too, and is just as capable of being immature as Finn is. And I think he was being that way in this scenario.

I've also dated some psycho girls in my day. However, I never flipped out on them, even though they did things worse than Kurt did.
It's been a little difficult to keep up with how Kurt stands on Finn. He told Rachel, "None of us can have him...he's in love with Quinn." (He was right at the time, but now....) Kurt's jealousy over his Dad's attachment to Finn seemed to have evaporated here.

While I didn't think Kurt was necessarily "hitting" on Finn, I think he was assuming living together (as brothers) was going to be as much fun for Finn as it was for Kurt. (Picking palattes together, etc.) I didn't necessarily feel Kurt was trying to get in Finn's pants, but I think Finn did.

The situation was a little forced and reminiscent of a previous episode [on accepting gays], and I'm not sure the demographic for the Glee audience is where the writers need to be putting their efforts.

It was much more fun when the tone is like Sue asking Kurt, "Have you even kissed a man?"
Old 05-26-10 | 11:01 AM
  #54  
spainlinx0's Avatar
DVD Talk Legend
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,732
Received 586 Likes on 347 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by Draven
I've also dated some psycho girls in my day. However, I never flipped out on them, even though they did things worse than Kurt did.
I have flipped out. Sometimes you have to scream at someone so they get the point of how psycho they are being. I'm not going to defend the slurs, but let's not also discount the fact that Finn has basically just had his entire life uprooted and is now living in the same room as another guy who is obsessed with him.
Old 05-26-10 | 11:10 AM
  #55  
kstublen's Avatar
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: Florida
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Could Finn have handled the situation better? Sure. Did Kurt paint him into a corner? Absolutely. I can't ever recall Finn having been mean to or judged Kurt in the entire series; if anything, he has hung out with him and hasn't made a big deal out of Kurt being gay or really seemed to care. In fact, I think Finn has treated Kurt as an equal and only acted out of the ordinary when Kurt started being weird around him...touching him inappropriately or singing a ballad to Finn. But when someone that is sexually attracted to you sets up your parents so you'll be living together in the same room...that crosses a line. Not to mention Kurt is basically forcing himself and his way of life on Finn...doesn't he realize that Finn isn't gay by now?

I mean, if a girl had to share a room with a guy that was sexually attracted to her she might be uncomfortable and react to the situation. A guy having to share a room with a girl might yield the same result. And yet, when Finn, a straight male, has to share a room with Kurt, a gay male who is obviously attracted to and interested in Finn, Finn feeling uncomfortable and reacting is totally unreasonable. That doesn't seem fair to me.

I like Kurt, but I think he is just as to blame for the entire incident as Finn, if not more so. In fact, I'd even go so far as to call Kurt extremely selfish. He sets up his dad with a woman just so he can get closer to the woman's son? Then when it doesn't work out like he wants, he says his dad can't see her? Sounds like Kurt only cares about Kurt to me.

Originally Posted by riley_dude
Sure, Kurt has been creepy but that doesn't give Finn the right to start calling him ***.

So is this the end of Idina?
Technically he wasn't calling Kurt anything; he was referring to the blanket and lamp.
Old 05-26-10 | 01:40 PM
  #56  
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by kstublen
I mean, if a girl had to share a room with a guy that was sexually attracted to her she might be uncomfortable and react to the situation. A guy having to share a room with a girl might yield the same result.
There was a similar predicament between a guy/girl on "Arrested Development" with two characters around the same age group as Kurt/Finn on "Glee." George Michael and Maeby were cousins and fought a similar tug-of-war as roommates, although the tone there was different...and it didn't draw the heavy hand of the writers. I think whether the derogatory remark was directed at a blanket or at Kurt, it was inappropriate and deserved the Father's wrath.

It's just that such a serious tone--as well played as it was--brings the viewer to another place that's hard to reconcile.

Another, lesser example was Rachel choosing "Poker Face" as the big duet with her Mom. It seemed out of character for a Broadway bound babe and while "I Dreamed a Dream" was really perfect last week, we're left with "Whaaa?" on "Poker Face."

Last edited by MJFargo; 05-26-10 at 02:24 PM.
Old 05-26-10 | 01:54 PM
  #57  
DJariya's Avatar
Thread Starter
DVD Talk God
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 87,296
Received 6,061 Likes on 4,097 Posts
From: La Palma, CA
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by Draven
I think the issue is that if it had been a girl, Finn would have probably been nicer and more understanding (like he was with Rachel when she was similarly obsessed). Since it's a gay kid, he acts more like he's being attacked and threatened, yells, calls out names, etc. He's never really reacted to Kurt in a positive way.
What I really meant about Kurt's Dad putting him into place was that he stopped Finn from saying anymore hurtful or homophobic remarks that could have destroyed his friendship with Kurt. I mean his character is a kid and he's going to say stupid things and not really understand the consequences of them. Alot of the remarks that Finn said were a really a buildup from the pressure he was facing from being in the Glee Club, being friends with Kurt as being too "Sissy" or "Gay" from his football teammates.
Old 05-26-10 | 02:12 PM
  #58  
Giantrobo's Avatar
DVD Talk Godfather
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 65,300
Received 2,704 Likes on 1,602 Posts
From: Gateway Cities/Harbor Region
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

As I've said before, I've been 100% on board with how Glee has handled Kurt. That said, I think shows like Glee and others have painted Straight people who are at least TRYING to understand Gays in an unfair light. Sometimes the Gay character has no patience in terms of letting the other person work on their "issues". They expect a 180 change overnight and it doesn't happen that way.

Give Finn a chance to understand. Kurt is rushing him, not realizing that to a lot of immature Straight Males Gays are hard to get used to. It's something the straight males have to grow out of.
Old 05-26-10 | 02:26 PM
  #59  
Rypro 525's Avatar
DVD Talk Hero
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,263
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: a frikin hellhole
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by MJFargo

It's just that such a serious tone--as well played as it was--brings the viewer to another place that's hard to reconcile.

Another, lesser example was Rachel chosing "Poker Face" as the big duet with her Mom. It seemed out of character for a Broadway bound babe and while "I Dreamed a Dream" was really perfect last week, we're left with "Whaaa?" on "Poker Face."
But then again, since the theme this week was lady gaga songs, the only other song i could possibly think of would be Speechless, but its not as well known outside of people with the album
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhEMxle0yEY

And yes, the creator is gay. I actually only found that out because he mentioned it at one of the post golden globe shows
Old 05-26-10 | 02:38 PM
  #60  
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by Rypro 525
But then again, since the theme this week was lady gaga songs, the only other song i could possibly think of would be Speechless, but its not as well known outside of people with the album
That would have made much more sense in terms of Rachel's question to her Mom about fame. Although, the broader theme of "theatricality" really left the the choices wide open. I mean, if they're going to drag in Kiss on the Lady Gaga tribute....
Old 05-26-10 | 03:17 PM
  #61  
DVD Talk Legend
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 10,300
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Land of the Lobstrosities
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Finn crossed a line, but it was understandable mistake made in the heat of the moment. He had the whole thing happen with Quinn and Puck. His home life completely changed, without anyone seeming to ask how he was feeling. He's got his "friends" at school riding him about glee, being a freak and questioning his masculinity/sexuality. And then there is Kurt, who even if you look at his actions in the most charitable light and assume he is now just trying to be friendly/brotherly with Finn, still gets the blame from Finn for setting up their parents and upsetting his life.

So Finn struck out in a very hurtful manner. I don't think the N-word or retard pejoratives are quite analogous in this situation because Kurt's sexuality was central to the conflict with Finn and so Finn deliberately struck there out of frustration.

Kurt's Dad's speech on the other hand seemed to be aimed more at the casual use of the F-word. It's very possible Kurt's dad thought Finn was just upset about the room decor though. Him kicking Finn out, without listen to Finn at all, was over the top.
Old 05-26-10 | 04:05 PM
  #62  
DVD Talk Hero
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 25,295
Likes: 0
Received 51 Likes on 40 Posts
From: Hail to the Redskins!
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by spainlinx0
So is the creator gay? I feel like the writing of Kurt's dad seems very "wish-fulfillment" on the part of the writers, and I think his reaction to Finn this episode took it a little over the top. It's like he had that speech about the n-word, retards, and **** ready, but needed to shoehorn a scene in to justify using it.
Yes Ryan Murphy is gay.

Anyway, I hated this episode. But still love the show.
Old 05-26-10 | 06:15 PM
  #63  
LiquidSky's Avatar
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 9,199
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
From: Pokey Dot Lounge, Nashville, TN
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

I'm gay and think the scene perpetuates the belief that anytime you are mean to a gay guy you are being homophobic and that it's never that the guy (gay or straight) is simply being a weirdo. I think the oversensitivity is counterproductive in this particular instance. Frankly, Kurt gives me the creeps sometimes.

Last edited by LiquidSky; 05-26-10 at 07:34 PM.
Old 05-26-10 | 07:51 PM
  #64  
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by LiquidSky
Frankly, Kurt gives me the creeps sometimes.
Indeed, for me, most of the characters fall into that category, which is one of the joys of the show. What I appreciate is whether or not it's "honest," and that's also one of the show's great achievements. I've known alot of people like most of these characters, and how they work their way out of the predicaments they're in usually rings true. I'd just like it to be a little lighter on the "message" stuff.

Kurt is one of the rare gay characters on television. He's not particularly likeable (nor is Rachel nor is Sue nor is Emma nor is...on and on). But his dilemmas and schemes do ring true to me, and the young actor playing him is bold and fearless in his portrayal. The current cultural shifts in attitudes towards GLB&T's hits buttons in people, which I think is the point.
Old 05-26-10 | 09:08 PM
  #65  
kstublen's Avatar
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,631
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: Florida
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by MJFargo
"Emma's not particularly likeable..."
Emma isn't likable? WTF? She's the most likable character on the show!
Old 05-26-10 | 09:28 PM
  #66  
Rypro 525's Avatar
DVD Talk Hero
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,263
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: a frikin hellhole
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

:bananna:
A new "Glee" soundtrack has taken the No. 1 slot on The Billboard 200 for a second time. "Glee - The Music Volume 3: Showstoppers" bows with 136,000 copies.
Old 05-26-10 | 09:29 PM
  #67  
FantasticVSDoom's Avatar
DVD Talk Legend
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,610
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
From: No longer trapped
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by MJFargo
Indeed, for me, most of the characters fall into that category, which is one of the joys of the show. What I appreciate is whether or not it's "honest," and that's also one of the show's great achievements. I've known alot of people like most of these characters, and how they work their way out of the predicaments they're in usually rings true. I'd just like it to be a little lighter on the "message" stuff.

Kurt is one of the rare gay characters on television. He's not particularly likeable (nor is Rachel nor is Sue nor is Emma nor is...on and on). But his dilemmas and schemes do ring true to me, and the young actor playing him is bold and fearless in his portrayal. The current cultural shifts in attitudes towards GLB&T's hits buttons in people, which I think is the point.
I agree, but the problem is that the show is starting to fall too much into a "Kurt is a victim" trap... If the only way to push buttons is to show that Kurt is a victim and people are uncomfortable with his sexuality, people will lose interest in him. Thats why I mentioned that they need to get him a love interest on the show so they can move on from that, and deal with some new issues.
Old 05-26-10 | 09:31 PM
  #68  
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by kstublen
Emma isn't likable? WTF? She's the most likable character on the show!
Maybe after the 70th time she scoured the breakroom table...I'd be a little annoyed.
Old 05-26-10 | 10:37 PM
  #69  
Rypro 525's Avatar
DVD Talk Hero
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28,263
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: a frikin hellhole
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

For some reason, hundreds of butthurt kiss fans on the page for 'shout it out' make me happy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI0bfXoYujQ
they do realize that Kiss (or someone involved in the band) had to authorize its usage in the episode right
Old 05-26-10 | 10:40 PM
  #70  
The Infidel's Avatar
DVD Talk Legend
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 11,707
Received 113 Likes on 65 Posts
From: the kingdom of the evil Voratians, ruled by the wicked Ak-Oga
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

I've watched every episode of the show, some more than once, but I honestly can't remember...is this the first episode to go completely Sue-less? They've done several without Emma, but I don't recall one completely without Sue.
Old 05-27-10 | 01:28 AM
  #71  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: San Leandro/San Francisco
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by Dragon Tattoo
What? Finally put in his place? Finn's been far TOO nice to Kurt given what the kid's clearly after. I was glad he finally stood up for himself, only to have that all shot down within minutes. No matter how understanding a person is, Kurt's stalking is CREEPY. The kid purposefully set his Dad up with Finn's mom to get this, and I don't like how the show seems to be saying that's alright, just get used to your gay stalker.
And we assume that just because Kurt has a crush he is predatory?
Old 05-27-10 | 01:53 AM
  #72  
Banned
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by riley_dude
And we assume that just because Kurt has a crush he is predatory?
Assume my ass. This kid purposely manipulated their parents together to get his way. He is far, far, faaaaar from innocent. He's creepy.
Old 05-27-10 | 07:13 AM
  #73  
spainlinx0's Avatar
DVD Talk Legend
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,732
Received 586 Likes on 347 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by riley_dude
And we assume that just because Kurt has a crush he is predatory?
I know that gays have often been negatively stereotyped as being predatory (mischaracterized as pedos and the like), and the word has a negative connotation, but let's call a spade a spade here. Kurt was being stalkerish, creepy, and yes predatory.
Old 05-27-10 | 07:24 AM
  #74  
LiquidSky's Avatar
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 9,199
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
From: Pokey Dot Lounge, Nashville, TN
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by FantasticVSDoom
I agree, but the problem is that the show is starting to fall too much into a "Kurt is a victim" trap... If the only way to push buttons is to show that Kurt is a victim and people are uncomfortable with his sexuality, people will lose interest in him. Thats why I mentioned that they need to get him a love interest on the show so they can move on from that, and deal with some new issues.
Agreed.

I cannot wait for him to get a boyfriend!!
Old 05-27-10 | 07:49 AM
  #75  
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Glee -- "Theatricality" -- 05/25/10

Originally Posted by spainlinx0
I know that gays have often been negatively stereotyped as being predatory (mischaracterized as pedos and the like), and the word has a negative connotation, but let's call a spade a spade here. Kurt was being stalkerish, creepy, and yes predatory.
I think this is a good discussion. We've had other extreme behavior (oh, Santana, Brittany, Quinn-before-she-was-saved-by-the-angels [I really miss the old Quinn], April, Shelby, Rachel) who have manipulated various situations for the same reason Kurt has. Why so hard on Kurt?

And all these kids are "victims" which is what drives the show. If the next episode pairs everyone off into happy couples, why even try to escape the misery of Lima, Ohio?


Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.