Tell Me! Am I just watching HDB HSM?

[thebitterguy]

Okay, so a few weeks ago, I saw the trailer for Glee, the new musical TV show set in a High School on Fox (hmmm...).

It's got a solid cast so far, with roles for Guest Star Jane Lynch and Charlie2 Jayma Mays as well as a group of talented (or at least well produced) youngsters (which, for a TV show means they're under 30).

But... I look at it, and I see that Fox is going to release each week's musical tracks on iTunes almost immediately after each episode's broadcast (Synergy makes me feel Dirty, peoplel. Dirty and used and a little bit angry), and I look at the basic description of the show, which is a muuuuusical. Set in a high school.

And I go Hrrm.

Is this just a version of High School Musical for Hipster Douchebags? Am I being led with the promise of candy to a sinister van in a parking lot?

Good God, people. This is Fox we're talking about.

The lead actress being the product of a mixed race gay marriage is interesting, admittedly. I just hope the Glee club being lead by an Aryan superman with a fat black girl, an Asian/Jewish stutterer and a guy in a wheelchair on backup isn't played for TOO many laughs.

Because, yeah, Fox. Oh, Fox. See how I distrust you?

Edit: And, on the front page of LJ, A community: glee_tv. I can only imagine how thick MySpace was for promotional material for the show for the past few weeks.

Comments

[lurkerwithout.livejournal.com]

I'm annoyed they released the pilot in May and plan to start airing the show in Fall. And FOX the Fall season doesn't start until NOVEMBER. Thats just fucking annoying...

Anyway the creator for it is behind "Popular" and "Nip/Tuck". And The Mullet Episode of "Popular" was one of Television's Greatest Moments. Though I could be biased in that I had a very..mullet-ish..hair style at the time...

[bandersnitch.livejournal.com]

I find this show insanely inspiring.

My only let down was that the extended teaser trailer they offered online was basically the ENTIRE episode in snapshot from beginning to end.

Also, despite feeling dirty about having the soundtrack on iTunes, I think this is a solid move. Sure we know its just to get the show to be a giant commercial for the songs, but I LOVED that version of Journey's Don't Stop Believing and play that portion of the episode over and over.

If the work is good, I don't mind buying it. TV is hurting for revenue anyways, so I have no problem with this sort of synergy. Its all in the delivery.

If there is a short clip at the end of the show saying "Music that appeared in this episode can be found at..." kind of ad, I am cool with it. How many times did you hear something you liked and couldn't find out who sang it?

Its the blatant sledgehammer of product placement IN the show that I dislike. I dont mind if they show a character using a product, holding a can of soda or anything else that would be natural. The product is there, subtle marketing.

CW is notoriously bad for abusing product placement. The characters pause with their products held predominately at the screen and smile at each other with a fake "Isn't it cool that Sunkist is sponsoring our small town concert appearance of the WB artist of the Week?"

Its painful and borders on breaking the fourth wall. Completely takes me out of the show.

[bandersnitch.livejournal.com]

I agree. I really liked the pilot, and I look forward to seeing more.

I would have liked it better if they teased us with this in August.

[bandersnitch.livejournal.com]

Also, the comparison to High School Musical is pretty clear, but instead of HSM for Hipsters, I like to think of it as

HSM-Disney=Glee.

Its a more mature teensoap approach to the same themes.

[thebitterguy]

Yeah, the timing was just... Odd. I can see why they might want to start it after Idol (and thanks to them for doing that and causing my PVR to miss the last minute causing three days of strife in the household), but how many of that audience are going to remember it in the fall?

[thebitterguy]

Oh, man. The episode of Smallville here Stride Gum gave Pete Ross superpowers? Made me full of hate.

Then there was the time Pantene sponsored the prom at Degrassi High.

[lurkerwithout.livejournal.com]

The Eureka episode brought to us by Sure deodorant. *ANGERFACE*

[framlingem.livejournal.com]

FWIW, I really, really enjoyed it. It was a little cheesy, sure, but in a "decent cheddar with a bit of fruit" way, rather than a "packaged atomic cheese slices" sort of way.

[thebitterguy]

Oh, I enjoyed it quite a bit as well. I just don't know how much I can trust the Fox network and its motives.

[elizalavelle.livejournal.com]

I have an irrational dislike of Lea Michelle which is making me not tune into Glee just yet. Perhaps later.

[thebitterguy]

Oh, you theatre fans are so... I'm looking for a word.

You gonna wait until, say, Chenowith starts making her cameos?

[thebitterguy]

Yeah, plus Degree would have been perfect for that show.

[elizalavelle.livejournal.com]

Is the word you're looking for "irrational", "weird"?

I may just wait 'til the season is over and see what the overall reviews are. Then I can watch it all in a chunk.

[thebitterguy]

Okay, but I gots to know: Why do you dislike her?

And did you submit your Oz panel proposal to Polaris?

[elizalavelle.livejournal.com]

She was not so nice to her fans ever. Too famous too young and diva-ed right out. Not cool in my books.

I didn't submit any panel ideas to Polaris. I figure I'm going to be way too busy with volunteering in the main room and trying to see Claudia Black (get photo and autograph etc) and Michael Hogan on Sunday... I don't even know how many panels I'll make it to at all :S