Glee

First, it was a curiosity. Then, it was popular; and, then, it was a hit. And, then, within the course of just a few weeks and a handful of episodes "Glee TV show" became a television sensation and a cultural phenomenon. Ryan Murphy's genius creation revolves around the glee club at William McKinley in Lima, Ohio"”in other words, the archetypal anytown USA. The eternal struggle between McKinley's dorks and its perennially popular football players and cheerleaders drives the show's plots; the stories, however, get permanent turbo-charge from the built-in irony that the dorks, nerds, and geeks sing and dance better than your average six-pack of rock stars. Jane Lynch plays Sue Sylvester, rough-tough and quick-tongued cheerleading coach whose life's mission is to destroy Mr. Schuester, glee club alum and now coach. Matthew Morrison stars as "Mr. Shue," brilliantly supported and often up-staged by a perfectly chosen ensemble cast: Lea Michelle stars as Rachael, powerhouse soprano with pretentions to prima dona; and Diana Agron portrays Quinn, the head cheerleader who doubles as the perfect foil to Rachel. Singles and albums from "Glee's" most popular episodes have dominated the Billboard charts, shattering popularity and longevity records with each new release. The music, unfortunately, sometimes drowns out the brilliant dialogue. Critics feel hard pressed to name even one current show that rivals the quality of the writing on "Glee."

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