High School Angst Becomes “Glee”ful!

After a long, almost four month, wait, Glee returns to FOX on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, to lift this country out of the doldrums. The feel-good musical comedy pulls the viewer in with its enticing cast of jocks, geeks, perfectionists, popular kids, looney-tune staff and crusty coaches.

Spanish teacher, Will Schuester, misses his former glory days in music and is determined to have a competition-winning Glee club at his alma mater, William McKinley High School, in anywhere Ohio. Thwarted on all sides with only a motley crew of misfits to pave the way, he optimistically perseveres on his quest for perfection. Rachel, a snobbish nobody, and Finn, an unwitting quarterback, are Will’s best bets for a win.

Watching the way good-guy Will goes into action to snag the popular football player was a bit of a surprise, so I won’t give it away.

The show is not all light and laughter but also has a bit of a dark undertone and depth as it explores life at its high-school worst, in terms of unhealthy desires, idiosyncrasies, sex, bullying, lies and peer pressure. The harsh realities of student life in Glee will feel familiar to anyone who has been a student, yet make you chuckle at the past and keep you rooting for the underdogs.

Oh, and did I mention the music? Be ready to tap your feet and be transported to the past. Look for a rousing version of “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey in the pilot. Rumor has it that “Take a Bow” by Rihanna, “Single Ladies” by Beyonce and Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” may surface in other episodes.