Talented actor plays "out" role!
I was channel-surfing last evening - when I unexpectedly stumbled upon the latest scintillating installment of the highly-rated TV musical/comedy - "Glee".
Within minutes, it struck me that the well-written thought-provoking piece of fiction - broadcast during the family hour - appeared to be mirroring life itself.
Indeed, at least one controversial theme (handled with kid gloves in a gay-themed sub-plot) was literally ripped from screaming headlines, to its credit.
No stale old fag jokes in this hip creative offering, that's for sure!
I recalled a phrase that actors used as a coded reference to "queer" male actors in the business on the sly way back in the fifties (era of screen idols Tab Hunter & Rock Hudson).
"He's musical, 'ya know?"
Well, there are enough show tunes on "Glee" each week, to fathom that inevitability from the get-go!
Right off-the-bat, I was a little put-off by some of the language, though.
In one unsettling scene - two attractive gal pals chatting up a storm about an upcoming competition - joked about being a couple of nasty "bit**es" to be reckoned with.
The sentiments rolled off the tongues of these teen babes so easily that it jolted my sensibilities.
Later, one camera panned in on two female friends of the female hugging each other on a bed.
Say what?
When one pretty black character lightly teased the other for being a (lipstick?) lesbo, she giggled a little, just before swearing (cross her heart) that there was nothing behind the "cuddly" cop-a-feel.
"Sometimes I just need a warm body to hold onto," she joked, in so many words.
Me, too, honey bun!
As we used to say when I was a kid:"Lesbie-friends and go homo."
Uh-huh.
What messages - blatant or subliminal - are being promoted on "Glee"?
About mid-way into the highly-entertaining segment, the students were asked to buddy-up, and perform a duet for an upcoming talent night.
One "out" male student - obviously, so - hatched a scheme to approach a blond cutie in class to take up the task in a bold-faced effort to sidle up closer with the hope of a potential romp in the hay.
When a teacher called him up on his deceitful intent, he drummed up a hilarious alternative, to get out of the fix.
"I'll perform a duet with myself," he huffed, to all within earshot.
Musical masturbation, per chance?
The next best thing, I guess.
The talented triple-threat whipped up a dazzling dance routine - based on the novel one in "Victoria Victoria" that Julie Andrews performed to theatrical perfection - with the intention of playing both the male & female parts!
In the next exploitative moment, the shows producers sent the lad into the shower room, where he promptly informed the object of his desire (naked from the waist up) that he was off the hook.
Not before he has informed him, however, that he didn't buy the stud's so-called "straight act".
"My gay-dar is quite good, 'ya know," he asserted earlier, in the twinkling of an eye.
Actually, the young blond actor who played the character, reminded me a lot of the one who starred in the popular hit - Queer as Folk - which was shot in my hometown (Toronto) a few moons ago.
Of course, Glee is tame by comparison.
"Queer" was so graphic and in-your-face and ground-breaking in respect to gritty gay themes.
A peck on the cheek is about all viewers will be salaciously treated to on "Glee".
Pity!
After all, I have the hots for Jane Lynch
News at 11!
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