Top 10 Times Glee Tackled Serious Issues
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
luckyhorseshoe4427
They didn't really tackle anything with the school shooting episode. For starters, it wasn't even a real shooting, the gun just went off by accident, and it's never really made clear whether Becky brought it because she intended to use it on herself or on anyone else. And for a show that prided itself on tackling serious issues, the episode didn't really have anything profound to say. If you wanted to do a Very Special Episode on school shootings, it would have to involve some kind of message, whether about gun control/gun safety, mental health, bullying, school security, etc, but all Glee did was show some kids holed up in a school building hiding from a shooter that turns out to not even be real, then have Sue tell Will to keep an eye on Becky without giving him any more information, and without there ever being any follow up on what led Becky to bring a gun to school in the first place. In fact, I'm pretty sure the only time the lockdown is ever brought up again is when Marley mentions that thinking she was about to die motivated her to share her original songs with the rest of the glee club. All in all, it was just a cheap shock value episode masquerading as an after school special, and aside from giving Marley and Ryder's storylines a little nudge forward, it was pretty much pointless.
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They didn't really tackle anything with the school shooting episode. For starters, it wasn't even a real shooting, the gun just went off by accident, and it's never really made clear whether Becky brought it because she intended to use it on herself or on anyone else. And for a show that prided itself on tackling serious issues, the episode didn't really have anything profound to say. If you wanted to do a Very Special Episode on school shootings, it would have to involve some kind of message, whether about gun control/gun safety, mental health, bullying, school security, etc, but all Glee did was show some kids holed up in a school building hiding from a shooter that turns out to not even be real, then have Sue tell Will to keep an eye on Becky without giving him any more information, and without there ever being any follow up on what led Becky to bring a gun to school in the first place. In fact, I'm pretty sure the only time the lockdown is ever brought up again is when Marley mentions that thinking she was about to die motivated her to share her original songs with the rest of the glee club. All in all, it was just a cheap shock value episode masquerading as an after school special, and aside from giving Marley and Ryder's storylines a little nudge forward, it was pretty much pointless.
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Moonlight_sparkle
The main issue I have with Glee is that they talk about some issues but then let them go like they're nothing, it's okay for them to talk about LGBTQ and Trans issues ALL the time (not that it makes them any less important and as somebody who is apart of the LGBTQ community, this was very important at the time) but when they dig into deeper and more unknown topics later on like mental health, SA, and ED's, they're treated so poorly. Marley's ED was probably the most notorious for being so poorly handled because of how she was treated by her classmates and Kitty (who btw didn't suffer ANY consequences. And then you're gonna tell me that in few episodes after that, it's now gone from existence? Like it didn't happen at all. That's not how real life issues operate. I just really hate how RM would constantly preach about LGBTQ and Trans issues but wouldn't even give the time of day to make the other issues they talked about just as important and would sweep them under the rug. Glee literally just wants to do whatever it wants to do without any continuity and it's so frustrating because I really wanted to like some of these characters, especially the new ones, but how am I supposed to do that when their issues aren't being taken care of seriously?
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The main issue I have with Glee is that they talk about some issues but then let them go like they're nothing, it's okay for them to talk about LGBTQ and Trans issues ALL the time (not that it makes them any less important and as somebody who is apart of the LGBTQ community, this was very important at the time) but when they dig into deeper and more unknown topics later on like mental health, SA, and ED's, they're treated so poorly. Marley's ED was probably the most notorious for being so poorly handled because of how she was treated by her classmates and Kitty (who btw didn't suffer ANY consequences. And then you're gonna tell me that in few episodes after that, it's now gone from existence? Like it didn't happen at all. That's not how real life issues operate. I just really hate how RM would constantly preach about LGBTQ and Trans issues but wouldn't even give the time of day to make the other issues they talked about just as important and would sweep them under the rug. Glee literally just wants to do whatever it wants to do without any continuity and it's so frustrating because I really wanted to like some of these characters, especially the new ones, but how am I supposed to do that when their issues aren't being taken care of seriously?
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Unfiltered
Transitioning with Unique was handled pretty well but with Beiste it made no sense whatsoever. Prior to S6, she was always depicted as a sensitive woman, pretty delicate at heart, the whole point was that she looked tough and manly, but she was very girly inside. We were told on numerous occasions that she wanted men to see her as a normal woman and not as their buddy. And then they took a 180 with her character and made her a man. Sorry, but not the best way to touch upon this serious issue and it sort of reinforces the stereotype that every tomboy or a woman who doesn't like make-up or dresses is automatically secretly transgender. This always bugged me about this storyline.
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Transitioning with Unique was handled pretty well but with Beiste it made no sense whatsoever. Prior to S6, she was always depicted as a sensitive woman, pretty delicate at heart, the whole point was that she looked tough and manly, but she was very girly inside. We were told on numerous occasions that she wanted men to see her as a normal woman and not as their buddy. And then they took a 180 with her character and made her a man. Sorry, but not the best way to touch upon this serious issue and it sort of reinforces the stereotype that every tomboy or a woman who doesn't like make-up or dresses is automatically secretly transgender. This always bugged me about this storyline.
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Alana
Looking back, while they handled serious issues, they handled them poorly, which is why, unfortunately, I mainly rewatch purely for the musical numbers. The subjects that I think they did do well, however, were Bieste's domestic violence storyline, (Shake it Out) and Finn/Cory's Death. The latter, because, unfortunately, it was personal and affected them directly, so they couldn't avoid it. Personally, the lights out one triggered me, having experienced similar. The one that breaks my heart is Blaine's performance of Cough Syrup.
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Looking back, while they handled serious issues, they handled them poorly, which is why, unfortunately, I mainly rewatch purely for the musical numbers. The subjects that I think they did do well, however, were Bieste's domestic violence storyline, (Shake it Out) and Finn/Cory's Death. The latter, because, unfortunately, it was personal and affected them directly, so they couldn't avoid it. Personally, the lights out one triggered me, having experienced similar. The one that breaks my heart is Blaine's performance of Cough Syrup.
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Janine
1: 26 I would have loved to see more development of Sam & Quinns relationship. It was so underrated.
2: 33 I love this song. What a great performance.
3: 46 Sue & Jeans relationship have also gotten more development.
5: 12 Marleys eating disorder was swept under the rug. Not to mention that Ryder is a dick to her. I feel like there were episodes in the 90s like in Full House & Lizzie McGuire that handled eating disorders better. A more recent show that handled this issue well was Degrassi The Next Generation.
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1: 26 I would have loved to see more development of Sam & Quinns relationship. It was so underrated.
2: 33 I love this song. What a great performance.
3: 46 Sue & Jeans relationship have also gotten more development.
5: 12 Marleys eating disorder was swept under the rug. Not to mention that Ryder is a dick to her. I feel like there were episodes in the 90s like in Full House & Lizzie McGuire that handled eating disorders better. A more recent show that handled this issue well was Degrassi The Next Generation.
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Patricia
I really love the scene with the trans choir because one of the excuses people give for ignoring the issues of trans people in the United States is They're less than 1% of the population, they don't matter! but seeing so many trans people in one place helps people realize that less than 1% of the population is still HUGE, and why does their population decide whether or not they get basic human rights? Loved that scene, Glee was far from a perfect show but it sure did have a lot of representation.
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I really love the scene with the trans choir because one of the excuses people give for ignoring the issues of trans people in the United States is They're less than 1% of the population, they don't matter! but seeing so many trans people in one place helps people realize that less than 1% of the population is still HUGE, and why does their population decide whether or not they get basic human rights? Loved that scene, Glee was far from a perfect show but it sure did have a lot of representation.
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Charlotte
A lot of people said that coach beasts transition to male didn't make sense considering she always just wanted to be treated like a woman but because she was masculine nobody took her seriously only will did that's why he kissed her he wanted to treat her the way she wanted to be treated like a woman that's why the glee boys sang stop to her to say sorry for hurting her feeling I like coach beasts transition storyline myself but do also understand why some people may not have liked it
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A lot of people said that coach beasts transition to male didn't make sense considering she always just wanted to be treated like a woman but because she was masculine nobody took her seriously only will did that's why he kissed her he wanted to treat her the way she wanted to be treated like a woman that's why the glee boys sang stop to her to say sorry for hurting her feeling I like coach beasts transition storyline myself but do also understand why some people may not have liked it
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Xavier
Cant believe the quarterback episode wasnt even an honorable mention but I hated that storyline in season 6 for Beiste. It literally came outta nowhere. One minute she was a proud masc presenting woman that just wanted to be seen and treated as a woman then boom shes transgender. huh? But I loved how Glee would tackle serious topics in the midst of being a comedy show about HS kids singing lol it somewhat reminded me of Degrassi in that way.
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Cant believe the quarterback episode wasnt even an honorable mention but I hated that storyline in season 6 for Beiste. It literally came outta nowhere. One minute she was a proud masc presenting woman that just wanted to be seen and treated as a woman then boom shes transgender. huh? But I loved how Glee would tackle serious topics in the midst of being a comedy show about HS kids singing lol it somewhat reminded me of Degrassi in that way.
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Anthony
Most of these episodes are rightfully ranked the way they were on this list, plus the honorable mentions. However, the episode The Quarterback shouldve been given an honorable mention since it didnt make the top 10. Please make another list regarding this topic & include 4 or 5 more honorable mentions before mashing them up into a top 20 list with 4 or 5 more honorable mentions, Ms. Mojo. Please make it happen, Ms. Mojo.
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Most of these episodes are rightfully ranked the way they were on this list, plus the honorable mentions. However, the episode The Quarterback shouldve been given an honorable mention since it didnt make the top 10. Please make another list regarding this topic & include 4 or 5 more honorable mentions before mashing them up into a top 20 list with 4 or 5 more honorable mentions, Ms. Mojo. Please make it happen, Ms. Mojo.
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imshinycaptain
Okay but by making Beiste trans ruined another great statement to make about being different, that women who aren't petite, dainty, and conventionally attractive are STILL WOMEN and want to be treated as such. And her empowering break up with that piece of garbage she married? Iconic. Now they just reinforced that maybe women who aren't the paragon of traditional femininity are men in hiding. Thanks.
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Okay but by making Beiste trans ruined another great statement to make about being different, that women who aren't petite, dainty, and conventionally attractive are STILL WOMEN and want to be treated as such. And her empowering break up with that piece of garbage she married? Iconic. Now they just reinforced that maybe women who aren't the paragon of traditional femininity are men in hiding. Thanks.
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fanjoy
That's one of the reasons why I'm in the minority who thinks the show aged very well. Unlike other positive and uplifting shows, Glee always tackled issues and showed that some people never come around. And that's OK. Sure, it would be nice if we all loved each other and could get over our differences, but I really appreciate the way the show handles both sides of the issue, including the wrong side.
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That's one of the reasons why I'm in the minority who thinks the show aged very well. Unlike other positive and uplifting shows, Glee always tackled issues and showed that some people never come around. And that's OK. Sure, it would be nice if we all loved each other and could get over our differences, but I really appreciate the way the show handles both sides of the issue, including the wrong side.
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Thesourpatchkidd
I think the only real problem was that Glee only treated these issues seriously in these spotlight moments- like with a lot of serious issues on the show, it was a joke except for when it wasn't and then it was a joke again. You can't ask your viewers to take something seriously that you were just making fun of only to make fun of it again.
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I think the only real problem was that Glee only treated these issues seriously in these spotlight moments- like with a lot of serious issues on the show, it was a joke except for when it wasn't and then it was a joke again. You can't ask your viewers to take something seriously that you were just making fun of only to make fun of it again.
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Rose
#8 Wheels
No. Glee DOES NOT get representation credit for diversity by casting an able-bodied/non-wheelchair using actor as the wheelchair using character. Disabled representation sucks in Hollywood and when one of the few roles that is specifically written as a disabled character is filled by a non-disabled actor you dont get points for that.
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#8 Wheels
No. Glee DOES NOT get representation credit for diversity by casting an able-bodied/non-wheelchair using actor as the wheelchair using character. Disabled representation sucks in Hollywood and when one of the few roles that is specifically written as a disabled character is filled by a non-disabled actor you dont get points for that.
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-finelinehabits
they did tackle really important topics. just not in a good way. like for example the shooting. a shooting is one of the most traumatising thing a person can go through yet they never mention it except in the first few minutes of the next episode. it felt like the writers were using these traumatic events just for drama.
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they did tackle really important topics. just not in a good way. like for example the shooting. a shooting is one of the most traumatising thing a person can go through yet they never mention it except in the first few minutes of the next episode. it felt like the writers were using these traumatic events just for drama.
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Mishka
I love glee but even though they talked about these issues in the show not all of them made sense(like coach transitioning) and others were just talking about for short while then never mentioned again.
Like Ryder and Unique situation need to be expanded more and many others
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I love glee but even though they talked about these issues in the show not all of them made sense(like coach transitioning) and others were just talking about for short while then never mentioned again.
Like Ryder and Unique situation need to be expanded more and many others
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Sean
This is why I love Glee way more than High School Musical
To flaw is a part of being a human
Characters on Glee aren't perfect, some are in fact deeply flawed(cough cough, Rachel, cough, cough, Puck, cough, cough Santana)
Yet you see the reasons behind their flaws
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This is why I love Glee way more than High School Musical
To flaw is a part of being a human
Characters on Glee aren't perfect, some are in fact deeply flawed(cough cough, Rachel, cough, cough, Puck, cough, cough Santana)
Yet you see the reasons behind their flaws
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Sarayu
The only things that glee handles well was Santanas, unique and kurts story lines. Although I feel like unique could have been written better. They tried to handle issues but they fall flat often.
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The only things that glee handles well was Santanas, unique and kurts story lines. Although I feel like unique could have been written better. They tried to handle issues but they fall flat often.
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John
Based on Ryder and Beiste's stories, how do you guys feel about domestic violence, moIestation, and rpe on _men_ instead of women? As far as society is concerned, that stuff is much less serous.
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Based on Ryder and Beiste's stories, how do you guys feel about domestic violence, moIestation, and rpe on _men_ instead of women? As far as society is concerned, that stuff is much less serous.
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Leah
how did Finn's death not make the cut? Corey Monteith's death is one of the reasons i can't watch glee anymore and the way they handled it was incredibly beautiful and respectful
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how did Finn's death not make the cut? Corey Monteith's death is one of the reasons i can't watch glee anymore and the way they handled it was incredibly beautiful and respectful
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Zoe
I love Glee so much. One of the reasons is because they do such a good job with this stuff. They find a way to make it funny, but have a really good message at the same time.
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I love Glee so much. One of the reasons is because they do such a good job with this stuff. They find a way to make it funny, but have a really good message at the same time.
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Rachael
Whoever thought of the pregnancy montage juxatopsing with Vocal Adrenaline performing Bohemian Rhapsody is a genius and deserved a raise. It's still so epic to this day.
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Whoever thought of the pregnancy montage juxatopsing with Vocal Adrenaline performing Bohemian Rhapsody is a genius and deserved a raise. It's still so epic to this day.
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Katie
I didnt like they turned coach beiste into a man. Not because Im transphobic, its just that its nice to see a non traditional looking female character in a tv show.
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I didnt like they turned coach beiste into a man. Not because Im transphobic, its just that its nice to see a non traditional looking female character in a tv show.
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Aaron
I understand Beats. I was in a dominant violent relationship. It was hell. But I left him. He's in jail. I'm married and pregnant with my amazing, loyal husband.
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I understand Beats. I was in a dominant violent relationship. It was hell. But I left him. He's in jail. I'm married and pregnant with my amazing, loyal husband.
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Panda
Sue is a better person than This so called glee teacher. Hed rather have them dance around in skimpy outfit and didnt allow Unique their own bathroom. Disgusting
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Sue is a better person than This so called glee teacher. Hed rather have them dance around in skimpy outfit and didnt allow Unique their own bathroom. Disgusting
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Cassandra
Ive only watched Bash twice but that was two times too many for me. Kurts my favorite character so seeing him get beat nearly to death was so hard for me.
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Ive only watched Bash twice but that was two times too many for me. Kurts my favorite character so seeing him get beat nearly to death was so hard for me.
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Dena
The episode about the lockdown really gets to me. Columbine happened my senior year and there was a slight situation that happened at my school not long after.
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The episode about the lockdown really gets to me. Columbine happened my senior year and there was a slight situation that happened at my school not long after.
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Olvia
What about grief? I got curious watching a certain episode when they lost a major character. It has to be hard to let go of that pain, especially for Lea.
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What about grief? I got curious watching a certain episode when they lost a major character. It has to be hard to let go of that pain, especially for Lea.
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Teban
They tackled the whole Dave's suicide, only not to include David at all in the next seasons.
What is worse, is the next episode is about Blaine. Ugh.
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They tackled the whole Dave's suicide, only not to include David at all in the next seasons.
What is worse, is the next episode is about Blaine. Ugh.
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daisy
i feel like it should also be mentioned that in tested blaine was going through an eating disorder, even if it wasnt said in those words, it clearly was
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i feel like it should also be mentioned that in tested blaine was going through an eating disorder, even if it wasnt said in those words, it clearly was
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-C
Brittany crying in the bathroom during the lockdown really got me. Her performance was amazing and it really made me imagine how scary that would be.
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Brittany crying in the bathroom during the lockdown really got me. Her performance was amazing and it really made me imagine how scary that would be.
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