After the Madonna episode was a huge success, there’s already been talk of who is going to get the Madonna treatment next. Britney Spear’s manager even tried to turn a Britney episode into a Twitter trending topic. Ryan Murphy, on the other hand, seems to think only Madonna deserves the Madonna treatment and is in talks to do a Madonna sequel episode.

Please don’t.

Don’t get me wrong, the episode was great. I have a few complaints about plot and character development, but feel in the context of the entire season, these will be minor. It’s not unlike when a regular show (Buffy and Scrubs, just to name two) do a musical episode to amp up ratings. But to make this a regular thing? It’ll create viewer fatigue and make each of these episodes feel contrived. Part of the reason the Madonna episode worked so well was that she was a major plot point and the meaning of Madonna as a cultural symbol was thoughtfully explored.

My proposal?

Do this once a season. Once a season is frequent enough to make money off the very special soundtrack but irregular enough that the episode will still have power and impact.

Do different artists. Explore what that artist means and how that relates to the characters, just like you did with Madonna. This is difficult because how many artists out there deserve this kind of treatment? Not only would they have to be iconic, they’d need a diverse enough catalogue that there’d be songs for everyone on Glee. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Sting and the Police, Queen and David Bowie come to mind.

Do different genres. I’d love to see a Stephen Sondheim tribute episode. Madonna was pure pop, let’s try some rock and some Broadway episodes.

I understand why Ryan Murphy and Fox would be so into getting on this bandwagon. It will make them a ton of money. It will make Madonna a ton of money. Who doesn’t love money? But without any creative logic behind it, it’s not going to be fair to the fans of Glee.

My PVR broke last night and for 10 dreadful minutes I thought I wouldn’t be able to watch Glee! Worst thing ever! It eventually sorted itself out and I only missed the scene were Will writes “Madonna” on the blackboard. Since that was in every promo ever, I was golden!

Here’s the ten things that struck me this week.

1) Is more better?

Yes, the Madonna episode was a very special episode. But its the second episode in a row where plot was compromised for the sake of bigger musical numbers. And this worries me. A lot of amazing stuff happened plot-wise last night: Mercedes and Kurt joining the Cheerios, Jesse joining New Directions, Finn losing his virginity, but they felt like after-thoughts. How cool would it have been to see Kurt and Mercedes contemplate joining the Cheerios? They know Sue is evil. I’m holding out hope that this will right itself, but when I watch Glee, I want to see an hour of great television (complete with music) not an extended music video.

2) Sue

Sue felt off to me last night. Maybe because her character development came out of nowhere. Why would she agree to a makeover with Kurt and Mercedes? Was it her plan to use them to screw with Will all along? Because if so, that was not clear. Why did Will’s comment about her hair anger her so? Jane Lynch was great, but again, plot and backstory went by the wayside and the result left me confused.

3) The theme of empowerment

Was awesome! Thank you, Glee, for addressing a universal problem, and doing it with respect and humor. By the end, even the boys were empowered: Will stood up to Sue, Kurt is got is chance to shine, Finn and Artie learned about the importance of respect in a relationship.

4) Quinn

When is girl going to get some development? She’s the second female lead after Rachel but has two entire lines in the past two episodes. I’m glad Santana and Brittany are getting more screen time, but they’re largely foils designed for humor or for Finn to learn something. My guess? Quinn gets a big story next week.

5) Mercedes and Kurt on the Cheerios

How many times, Will Schuester, are your students going to have to explain that you play favorites and its not fair? A million? A billion? Because you do. And i’ts not cool. Good for Kurt and Mercedes to finally do something about it. The Cheerios’ “4 Minutes” performance was possibly my favorite last night.

6) The virginity plot

While the choices of all three virgins were true to their characters, it bothered me a bit that the two girls didn’t go through with it and the one boy did. However, props to Jesse and Will for being respectful of their lady friends’ choices.

7) Jesse

I cannot (cannot!) figure out why dude joined New Directions. Is it to mess with Rachel? Then trying to sleep with her is taking this faux relationship way too far? Is it because he truly loves her? Then what happened to the egomaniac from only an episode ago? New Directions must feel so low-rent compared to Vocal Adrenaline. I seriously doubt their star would give that up for a girl he’s dated for like two weeks. While I think this is a smart move to take plot-wise, the explanation for it needs to be logical and true to character for me to buy it.

Emma and Will

Will is taking lessons from Madonna. His speech about respecting Emma and suggesting she gets help (in a caring, not condescending way) felt true. She needs help and someone to help her through this.

9) Divorce

If Will filed for divorce, why is Jessalyn Gilsig still in the main cast? Where is that going to go? I know Ryan likes Jessalyn, but I don’t want there to be an awkward plot twist just to keep her around. The two going to couples counseling would make sense, but do people do that after they’ve filed for divorce?

10) Madonna

Overall, an all-Madonna episode worked. But Madonna has reinvented herself and her music over and over. Would any other entertainers work as a tribute episode? I don’t think so, but I’m open to suggestions!

Thanks to EVERYONE who made ah-mazing Madonna sets for our very special How Would Glee Wear It? Madonna challenge! The Madonna episode airs tonight and I cannot wait! I might even don one of these fantastic looks today in honor of her Madgesty.

(If you’ve made a set, never fear! Send it to me at embalser@gmail.com via Polyvore and I’ll add it below!).

How Would Rachel Wear It?

My Look

How Would Rachel Wear It? Madonna by embalser featuring Vince tops

DLishly’s Look

Rachel – Madonna inspiration by dlishly-girly featuring Oasis tops

Broadway Baby’s Look

Rachel Berry/Power of Madonna by broadwaybaby93 featuring Givenchy shoes

Read the rest of this entry »

A lot. So much so that he’s recreated Madonna’s “Vogue” music video twice. Way back in 2001, Popular’s resident bitch Nicole Julian did her own version of Madonna’s iconic classic. Let’s compare and constract, shall we?

First up, the original:

And now Nicole’s:

And now Sue’s:

My only question? Why was there no Madonna recreation in Nip/Tuck?

While the TV Guide photo of the Glee cast dolled up in various incarnations of Madonna are AMAZING (I can’t wait to see the full spread), I couldn’t help but think that they were the best character match-ups. Would Quinn really be the one to don the super sexy catsuit in “Papa Don’t Preach?” That seems more like a Santana look to me.

However, before we continue, please watch the TV Guide Behind the Scenes video:

What, the hell. Enjoy the 30 second previews of all the Madonna songs first. My crap is going to be a let down after all the Madonna awesomeness.

So, in honor of the Madonna episode (airing April 20th!) Here’s a very special edition of How Would Glee Wear It: The Madonna Version! Make a look for your favorite Glee character (or all of them!) inspired by Madonna. For example, here’s a look inspired by Rachel and Madonna:

How Would Rachel Wear It? Madonna by embalser featuring Vince tops

As you can see, it’s my interpretation of how Rachel would interpret Madonna! Confusing, I know. But you can handle it!

Email your sets via Polyvore to embalser@gmail.com by Monday, April 19th at 10pm EST. I’ll share all the great looks (including my own!) the same day “The Power of Madonna” airs!

This new preview of Glee is only fifteen seconds long, but it’s our first hint of the Glee cast singing “4 Minutes!”

FIFTEEN DAYS!!!!!

Glee comes back on April 13th and the most anticipated soundtrack, well, EVER, will hit stores on April 20th. Being a digital download girl myself, I’m going to be ordering Glee: The Music – The Power of Madonna the second it hits iTunes that day. However, if you’re more of the CD type, you’re in luck! You can pre-order the CD right now, so it’ll come to your door the day the Madonna episode of Glee airs!

I think I love the cover. It took some getting used to, but it’s a nice homage to the Madonna of the ’80s we know and love. The CD costs $7.99 and can be ordered here!

The all-Madonna epiosde of Glee is going to be so jam-packed, it’s getting it’s own soundtrack! That’s right, Sony announced today that they will release Glee: The Music – The Power Of Madonna on April 13th, the same day Glee comes back!

Tommy2 got the details and there will be seven songs feature:

1. Express Yourself
2. Borderline / Open Your Heart
3. Vogue
4. Like A Virgin
5. 4 Minutes
6. What It Feels Like For A Girl
7. Like A Prayer

I can’t wait to download all these and sing along! The Madonna episode is going to be epic!

Dianna Agron chatted with TV Guide yesterday about Glee’s early season two pick-up. The conversation turned to what Glee fans can expect in the back nine episodes and she revealed two juicy morsels.

They’re not anything that will blow your mind, but they’re below the cut just in case!

Read the rest of this entry »

Madonna Tribe scored the entire playlist to the all-Madonna Glee episode!

The songs featured are below the jump, so you don’t spoil yourself!

Read the rest of this entry »