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Glee – Artie’s no longer dancing with himself

- Season 1, Episode 9 - "Wheels"

glee_wheels_artieI have been saying from the very beginning that Artie and Tina needed better storylines, especially Artie, who I’ve wanted to have more singing from ever since I learned he used to be a member of the most wonderfully cheesetastic boy band ever. And then — this week. Oh, this week!

Sure, there were some other great moments — Puck with his special brownies and devotion to Quinn, Kurt and his dad, and of course, the Diva-Off which was the emotional underscore of the episode. But nothing — nothing! — can take away from Artie, the true star of the week.

From his amazing cover of “Dancing With Myself,” a song that I kind of hate that suddenly became the greatest song ever, to his quiet sadness at never quite being able to fit in with everyone else and silent acceptance,  I just could not have loved him more this episode. I want to take him home with me and bake him cookies. Speaking as someone whose mother is handicapped and occasionally uses a wheelchair, I cannot tell you how refreshing it was to finally have an episode explore how much that situation can absolutely suck.  Being handicapped is even less discussed on TV then homosexuality (which is saying something), and thank god that the first real discussion of it was done so well and then had a grand finale number of “Proud Mary.” Amen! Hallelujah!

There were, of course, a few down moments. First of all, Artie stopped liking Tina just because she lost her stutter? Really? He only liked her because she was “different” like him? That’s kind of lame of you, Artie, and I was totally rooting for you two crazy kids from the beginning. I’m also not feeling the new attempts at Sue having a softer side. I appreciate characters being multi-dimensional and growing, but this is outright character schizophrenia, and it destroys the perfect, quotable villain. Come back, evil Sue! You know you want to.

Other than that, a very solid week from a fabulous show. So fabulous I didn’t even miss the lack of Emma.

Is it next week yet?

Photo Credit: FOX

Categories: | Clack | Episode Reviews | General | Glee | TV Shows |

7 Responses to “Glee – Artie’s no longer dancing with himself”

November 12, 2009 at 9:12 AM

What a great episode. I too did not miss Teri and I didn’t miss Emma either sad to say. :)

I love that Sue has a softer side. Making her a witch through the whole series would get old I think. I knew something was going on as soon as she was talking with Will and she said that he knew nothing about her.

I hate to say it, I would rather Quinn be with Puck than with Finn. Finn is too… stupid may not be the right word but watching Puck try to do what it right makes me see him in a new light, one that has done a 180 turn from the first few episodes.

I have to say, it was kind of funny watching them all try and get around in wheelchairs. I know it was supposed to be a learning moment for them but it was just funny to watch.

I have liked Artie from the start and I hope he can get over the Tina/Stutter thing.

As for the diva-off. It gave me chills. I had to watch it twice. Kurt did kind of sound like he was forcing the song when he sang it but still, how can that kid hit those notes?????? Those kids can really sing.

November 12, 2009 at 12:01 PM

I definitely enjoy the show better when Will’s problems are in the background.

The heart of the show is the kids and that’s what will make the show. Especially if they want to have a realistic feel and have some of them graduate eventually.

November 12, 2009 at 9:45 PM

Artie’s “Preach!” when Will started in on the kids for not being sensitive to his situation was hysterical, and potentially my favorite moment in this show so far.

And that’s in a show full of favorite moments.

November 13, 2009 at 9:13 AM

Artie’s problem could be a self-esteem thing. He may have thought he only had a shot with Tina due to their “connection,” and that it won’t work out without that in common, even if she kissed him this time.

Sue’s background gives weight to her uncompromising nature and refusal to coddle slackers when her sister has worked so hard all her life. It may also play into her overwhelming need for success/perfection, so that her sister will be proud of her—she obviously watches Sue on television.

November 13, 2009 at 5:36 PM

my wife works with the developmentally developed, and we see a LOT of families who have various reactions to having a mentally challenged family member. Some over-protect them, but others become very hard and exacting towards themselves, as though they have to be even stronger to “make up” for the weaker family member. Sue definitely fits those type of family members.

November 13, 2009 at 10:05 PM

I think Artie will get over Tina’s lack of stutter. Obviously it really hurt him that they don’t have a disability in common, but she’s still the same girl and they still have the same connection. Plus, he still has the use of his penis. (BEST QUOTE EVER.)

Also, my fangirling over Quinn/Puck has reached embarrassing levels.

November 16, 2009 at 11:05 PM

Great episode.
Also, I got excited when I saw “Vork from The Guild” (Jeff Lewis) play the manager that gave Finn the job.

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