ADVANCE REVIEW: Glee “Grilled Cheesus”
October 5th, 2010 by thetvchick
I am not alone in saying I was not entirely thrilled with last week’s episode of Glee. I didn’t write it off as the worst hour of television ever, but I felt it was mostly a series of (albeit awesome) music videos as opposed to any plot advancement. This week’s episode, titled “Grilled Cheesus” is the exact opposite. It is one of the best, most emotionally resonant episodes of the series to date. Despite it’s somewhat goofy title, “Grilled Cheesus” is anything but, as it takes on the super sensitive topic of religion. Whenever a show decides to tackle a subject this big and touchy, there’s always the worry that not every point of view will get expressed or someone will be put down for their particular views. I can tell you from my perspective, every religion that’s represented in the McKinley High School Glee Club was given a fair shake, including no religion at all. Non-believers deserve their time too. However, the non believers (for those wondering, Kurt and Sue) explain why they don’t believe in God and what God means to them. Some people heartily disagree with them, but the point is, no one is put down for what they believe in. In times like these, with gay suicides running rampant throughout the country, it’s important for everyone to know their viewpoint is respected and most importantly, no matter what you believe in (or what your sexual preference is), you are supported and welcomed. But I digress.
“Grilled Cheesus” earns its title because Finn makes a grilled cheese sandwich and sees the face of Jesus on it. I thought this was a fun way to introduce the topic and not as heavy handed as just delving right into it. Finn prays to grilled cheesus many times throughout the episode, for some amazing Finn-like things. One of those things might be to get some action with Rachel. But I can’t spoil too much!
However, despite Finn’s miracle discovery, he’s not the focal point of this episode. From the promos, we know that something happens to Burt Hummel. I’m not going to ruin that for you, but this event leads everyone to a more in depth discussion and singing songs about religion and spirituality. Kurt admits he doesn’t believe in God, and thinks it’s like Santa, which leads to a very interesting and insightful discussion. Be warned, from the beginning of the episode, it is an emotional roller coaster. Keep tissues nearby. If you don’t, I did warn you!
For the Will and Emma fans out there (I know there are a lot of you), there is a very sweet moment between them. It is brief, so look closely, but it showed me that they still count on each other for support. Another surprise of the episode is Sue and Emma having a scene together about religion. It was actually one of my favorites of the episode, because we get to see the softer, more human side to Sue. She and Emma feel very differently about religion and you come to understand why Sue feels the way she does. I have to say yet again that this episode expresses everybody’s point of view and doesn’t look down on anyone.
All of the musical performances in this episode were absolutely stunning, from Rachel’s “Papa Can You Hear Me” to Mercedes’ “I Look To You” and a version of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” However, nothing was more amazing and tear inducing than Kurt’s rendition of “I Want To Hold Your Hand.” Even as I write this, I’m getting a little teary-eyed thinking about it. There are even some flashbacks with a younger Kurt (who looks EXACTLY like Chris Colfer, kudos to the casting director) and his dad. I can guarantee that his performance won’t leave you dry-eyed, which is a testament to this brilliant young performer. If he deserves an Emmy for anything, it’s definitely “Grilled Cheesus.” We’ve all gone through tough times before and this episode is at its core about love, compassion and acceptance of one another. We are all people who deserve respect and support. No matter how you pray, or if you don’t pray, it doesn’t matter, as long as you respect people’s rights to do so. Kurt’s questioning of God and religion (or his disbelief) is something that I know I’ve felt at a certain point in my life and I love Glee for bringing issues like this to everyone’s attention, especially in a supportive and insightful backdrop. Just when you think Glee has turned into a guest star/Britney Spears extravaganza, it brings you back to the reason you fell in love with it in the first place.
4 Comments
posted on October 5th, 2010 at 8:08 am
I have been cautiously awaiting this episode for a while now. Religion-themed episodes can go so many ways, it worried me for Glee to be tackling one so soon in their run. Your review definitely has moved my toward a positive anticipation verses some other blurbs I’ve seen floating around the Internet. No matter what, this definitely shows that Glee, like one of my all-time-favorites, Scrubs, is not afraid to tackle both comedy and drama in the same season…it’s what makes these shows glimpses into reality for me and keeps me coming back for more. Hoping for the best as I watch tonight’s episode!
posted on October 6th, 2010 at 9:11 am
it’s important for everyone to know their viewpoint is respected and most importantly, no matter what you believe in (or what your sexual preference is), you are supported and welcomed.
This is such a nice sentiment, but one I found completely lacking in last night’s episode. Kurt stated, even before the drama with his father, that while he didn’t believe in God, it was okay if everyone else did. They were entitled to that opinion. If only the same had been done in reverse. The entire rest of the episode seemed to be one big long lecture at Kurt on how the way he was grieving, because it was not their way, was not okay. They attempted to convert him, Mercedes basically told him she didn’t know how to be his friend right now because he wasn’t religious, and Rachel went to a hospital and sang/prayed to Kurt’s comatose father and touched his head… when she’d NEVER even met the man. That is not only creepy and wrong, but a total lack of respect toward Kurt’s wishes.
Perhaps I somehow missed the ‘tolerance’ supposedly being offered in this episode, as I just found it to be one more long lecture of how those that don’t believe, should. And as someone who lost a parent in HS, I find that message in this context completely despicable.
posted on October 6th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Thank you so much for your comment. I think what I was trying to say in terms of tolerance was that Kurt had a large role in this episode and was able to voice his non-believing opinion. I see what you are saying about others trying to influence him (and the Papa Can You Hear me scene in the hospital, minus the singing was a bit creepy!) but I think the episode was more about others getting their say as well. I liked that there were 2 non-believers in the episode (you’ll notice Emma didn’t try to “convert” Sue).
I completely agree with you that a message to believe no matter what is really the wrong message. I appreciate so much hearing your point of view and thanks for reading and commenting.
posted on October 14th, 2010 at 11:35 am
I think “Grilled Cheesus” was one of the best Glee episodes to the date, and the one with most emotional depth. Kurt is becoming a central character to the show – more than he already was – and Chris Colfer is doing an impressive job. He showed that he’s not only a unique singer, but also a gifted actor. I’m not exactly one for tears, but even I couldn’t remain dry-eyed while watching his stunning rendition of I Want To Hold Your Hand.
I really liked the way the religious theme was addresses in this episode. The attempts to convert Kurt were annoying, but also so realistic! Because that is what religious people do: they find unacceptable that someone go through life without turning to God, and try to convert them. I consider myself agnostic – don’t deny God, but also can’t find a rational way to explain its existence – and I was afraid that Kurt would be converted by the end of the episode, which would be a disappointment. Thankfully, he stood up for what he (didn’t) believe in, and got his happy ending anyway.
The songs chosen for this episode was very enjoyable. I enjoyed especially Only the Good Die Young (I’ve missed Puck’s singing!),I Want To Hold Your Hand (Beatles + Kurt = success), Losing My Religion (big R.E.M. fan, and Finn’s voice fits this kind of song) and One of Us (I’ve missed these on stage rehearsals and I love this song! And finally a little Tina – love her voice!). Also really liked Mercedes’ rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Waters… gospel choirs are always great! Lea’s Papa Can You Hear Me was beautiful, but a bit boring. Didn’t like I Look To You, mostly because I felt Mercedes was disrespecting Kurt’s right to be atheist.
This episode was one of my favorites, and a relief after the extremely disappointing and shallow “Brittany/Britney”, which was, in my opinion, the worst Glee episode ever.
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