Today, I want to take a few minutes to thank @Ryan Murphy - a true inspiration in my life - for all of his accomplishments. I think of everything that this man has done, not just in television, but in all of his endeavors, and I find it truly amazing. Congratulations, sir. Your hard work has seriously paid off... However, what I'd like to focus on are his television shows.
Nip/Tuck, Glee, American Horror Story, The New Normal... these shows have literally revolutionized TV.
You can complain about a television show because it doesn't go the way you'd like it to go, or it may not be "as good" as it once was... but for Mr. Murhpy's TV shows, it's more than just the plot. It's about the barriers that he breaks in order to make these shows successful.
I'll be honest -- I don't know much about Nip/Tuck. But from the few episodes I've seen, and from what I've heard about it, it's a show unlike any other. First of all, this show came out in 2003. Let's think about what was on television in 2003. The O.C., Gilmore Girls, 7th Heaven, Dawson's Creek... hey, don't get me wrong, I watched these shows... but I wouldn't say that it pushed any limits. Okay, sure -- Nip/Tuck was on basic cable, so that deems the violence, language, sexual content, and of course the socially taboo content, all a little more appropriate, but still... the show made you squirm. It made you feel things. It made you react - whether positively or negatively - it doesn't matter. A strong reaction is the key to a good television show. That's how you know you're pushing limits. When you can watch a show and say "Oh my God, I can't believe they're showing this on TV!"
Lucky for us, that's what Mr. Murphy does with all of his shows.
Let's take his next big TV project: Glee. People can say what they want about the show, but I think 1) it's the best show on television. 2) It's made history. Comments and arguments are welcome, but hear me out.
First season: Ryan Murphy takes all of these actors and actresses, all of which are kids, and pitches this idea of a musical to Fox. (Yes, I'm aware the initial script came from Ian Brennan - whom I also believe to be a genius, but Ryan Murphy put it into a reality). So, we have all of these young kids - some with a little bit of experience, but nothing like what they've got now. What are they doing? Singing. Dancing. Acting. Working 18 hours a day to make this show happen. All for something that may or may not work out, because no one had done a musical television show before. And what happened? People fell in love. People fell in love because they felt what the characters were going through. Not only was the show itself an underdog because no one thought it would work, but it told the story of the underdog. People identified with something that the characters were going through.
Every show, to an extent has an underdog. But this show had 6 underdogs. And before the season ended, we got to know 6 more. Tell me that you can't identify with something that these characters went through.
And let's face it. It's not your typical network television issues that we're talking about here. It addresses teen pregnancy, homosexuality, bullying, following your dreams, breaking the stereotypes... Pretty atypical of any dramedy I've ever seen on TV.
And look what it's turned into: By the time Season 4 concludes, Glee has performed over 500 musical numbers, completed 88 episodes, performed in a Nation-wide tour, performed in a world tour, sold out the O2 Arena in London 4 times, has had more Billboard Hot 100 hits than Elvis Presley, and anyone else in the world, for that matter... Who would have thought 4 years ago when this show came out that it would have accomplished all of this and more?
How much more? Ask a gleek. Really, ask them how Glee has changed their life. We did, and we made this video as a result, because it's a show that's just to powerful to ignore.
I wouldn't attribute all of this to Ryan Murphy -- A lot of credit needs to be given to the other writers, the crew members, Zach Woodlee, Robert Ulrich, and obviously the talented, talented cast that performs. But Ryan made it all happen. I could go on, but I've already done that here.
Moving on... we have American Horror Story. When I heard about AHS, I thought, "This will never work. Maybe as a movie, but not as a TV show." Boy was I wrong. And I'm so glad I was. Again- pushing the limits with adultery, ghosts, evil spirits, demons, corruption, violence (even in taboo settings, like school shootings), and sexuality, American Horror Story is one of the most captivating, yet disturbing shows in the history of television. Name another show that makes you think "I can't stop watching, but Jesus, I need to." But even more than that, it's the way he's writing this show. These stories have never been told before. And the seasons that follow have never been told either. Whitney puts it best when she says "The originality that he showed in the first season is what made me watch the second and then that's whats going to make me watch the third... not only the stories themselves but also the way they are doing it with each season being a specific story with the same actors." The way this show is designed - completely new ideas with recycled actors from previous seasons is original, intriguing and captivating all at the same time. That's quite a feat in and of itself.
Finally, we have The New Normal. That's precisely what it is, thanks to Ryan Murphy. The New Normal follows the lives of a gay couple, their surrogate & her daughter, and right wing conservative grandmother. It's lighthearted, it's fun, and it's different from many of the things that Ryan has done. But it's brilliant, because it's so nonchalant. This television show is normal for many people around the world. And you know what? That's ok. Ryan Murphy is showing us that with hilarity and brilliance every time this TV show airs.
The man does what he wants. And he makes it work. He finds true talent. He doesn't look for big names. He pushes limits. He brings odds and ends together... Heck, a few months ago, amidst a Elton John vs. Madonna feud, Ryan said he wanted to do a mashup of an Elton John song with a Madonna song. Sure as anything, that's happening. And soon. He makes things happen.
So, it's no wonder that Ryan was honored with the PaleyFest Icon Award. Name someone who's more deserving. You may not like everything he is doing, but if you're an artist of any sort, you've got to be able to appreciate the limits he's pushed and the opportunities he's created for other television shows. He really is an icon and an inspiration, especially to me.
Thank you Ryan Murphy for all that you've accomplished, for all that you're continuing to do, and for providing us with excellence in entertainment for the last 10 years.
And of course, congratulations. No one is more deserving.
Welcome to our second segment of "Songs Glee Should Cover" Volume 2.
This month's theme -- well, we don't really have a theme this month. Break ups & Hook ups & New Starts seems to be fitting, I suppose. Don't worry. We already have a theme picked out for next month. But before that, check out our five choices for February, and let us know what you think!
SONG: "Now Is The Start" by A Fine Frenzy
WHO SINGS IT: Tina & Marley with the New Directions
SCENARIO: Episode 4x22 - It's after graduation. It's after Nationals. The Glee Club just lost. Everyone is sad. Tina gives a speech about how it was a great year, and everyone is going off in new directions this year, and isn't that the point of the glee club? She and Marley start singing this song to motivate them that their Glee Club loss is a new beginning to a new year.
LYRICS SUNG: Tina: Hey / Hey / Do you hear, do you hear that sound / It's the sound of the lost gone found / It's the sound of a mute gone loud / It's the sound of a new start Marley: Kiss / With a mouth of shooting stars / Of lost and broken hearts / Unafraid you can name your scars / With a touch of a new heart Tina: It sounds like / It sounds like / It sounds like All: Ladeedadadadada, dadadadada / Now, oh, now is the start / Hey / hey / hey / hey BothNew start in the end / There is a / New heart under there / Beneath these / New parts everywhere / It is a new, new, new, new start / Now is the start Marley: It sounds like / It sounds like / It sounds like All: Ladeedadadadada, dadadadada / Now, now / Ladeedadadadada, dadadadada / Now, oh, now is the start / Oh, now is the start / Now is the start / Now is the start
VIDEO:
SONG: "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
WHO SINGS IT: Brody
SCENARIO: Episode 4x16 "Fued" - After Santana discovers that Brody is cheating on Rachel, Rachel and Brody have a big blow up fight and ultimately break up in Rachel's apartment. Brody lays on the bed right after Rachel tells him she's going back to Lima for a couple of days. He starts singing and packs up his bags. The song ends with Brody leaving with all of his belongings, closing the door to the apartment.
LYRICS SUNG:
Same bed, but it feels just a little bit bigger now
Our song on the radio, but it don't sound the same
When our friends talk about you all that it does is just tear me down
Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name
And it all just sound like uh, uh, uh
Hmmm too young, too dumb to realize
That I should have bought you flowers and held your hand
Should have gave you all my hours when I had the chance
Take you to every party cause all you wanted to do was dance
Now my baby is dancing, but she's dancing with another man.
Although it hurts I'll be the first to say that I was wrong
Oh, I know I'm probably much too late
To try and apologize for my mistakes
But I just want you to know
I hope he buys you flowers, I hope he holds your hand
Give you all his hours when he has the chance
Take you to every party cause I remember how much you loved to dance
Do all the things I should have done when I was your man
Do all the things I should have done when I was your man
VIDEO:
SONG: "Highway Don't Care" by Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
WHO SINGS IT: Sam, Brittany and Santana
SCENARIO: Brittany and Sam break up at school. Brittany storms off, gets into her car and calls Santana, crying. She asks if she can come visit. Santana of course says yes. Sam sings at his locker, where there are pictures up of him and Brittany together. Brittany is driving in her car. Santana is sitting on her bed. Scene ends with Brittany knocking on the door to Kurt and Rachel's apartment. Santana opens it, and Brittany sings the last line of the song.
LYRICS SUNG: Sam: Bet your window's rolled down and your hair's pulled back / And I bet you got no idea you're going way too fast / You're trying not to think about what went wrong / Trying not to stop 'til you get where you goin' / You're trying to stay awake so I bet you turn on the radio / And the song goes Brittany: I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby / I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby, baby Santana: The highway won't hold you tonight / The highway don't know you're alive / The highway don't care if you're all alone / But I do, I do. / The highway won't dry your tears / The highway don't need you here / The highway don't care if you're coming home / But I do, I do. Sam: I bet you got a dead cell phone in your shotgun seat / Yeah, I bet you're bending God's ear talking 'bout me. / You're trying not to let the first tear fall out / Trying not to think about turning around / You're trying not to get lost in the sound but that song is always on / So you sing along Brittany: I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby / I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby, baby Santana: The highway won't hold you tonight / The highway don't know you're alive / The highway don't care if you're all alone / But I do, I do.
The highway won't dry your tears / The highway don't need you here / The highway don't care if you're coming home / But I do, I do. Brittany: I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby / I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby, baby
VIDEO:
SONG: "Walk Of Shame" by Pink
WHO SINGS IT: Quinn
SCENARIO: Episode 4x14: "I Do" - Quinn wakes up the morning after a drunken hook up with Santana. Santana is still asleep. So she walks into the bathroom to put her dress from the night before back on. Song starts there. Goes to sneak out & sees that Santana is awake, also looking ashamed. Santana looks up at her and Quinn just grabs her purse and runs out of the door. As she walks out of the hotel, she sees everyone from the wedding the night before, giving her scandalous looks. First Kurt and Blaine in the hallway, then Will, then Finn as he's checking out, then Rachel from the hotel lobby. Song ends as she walks out of the hotel doors.
LYRICS SUNG:
One step, two steps, counting tiles on the floor
Three steps, four steps, guess this means I wanted more.
Uh-oh, hell no, how long till I reach the door?
Oh jeez... my feet are sore
I'm wearing last night's dress and I look like a hot ass mess
Although my hair looks good cause I haven't slept yet!
Make the elevator come a little faster
I'm pushing all the buttons, but nothing's happening
Please God don't let anybody see me
Please God I'll do anything you ask of me
I promise, no more walks of shame
So walk this way (we're walking, we're walking)
Walk this way (we're walking, we're walking)
I shouldn't have let
'Em take my keys, take my keys
Then left me here, with too much beer
My friends, they hung me out to dry
It's not my fault, and that's why
I'm doin' the walk of shame
Make the elevator come a little faster
I'm pushing all the buttons, but nothing's happening
Please God don't let anybody see me
Please God I'll do anything you ask of me
I promise, no more walks of shame
So walk this way (we're walking, we're walking)
Walk this way (we're walking, we're walking)
So walk this way (we're walking, we're walking)
Walk this way (we're walking, we're walking)
SCENARIO: Finn is struggling with finding the perfect song for the New Directions to perform at Regionals. Artie starts to worry, and decides to go spy on Vocal Adrenaline. When he gets there, he sees that Vocal Adrenaline has a new amazeballs singer that out performs any of the previous Vocal Adrenaline leads... As it turns out... it's Betty.
LYRICS SUNG:
I see the bad moon arising.
I see trouble on the way.
I see earthquakes and lightnin'.
I see bad times today.
Don't go around tonight,
Well, it's bound to take your life,
There's a bad moon on the rise.
Hope you got your things together.
Hope you are quite prepared to die.
Looks like we're in for nasty weather.
One eye is taken for an eye.
Don't go around tonight,
Well, it's bound to take your life,
There's a bad moon on the rise.
Don't go around tonight,
Well, it's bound to take your life,
There's a bad moon on the rise.
VIDEO:
What do you think? Let us know what songs YOU'D choose in your Glee song requests, and maybe we'll incorporate them into next month's edition! Leave comments below or hit us up on Twitter: @TroutyMouthBlog!
If you haven't checked out the songs we chose for January, be sure to take a look at Volume 1!
So much anticipation for this upcoming wedding episode. I literally feel like anything could happen - no pun intended. Let's hope it goes the way we want it to Gleeks. But if these songs are telling at all, it's going to be an interesting week! Here's your first listen to Glee 4x14: "I Do":
You're All I Need to Get By Performed by: Melissa Benoist & Jacob Artist
Just Can't Get Enough Performed by: Chris Colfer & Darren Criss
Getting Married Today Performed by: Matthew Morrison, Jayma Mays & Amber Riley
Anything Could Happen Performed by: Melissa Benoist, Jacob Artist, & Kevin McHale
We've Got Tonight Performed by: Cory Monteith, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Naya Rivera, Dianna Agron, Kevin McHale, Ali Stroker, Melissa Benoist & Jacob Artist
Uh Oh!! So many feelings about what's coming up. What do you think of the songs, Gleeks? Leave your comments below or hit us up on Twitter: @TroutyMouthBlog.
Man. I'm still so happy with what I just saw. Santana in New York mostly. Making me so excited for next week. I can't deal. Let's take a look at the promo for Glee 4x14: "I Do"
QUICK! Tell us your thoughts on everything Glee in the comments below, or hit us up on twitter: @TroutyMouthBlog! We're dying & we need to interact with people!
Maybe you're not watching Glee anymore... That's silly. Real silly. Silly as slothstronaut. And if you're not watching, you're missing out... because the last few episodes have been quite good. And I haven't been looking forward to upcoming episodes this much in a long time. So maybe you want to start watching again. And maybe you need to catch up on what you missed. So here's your recap for Glee 4x12 "Naked":
Dalton was stripped of their sectionals title because of their recent roid scandal, so the New Directions are going to Regionals! WOO! (Still confused why it wouldn't go to the She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain show choir, buuuuut...)
Tina still loves Blaine. And we still love Blina Anderchang. So, she comes up with "The Men of McKinley Calendars" to sell as a fundraising event to come up with the money for Regionals.
Fondue for Two is back. Brittany has Marley come on the show as her guest. She lets her entire viewing audience know that she's got a fat mom and she's bulimic. And Lord Tubbington is secretly a slumlord. Brittany also tells Marley to tell Jake she loves him.
Brittany and Sam got the highest and lowest scores ever recorded at McKinley -- respectively. Sam questions how... because he doesn't understand why Britt could do better than him. (Don't you know she's a genius Sam? See Season 3x02.)
Britt, being the supportive sister girlfriend that she is, tells Sam not to worry because he has a great body and he can be a personal trainer or a greeter at Abercrombie or a greeter at Abercrombie's corporate headquarters.
Rachel is doing a film. But in order to do it, she's got to do a topless scene. Everyone seems against it except Brody... Including Old Rachel. That's why she came back to vocally masturbate sing a duet with New Rachel. They sing Torn. One of my favorite performances to date. Well done Rachels.
Now Sam is obsessed with his body. So he hosts a seminar where he teaches the men how to workout. Artie watches. Then they sing Hot In Herre/Centerfold. And can I just tell you how happy it makes me to hear more Nelly on Glee? #STLReppin #Season1Feels
Kurt is mad that Rachel is doing a topless scene. I don't really get it. But he seems to think it's because of misogynist Ken Brody. FYI -- Rachel's new nickname is Slutty Barbie.
Taking Brittany's advice into consideration, Marley invites Jake to the auditorium to sing a duet. They pick that "poop on paper" book-series-turned-to-movie "Twilight" theme song.... Or, simply A Thousand Years. It was good. But I personally hate that song.
Then Blaine reveals that the real reason he can't go to the dance with her is because he has a crush on Sam. Poor Tina.
Then Blina agrees that they go to the dance as BFF's and enjoy the "most fun night ever"! Poor Tina.
They kiss at the end of the number, but Marley still can't tell him that she loves him.
Meanwhile, Artie is struggling with the thought of doing the Men of McKinley calendar because his body is "sort of broken". Finn, in a rather dignified manner for a change tells him that it's okay... and in fact thinks "it’s totally cool that there’s a part of [himself] that [he wants] to keep private."
Ryder might be gay. No but in all seriousness, he for knows that girls want a guy that will get "naked emotionally". So he tells Jake, during their locker room bro talk (because that's probably what most guys talk about in the locker room... pardon the sterotyping and sarcasm here, but seriously?)... that Jake should tell Marley he loves her first.
So, Jake sings a stripped down version of Let Me Love You.... Which doesn't sound like "I Love You" to me... but it was close.
Rachel comes home to the best surprise of the season -- Santana and Quinn there because "Lady Hummel" called them for an emergency intervention. They're there to talk Rachel out of doing a nude scene.
Rachel questions the brittana sex tape, and Santana says it was the best thing she's ever done still haunts her to this day.
Quinn talks about the 2-2-2 rule... questioning Rachel on how she'll feel about it in 2 weeks? 2 months? 2 years? Thought provoking really...
Sam... still obsessing over his body because he has no brains... feels like he's losing his pump during the calendar shoot. So Blaine tells him he's out of control. But Blaine doesn't get it... because he's smart. And can sing. And can dance? #questionable
But Blaine reminds Sam that no matter what, everyone will still always love him. Thank goodness for the Glee Club loving everyone.
Somewhere in there, there's a Finn-Sue subplot, where Sue is making Finn's life miserable, so he blackmails her with the horse-testosterone nude centerfold she did a long time ago (continuity? I forgot what that was... but it was mentioned in season 1). I found this subplot to be irrelevant, but I think it was so that Finn could seem like the hero and save the Glee Club from Sue or something the Sue-hates-the-glee-club storyline continued. #...
Blaine, in an attempt to make Sam feel better, he brings Sam to Emma so that she can show him a list of colleges that don't require SAT scores -- just essays. Sam, still feeling un-smart, doesn't know what he'd write about.
Back in NY, Rachel is getting ready to shoot her topless scene, but Old Rachel kicks in and she decides she can't do it. Even thought he whole crew takes off their clothes with her... Weird. But if that's how Glee operates, maybe I should join that crew... How bout it, Ryan?
As she's leaving, the movie crew starts playing Love Song. It ends in the NYADA auditorium, where Rachel meets Quinn and Santana and they sing with her. It was a rather adorable scene, if I do say so myself, and I loved it.
FORESHADOWING ALERT: Rachel asks the girls if they want to have dinner, and Santana replies with “I’m in no rush to go back to Kentucky. I think I could get used to it here. It's more my speed." #getsantanatonewyork #now #now #NOW
Back at McKinley, Blam is trying to work through Sam's essay. Sam's not ready. But then Blaine shows a video of his contributions to members of the Glee Club to hopefully inspire some essay writing. Tina reminds him that he saved sectionals last year. And again this year. Artie reminds him that he rescued the Nationals trophy. Santana said that he inspired her to try her hand at song writing. Brittany said something about his Sean Connery impression. Mercedes followed her dreams to become a singer because of Sam. Finn reminds him that he supported his whole family when his dad lost his job. Oh... and Santana reminds us all that the song she wrote was Trouty Mouth... Obviously this was our favorite part of the whole episode.
Sam cried and thanked Blaine. THERE'S HIS ESSAY!
Sam tells Artie that he doesn't have to be shirtless in the calendar. SO, Sam keeps his clothes on, too. Aw. #BrosFoLyfe.
So, as they're selling the calendar, Sam declares that it's a new year and a new him... Queue It's a New Year. This performance gave me Season 1 feels. So good. SO GOOD!
I don't know your thoughts, but we think these last couple of weeks on Glee have been absolutely excellent. From the songs to the plot lines, it seems that we're headed in a really exciting direction. We're especially excited for this week's much anticipated episode: 4x13 "Diva". Personally, I can't wait for angst, tension, and a complete diva-showdown. Plus, these songs rock. So give 'em a listen below!
Bring Him Home Performed by: Lea Michele
Bring Him Home Performed by: Chris Colfer
Nutbush City Limits Performed by: Naya Rivera
Hung Up Performed by: Jenna Ushkowitz
Don't Stop Me Now Performed by: Darren Criss
Girl On Fire Performed by: Naya Rivera
Make No Mistake (She's Mine) Performed by: Naya Rivera & Chord Overstreet
Diva Performed by: Heather Morris, Alex Newell, Jenna Ushkowitz, Melissa Benoist, Becca Tobin, and Darren Criss
Oh dear goodness -- I can't stop my excitement. Only 3 more days! What do you think of the songs, Gleeks? Leave your comments below or hit us up on Twitter: @TroutyMouthBlog.