‘Glee’ back to basics, more gay than ever

Season Two of the uber-popular “Glee” series can best be described as uneven, its story lines and guest appearances sometimes derailing proper character development and plot progression. While some characters were very clearly developed, such as gay teen Kurt (Chris Colfer), some members of the New Directions glee club practically disappeared into the background, only focused on again when performing less-significant or perfunctory tasks.

The on-again, off-again feud between the group’s mentor Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison) and Coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) has also gotten tiresome and forced. Every truce is short-lived, as Sue always finds inane reasons to torment the glee club. She’s despicable one minute and unbelievably generous the next, making it harder to take the character seriously. Sure, it’s “Glee,” but she’s just gotten way too cartoony!

The show, however, sensitively tackled religion, sexuality and bullying in some of the better-written episodes last season. Kurt’s growth is constant and consistent; his best moments are easily those that involve his insightful discussions with his straight dad (Mike O’Malley), confrontations with the closeted gay bully Karofsky (Max Adler), and interactions with his first boyfriend Blaine (Darren Criss).

One of the gay-friendliest ongoing American shows, “Glee” also revealed in the previous season that the mean and manipulative cheerleader Santana (Naya Rivera) is a lesbian and has real feelings for her best friend Brittany (Heather Morris). Also, Kurt and Blaine’s relationship was focused on a lot, the couple’s scenes often neatly accompanied by reimagined songs, including Criss’ popular version of “Teenage Dream” and the pair’s memorable rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

The first three episodes of the third season are addressing story concerns more, finally focusing on long-ignored characters like Mercedes (Amber Riley) and Mike (Harry Shum Jr.). Core relationships are being emphasized, and some rivalries are being utilized, at last.

But Rachel (Lea Michele) needs to be toned down a bit. She’s gotten really annoying for being overly competitive and selfish—remember when she sent potential rival Sunshine Corazon (Charice Pempengco) to a drug den? And now she’s running for class president against her friends. Rachel’s not a character you’d always root for, so let’s hope the writers remedy that before she becomes truly irredeemable.

Music-wise, “Glee” needs more original songs. There’s no shortage of good covers by the cast, but there are opportunities to create and launch more exclusive music.

The addition of Criss is a wise move; the charismatic and gifted actor-musician is contributing substantially to the show. Hopefully, the winners of the “Glee Project,” Damian McGinty and Samuel Larsen, will also add positively to the existing dynamic.

“Glee” season three airs Wednesdays, 9 p.m., on ETC and Jack TV.

Big questions

“Curiosity,” a series that answers questions posed by well-known personalities, airs Sundays starting Oct. 30 on Discovery Channel.

World-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking tackles the mysteries surrounding the origins of the universe; horror master and director tests the nature of evil; actor Morgan Freeman investigates the possibility of a parallel universe, and actress Maggie Gyllenhaal explores why sex is fun.

Funny adventures

“The Amazing World of Gumball,” an award-winning animated sitcom, comes to local TV on Saturdays at 9 a.m. on Cartoon Network.

It features the funny adventures of Gumball, a 12-year-old who faces unlikely challenges like being chased by a rampaging T-Rex, having a robot steal his identity or dressing as a cheerleader to impress the girl of his dreams.

Gumball, a blue cat with a giant head, is part of an extraordinary suburban family who happens to live in an ordinary town. Dad is a 6’4” pink rabbit who stays at home while mom works in the rainbow factory. Sister Anais is a 4-year-old genius bunny and Darwin is a pet goldfish who became part of the family when he sprouted legs.