For better or for worse, Glee was born today. A prized possession to some, an incomprehensible nightmare to others. 13 years ago Ryan Murphy’s creation sunk its teeth into our society and refused to let go. Its existence is firmly placed and has now entered the stage of adolescence.
The questionable plot lines, problematic characters and toe-curling ballads are too numerous to count. Yet to honour its 13th year I’ve tried to narrow them down. So here are 13 of the strangest Glee moments. All I can say is – prepare yourself.
Will Schuester
Arguably the strangest thing about Glee is Will Schuester. It’s impossible to find a specific moment to name. Twerking with school children, spying on them in the shower, and inviting them to his wedding, to name a few. Not to mention his casual appropriation of Spanish culture and an even more sexual rendition of Blurred Lines. He is alarming and embarrassing, but is essentially an embodiment of Glee. It would be rude not to mention him in this article.
Quinn gives birth
Quinn gives birth during the New Directions regionals. Her birthing screams are merged into the Bohemian Rhapsody performance.
Tina’s obsession with Blaine
As Blaine and Tina become closer she develops a crush. Which of course turns into an all-consuming obsession and prompts her to to rub Vaporub on his chest while he sleeps.
The Crackhouse
Sunshine Corazon joins the New Directions and Rachel, threatened by her powerful singing voice, sends her to a crackhouse.
Faked Pregnancy
Will’s first wife Terri fakes a pregnancy for months. She lies about doctors appointments and buys a pregnancy pad to create a fake bump.
Quinn’s Accident
Quinn gets into a bad car accident, loses the use of her legs and becomes wheelchair bound. A few weeks later she miraculously recovers, despite being told by all medical professionals this wouldn’t be possible.
Sue shipping Kurt and Blaine
A shocking season 6 revelation is Sue’s strong feelings towards Kurt and Blaine. She locks them in an elevator complete with a romantic ambience until they agree to be together. In the meantime tending to her secret shrine which would put most fangirls to shame.
Grilled Cheesus
One of the more memorable episodes of Glee is when Finn finds faith in a cheese toaster which he believes resembles Jesus. Random events occur and he begins to pray to the toastie, leaving himself and the entire glee club questioning their religion.
The Wedding
Emma is anxious to marry Will and decides to depart whilst singing ‘Getting Married Today’. The strangest thing about this episode is that this is Emma’s only real performance in the show. Yet she perfectly sings one of the most difficult songs in musical theatre.
Thanksgiving
On a thanksgiving evening the glee crew are joined by Sarah Jessica Parker and her drag queen friends. Together they sing a remix of Let’s Have A Kiki/ Turkey Lurkey Time. I can only compare this episode to a fever dream.
Brittany is a genius
After years of plot lines, all stressing Brittany’s stupidity, she visits MIT and becomes a mathematical genius.
Born This Way
In an effort to embrace their flaws each glee character wears a t-shirt of their biggest insecurity and sings to Lady Gaga’s’ ‘Born this Way’. ‘Butt Chin’, ‘Trouty Mouth’ and ‘Lebanese’ are just a few of the imperfections included in the episode.