SPOILER ALERT

Hey Gleeks,

After leaving us stranded without our beloved “Glee,” the show came back last night in full force in the form of the long awaited “Rocky Horror Glee Show.”

Mr. Schuster decides the club will put on a production of “the Rocky Horror Show,” in order to win Emma’s affections back from Carl Howell. However both Finn and Sam have reservations about their revealing costumes. Meanwhile cable television producers (played by original “Rocky Horror” alumn, Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf Aday…more on them later) persuade Sue to do an undercover piece on the production. After realizing that the show is entirely inappropriate in a standard high school setting and that he only had them do the show in the first place for selfish reasons, Mr. Schu cancels the performances intended for the live audience. He also acknowledges that Carl is good for Emma and promises to back off.

When one thinks of “Rocky Horror,” a high school production is probably one of the last concepts to come to mind. It is true for most high schools, but not for New Directions. The two are perfect for each other. Both embrace the outcasts of society. I was pleasantly surprised at just how well writers Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and  Ian Brennan, along with director Adam Shankman (of “Hairspray” fame) managed to bring the two together. The thematic similarities of outcasts was easy, but they managed to blend the two beyond that. They embraced the cross-gender casting often practiced in productions with Amber playing Frank n Furter.

I know some so-called “Rocky Horror” fans are probably already clogging up online forums about how the lyrics, arrangements, costumes, etc. were not movie accurate. To them, I say you have lost track of what “Rocky Horror” is all about. It isn’t about being perfect and precise. In case they forgot, the 1975 “Rocky Horror Picture Show” contains innumerable flaws and goofs, like how you can see the outline of the castle in the smoke after it supposedly left the planet. Fans of the movie should love that “Glee” created a tribute to the film and pinpointed exactly what “Rocky Horror” is all about: embracing the outsider in all of us.

Personally, I loved how the episode dealt with male body issues. Sam says that he hates himself for days if he misses a workout or eats a hot dog. This is an example of what is known as Muscle Dysmorphia. The benchmarks of such a condition are constant or near-constant dieting and an obsessive need to exercise. Interestingly enough, it is an eating and body image disorder that is seen most commonly in men. Though Sam seems like this perfect all-American boy, this is a serious problem that he doesn’t seem to even know he has.

However, as a straight female, I have to say I certainly did not mind the excessive display of the male characters’ abs in this episode. I feel very guilty knowing that some of said abs are the result of an eating disorder. After seeing Mr. Schu shirtless, I certainly can’t blame Rachel for having a crush on him in season one. Clearly Finn has some body image issues, because those were fine abs, too. Sam could easily compete with the Situation of “Jersey Shore” fame (I’m not exactly sure why he’s famous, but he is). This is an episode of sheer eye candy for those attracted to men.

Okay, I swear, I’m done gushing over the hotness that is the men of “Glee.” (But feel free to continue the gushing in the comments).

As a long time “Rocky Horror” fan, I could barely believe my eyes when Meat Loaf Aday and Barry Bostwick appeared. I knew that they were set to appear on the episode, but I certainly did not expect them to play ultra-conservative, Sue Sylvester-loving television producers. The oddness of their latest characters is highlighted when compared to their “Rocky Horror” characters. Meat Loaf Aday, who went on to become a music superstar, played a delivery boy, Eddie, whose brain Frank n Furter divided between the original owner and Rocky. Bostwick played Brad, who goes from conservative fiance of Janet to corset and heels-wearing dancer.

If you are confused by any of this, you probably have not seen “the Rock Horror Picture Show.” I highly recommend seeing it. It will clear up a lot of the questions this episode of “Glee” has left you with about it. It will, however, lead you to a whole new level of confusion, because the movie makes no sense whatsoever, but it still manages to be amazing.

Now on to the “Of the Weeks.” There was no one moment that screamed “Of the Week” in the episode, so I am skipping it this week. If you have any suggestions, comment away.

Song of the Week

“Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me” Every time Emma Pillsbury comes out of her shell, musical magic happens (remember “Like a Virgin”?). Her voice was perfect and she had the character of Janet down pat. Take note, Broadway producers. This is your Janet if there is a Broadway revival, which would be amazing.

Here is the episode

http://www.hulu.com/watch/185929/glee-the-rocky-horror-glee-show

Not much is known about next week’s episode, entitled “Never Been Kissed,” except that Charice is set to return as Sunshine Corazon. So, we will have to wait and see.

Till next week, Gleeks,

Alissa

Alissa Mesibov can be reached at [email protected].