#Glee: Can We Discuss The Return Of #Samcedes?

I want to talk about last night's episode of Glee. Specifically the return of Samcedes.

I know, I know, who even watches that show anymore? I do. I love musicals. Even though Glee's decline over the last few seasons has been stark and unceasing, it's brilliant moments of meta-comedy (far and few between as they may be) keep me coming back. Plus I really love a show I can sing along to. I'm secretly five years old. Judge me.

That said, one of the biggest reasons Glee began careening off the rails way back in season three was its insistence on cramming the show full of Very Special Episodes when the show's strength was the comedy derived from following around a band of sometimes eccentric misfits and outsiders who shared a love of music. Two season laters, after having dealt with teen pregnancy, a character's untimely death, coming out, homophobia and 294 other issues, you'd think they'd at least have tackling serious topics like this down to a science. But alas, Glee is a Ryan Murphy show. Continuity and sensitivity are two words he's never heard of if he's dealing with issues that don't directly speak to his own experience.

Now, I'm a fan of the couple, but though this is the third go-around for Samcedes, it's the first time their relationship is ever really being addressed with any depth. (Which Kurt references in meta-fashion after they announce their reunion) When their relationship was initially introduced back at the very end of season two, it took place entirely off-screen and we never got to examine their relationship dynamics. Glee has always been fond of off the cuff pairings, (and they have had interracial couples before) but Samcedes was by far the most interesting one, and the audience was largely denied any opportunity to enjoy them, except in retrospect after Mercedes already had a new boyfriend and Sam had moved away, only to come back again and try to win her back. Though, to be fair, this was due mostly to Chord Overstreet getting fired and then rehired in between seasons.


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