Woe is 'Glee'

The term sophomore slump applies to shows that were breakout hits in their first season and fell off in the second season. A prime example would be "Heroes," which was a huge hit in year one and fell off sharply in the second season. "Heroes" never recovered, but I have higher hopes for "Glee."

You really couldn't say anything other than "Glee" is in a sophomore slump. It isn't as funny; it isn't as compelling; and it isn't as good. But, with a prime post-Super Bowl slot and half a season left to go, there is still hope. But so far, there have been a scant number of signs that the show is changing direction.

I think the low-point, for me as a fan, came during last night's Sectionals competition episode. Already on the verge of boredom, I finally came to the realization that the characters were behaving so badly I didn't want them to win. I texted this to a friend who was watching and got some similar sentiments. Never a good sign for a show.

So I couldn't help but begin to wonder what had led to the sharp decline. I came up with a few reasons why "Glee" slipped in my estimation — and in the estimation of a number of fans judging by message boards — this season. Here are four things I think needs to be addressed.

4. Song choice — Last year "Glee" managed to make even classic songs sound hip and fun. The final episode, which featured a medley of Journey songs, was as moving as any episode during the year. From the go, "Glee" has turned its songs into iTunes sensations. This year, though, has been much more hit-and-miss. I love "Empire State of Mind," but I just didn't buy the "Glee" version. Ditto a number of the modern songs the show has reached for. Last night's episode was a prime example. "Dog Days Are Over" is a cool song, but it didn't feel right. Ditto the theme from "Dirty Dancing." There just haven't been as many WOW moments when it comes to musical selection.

3. Character Assassination — and this one hurts. Many of our beloved characters have been too self-absorbed this season. It's gotten to the point where I don't respect or even like the characters. And too often the characters show growth, then revert, only to show growth again. Where is the consistency and heart that made this show fun to begin with?

2. Predictable storylines — "Glee" is almost as bad as a sports movie now. How many times can they be fighting and have the deck stacked against them before winning? Even the team in "Friday Night Lights" lost a few big games. Take last night's episode, the whole thing felt a bit recycled. And what's worse, they try to re-create season 1 magic with moments that they haven't earned. Sam and Quinn singing their way to the stage last night was a direct callback to the season 1 finale, but those characters hadn't earned that moment. And I just wasn't feeling the sentiment of the songs either. Then, of course, they finished in first place with a blah performance. Where's the drama? Where's the intrigue? Where's the jokes? The show is capable of better.

1. Pushing an Agenda — last season "Glee" dealt with some pretty big issues in a way that felt organic to the characters' struggles and the overall arc of the show. Not so this year, at least it doesn't feel as smooth. The show continues to push on a variety of topics, but it's taken on an "after school special" feel rather than seamlessly flowing into the overall narrative.

This show used to be about fun — both in terms of music and with the characters. To regain its footing, it needs to find the fun again.