The producers of “Glee” are one season away from doing something that has never been done in the history of TV ensemble cast shows. They are going to replace several significant characters all at once. In fact for the remainder of this show’s life we can expect to see all the student characters turn over every four years.
Many shows have survived – and even prospered – when one cast member was replaced, but can a show like this keep us cheering for the underdog, when the characters we have invested in emotionally disappear on a regular basis? It is possible. Reality shows like, “Survivor,” “American Idol,” and “Project Runway” begin each season with fresh cast of hopefuls. Different type of show, same dilemma.
The challenge for Ryan Murphy and his team is to figure out how to make it work for a drama. Murphy didn’t fall off a turnip truck yesterday, kids. He found a way to get a jump start on making us love the incoming class – “The Glee Project.” Could the finalists of “The Glee Project” be the replacements “Glee” needs?
Lindsay – Lindsay has been dogged by her reputation as a narcissistic fake, but, Man, can she sing! In the talent department she rivals Lea Michele, who’s character, Rachel Berry, thinks she’s God’s gift to Broadway. Yes – there are some parallels. However Ryan also sees a touch of Dianna Agron’s character, Quinn Fabray in Lindsay. Could the next female lead of the Glee club be a mean girl?
Damian – Damian is cute but kind of clueless – perfectly suited to step into Cory Monteith’s (Finn Hudson) shoes. The biggest problem they will have is figuring out what to have him do while everyone else is dancing.
Samuel – Puck (Mark Salling) will be graduating (or at least getting too old to go to high school). Maybe Samuel could replace him. Murphy is already talking about casting Samuel as a Christian with a twist. He’s the opposite of Puck in many ways. There’s almost a hero/anti-hero connection: dread locks versus skinhead; Christian versus Jewish thug (two words that really sound strange together). To make it interesting, Murphy could continue the theme by making Samuel’s character smart and chaste. Although, of course all the girls will want him.
Alex – Hard to say if Alex is a better replacement for Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) or Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer). He’s a gay black diva – two for one!
If anyone can rise to this challenge, it’s the creative team at “Glee.” If they’re smart – and we know they are – they’ll get a jump on it this season, before the original cast starts graduating.
Related Articles
“The Glee Project” Finale, Everybody Wins!
The Glee Project: All Four Contestants Advance to the Finale
The Glee Project: Is Samuel the New Cameron?
The Glee Project Shocker, Cameron Quits!
The Glee Project Surprise Elimination Marissa Goes Home