I decided that I would not jump on the bandwagon of signing a petition regarding your recent adoption storyline until we could see where things were going.
Ending the last show with Quinn declaring that she was going to "get her baby back. full custody" left me with my typical "really" feeling that I often have when shows and movies try to depict an adoption story line. But again, I decided I would give it a chance.
And then we had this week's episode. In which you made Quinn look like an idiot birthmother. Hiding hot sauce, baby sacrificing books and other paraphenalia around the house that was supposed to make the adoptive mother (who...by the way...is also Rachel's birthmother....but that's another story) look "unfit". Puh-lease.
But perhaps my favorite line was when Quinn told Puck (the birthfather) that she called child protective services and "they were backed up but they should have the baby back in a couple of weeks". WHA?????
What does that even mean? There are so many things wrong with that statement I don't even know where to begin! Why would child protective services take a call from a high schooler and just take her word that the adoptive mother is unfit? And even if they were going to do an investigation and find her unfit, why in the world would they place the baby back with the birthmother when she VOLUNTARILY relinquished her rights. ARRRRGGGGHHHH.
They COULD have done so much more with this on a real, in depth level. They could have explored how difficult it is to place your baby for adoption and the heartache, grief and regret that one might feel after they have made that choice. I would have been fine with that. Because it's absolutely true.
And then the kicker at the end of the show. The birthfather and the adoptive mother kissing....hooking up, evidently because of the shared emotions that they are experiencing regarding the baby. HELLO. That makes sense. She's a teacher at the high school and he is a high school student...senior...so maybe he is 18, maybe not. So...of course I can only imagine where this is going. She is having an inappropriate relationship with a student, will be charged and then will be declared "unfit". Then somehow the baby will miraculously be returned to the birthmother. And everyone lives happily ever after.
SIGH.
I just wish for once, just once that a TV show could depict adoption with the truth and dispell myths and stereotypes.
Some movies have done an ok job.
As much as I love Modern Family, it is pretty unlikely that a gay couple could have adopted from another country. Here in the U.S., yes. But not from Vietnam. They might have been able to adopt as a single parent and then do a second parent adoption....but otherwise no.
Glee, I used to love you. But I have a feeling a break-up might be in our future.
It's you, not me.
Hahaahahaha! I've just about written Glee off. The adoption thing---yeah, that's just gotten stupid. And the whole thing with Emma's parents being in some sort of red-head society. Rediculous! Really, seriously rediculous!
ReplyDeleteNicky used to tell me that she'd get checks from a single mom, but on the check would be Anna and Beth's joint account. BUT---when they did the home study, Anna would say she was single, so there was nothing Nicky could do about it. Of course, Anna and Beth would both travel to pick up the kid. Beth would just be a "friend" or whatever. I'm not sure about single men though, but I do know it happened with women. Certainly not overtly though, as Cam and Mitchel would make you think on Modern Family. Still--I love that show. I LOVE Wednesday night TV, just because of Modern Family.
I think Glee may not have the content of reach your expectations.
ReplyDeleteI had all the same thoughts and almost posted about it too! Sometimes I can't decide if GLEE is intentionally exaggerating stereotypes as a comedy effect or if it is just stupid and horribly off. I have not been nearly as big of a fan this season.
ReplyDeleteI do think it is very interesting HOW MANY shows are starting to pick up adoption storylines...
Glee, Modern Family, Parenthood, Brothers and Sisters.... ok maybe I just watch too much TV :)
Julia- I'm sure there were several home studies we all did that were actually for gay couples, and I personally have no problems with it. However I wish there were ways to do it honestly instead of through secrecy and shame- further perpetuating more adoption issues/myths and stereotypes! Stacy-I totally agree. While I understand that Glee is a "satire" and it's supposed to be exaggerated comedy I'm finding it incredibly annoying and just plain stupid this season. Not just this storyline but most of them so far.
ReplyDelete