The Glee Factor Contestants

I'm really enjoying The Glee Factor show on the Oxygen Network.  Here are some thoughts!
Before I list my favs in order, I want to first go on record as saying I don't for one second believe Ryan Murphy is going to only take one of these kids for 7 episodes and maybe one or two for a guest appearance of some sort. I believe he is going to use SEVERAL of them throughout the season, the primary winner early on for the 7 or more episodes storyline, and maybe two others the first half. Then I believe we will see yet 2-3 more of them in the back half of the season. Then we will see Glee Project #2 getting additional cast members identified for season 4, etc. This will give the writers more time to prepare ahead for storylines by knowing who will be in their cast ahead of time. 

OK, here is my list of favs in order.

#1 Bar none, Damian. Talk about an opportunity for exploring the challenges of being from another country and somewhat unfamiliar with a new culture-some minor language obstacles that have HUGE comedic potential-Huge appeal based on his looks-magnetic personality once you get to know him-And frankly, those who say he isn't all that as a singer....well, several million others around the world beg to differ. I'm impressed he chose to audition via the same method everyone else did...He subbed a one minute clip of himself singing into the camera built into his laptop computer......He COULD have subbed a one minute clip from any of his performances from around the world, but he did not go that route. He also has an innate sense of humor and says things off the cuff that are funny-Ryan Murphy and the writers like to work off of that kind of thing. I think Damian will win despite the fact he will struggle with some, if not many of the challenges.....but the fact he struggles and how he handles it is part of his appeal as well. Watching how challenging it is for a yound man who in REAL LIFE is already idolized in other parts of the world, but struggles to make cultural adjustments and fit in here in the states is precisely the kind of character I would love to write for myself! By the way, I would NOT write him in as a foreign exchange student, but rather the son of a parent/s who moved to the states due to a job transfer---as a foreign exchange student he would basically be limited to a one year run and that is it. I think his potential is too huge to waste on a one year character.

#2 Cameron..My initial response to Cameron on the first episode was rather indifferent. As I've become more familiar with him, I see tons of potential storylines within the Glee environment he would be perfect for.....My overall sense is he is 100% genuine and being upfront and honest about who he is....and just as he was rejected in his own high school for being like that, again, he is being rejected by some who are posting that rejection right here in this forum. I find that interesting and worthy of investigating- why that is happening-and I'd write that into his character's storyline....

#3/4 Marrissa and Hannah Both intriguing but in totally different ways. Marrissa has a depth to her persona that draws you in wondering what her "whole story" might really be...And Hannah is almost the exact opposite but leading to the same questions--Her "mask" so to speak is her use of humor to cover up some of her internal pain---I think she genuinely does enjoy life and can laugh freely as well, but you just wonder what more is there to her going on we cannot see up front? Regarding being a "big girl" and we already have two--one of the two sort reflects sadness about her size---the other one uses intimidation/brashness to deal with her size---Hannah would be the big girl using humor to deal with her size---so there could be a place for her.

#5/6 Matheus/McKinleigh--- I see potential for both of these characters---The "small guy syndrome" used to be the primary reason kids were bullied-along with wearing glasses and being overweight..Since the bullying issue has largely been dealt with directly, it shouldn't continue to be the primary focus, but as a continuing connection to that theme, Mattheus bravado and confidence could potentially drive Sue crazy---plus lots of humor potential around his developing romantic life could be fun! McKinleigh has potential in breaking the mold that black girls who sing are probably R and B or hip hop/rap singers and most often are divas...I personally find myself rooting for some of the quieter personality types who get "lost" in the shuffle....I see potential for audience connections there.

#7 Samuel At first I was a tad bit indifferent to him and thought he was maybe just going to be the stereotypical reggae/dreds/stoner kind of guy....but I see a soft side to him that could easily be cultivated. I have to admit, I'm "older"---I prefer "well-seasoned" actually, and despite coming out of the late 60's to mid 70's years when i was in jr.high/high school, I never connected at all to long hair and all the rebellion associated with it...i can see Samuel being a great instrument for helping change that kind of mind set if written that way!

#8/9 Lindsay/Alex Both talented in their own right, but I see them more as future replacements for characters already in place....Now the season is still young so maybe more will be revealed to help me see them better, but right now they look kind of "more of the same-ish" to me---which CAN be used to create new conflict if that is what the writers want to accomplish...

As for their talent level---I find all of the top ten to be perfectly acceptable to me..Glee is partly about discovering talent and helping DEVELOP IT! Diamonds in the rough...Out of 40,000 applicants, I believe the producers have done a fabulous job finding 10 diamonds in the rough--- 


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