When it was announced that Gwyneth Paltrow had been added as a guest star on Glee, the Internet collectively shrugged. Sure, she's an Oscar-winner -- in that, "Hey, Halle Berry won an Oscar!"-type way -- but Paltrow's appearance was just more grist for the mill that Glee was succumbing to all the typical missteps that befall a hit show during its second season. Much like the idea of Javier Bardem appearing on Glee, this was stunt-casting of the highest order. A funny thing about that though: Gwenie might end up saving Glee's season.
Even the most ardent Gleek would admit that the Fox hit has been very hit and miss during year two. It's still Glee -- in that the show is schizophrenic and cuts corners when it come to legitimate emotions -- but the steady balance struck during season one has yet to materialize. Consider "Never Been Kissed" a perfect example of Glee's second season issues: The stuff that worked worked (the musical performances, Artie and Puck's friendship, Blaine); the stuff that didn't, did not (Kurt's bullying storyline, the closeted bullier, everything with Coach Beiste).
So, why might Paltrow be the Calamine lotion for growing rash surrounding year two? For starters, she appears to be a unifying presence in the plot. As Jessalyn Gilsig told Movieline, Paltrow's substitute teacher will share scenes with Terri Schuester, and she'll obviously have many interactions with Will, Terri and Emma. Call it getting the band back together: Whereas the first six episodes of season two have been "The Kurt Show," Paltrow's appearance seems to foretell the furthering of other storylines. Paltrow, despite only appearing in a few episodes, might wind up acting as a real fulcrum for the series. (That an outside character is needed for this job is certainly a problem with Glee, but for now, go with it.)
Furthermore, Paltrow's inherent charm might be able to rehabilitate Will Schuester. It's hyperbole, but now that Jack Shephard has reunited with his friends in the Lost church, Will might be the worst character on television. Only, he doesn't have Jack's maniacal tendencies. If Paltrow's Holly Holiday can ground Will, though -- if he's actually given something to do other than to lasciviously stare at his glee club and pity kiss the virgin gym teacher -- then maybe he can be saved. Maybe.
Of course none of this would matter if Paltrow couldn't actually perform. But apparently she can! Her CMA performance last night was well received, but it's the leaked samples of her Glee songs that have me more excited. Just listen to how she rips into Cee-Lo's "F--- You" (here rechristened as the radio friendly "Forget You").
Glee - Previews 2.07
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Like you aren't going to buy that on iTunes. Whether or not Paltrow can save this drifting ship obviously remains to be seen. But what started as a stunt just may have materialized into a life raft. I never thought I'd say this, but: Bring on the Goop.