It’s finally here!

Is it weird to be so, ahem, gleeful about the premier of Glee?

According to Fox, “[Glee] follows an optimistic teacher, who – against all odds and a malicious cheerleading coach – attempts to save McKinley High’s Glee Club from obscurity, while helping a group of aspiring underdogs realize their true star potential.”

Glee is quirky, inspiring, darkly hilarious and touching – yes, all at the same time. And did I mention the musical numbers?

I thought about counting down the episode’s best moments Casey Kasem-style, but decided a top 40 might be a bit much for a season premier. Instead, I give you the top 4 – songs, quotes and thoughts (mine, although the characters’ inner monologues are quite amusing).

The Soundtrack
• Le Freak – Apparently, disco was a big hit back in 1993.
• Gold Digger – Those crazy kids said they wanted more modern music. And Will wanted an excuse to show off his crazy rappin’ skillz.
• Push It – Cheerleading coach Sue called this “the most offensive thing I’ve seen in 20 years.” I call it hilarious! The song choice got everyone in trouble – even though the principal was caught tapping his toes in the bleachers!
• Take a Bow – Rachel, the main character with a crush on the male lead Finn, sang this song – fittingly – at the end of the episode.

The Quotes
• You wanna be creative. You wanna be in the spotlight. Face it: you wanna be me.
• I’m not giving up those shiny crowns just so you can express yourself!
• We already did the math, Will. All we have to do is give up Applebee’s.
• I’m a good man, Emma. I’ll treat you right. I’ll put up with all your crazy.

The Thoughts
• Sure, Glee is about slick musical numbers (which I do love), but the brilliance is in the throwaway one-liners. Pay attention: from banisters crafted by children in Ecuador to an adult gag reflex to John Travolta hands, it’s almost too much to catch on one viewing. Guess I’d better cue up the VCR for next week.
• I really wish they weren’t lip synching the songs. Why not let these kids sing for real, instead of giving us scenes that look a little like music videos?
• When Rachel sings Take a Bow, we see her singing it on stage, in the hallway watching her crush with his girlfriend, and in her bedroom using a brush as a microphone. I loved that and thought it was a pretty realistic portrait of a teenage girl’s angsty love.
• The supporting cast is just as fun as the main characters. I’m loving the principal and the “baby doctor.”

What do you think? Can Glee live up to the hype? Will you be watching it?

Images from Give Me My Remote