Sexy (Glee)
Encyclopedia
"Sexy" is the fifteenth episode of the second season
of the American television series Glee
, and the 37th overall. It was written by Brad Falchuk
, directed by Ryan Murphy, and premiered on Fox
on March 8, 2011. This episode mainly revolves around the topics of sex
and adolescent sexuality
. In this episode, Holly Holliday
(Gwyneth Paltrow
) returns to McKinley High School as a substitute teacher in a class devoted to sex education
. The school glee club director Will Schuester
(Matthew Morrison
) begins to develop deep feelings for Holliday, and the guidance counselor and celibacy club advisor Emma Pillsbury
(Jayma Mays
) is less than pleased with Holly's lessons. Meanwhile, Santana
(Naya Rivera
) expresses her love for Brittany
(Heather Morris), and Burt Hummel
(Mike O'Malley
) has a talk with his son Kurt
(Chris Colfer
) about sex.
"Sexy" was met with generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Many critics went on to praise Paltrow's performance, preferring it to her first appearance in "The Substitute
". However, they disagreed over how Paltrow was used. The storylines were met with general acclaim, particularly the plot between Brittany and Santana. Critics such as Todd VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club
and Patrick Burns of The Atlantic deemed the storyline as the highlight of the episode. This episode featured cover versions of five songs, including a cover of "Kiss
" by Prince
and "Landslide
" by Fleetwood Mac
. The musical performances and cover versions in the episode had a mixed reception from critics.
Upon its original airing, this episode was viewed by 11.92 million American viewers, and garnered a 4.6/14 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic, according to the Nielsen ratings
. The episode's total viewership and ratings increased significantly from the previous episode, "Blame It on the Alcohol
", which was viewed by 10.58 million American viewers, and it acquired a 4.4/12 rating/share in the 18–49 demographic.
(Gwyneth Paltrow
) returns to McKinley High to cover sex education
classes, and tells Will Schuester
(Matthew Morrison
), director of the school glee club
New Directions, that his club members are among the most ignorant about sex. He asks her to educate them using song, so Holly performs Joan Jett
's cover of "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)". Will later rehearses a rendition of Prince
's "Kiss
" with her, which culminates in a kiss, but Holly will not go further as she believes she would end up hurting him.
Sue Sylvester
(Jane Lynch
), director of rival glee club Aural Intensity, seeks out former New Directions member and current Dalton Academy Warbler Kurt Hummel
(Chris Colfer
) to tell him and his friend Blaine
(Darren Criss
), the Warblers' lead singer, that New Directions is planning a sexually provocative routine for the upcoming Regionals competition, having heard that the judges will be looking for same. Blaine responds by having the Warblers work up a "sexified" performance of "Animal
" by Neon Trees
, with Kurt joining him on lead, but Kurt’s "sexy" faces and moves are anything but. Kurt insists on remaining ignorant of sexual matters, which Blaine feels is dangerous at their age, so he visits Kurt's father, Burt
(Mike O'Malley
), and prompts him to give Kurt "the talk
" about sex.
At McKinley, glee club members Puck
(Mark Salling) and Lauren
(Ashley Fink
) plan to make a sex tape, until Holly informs them that it would be considered child pornography
. Puck, appalled, joins the celibacy club. The club's advisor Emma Pillsbury
(Jayma Mays
) thinks Holly's lessons are inappropriate, so she arranges for the club to perform a wholesome song for New Directions. She picks Starland Vocal Band
's "Afternoon Delight
", unaware that the song is about sex. Her husband Carl (John Stamos
) approaches Holly afterward about counseling. During the counseling session, he reveals that Emma is still a virgin, and Emma admits that she may still have feelings for Will. Carl tells her he will be moving into a hotel until she is certain of her feelings.
Holly also counsels glee club members Santana
(Naya Rivera
) and Brittany
(Heather Morris) when they express confusion about their sexuality. She joins them for a performance of "Landslide
" by Fleetwood Mac
, after which Santana tearfully confesses that she is in love with Brittany and wants to be with her. However, after Kurt's experience as an openly gay student at McKinley, Santana is afraid of being bullied and ostracized by the student body for being in a same-sex relationship
. Brittany reciprocates her love, but explains that she also loves her boyfriend Artie
(Kevin McHale) and will not break up with him, to Santana's distress.
Lauren is annoyed with Puck for joining the celibacy club, but when he explains that he is trying to take responsibility for his actions, she kisses him and agrees to join too. Quinn
(Dianna Agron
) shows up at the club meeting with a hickey on her neck from making out with Finn
(Cory Monteith
), though she claims the mark is from burning herself with a curling iron. Holly's stint as a sex education instructor ends when parents complain about her classes. She tells Will that she wants to learn about romance; he offers to teach her, and they kiss.
", episode seven of the second season. The role was devised for her by series creator Ryan Murphy, who suggested that she showcase her vocal and dancing talent ahead of the release of the film Country Strong, in which Paltrow plays a country singer. Paltrow was signed to Glee for two episodes, with "The Substitute" originally intended to feature a love quadrangle between Holly, Will, Emma and Carl. Her initial arc was, however, reduced to a single episode. Post-broadcast, Murphy said they both hoped she would appear on Glee again in the future, depending on the right storyline. In January 2011, Paltrow confirmed that she would be reprising the role. Murphy stated that she would appear in episodes fifteen and sixteen as a sex education teacher, and would serve as a love interest for Will, though she actually appeared in episodes fifteen and seventeen. Stamos also reprised his role as Emma's husband Carl. As of March 2011, he was unsure whether he would return to Glee again, but stated that he might do so to conclude Emma and Carl's storyline, explaining: "I think people like me on there, but they really love Will and Emma together. So I don't know how much longer people can stand Will and Emma not being together."
The episode continued the romantic relationship between Brittany and Santana, first alluded to during the first season
. The two kissed on-screen for the first time in the season two episode "Duets
", after which their romance was little explored, leading to what Rivera described as an "uproar" by fans of the pairing in December 2010. The following month, executive producer Brad Falchuk
revealed via the social networking website Twitter
that further developments to the storyline had always been intended, with Paltrow's Holly serving as a catalyst.
In addition to Paltrow reprising her role as Holly Holliday, recurring characters who appear on the episode include Stamos as dentist Carl Howell, football coach Shannon Beiste (Dot-Marie Jones), glee club members Lauren Zizes, Sam Evans
(Chord Overstreet
) and Mike Chang
(Harry Shum, Jr.
), and Kurt's friend Blaine Anderson.
, despite airing simultaneously with The Biggest Loser
on NBC
, No Ordinary Family
on ABC
, NCIS
on CBS
, and One Tree Hill
on The CW. It attained a 4.6/14 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic, making it the highest rated show of the night. It increased by over 1.4 million viewers and 5 percent in the 18–49 ratings on the previous episode, "Blame It on the Alcohol
". In Australia, the episode was watched by 1.03 million viewers, making Glee the eighth most-watched show of the night. In the UK, the episode was watched by 2.58 million viewers (2.039 million on E4, and 541,000 on E4+1), becoming the most-watched show on cable for the week.
James Poniewozik felt that the episode "began clumsily, lacked subtlety, involved some embarrassing moments" and focused too much on Paltrow, but as it continued, "achieve[d] a few moments of delight and honest emotion."
Several critics preferred Paltrow's return in "Sexy" to her first appearance in "The Substitute". The Washington Post
Lisa de Moraes felt that she was better integrated into this episode, and Raymund Flandez of the Wall Street Journal called her return "infinitely better" than her first appearance, explaining, "Back then, she was a puzzle, a loony bin. Here, she's sly and quick-witted, appropriately adult and seductively saucy in an episode that showcased more of her comedic timing, than her stiff dance skills. All the better for us." Fallon wrote that Paltrow was "if possible, even sassier and sultrier" than before, and felt that she served to anchor a busy episode. In contrast, Sandra Gonzalez of Entertainment Weekly
had mixed feelings about Holly, believing that she dominated screen time. Todd VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club
liked Paltrow's acting, but disliked Holly's interaction with Will, saying they lacked chemistry. Soraya Roberts of the Daily News disliked her return for prolonging Will and Emma's separation, branding Holly a home-wrecker. She commented that while Paltrow's appearance in "The Substitute" was "relatively fresh", in "Sexy" she was "acting almost like a cardboard cutout version of her former self, overly enunciating her lines [and] treading carefully around her choreography". Poniewozik found all of Paltrow's scenes "labored and ridiculous", and wrote that the actress failed to bring an element of realism to her character. Jim Cantiello of MTV
praised Paltrow's performance, calling her "a breath of fresh air."
The Brittany–Santana plot received critical acclaim. Gonzalez was somewhat surprised by the storyline, observing that Santana had not previously been portrayed as "so serious and vulnerable", but enjoyed the depth it brought to her character. She and Poniewozik both praised Rivera's acting, with Gonzalez calling her "heartbreakingly perfect". Poniewozik did not find Santana's revelation sudden; he was impressed that the episode found "pathos and heartbreak" in a coupling formerly treated humorously. VanDerWerff deemed it the best storyline of the episode, saying it was almost alone the reason the episode received a "B". He called the scene where Santana confessed her feelings for Brittany one of the best moments of the season. Burns was pleased that the storyline was "treated with a tender realness," something generally lacking on network television, and Brown, though unconvinced that Santana's conflicted sexuality adequately explained her abrasive personality, praised the series for "exploring some of the more complicated aspects of adolescent sexuality", writing that "Glee does an admirable job of attempting to be all-inclusive."
The father–son relationship between Kurt and Burt also drew positive reviews. de Moraes found it odd that Blaine approached Burt to talk to Kurt about sex, but wrote that their subsequent heart-to-heart was the "closest thing to a satisfying conclusion" the episode had. Fallon called it "one of the most uncomfortable father–son sex talks ever committed to television (and thus, really, one of the most realistic)", and Flandez found it sweet. Though Gonzalez deemed it awkward to watch, she wrote that the scene served to convince her she had never loved a father-son pairing more. Poniewozik also found it realistic and moving, giving particular praise to O'Malley for portraying Burt's "determination and awkwardness in helping his son, without turning it into an afterschool special."
, as recorded by Joan Jett, "Animal" by Neon Trees, "Kiss" by Prince, an acoustic
version of "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, and "Afternoon Delight" by the Starland Vocal Band. Paltrow performs on "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)", "Kiss" and "Landslide". The three tracks were released as singles, available for download, and feature on the series' sixth soundtrack album
, Glee: The Music, Volume 5
. In the UK, "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" was omitted from Glee: The Music, Volume 5, and "Afternoon Delight" was included instead. A cover of Rod Stewart
's "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
" performed by the Warblers was planned to be featured in the episode but did not appear. The track appears on the soundtrack album Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers
, on which "Animal" is also included.
Musical performances in the episode attracted mixed commentary. Brown wrote that all the performances "felt a little lackluster [...] though none stood out as being particularly awful." Roberts called the performance of "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" a "leather-clad, hair-whipping mess". Gonzalez graded it a "B"; she enjoyed the energy and Morris' dancing, but found it lacking vocally. The inclusion of the song in an episode dealing with sex education and adolescent sexuality sparked some controversy, as its original performer, Gary Glitter
, is a registered sex offender in the United Kingdom
. He has been convicted of several sexual crimes involving minors, including a conviction for possession of child pornography
in the UK in 1997, and his conviction for child sexual abuse
in Vietnam in 2005. Charities
dedicated to serving and helping children have filed complaints to Fox and the producers of Glee. Television executives in the UK, where the show is broadcast about a month later than in the US, were rumoured to be considering the removal of the scene entirely. However, a spokesperson for Channel 4
stated that the episode would air in full, and explained: "The scene is editorially justified within the programme and we do not seek to censor material in the proper context." Claude Knights, the executive director of the London-based children's charity Kidscape
, said, "It is regrettable that the producers did not consider the implication of using such a track in the context of a sex education class. The fact that this song is linked to Gary Glitter [...] make[s] it wholly inappropriate". The UK edition of Glee: The Music, Volume 5 omits the track; "Afternoon Delight" is included instead.
Gonzalez gave "Afternoon Delight" a "C". She highlighted its corniness, and wrote that Stamos was wasted on the performance. "Animal" drew generally negative reviews, derided by Roberts as the only element of the episode "less sexy than Paltrow". She called the Warblers' version "hokey". Flandez agreed that they "single-handedly ruin[ed]" the track, likening Kurt's expressions throughout to "Jar Jar Binks
on acid", criticizing his "jerky moves and infantile facial expressions." VanDerWerff criticized it for being "connected to utterly nothing whatsoever". In contrast, Gonzalez gave the number her highest grade of the episode, an "A+". She deemed it "unforgettable", praising the song selection and writing that it met and possibly exceeded her high expectations. Tyler Glenn, lead singer of the Neon Trees, said "I thought it was cool"; bassist Branden Campbell mentioned how Darren Criss
approached the band at the 2011 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
thanking them for allowing the song to be used, as Criss was the one who brought the song to Ryan Murphy's attention.
Critics differed over the performance of "Kiss". Roberts praised the "real sex appeal" Morrison brought to the number, but deemed Paltrow's tango rigid. de Moraes observed that neither of them would have progressed past the first week of the reality series Dancing with the Stars, and Burns commented that white people ought to be deterred from performing Prince. He called the music "uninteresting and soulless", and was dismayed that the tango was "just white with white people tango dancing." Flandez, however, enjoyed their dancing, writing that "The strong holds, the slow cuts, the perfect swivel of hips and the lean-to’s were mesmerizingly seductive." Gonzales also enjoyed the choreography, but disliked Morrison's falsetto, and wished he has been allowed to sing in his own register throughout rather than imitating Prince. She graded the performance "C+".
"Landslide" received a "B+" from Gonzalez, who wished that Rivera, rather than Paltrow, had sung the lead vocal, due to the meaning the song held for Santana. Roberts found the performance "pretty but uninspired". Flandez called it "a dreamy, perfectly pitched power song of lesbian love", Poniewozik "surprisingly poignant", and VanDerWerff named it the best number of the episode. Stevie Nicks
of Fleetwood Mac welcomed the cover of "Landslide", hoping it would bring the band's songs to a new generation. She approved of the performance, and said that Paltrow "sang it beautifully." The day that "Landslide" was filmed, Nicks herself visited the set.
, and appeared on other musical charts. On the Hot 100, the show's rendition of "Landslide" debuted at number twenty-three; it was at number thirty-five on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100. The other three songs on the Hot 100 were "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" at number fifty-seven, which also made number sixty-three on the Canadian Hot 100, "Animal" at number sixty-two, which also made number sixty-five on the Canadian Hot 100, and "Kiss" at number eighty-three, which also made number eighty on the Canadian Hot 100. "Afternoon Delight" did not chart.
Glee (season 2)
The second season of the musical comedy-drama television series Glee originally aired between September 21, 2010 and May 24, 2011 on Fox in the United States...
of the American television series Glee
Glee (TV series)
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
, and the 37th overall. It was written by Brad Falchuk
Brad Falchuk
Brad Falchuk is a television writer, director and producer. He is best known for his work on the television series Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story.-Early life:...
, directed by Ryan Murphy, and premiered on Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
on March 8, 2011. This episode mainly revolves around the topics of sex
Sex
In biology, sex is a process of combining and mixing genetic traits, often resulting in the specialization of organisms into a male or female variety . Sexual reproduction involves combining specialized cells to form offspring that inherit traits from both parents...
and adolescent sexuality
Adolescent sexuality
Adolescent sexuality refers to sexual feelings, behavior and development in adolescents and is a stage of human sexuality. Sexuality is often a vital aspect of teenagers' lives...
. In this episode, Holly Holliday
Holly Holliday
Holly Holliday is a recurring fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and appeared three times during the show's the second season. Holly is Paltrow's first-ever role in a scripted television show...
(Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Kate Paltrow is an American actress and singer. She made her acting debut on stage in 1990 and started appearing in films in 1991. After appearing in several films throughout the decade, Paltrow gained early notice for her work in films such as Se7en and Emma...
) returns to McKinley High School as a substitute teacher in a class devoted to sex education
Sex education
Sex education refers to formal programs of instruction on a wide range of issues relating to human sexuality, including human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, abstinence, contraception, and...
. The school glee club director Will Schuester
Will Schuester
William "Will" Schuester, often referred to as Mr. Schue, is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Matthew Morrison and has appeared in Glee since its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Will was developed by Glee...
(Matthew Morrison
Matthew Morrison
Matthew James "Matt" Morrison is an American actor, director, musician, and singer-songwriter. He is best known for starring in multiple Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including his portrayal of Link Larkin in Hairspray on Broadway, and most notably for his Emmy and Golden Globe nominated...
) begins to develop deep feelings for Holliday, and the guidance counselor and celibacy club advisor Emma Pillsbury
Emma Pillsbury
Emma Pillsbury is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. Portrayed by actress Jayma Mays, Emma has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Emma was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Jayma Mays
Jayma Mays
Jayma Suzette Mays is an American television and film actress, and singer. Mays' most prominent roles include that of Emma Pillsbury on the American television series Glee, recurring appearances on Ugly Betty and on Heroes as characters named Charlie.- Life and career :Mays was born Jamia Suzette...
) is less than pleased with Holly's lessons. Meanwhile, Santana
Santana Lopez
Santana Lopez is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Naya Rivera, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Santana was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Naya Rivera
Naya Rivera
Naya Marie Rivera is an American actress and singer known for her role in the musical comedy television series Glee, as cheerleader Santana Lopez.-Early life:...
) expresses her love for Brittany
Brittany Pierce
Brittany Susan Pierce is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Heather Morris, and has appeared in Glee from its second episode, "Showmance", first broadcast on September 9, 2009. Brittany was developed by Glee creators Ryan...
(Heather Morris), and Burt Hummel
Burt Hummel
Burt Hummel is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Mike O'Malley, and first appeared on Glee in the fourth episode of the first season, "Preggers". Burt was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Mike O'Malley
Mike O'Malley
Michael Edward "Mike" O'Malley is an American actor and playwright who has appeared in films and television series. He hosted Nickelodeon GUTS, and he starred in the CBS comedy Yes, Dear...
) has a talk with his son Kurt
Kurt Hummel
Kurt Hummel is a fictional character and one of the male leads in the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. Series creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan initially conceived of him as a fashionable gay countertenor who is routinely bullied at school...
(Chris Colfer
Chris Colfer
Christopher Paul "Chris" Colfer is an American actor and singer known for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the television series Glee, for which he won a 2011 Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and was also nominated twice for an Emmy...
) about sex.
"Sexy" was met with generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Many critics went on to praise Paltrow's performance, preferring it to her first appearance in "The Substitute
The Substitute (Glee)
"The Substitute" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American television series Glee, and the 29th episode overall. It was written by Ian Brennan, directed by Ryan Murphy, and premiered on Fox on November 16, 2010...
". However, they disagreed over how Paltrow was used. The storylines were met with general acclaim, particularly the plot between Brittany and Santana. Critics such as Todd VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club is an entertainment newspaper and website published by The Onion. Its features include reviews of new films, music, television, books, games and DVDs, as well as interviews and other regular offerings examining both new and classic media and other elements of pop culture. Unlike its...
and Patrick Burns of The Atlantic deemed the storyline as the highlight of the episode. This episode featured cover versions of five songs, including a cover of "Kiss
Kiss (song)
In 1988 Art of Noise released a cover of the song, featuring Tom Jones on vocals. The song became the band's biggest hit to that point, reaching number eighteen on the U.S. dance charts and number five on the UK Singles Chart, higher than the original in that country...
" by Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
and "Landslide
Landslide (song)
The country group Dixie Chicks then covered "Landslide" on their 2002 Home album. This rendition, featuring the group's trademark two- and three-part harmonies reached the Top 10 of both the pop and country charts as well as several other charts. It became the Dixie Chicks' only number 1 single ...
" by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
. The musical performances and cover versions in the episode had a mixed reception from critics.
Upon its original airing, this episode was viewed by 11.92 million American viewers, and garnered a 4.6/14 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic, according to the Nielsen ratings
Nielsen Ratings
Nielsen ratings are the audience measurement systems developed by Nielsen Media Research, in an effort to determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States...
. The episode's total viewership and ratings increased significantly from the previous episode, "Blame It on the Alcohol
Blame It on the Alcohol
"Blame It on the Alcohol" is the fourteenth episode of the second season of the television series Glee, and the 36th overall. The episode was written by Ian Brennan, directed by Eric Stoltz and first aired in the United States on Fox on February 22, 2011...
", which was viewed by 10.58 million American viewers, and it acquired a 4.4/12 rating/share in the 18–49 demographic.
Plot
Substitute teacher Holly HollidayHolly Holliday
Holly Holliday is a recurring fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and appeared three times during the show's the second season. Holly is Paltrow's first-ever role in a scripted television show...
(Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Kate Paltrow is an American actress and singer. She made her acting debut on stage in 1990 and started appearing in films in 1991. After appearing in several films throughout the decade, Paltrow gained early notice for her work in films such as Se7en and Emma...
) returns to McKinley High to cover sex education
Sex education
Sex education refers to formal programs of instruction on a wide range of issues relating to human sexuality, including human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, abstinence, contraception, and...
classes, and tells Will Schuester
Will Schuester
William "Will" Schuester, often referred to as Mr. Schue, is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Matthew Morrison and has appeared in Glee since its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Will was developed by Glee...
(Matthew Morrison
Matthew Morrison
Matthew James "Matt" Morrison is an American actor, director, musician, and singer-songwriter. He is best known for starring in multiple Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including his portrayal of Link Larkin in Hairspray on Broadway, and most notably for his Emmy and Golden Globe nominated...
), director of the school glee club
Glee club
A glee club is a musical group or choir group, historically of male voices but also of female or mixed voices, which traditionally specializes in the singing of short songs—glees—by trios or quartets. In the late 19th Century it was very popular in most schools and was made a tradition...
New Directions, that his club members are among the most ignorant about sex. He asks her to educate them using song, so Holly performs Joan Jett
Joan Jett
Joan Jett is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress.She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock 'n' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for their other popular...
's cover of "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)". Will later rehearses a rendition of Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
's "Kiss
Kiss (song)
In 1988 Art of Noise released a cover of the song, featuring Tom Jones on vocals. The song became the band's biggest hit to that point, reaching number eighteen on the U.S. dance charts and number five on the UK Singles Chart, higher than the original in that country...
" with her, which culminates in a kiss, but Holly will not go further as she believes she would end up hurting him.
Sue Sylvester
Sue Sylvester
Susan "Sue" Sylvester is a fictional character of the Fox musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Jane Lynch, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Sue was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian...
(Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch
Jane Marie Lynch is an American comedian, actress and singer. She gained fame in Christopher Guest's improv mockumentary pictures such as Best in Show and is currently best known for playing the role of Sue Sylvester in the television series Glee...
), director of rival glee club Aural Intensity, seeks out former New Directions member and current Dalton Academy Warbler Kurt Hummel
Kurt Hummel
Kurt Hummel is a fictional character and one of the male leads in the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. Series creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan initially conceived of him as a fashionable gay countertenor who is routinely bullied at school...
(Chris Colfer
Chris Colfer
Christopher Paul "Chris" Colfer is an American actor and singer known for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the television series Glee, for which he won a 2011 Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and was also nominated twice for an Emmy...
) to tell him and his friend Blaine
Blaine Anderson
Blaine Anderson is a fictional character from the American musical comedy-drama television series Glee. Played by Darren Criss, Blaine was introduced in the sixth episode of the second season as the openly gay lead singer of the Dalton Academy Warblers, a rival show choir to New Directions, the...
(Darren Criss
Darren Criss
Darren Everett Criss is an American actor, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, and a founding member and co-owner of the theater company StarKid Productions. He currently portrays Blaine Anderson, an openly gay high school student, on the FOX television series Glee...
), the Warblers' lead singer, that New Directions is planning a sexually provocative routine for the upcoming Regionals competition, having heard that the judges will be looking for same. Blaine responds by having the Warblers work up a "sexified" performance of "Animal
Animal (Neon Trees song)
"Animal" is the lead single from Neon Trees' debut album Habits. It debuted at #100 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has reached a current peak of #13 in its 22nd week on the chart. In Canada, the song debuted at number 95 on the Canadian Hot 100 and has climbed to No. 29...
" by Neon Trees
Neon Trees
Neon Trees is an American alternative rock band from Provo, Utah, with origins in Murrieta, California. The band received nationwide exposure in late 2008 when they opened several North American tour dates for the rock band The Killers. Not long after, the band was signed by Mercury Records and...
, with Kurt joining him on lead, but Kurt’s "sexy" faces and moves are anything but. Kurt insists on remaining ignorant of sexual matters, which Blaine feels is dangerous at their age, so he visits Kurt's father, Burt
Burt Hummel
Burt Hummel is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Mike O'Malley, and first appeared on Glee in the fourth episode of the first season, "Preggers". Burt was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Mike O'Malley
Mike O'Malley
Michael Edward "Mike" O'Malley is an American actor and playwright who has appeared in films and television series. He hosted Nickelodeon GUTS, and he starred in the CBS comedy Yes, Dear...
), and prompts him to give Kurt "the talk
The birds and the bees
"The birds and the bees" is an English-language idiomatic expression that refers to courtship and sexual intercourse, and is usually used in reference to teaching someone, often a young child, about sex and pregnancy...
" about sex.
At McKinley, glee club members Puck
Puck (Glee)
Noah "Puck" Puckerman is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Mark Salling, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Puck was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian...
(Mark Salling) and Lauren
Lauren Zizes
Lauren Zizes is a recurring fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series, Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Ashley Fink, and has appeared in Glee since the season one episode "Wheels", first broadcast on November 11, 2009. Lauren was developed by Glee creators Ryan...
(Ashley Fink
Ashley Fink
Ashley Rae Fink is an American actress, known for her role as Lauren Zizes in the television series Glee, and also as Carter McMahon in Huge.-Personal life:...
) plan to make a sex tape, until Holly informs them that it would be considered child pornography
Child pornography
Child pornography refers to images or films and, in some cases, writings depicting sexually explicit activities involving a child...
. Puck, appalled, joins the celibacy club. The club's advisor Emma Pillsbury
Emma Pillsbury
Emma Pillsbury is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. Portrayed by actress Jayma Mays, Emma has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Emma was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Jayma Mays
Jayma Mays
Jayma Suzette Mays is an American television and film actress, and singer. Mays' most prominent roles include that of Emma Pillsbury on the American television series Glee, recurring appearances on Ugly Betty and on Heroes as characters named Charlie.- Life and career :Mays was born Jamia Suzette...
) thinks Holly's lessons are inappropriate, so she arranges for the club to perform a wholesome song for New Directions. She picks Starland Vocal Band
Starland Vocal Band
Starland Vocal Band were an American pop band, known primarily for "Afternoon Delight", one of the biggest-selling singles in 1976.-Career:The group began as 'Fat City', a husband/wife duo of Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert. The band was also composed of Jon Carroll and Margot Chapman...
's "Afternoon Delight
Afternoon Delight (song)
"Afternoon Delight" is the title of a song recorded by American group, Starland Vocal Band, featuring close harmony and sexually suggestive wordplay. It was written by Bill Danoff, one of the members of the band. It became a number-one U.S. Billboard Hot 100 single on July 10, 1976...
", unaware that the song is about sex. Her husband Carl (John Stamos
John Stamos
John Phillip Stamos is an American actor, singer and musician best known for his work in television, especially in his starring role as Jesse Katsopolis on the ABC sitcom Full House. Since the cancellation of that show in 1995, Stamos has appeared in numerous television films and series. From 2006...
) approaches Holly afterward about counseling. During the counseling session, he reveals that Emma is still a virgin, and Emma admits that she may still have feelings for Will. Carl tells her he will be moving into a hotel until she is certain of her feelings.
Holly also counsels glee club members Santana
Santana Lopez
Santana Lopez is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Naya Rivera, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Santana was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Naya Rivera
Naya Rivera
Naya Marie Rivera is an American actress and singer known for her role in the musical comedy television series Glee, as cheerleader Santana Lopez.-Early life:...
) and Brittany
Brittany Pierce
Brittany Susan Pierce is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Heather Morris, and has appeared in Glee from its second episode, "Showmance", first broadcast on September 9, 2009. Brittany was developed by Glee creators Ryan...
(Heather Morris) when they express confusion about their sexuality. She joins them for a performance of "Landslide
Landslide (song)
The country group Dixie Chicks then covered "Landslide" on their 2002 Home album. This rendition, featuring the group's trademark two- and three-part harmonies reached the Top 10 of both the pop and country charts as well as several other charts. It became the Dixie Chicks' only number 1 single ...
" by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
, after which Santana tearfully confesses that she is in love with Brittany and wants to be with her. However, after Kurt's experience as an openly gay student at McKinley, Santana is afraid of being bullied and ostracized by the student body for being in a same-sex relationship
Same-sex relationship
A same-sex relationship is a relationship between two persons of the same sex and can take many forms, from romantic and sexual, to non-romantic close relationships. The term is mainly associated with gay and lesbian people...
. Brittany reciprocates her love, but explains that she also loves her boyfriend Artie
Artie Abrams
Artie Abrams is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Kevin McHale, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Artie was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Kevin McHale) and will not break up with him, to Santana's distress.
Lauren is annoyed with Puck for joining the celibacy club, but when he explains that he is trying to take responsibility for his actions, she kisses him and agrees to join too. Quinn
Quinn Fabray
Quinn Fabray is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Dianna Agron, and has appeared in Glee since its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. She is a former cheerleader at the fictional William McKinley High School in...
(Dianna Agron
Dianna Agron
Dianna Agron is an American actress, best known for her portrayal of Quinn Fabray on the television series Glee.-Early life:Dianna Agron was born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in San Antonio, Texas and San Francisco, California. She is the daughter of Mary and Ronald S. Agron, a general...
) shows up at the club meeting with a hickey on her neck from making out with Finn
Finn Hudson
Finn Hudson is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Cory Monteith, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Finn was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
(Cory Monteith
Cory Monteith
Cory Allan Monteith is a Canadian actor and musician, best known for his role of Finn Hudson on the Fox television series Glee.-Early life:...
), though she claims the mark is from burning herself with a curling iron. Holly's stint as a sex education instructor ends when parents complain about her classes. She tells Will that she wants to learn about romance; he offers to teach her, and they kiss.
Production
"Sexy" marked Paltrow's second guest appearance on Glee as substitute teacher Holly Holliday. She originally appeared in "The SubstituteThe Substitute (Glee)
"The Substitute" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American television series Glee, and the 29th episode overall. It was written by Ian Brennan, directed by Ryan Murphy, and premiered on Fox on November 16, 2010...
", episode seven of the second season. The role was devised for her by series creator Ryan Murphy, who suggested that she showcase her vocal and dancing talent ahead of the release of the film Country Strong, in which Paltrow plays a country singer. Paltrow was signed to Glee for two episodes, with "The Substitute" originally intended to feature a love quadrangle between Holly, Will, Emma and Carl. Her initial arc was, however, reduced to a single episode. Post-broadcast, Murphy said they both hoped she would appear on Glee again in the future, depending on the right storyline. In January 2011, Paltrow confirmed that she would be reprising the role. Murphy stated that she would appear in episodes fifteen and sixteen as a sex education teacher, and would serve as a love interest for Will, though she actually appeared in episodes fifteen and seventeen. Stamos also reprised his role as Emma's husband Carl. As of March 2011, he was unsure whether he would return to Glee again, but stated that he might do so to conclude Emma and Carl's storyline, explaining: "I think people like me on there, but they really love Will and Emma together. So I don't know how much longer people can stand Will and Emma not being together."
The episode continued the romantic relationship between Brittany and Santana, first alluded to during the first season
Glee (season 1)
The first season of the musical comedy-drama television series Glee originally aired on Fox in the United States. The pilot episode was broadcast as an advanced preview of the series on May 19, 2009, with the remainder of the season airing between September 9, 2009 and June 8, 2010...
. The two kissed on-screen for the first time in the season two episode "Duets
Duets (Glee)
"Duets" is the fourth episode of the second season of the American television series Glee, and the 26th episode overall. It was written by series creator Ian Brennan, directed by Eric Stoltz, and premiered on Fox on October 12, 2010...
", after which their romance was little explored, leading to what Rivera described as an "uproar" by fans of the pairing in December 2010. The following month, executive producer Brad Falchuk
Brad Falchuk
Brad Falchuk is a television writer, director and producer. He is best known for his work on the television series Nip/Tuck, Glee, and American Horror Story.-Early life:...
revealed via the social networking website Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
that further developments to the storyline had always been intended, with Paltrow's Holly serving as a catalyst.
In addition to Paltrow reprising her role as Holly Holliday, recurring characters who appear on the episode include Stamos as dentist Carl Howell, football coach Shannon Beiste (Dot-Marie Jones), glee club members Lauren Zizes, Sam Evans
Sam Evans
Sam Evans is a recurring fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Chord Overstreet, and appeared on Glee starting with the second season premiere episode entitled "Audition", first broadcast on September 21, 2010, and ending with that...
(Chord Overstreet
Chord Overstreet
Chord Overstreet is an American actor, singer and musician, best known for his role as Sam Evans on the television series Glee.-Early life:...
) and Mike Chang
Mike Chang
Michael "Mike" Chang, Jr. is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor and dancer Harry Shum, Jr., and has appeared on Glee since the fourth episode in the first season, "Preggers", first broadcast on September 23, 2009...
(Harry Shum, Jr.
Harry Shum, Jr.
Harry Shum, Jr. is an American dancer, actor, and choreographer. He is best known for his role as Mike Chang on the FOX television show Glee. He has appeared in dance films such as Stomp the Yard, You Got Served, Step Up 2: The Streets and Step Up 3D...
), and Kurt's friend Blaine Anderson.
Ratings
"Sexy" was first broadcast on March 8, 2011 in the United States on Fox. It was watched by 11.92 million American viewers upon its initial airing, according to the Nielsen ratingsNielsen Ratings
Nielsen ratings are the audience measurement systems developed by Nielsen Media Research, in an effort to determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States...
, despite airing simultaneously with The Biggest Loser
The Biggest Loser: Couples 4
The Biggest Loser: Couples 4 is the eleventh season of the NBC reality television series entitled The Biggest Loser. The contestants competed to win a $250,000 prize, which was awarded to Olivia Ward, the contestant with the highest percentage of weight loss. It premiered on January 4, 2011...
on NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
, No Ordinary Family
No Ordinary Family
No Ordinary Family is an American television series on ABC. The 45-minute science fiction comedy-drama was produced by ABC Studios for the 2010–11 television season. The series ran from September 28, 2010 to April 5, 2011, on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET/PT...
on ABC
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network. Created in 1943 from the former NBC Blue radio network, ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Company and is part of Disney-ABC Television Group. Its first broadcast on television was in 1948...
, NCIS
NCIS (TV series)
NCIS, formerly known as NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service, is an American police procedural drama television series revolving around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which conducts criminal investigations involving the U.S...
on CBS
CBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
, and One Tree Hill
One Tree Hill (TV series)
One Tree Hill is an American television drama created by Mark Schwahn, which premiered on September 23, 2003, on The WB Television Network. After its third season, The WB merged with UPN to form The CW Television Network, and, since September 27, 2006, the network has been the official broadcaster...
on The CW. It attained a 4.6/14 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic, making it the highest rated show of the night. It increased by over 1.4 million viewers and 5 percent in the 18–49 ratings on the previous episode, "Blame It on the Alcohol
Blame It on the Alcohol
"Blame It on the Alcohol" is the fourteenth episode of the second season of the television series Glee, and the 36th overall. The episode was written by Ian Brennan, directed by Eric Stoltz and first aired in the United States on Fox on February 22, 2011...
". In Australia, the episode was watched by 1.03 million viewers, making Glee the eighth most-watched show of the night. In the UK, the episode was watched by 2.58 million viewers (2.039 million on E4, and 541,000 on E4+1), becoming the most-watched show on cable for the week.
Critical response
The episode received a positive response from critics. Reviewers disagreed over how well Paltrow was utilized, but generally praised the Brittany–Santana and Kurt–Blaine storylines. The Atlantic Kevin Fallon deemed "Sexy" an episode of mixed messages, one which treated the issues it raised with "an appropriate amount of levity", but failed to "play the nuances of the [celibacy vs. sex] argument as delicately as it probably thought it did." His Atlantic co-writer Patrick Burns criticized the series for glorifying a risqué subject, "then half-heartedly attempt[ing] to hammer home a moral." Meghan Brown, also writing for The Atlantic, called it a "solid episode with some strong character moments." TimeTime (magazine)
Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
James Poniewozik felt that the episode "began clumsily, lacked subtlety, involved some embarrassing moments" and focused too much on Paltrow, but as it continued, "achieve[d] a few moments of delight and honest emotion."
Several critics preferred Paltrow's return in "Sexy" to her first appearance in "The Substitute". The Washington Post
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
Lisa de Moraes felt that she was better integrated into this episode, and Raymund Flandez of the Wall Street Journal called her return "infinitely better" than her first appearance, explaining, "Back then, she was a puzzle, a loony bin. Here, she's sly and quick-witted, appropriately adult and seductively saucy in an episode that showcased more of her comedic timing, than her stiff dance skills. All the better for us." Fallon wrote that Paltrow was "if possible, even sassier and sultrier" than before, and felt that she served to anchor a busy episode. In contrast, Sandra Gonzalez of Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
had mixed feelings about Holly, believing that she dominated screen time. Todd VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club
The A.V. Club is an entertainment newspaper and website published by The Onion. Its features include reviews of new films, music, television, books, games and DVDs, as well as interviews and other regular offerings examining both new and classic media and other elements of pop culture. Unlike its...
liked Paltrow's acting, but disliked Holly's interaction with Will, saying they lacked chemistry. Soraya Roberts of the Daily News disliked her return for prolonging Will and Emma's separation, branding Holly a home-wrecker. She commented that while Paltrow's appearance in "The Substitute" was "relatively fresh", in "Sexy" she was "acting almost like a cardboard cutout version of her former self, overly enunciating her lines [and] treading carefully around her choreography". Poniewozik found all of Paltrow's scenes "labored and ridiculous", and wrote that the actress failed to bring an element of realism to her character. Jim Cantiello of MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
praised Paltrow's performance, calling her "a breath of fresh air."
The Brittany–Santana plot received critical acclaim. Gonzalez was somewhat surprised by the storyline, observing that Santana had not previously been portrayed as "so serious and vulnerable", but enjoyed the depth it brought to her character. She and Poniewozik both praised Rivera's acting, with Gonzalez calling her "heartbreakingly perfect". Poniewozik did not find Santana's revelation sudden; he was impressed that the episode found "pathos and heartbreak" in a coupling formerly treated humorously. VanDerWerff deemed it the best storyline of the episode, saying it was almost alone the reason the episode received a "B". He called the scene where Santana confessed her feelings for Brittany one of the best moments of the season. Burns was pleased that the storyline was "treated with a tender realness," something generally lacking on network television, and Brown, though unconvinced that Santana's conflicted sexuality adequately explained her abrasive personality, praised the series for "exploring some of the more complicated aspects of adolescent sexuality", writing that "Glee does an admirable job of attempting to be all-inclusive."
The father–son relationship between Kurt and Burt also drew positive reviews. de Moraes found it odd that Blaine approached Burt to talk to Kurt about sex, but wrote that their subsequent heart-to-heart was the "closest thing to a satisfying conclusion" the episode had. Fallon called it "one of the most uncomfortable father–son sex talks ever committed to television (and thus, really, one of the most realistic)", and Flandez found it sweet. Though Gonzalez deemed it awkward to watch, she wrote that the scene served to convince her she had never loved a father-son pairing more. Poniewozik also found it realistic and moving, giving particular praise to O'Malley for portraying Burt's "determination and awkwardness in helping his son, without turning it into an afterschool special."
Performances
"Sexy" features cover versions of five songs: "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" by Gary GlitterGary Glitter
Gary Glitter is an English former glam rock singer-songwriter and musician.Glitter first came to prominence in the glam rock era of the early 1970s...
, as recorded by Joan Jett, "Animal" by Neon Trees, "Kiss" by Prince, an acoustic
Acoustic music
Acoustic music comprises music that solely or primarily uses instruments which produce sound through entirely acoustic means, as opposed to electric or electronic means...
version of "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, and "Afternoon Delight" by the Starland Vocal Band. Paltrow performs on "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)", "Kiss" and "Landslide". The three tracks were released as singles, available for download, and feature on the series' sixth soundtrack album
Soundtrack album
A soundtrack album is any album that incorporates music directly recorded from the soundtrack of a particular feature film or television program. In some cases, not all the tracks from the movie are included in the album; however there are rare cases of songs in the trailers that do not appear in...
, Glee: The Music, Volume 5
Glee: The Music, Volume 5
Glee: The Music, Volume 5 is the sixth soundtrack album by the cast of the musical television series Glee. Released on March 8, 2011 through Columbia Records, it was produced executively by Dante Di Loreto and Brad Falchuk. In addition to fourteen cover versions from its second season,...
. In the UK, "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" was omitted from Glee: The Music, Volume 5, and "Afternoon Delight" was included instead. A cover of Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart
Roderick David "Rod" Stewart, CBE is a British singer-songwriter and musician, born and raised in North London, England and currently residing in Epping. He is of Scottish and English ancestry....
's "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
"Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" is a 1978 hit song for Rod Stewart. It was written by Stewart and Carmine Appice, and produced by Tom Dowd."Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" spent one week at the top of the British charts in December 1978 and four weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, starting 10 February 1979...
" performed by the Warblers was planned to be featured in the episode but did not appear. The track appears on the soundtrack album Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers
Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers
Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers is the seventh soundtrack album by the cast of Glee, a musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States. Released through Columbia Records on April 19, 2011, it contains thirteen covers: eleven accompanying performances from the...
, on which "Animal" is also included.
Critical commentary and impact
Gary Glitter
Gary Glitter is an English former glam rock singer-songwriter and musician.Glitter first came to prominence in the glam rock era of the early 1970s...
, is a registered sex offender in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. He has been convicted of several sexual crimes involving minors, including a conviction for possession of child pornography
Child pornography
Child pornography refers to images or films and, in some cases, writings depicting sexually explicit activities involving a child...
in the UK in 1997, and his conviction for child sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse
Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. Forms of child sexual abuse include asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities , indecent exposure with intent to gratify their own sexual desires or to...
in Vietnam in 2005. Charities
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
dedicated to serving and helping children have filed complaints to Fox and the producers of Glee. Television executives in the UK, where the show is broadcast about a month later than in the US, were rumoured to be considering the removal of the scene entirely. However, a spokesperson for Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
stated that the episode would air in full, and explained: "The scene is editorially justified within the programme and we do not seek to censor material in the proper context." Claude Knights, the executive director of the London-based children's charity Kidscape
Kidscape
The London-based charity Kidscape was established in 1985 by child psychologist Michele Elliott. Its focus is on children’s safety, with an emphasis on the prevention of harm by equipping children with techniques and mindsets that help them stay safe....
, said, "It is regrettable that the producers did not consider the implication of using such a track in the context of a sex education class. The fact that this song is linked to Gary Glitter [...] make[s] it wholly inappropriate". The UK edition of Glee: The Music, Volume 5 omits the track; "Afternoon Delight" is included instead.
Gonzalez gave "Afternoon Delight" a "C". She highlighted its corniness, and wrote that Stamos was wasted on the performance. "Animal" drew generally negative reviews, derided by Roberts as the only element of the episode "less sexy than Paltrow". She called the Warblers' version "hokey". Flandez agreed that they "single-handedly ruin[ed]" the track, likening Kurt's expressions throughout to "Jar Jar Binks
Jar Jar Binks
Jar Jar Binks is a fictional character from the Star Wars Saga , and the television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. His primary role was to provide comic relief, but many reacted negatively to his character...
on acid", criticizing his "jerky moves and infantile facial expressions." VanDerWerff criticized it for being "connected to utterly nothing whatsoever". In contrast, Gonzalez gave the number her highest grade of the episode, an "A+". She deemed it "unforgettable", praising the song selection and writing that it met and possibly exceeded her high expectations. Tyler Glenn, lead singer of the Neon Trees, said "I thought it was cool"; bassist Branden Campbell mentioned how Darren Criss
Darren Criss
Darren Everett Criss is an American actor, singer-songwriter, musician, composer, and a founding member and co-owner of the theater company StarKid Productions. He currently portrays Blaine Anderson, an openly gay high school student, on the FOX television series Glee...
approached the band at the 2011 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a three-day annual music and arts festival, organized by Goldenvoice and held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley...
thanking them for allowing the song to be used, as Criss was the one who brought the song to Ryan Murphy's attention.
Critics differed over the performance of "Kiss". Roberts praised the "real sex appeal" Morrison brought to the number, but deemed Paltrow's tango rigid. de Moraes observed that neither of them would have progressed past the first week of the reality series Dancing with the Stars, and Burns commented that white people ought to be deterred from performing Prince. He called the music "uninteresting and soulless", and was dismayed that the tango was "just white with white people tango dancing." Flandez, however, enjoyed their dancing, writing that "The strong holds, the slow cuts, the perfect swivel of hips and the lean-to’s were mesmerizingly seductive." Gonzales also enjoyed the choreography, but disliked Morrison's falsetto, and wished he has been allowed to sing in his own register throughout rather than imitating Prince. She graded the performance "C+".
"Landslide" received a "B+" from Gonzalez, who wished that Rivera, rather than Paltrow, had sung the lead vocal, due to the meaning the song held for Santana. Roberts found the performance "pretty but uninspired". Flandez called it "a dreamy, perfectly pitched power song of lesbian love", Poniewozik "surprisingly poignant", and VanDerWerff named it the best number of the episode. Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks
Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and sold over 140 million albums...
of Fleetwood Mac welcomed the cover of "Landslide", hoping it would bring the band's songs to a new generation. She approved of the performance, and said that Paltrow "sang it beautifully." The day that "Landslide" was filmed, Nicks herself visited the set.
Chart history
Of the five cover versions released as singles, four debuted on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
, and appeared on other musical charts. On the Hot 100, the show's rendition of "Landslide" debuted at number twenty-three; it was at number thirty-five on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100. The other three songs on the Hot 100 were "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)" at number fifty-seven, which also made number sixty-three on the Canadian Hot 100, "Animal" at number sixty-two, which also made number sixty-five on the Canadian Hot 100, and "Kiss" at number eighty-three, which also made number eighty on the Canadian Hot 100. "Afternoon Delight" did not chart.
External links
- "Sexy" on Fox.comFox Broadcasting CompanyFox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...