Glee, Monday E4

A glossy over-excitable American drama about all-singing, all-dancing teens? Sounds a bit like High School Musical and thus must be avoided by everyone over the age of 14 surely? But Glee (E4, Mondays 9pm) is a joyfully funny and light-hearted show centered around a high school glee club (a show choir group).

After the roaring success of the first half of season one, Glee returned last night on E4. Following their triumphant victory at sectionals New Directions returned to William McKinley High School with regionals on the horizon.

Since finding out he wasn't the father of Quinn's baby Finn had managed to fall unknowingly into a relationship with high-maintenance Rachel before quickly falling out again. But Rachel took little time to get over the break-up as she soon meets leading man Jesse St James, star singer from rival group Vocal Adrenaline (who New Directions are due to meet at regionals). A little too convenient maybe?

But it wasn't just the teenage hormones raging as teachers Will and Emma blossoming relationship hit major stumbling blocks. After breaking up with wife Terri after her baby lie Will began to have doubts about a new relationship and soon found himself in the arms of rival Vocal Adrenaline coach. Will and Emma promptly parted ways.

The best part of Glee is not the hugely catchy tunes and mash-ups or the teenage stories of love and break-up, it is Sue Sylvester. After being suspended Sue makes her return to the school in dubious circumstances and soon promises Will she will once again aim to destroy him and his glee club. Sue, maybe the worst teacher in the world, is brilliantly witty and delivers hysterical, cutting one-liners.

Like all good evil-geniuses Sue needs her right-hand men and in Glee this is the comedy pairing of Brittany and Santana, cheerios and glee club members. Whilst both only had minor roles in the opening episodes they are quickly becoming comedy gold for the show. Who couldn't laugh at the odd, yet beautifully funny line, "Did you that know dolphins are just gay sharks?" from Brittany to a confused Santana.

Whilst I am no Gleek (all the best shows need a catchy abbreviation), I do admit I am strangely addicted to this slightly less-embarrassing alternative to the High School Musical craze.

Maybe it is the cleverly arranged and annoyingly catchy songs, the relatable yet still over-the-top and interesting High School misfits or the hilarious antics from Sue and co? (or all of the above?) But Glee is fast becoming my favourite joyful TV show. Next up, a special Madonna themed episode.

Picture from E4.com