Glee's "Funeral".

I, like many people, have my reservations about Glee. However, I recognise its merits when they appear. This post will contain major spoilers for the episode “funeral”, and anyone who does not wish to read them should leave this blog right now.

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So this episode is about a funeral, as the title suggests. The funeral in question is that of Sue Sylvester's sister, Jean, who has Down's Syndrome. The way the show dealt with the funeral was beautiful, and it actually brought tears to my eyes- not only because it was moving, but because it reminded me so much of a funeral I attended when I was twelve.

When the glee club learns of Jean's death they immediately want to help Sue, and did so by offering condolences, helping her sort through her sister's belonging and preparing the funeral. By helping with all of these things, they learn that Jean's favorite movie was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; and instead of making the funeral merely a mourning of Jean's death, they make the funeral a celebration of her life. They sing “Pure Imagination” and create a miniature Chocolate Factory inspired display.

Funerals are often depicted on television and in films, and they are usually the same. And they are usually very stiff affairs with people dabbing their eyes of artificial tears- they usually have no effect on me whatsoever. (there are obviously a few exceptions, such as the one in Four Weddings and a Funeral)

As I said earlier, this reminded me so much of a funeral I attended when I was twelve. That funeral was for a young girl, she was also born with Down's Syndrome, she was eight when she died; and let me tell you- she touched a lot of people's lives. She was the most cheerful girl I'd ever met, despite the fact that she had a lot of health problems. Her funeral was bright- no one wore black, instead everyone wore the brightest most cheerful clothes they owned and she was walked out of the church under her favorite song... Aqua's Barbie girl. People spoke of the funny things she did, and how she brightened the days for all the people she met.

And, as much as I hate putting this into words, this glee episode touched upon one of my fears. My younger brother, as most of you will know, has Down's Syndrome. Ever since I found out that people with Down's had a lower life expectantly and higher risks of health complications I have feared a day when I would outlive my younger brother.

I give those involved in this Glee episode a nod of approval for their handling of this subject.

Everything I have said in this post is my opinion, and I am aware that not everyone will agree with me.

Written badly by Naomi Wong