Redeemed.

Sometimes the biggest disappointments come from those you love the most.  Naturally, when you trust someone to deliver excellence, to cater to your every whim, or to continually provide nonstop entertainment, the bar is set high, which makes your heart break even harder when your trusted bestie doesn't deliver.

I'm talking, of course, about my love affair with "Glee". 

After a breakout pilot and first six episodes, "Glee" hit... well, a bit of a rough patch.  Dare I say it, there were a few weeks I even considered stopping my viewing.  The storylines got weird, emotions seemed contrived, and plots were flying in out of nowhere.  Song selection got sketchy and I had lukewarm feelings about some episodes.

Somewhere in the middle, the light started to shine again.  Neil Patrick Harris showed up and sealed the deal -- “Glee” was back.  So I hung in there and kept watching, and 30 seconds into tonight's season finale, I was assured that I made the right decision.  And not only because I have an increasing and alarmingly inappropriate three way crush on Finn, Puck, and Mr. Schuester.  Tonight’s finale was pure perfection, delivering on all levels and leaving me with tears of joy and pride.

As I finish this post, 6 glorious tracks of pop deliciousness have been added to my iTunes library.  They will certainly be played on repeat for the remainder of the week, and a few of them may even be specially selected for my personal Glee Season One highlights mix.  “Glee” ended its season on a high note, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year.  Although I know at some point heartache will ensue (kids graduate and favorite shows end, I suffered minor breakdowns at the conclusions of “90210”, “Dawson’s Creek”, and “The O.C.” – saying goodbye to the Cohens was the worst of the worst) I am going to take Schuester’s advice and “make the most of the middle”, relishing every sixty minute segment I get to spend in the choir room at McKinley High.  Until you return, New Directions, I will replay your recorded gems over and over again.  Have a great summer, gang – see you in the fall!