Glee is Back, and it's Bringing an Adoption Controversy

I don't know about the rest of you Gleeks, but it's been one long intermission since the last episode of Glee. Sure, I like baseball -- especially when the Brewers are involved -- but nothing compares to a new episode of Glee. (Am I right?)

So, let's dive in. This week's episode marks the beginning of Damian McGinty's seven-episode arc. Damian is the "Glee Project" co-winner and my personal favorite (aside from the boistrously fantastic Hannah) from the reality show that ran earlier this year. Damian plays Rory Flanagan and joins the New Directions just as Brittany, Mercedes and Santana are leaving to form the Troubletones. As usual, I love the snappy scripts, the moments when Sue steals the scene and, of course, the music. But . . . there's an elephant in the room.

As you might know, there's been no shortage of controversy this season with the return of Shelby and Beth. The adoption communities have been up in arms over the adoption-related storyline that's currently playing out. Here's the back story: Puck and Quinn had a baby at the end of season one. Shelby, former coach of Vocal Adrenaline and also Rachel's birth mother, stepped in to adopt the newborn baby at that time. Then Shelby and Beth exited the scene. They returned at the beginning of season three with Shelby coaching a rival show choir at the high school (what became the Troubletones). Shelby reached out to both Quinn and Puck, telling both birth parents that she wants them to be a part of Beth's life. Quinn is now on a mission to get her baby back and took steps in this week's episode to "prove that Shelby is an unfit mother."

So, let's just overlook the fact that Shelby was just able to waltz in at the eleventh hour and adopt a baby, which wouldn't really have happened. What's much more disconcerting is the way that Quinn is acting. See, for many adoptive parents and families, the biggest fear is that one or both of the birth parents will return at some point down the road and reclaim the biological child. Let me just say this about that: that cannot happen. Once an adoption has been legally finalized, that's it. No more bets accepted. It's 100% final. Misconceptions about the adoption process and relevent issues aside, the way that Quinn's character is acting is putting a very negative spotlight on birth parents - birth mothers, especially. 

I might recommend an outstanding book, Silent Embrace, Perspectives on Birth and Adoption, by Ann Angel and Amanda Angel. The book is a collection of essays from 14 women who have firsthand experience with and knowledge of adoption. The book draws together birth mothers, adoptive mothers and adoptees and lets you, the reader, step into their shoes as each author shares their story. It is, in turn, sad, funny, bittersweet and, yes, sometimes just bitter. It is throughout, authentic, raw and sometimes haunting. It's a moving read - no matter what your experience of adoption is. 

One more thing and then I'm off my soapbox: to learn the facts and truth about foster care and adoption, I recommend checking out Adoption Resources of Wisconsin (especially since November is National Adoption Month!). ARW is a great starting point if you're interested in learning more.

Now, all that said, I'm overjoyed that Glee is back and I can't wait for next week's episode. (I have to find out what's going to happen with Rory - and, I'll admit it: I just love listening to his Irish accent! Not to mention the upcoming "West Side Story" musical! Joy!) For now, Top Chef Texas is starting and, for as much as I love Glee, I'm also a food-related reality show junkie in need of my latest fix. Happy viewing!