Singing the Praises of Fox's "Glee": It's Back, and Even More Delightful

When last we saw the musical misfits of Fox's Glee, they had won the Sectionals, the first step in becoming state champs for their singing glee club. Well, after a few months off, they return tonight (9:27 p.m. ET), basking in their newfound glory -- for about 10 seconds. Then, once again, the reality and cruelty of high school sets in...

The confident swagger of the show itself, though, is obvious and undaunted. Before the opening credits, series creator Ryan Murphy throws more plot twists and turns than most shows generate in an entire episode. Characters return, break up, pair off, square off, all in a briskly choreographed sequence that reintroduces everyone at the same time it moves them to another place.

Most of it I'll keep secret, but one new addition is worthy of note because it's such a cool piece of guest casting. Jonathan Groff, who co-starred in Broadway's Spring Awakening with Glee regular Lea Michele, begins a recurring role as the star of a rival high-school performing troupe who begins romancing Michele's Rachel. They're great together (see their picture at top), as are all this second season's often unexpected pairings.

In tonight's return episode, the music performed ranges from AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" and The Doors' "Hello, I Love You" to the Beatles' "Hello, Goodbye." No complaints -- it's all done with exuberance and flair. And when I praise a TV show using Beatles music, you know it's doing something right.

And next week, when the show and cast tackle the Madonna song catalogue, the unexpected treats, both musical and dramatic, are a giddy TV treat. Jane Lynch as cheerleader coach Sue, and Matthew Morrison as Will, leader of the New Beginnings glee club, are superb antagonists, and the two performers savor the snarky delivery of every traded insult.

This is one show that's really well-named: Glee delivers that very emotion. Lots of it.