Glee may have just moved into the category of amazing.

The show still has some character problems and speedy plot writing which sort of takes away from the fun, but last night’s episode really hooked me.

Why? Two words: “Single Ladies”

Every episode thus far has had a few musical numbers which really either add a bit of fun to the episode or wonderfully fit into the plot (like last weeks “Bust Your Windows” sung by Mercedes…so good). Well this week did something a little different and focused on one song primarily and that song was of course Beyonce’s dance phenomenon.

The episode begins with Kurt doing a rendition of the famous dance dressed in a leotard. His performance is cut short by the entrance of his father (Mike O’Malley in a guest starring role). What ensues is Kurt’s cover-up of his homosexuality and his ultimate “casting” into the role of the footballer kicker (is that what you call them sports fans?). Kurt clearly is no skilled player without a little music so “Single Ladies” becomes his warm-up routine. In the most over-the-top-ridiculous moment Kurt and Finn convince the football team to break out in the “Single Ladies” dance to distract the opposing team and win the game. It worked.

There were other high points to this episode such as Quinn’s pregnancy and Terri’s evil plan to help her out by taking the baby. But aside from the aforementioned singing and dancing the next best thing was the ridiculous quips and dialogue. Everything seemed over dramatized. Everything seemed somewhat cliched. Everything seemed way too comic even during serious subjects. Everything seemed just like….Popular! Now I know that Ryan Murphy being behind this show is obviously going to make me think of his short-lived genius WB series, but the comparisons are uncanny. This show is Popular reimagined with less craziness and more singing…and if I can’t have the real ring then I’ll gladly settle for the knock-off.