| Blaine Anderson | |
|---|---|
| Glee character | |
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson during Glee Live! In Concert! |
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| First appearance | "Never Been Kissed" |
| Created by | Ryan Murphy Brad Falchuk Ian Brennan |
| Portrayed by | Darren Criss |
| Information | |
| Occupation | High school student |
| Significant other(s) | Kurt Hummel |
Blaine Anderson is a fictional character from the American musical comedy-drama television series Glee. Played by Darren Criss, Blaine was introduced in the sixth episode of the second season as the openly gay lead singer of the Dalton Academy Warblers, a rival show choir to New Directions, the show's primary musical group. Blaine initially served as a mentor for New Directions member Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer). Chemistry between the two, combined with fan support for the couple, led series creator Ryan Murphy to pair them romantically. Their relationship has been well-received by critics, and they have been named "one of the most beloved TV couples of the millennium" by Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post.[1] At the beginning of the third season, Blaine transfers to McKinley High and joins New Directions; concurrently, Criss was promoted from recurring guest star to the show's main cast.
Criss auditioned for Glee several times before being cast as Blaine, including for the lead role of Finn Hudson. He believed he would be ill-suited to that character, but identifies with Blaine, having been raised among the "gay community".[2] He plays Blaine as charismatic and confident, and finds his youthful self-acceptance a fitting counter-point to common media portrayals of gay characters.
As the Warblers' lead vocalist, Blaine has performed a number of songs on the television series. His first, a cover version of "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry, became the fastest-selling Glee single, reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified gold in the US.[3][4] Overall, tracks by the Warblers have sold over 1.3 million copies. The songs became popular enough to warrant a Warbler soundtrack album, Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers. Blaine has received mostly positive reviews from critics; Criss has been labelled one of the series' breakout stars, and was awarded a Rising Star accolade from the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association for his portrayal. While the Blaine–Kurt relationship has been met with critical acclaim, an episode storyline in which Blaine questioned his sexuality attracted negative reviews for seeming to undermine his previous characterization and trivializing the issue.
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Blaine Anderson is introduced in the episode "Never Been Kissed" as the lead soloist of the Dalton Academy Warblers a cappella musical group. He meets Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer), a member of the rival glee club New Directions. When Kurt asks if Blaine is gay, Blaine matter-of-factly says he is; Kurt tells Blaine that he is being bullied at school for being gay, and Blaine reveals that he too was harassed at his old school, so he transferred to Dalton Academy, which enforces a no-bullying policy. Blaine befriends Kurt, and helps him stand up to his tormentor, Dave Karofsky (Max Adler).[5][6] When the threats and violence against Kurt reach a dangerous level, he transfers to Dalton Academy.[7] He falls in love with Blaine,[8] who is initially oblivious to Kurt's feelings even as their friendship grows. Blaine enlists Kurt's help to serenade his crush Jeremiah (Alexander Nifong), the assistant manager at a local Gap store. Jeremiah is subsequently fired and rebuffs Blaine. Kurt confesses his feelings, and Blaine tells Kurt that he cares for him, but is terrible at romance and does not want to risk damaging their friendship.[9]
Kurt and Blaine attend a party hosted by New Directions co-captain Rachel Berry (Lea Michele). The attendees play spin the bottle, which results in Rachel and Blaine kissing. In the aftermath, Blaine wonders whether he might be bisexual, and goes on a date with Rachel. When she kisses him again while they are both sober, he concludes that he is indeed gay.[10] After learning of Kurt’s ignorance of sexual matters, Blaine visits Kurt's father, Burt (Mike O'Malley), and prompts him to give Kurt "the talk" about sex.[11] As the Warblers prepare to perform at the Regional show choir competition, Kurt admits that he is jealous of how many solos Blaine gets. At a subsequent group meeting, Kurt arrives late and announces that the group's mascot canary is dead; he sings "Blackbird" in honor of the bird. While Kurt is singing, Blaine has a revelation, and later tells Kurt that he reciprocates his feelings and kisses him. At Regionals, the two sing a duet of "Candles" by Hey Monday. The Warblers lose to New Directions, but while Kurt is very disappointed, Blaine tells him that even though they lost, in reality, they won each other which makes losing Regionals worth it.[12] After Kurt transfers back to McKinley, he invites Blaine to be his date at his junior prom in "Prom Queen"; both are shocked when Kurt wins Prom Queen due to having received an overwhelming number of unwanted write-in votes in the secret balloting. Karofsky, the Prom King, leaves to avoid dancing with a guy in the traditional dance between King and Queen, and Kurt dances with Blaine instead.[13] After Kurt returns from Nationals in New York, he and Blaine declare their love for one another.[14] In the first episode of the third season, "The Purple Piano Project", Blaine transfers to McKinley High to be closer to Kurt, and joins New Directions. He later tries out for the part of Tony in the school musical West Side Story, which he gets. In the episode "The First Time", Blaine is pursued by Sebastian Smythe, a new Dalton Academy Warbler. Kurt and Blaine meet up with Sebastian at a gay bar, Blaine gets drunk, and afterward tries to get Kurt to have sex with him in the car. Kurt refuses, they have a fight, and Blaine decides to walk home. After the West Side Story opening night, they apologize to each other, and decide to go to Blaine's house. They are later shown in bed together, apparently having just had sex for the first time.
Blaine is portrayed by actor Darren Criss, who had auditioned for Glee several times before the role was devised.[15] He originally auditioned to play Finn Hudson,[16] but did not think he was suited to the character, and was ultimately relieved not to be cast.[15] Criss made several audition videos for Glee, which he posted to the social networking website MySpace. Although the series writers have seen them, he considers them supplemental to his main audition, which was for series creator Ryan Murphy.[15][17] Murphy had not seen any of Criss's previous auditions, but knew he was the right actor for Blaine as soon as he saw this one.[18] The actor cut his long hair before auditioning, to suit the "serious and preppy" role.[17]
Prior to the production of season two, rumors circulated that upcoming episodes would feature a love interest for Kurt.[19] Sam Evans (Chord Overstreet) was created to fill this role; however, according to Overstreet, Sam's storyline was adjusted to pair him with Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron), as a result of the chemistry the producers detected between him and Agron.[20] In September 2010, it was confirmed that Criss would join the show in a "much-talked-about new gay role".[21] Media speculation suggested that Blaine would be Kurt's new love interest.[19] His original character description was: "a cute and charismatic gay student from a rival Glee club named the Dalton Academy Warblers—will maintain a strictly platonic friendship with McKinley High's most out and proud pupil. But could that change as the season progresses? Yes, it could."[21] Murphy stated that Blaine's arc would be a significant one. He explained, "He sort of becomes Kurt's mentor and then maybe love [...] Kurt really admires him and respects him."[22]
Following his first few appearances, it was reported that Criss had been confirmed as a series regular for the remainder of season two and for season three of Glee.[23] This was based on comments by Murphy, who said: "Darren has become such a sensation in one week, which I love. I think there's a hunger for him and a positive relationship role model. He’ll definitely continue through the year and longer."[18] However, the actor later denied that his role had been upgraded and said: "It's never really been officially confirmed to me. I think the option is there and that they want to keep Blaine around."[24] Murphy revealed that Blaine may join New Directions during the third season.[25] Criss hoped that this would not come to pass, as he enjoys being at Dalton Academy, but conceded: "it's not my call. I'm happy to serve whatever story they want."[26] For the third season of Glee, Criss has been promoted to a series regular.[27]
"This is the first time I'd really seen an out student that was so young and innocent and really struggling with the big ordeal that it is to be an out student at such an early age. When other shows present the gay character thing, it's typically been in much more adult situations, like gay men living in New York or closeted men who are married and struggling with that ordeal,or having sex on the subway, but never really the core of the journey of defining your sexuality. Blaine offers a beautiful counter to that and makes such a great addition to the many-colored palette that is Glee."
Upon Blaine's first appearance, Criss described his character as being a "very charismatic, put-together, composed guy." He stated that although Blaine is gay, he is not "overly queeny, and not too butch either," and that while his sexuality is a "huge part of who he is", it is not a major facet of how he wishes to be perceived. Due to similarities which stem from their shared sexuality, Blaine "sees a lot of himself in Kurt, in terms of experiences and the way they feel about the world around them. He feels the need to impart his knowledge, be a source of strength for him, and really help him through what he's going through."[2] Initially, Criss felt that the most important element of his character was to give Kurt "someone he can relate to", and demonstrate that Kurt could have "a young out male friend, a support system".[19]
Criss discussed his personal connection with Blaine in an interview with Vanity Fair. He explained that he grew up among the "gay community", so was raised without a concept of sexuality being an issue. Criss stated that, although he identifies as straight, "it really doesn't come into play with me in this role. As an actor, your objective is always to play the scene. And this case, he happens to be a gay teen."[2] Talkshow host and media personality Ellen Degeneres deemed Blaine "a very confident gay teen, which is something you don't see much on television."[29] However, Amy Reiter of the Los Angeles Times assessed that "despite the image he projects, he, too, is just a kid trying to figure things out as he goes along."[30] Criss feels that Blaine's confidence is an important aspect of his character, as it is rare for a gay teenager on television to be so "young and sure of themselves." He hopes that "all the kids struggling with this issue can look to a guy like Blaine and feel [inspired] by his confidence."[31]
The Kurt–Blaine relationship, sometimes referred to by the portmanteau "Klaine" by Glee fans and the media,[32] developed slowly. As the series showrunner, Murphy felt tasked with keeping the two apart as long as possible.[19] He was initially unsure whether the relationship would become a romantic one, and intended to gauge public response to their friendship before planning future developments. He commented, "Part of me thinks he should be the boyfriend, part of me thinks he should just be the mentor. I didn't want to decide that until we got into sort of the middle of the season."[18] In December 2010, Colfer said, "Fans really want it to happen. It's funny how many people want to see these boys hook up. We'll see."[33] Based on the characters' chemistry and the "immediate outcry" from fans who wanted to see them as a couple, Murphy decided to have Blaine become Kurt's love interest. Criss noted: "We all want to see Kurt happy, and like all great love stories, if you have two people that can be together you've got to hold it up."[34]
Considering Blaine and Kurt's potential future together, Murphy planned to treat them the same as all other Glee relationships, by making their pairing "as flawed and as exposed as everyone else's."[19] This sentiment was re-iterated by executive producer Brad Falchuk, after the characters kissed for the first time. He revealed that their relationship would not run smoothly, and observed that once couples start dating, "Everything goes to hell."[25] Colfer suggested that Kurt returning to McKinley may cause difficulties in their relationship, but noted "Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? That’s what they tell me. So even if they do go through some bumps in the road, it would be very realistic."[25] In a Q&A with Billboard on the day "Born This Way" ran with Kurt's McKinley return, Criss stated that Blaine and Kurt were "in the honeymoon stages" of their relationship, and would still be "at the end of the [second] season".[16]
As Blaine, Criss features in many musical performances, which have been released as singles, available for download. His first performance, "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry, was featured on the soundtrack album Glee: The Music, Volume 4.[35] It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in the week ending November 27, 2010,[3] and was the best-selling song in the U.S. that week, selling 214,000 copies: the largest figure for a Glee title.[36] It is only the second US-certified gold single in the show's history.[4] Both Billboard's Jillian Mapes and Erica Futterman of Rolling Stone deemed "Teenage Dream" the best song of "Never Been Kissed", the episode in which it featured.[37][38] The Daily News's Anthony Benigno gave the song an "A", and noted that it was "flawless" and improved on Perry's original.[39] The performance was nominated for the Best Gay Moment of the Year and Favorite Music Video awards at the 2010 AfterElton.com Visibility Awards.[40] A Billboard cover-feature on Criss noted that the performance "arguably ushered in the trend of more current pop hits being reworked by the [Glee] cast."[41]
Later songs performed by Blaine and the Warblers became popular enough to warrant a Warbler soundtrack album, Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers.[42] Overall, the tracks have sold over 1.3 million copies.[43] Blaine performed the lead vocal on covers of Train's "Hey, Soul Sister", which peaked at number 32 in Canada,[44][45] "Bills, Bills, Bills" by Destiny's Child, which reached number 44 in the U.S.,[46][47] and Robin Thicke's "When I Get You Alone", which got to number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100.[47][48] Criss downplayed his performance of "Bills, Bills, Bills", and jested that he ought to issue the group's lead singer, Beyoncé Knowles, an apology for his cover.[49] Blaine also lead on "Silly Love Songs" by Wings,[50] and Maroon 5's "Misery",[51] which reached 45 and 52 respectively in the U.S.,[47][52] and Pink's "Raise Your Glass", which peaked at number 30 in Australia.[51][53]
Blaine duetted with Kurt on Frank Loesser's "Baby, It's Cold Outside", which was included on Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album and reached number 53 in Canada.[54][55] It was reportedly the most downloaded track of the album, and called "by far the gayest thing that has ever been on TV" by Colfer. Murphy expressed his pride in the number for "push[ing] the envelope a bit."[56] Jessica Ronayne of Zap2it called the duet one of the Christmas episode's few saving graces.[57] Blaine and Kurt also duetted on Neon Trees' "Animal" and Hey Monday's "Candles",[58][59] which peaked at 62 and 71 in the U.S. respectively.[52][60] In an April 2011 interview, Criss stated that he did not feel established enough within the cast to make song suggestions, but had mentioned liking "Animal" to Murphy, who included it in a script soon thereafter.[41] Blaine shared a duet of "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League with Rachel, which Reiter deemed a musical highlight of the episode "Blame It on the Alcohol".[61] It was was included on Glee: The Music, Volume 5, and peaked at number 44 in Australia.[53][62]
Over the course of the season, Blaine's musical performances became so prevalent that he was called out for it on-screen. Criss offered the insight: "Blaine definitely had his moment in the sun. I think it's time to focus back on the characters that fans of the show really know and love. Completely objectively from watching the show, I was like, 'Why does Blaine get all these songs? This is ridiculous. I want to hear other people doing stuff.' I think we're focusing a little more back on New Directions and taking a little bit of a break from the Warblers."[41]
In the first episode of season three of Glee, "The Purple Piano Project", Blaine sings "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones and in the second episode, I Am Unicorn he sings "Something's Coming" from the musical, West Side Story as his audition in said musical. After gaining the lead role he later sings 'Tonight' and 'One Hand, One Heart' with Rachel Berry, his co-star in the episode The First Time. He and Kurt (Chris Colfer) duet on the clean cover of Pink's "Fuckin' Perfect" to show their support and understanding to Santana Lopez, who is struggling with being outed as a lesbian publicly on television.
Blaine has received mostly positive reviews from television critics. Degeneres praised Criss's portrayal, and described him as one of Glee's breakout stars.[29] Entertainment Weekly named him one of the breakout stars of 2010, with the comment: "It took about 2 minutes and 11 seconds on Glee for Darren Criss to turn into a bona fide Gleek phenomenon. [...] And it doesn't hurt that his character Blaine's warm relationship with the show's other openly gay character, Chris Colfer's Kurt, continues to resonate with fans."[63] In November 2010, the publication also named Criss the series' best guest-star to date, and praised him for "seamlessly entering the fold with his charm and great voice."[64] Ronayne deemed him "a much better addition to the show than Chord Overstreet".[57] Following his Glee debut, Criss won the We're Wilde About You Rising Star Award at the 2011 Dorian Awards, presented by the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association.[65][66] He also won the 2011 Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Breakout Star.[67]
Indecision over his sexuality in the episode "Blame It on the Alcohol" drew some negative reviews of Blaine. Reiter noted that, "So much of Blaine's charm has been his certainty about who he is." Though she found his subplot with Rachel "fun", she commented: "Blaine's overwrought speech in the coffee shop after Rachel asks him out just felt off-key. Saying 'bye' to the Blaine sexual-confusion storyline wouldn't make us angry at all."[61] Todd VanDerWerff of The A.V. Club also criticised the storyline, which, he wrote, "seemed like it might be an interesting, complicated look at teenage sexuality and how it can seem formed but might be more fluid than most teens would give it credit for, then lost its nerve and took the easy way out."[68] AfterElton.com's Chris O'Guinn felt that the only aspect of the storyline handled acceptably was Blaine questioning whether he was bisexual, rather than outright straight. He criticized the shallow examination of his feelings, and wrote: "Bisexuality is such a contentious issue that it should not be fumbled this way. For a character to say 'maybe I'm bi' in one scene and then the next say, 'nope, definitely gay' is almost cruel in how dismissive it is toward bisexuals by trivializing the intense confusion that many bisexual people feel in coming to terms with their orientation."[69] In a more positive review, Canning opined that Blaine and Kurt's conversation about sexuality was "great". He was "glad it wasn't an easy talk for either of them" and said that it "felt very real for kids in this situation."[70]
Blaine and Kurt's relationship has been generally well-received. They were named Favorite TV Couple at the 2010 AfterElton.com Visibility Awards,[40] and have been lauded for "leading the way" in representating gay teenagers on television by Entertainment Weekly.[56] Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post referred to them as "one of the most beloved TV couples of the millennium".[1] When they "finally solidified what their relationship actually is" in the episode "Silly Love Songs", IGN's Robert Canning noted that his opinion of Blaine improved. He commented: "I love that the [serenading of Jeremiah] blew up in Blaine's face. The character has always come off to me as annoyingly arrogant, but "Silly Love Songs" humanized the guy. Guess I may have to like him now."[71] Their first kiss, in the episode "Original Song", was met with critical acclaim. Mark Perigard of The Boston Herald wrote, "It was utterly, sweetly romantic, and Criss sold the hell out of the moment. It's long overdue and it will silence the growing legion of critics out there who were unhappy with the pace of this story."[72] Entertainment Weekly's Mandi Bierly was so impressed with the scene that she was initially concerned it may be a dream sequence, "because we don't get romantic, unapologetic first kisses like that between young gay characters on network TV." She wrote, "Relationships aren't easy. They’ll make mistakes. But if they stay true to themselves, and continue to be as open and honest with each other, we're in for something special."[73] Kevin Fallon of The Atlantic thought the kiss was "sweet", and stated that he was pleased that it attracted no controversy whatsoever.[74] Aly Semigran of MTV praised the interaction between Blaine and Kurt. She called the kiss scene a "sweet, real and, shockingly, un-hyped moment", and praised Criss and Colfer for "handl[ing] it with dignity and honesty".[75]
While Lesley Goldberg of The Hollywood Reporter was pleased Blaine's season three transfer to McKinley increased Criss' screen time with Colfer and the New Directions cast, she stated that the move "screams of co-dependency."[76] In contrast, Entertainment Weekly's Abby West found it romantic, and noted: "Blaine and Kurt, with their budding love and witty, pseudo-urbane ways, are my favorite couple to watch. ... I look forward to hearing [Blaine] sing more, watching him bump up against the insular Glee clubbers, and seeing him show off his non-uniform attire.[77]
Discussing public response to his character, Criss stated that he particularly enjoyed comments from "people from parts of the world who are maybe not as exposed to certain ideologies", but had reconsidered their stance on relationships and human rights as a result of the Blaine–Kurt storyline. He called this response "phenomenal", and said: "I was a straight kid growing up in a very gay community and it's something that I've had to watch so many friends have to struggle with and have no place to go to identify in kind of a grander media culture. To be a small piece of that machine is incredibly wonderful."[78]
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