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People and Politics by Patrick Roberts

'Glee' show with leprechaun Damian McGinty a disgrace - Creator Ryan Murphy owes fellow Irish an apology

Posted on Wednesday, November 02, 2011 at 12:13 AM

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Damian McGinty - 'Glee's' in house leprechaun

I've had it with 'Glee' and the leprechaun.

The Fox TV top rated series 'jumped the shark' last night when Heather, the cheerleader, really thought that new Irish exchange student Damian McGinty was a leprechaun.

Worse, she was the only one who could see him.

And he was looking for a pot o' gold.

And he had to sing 'It's Not Easy Being Green" by that well-known composer giant Kermit the frog.

Heavens preserve us dear reader.

Yes,that was the plot line.

This is supposedly an adult drama.

But I have no faith in begorrah b***s***.

I know a show like that will deal in stereotypes.

But it was downright insulting for any Irish American watching to see this nonsense passing as a representation of the Irish.

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God knows what the talented Damian McGinty from Derry thought about the plot, given how hard he struggled to get on the show to begin with.

He qualified through the 'Glee Project', a winner take all competition to get a starring role on 'Glee'.

Now he's a performing leprechaun,a Mickey Rooney.

Producer Ryan Murphy, with all that Irish heritage should be ashamed of himself.

It was 'Amos and Andy' except for an Irish character.

Even allowing for artistic license, this show was a complete piece of garbage.

McGinty is indeed a talented young performer who probably never thought he'd end up as a leprechaun on national TV in an episode called 'Pot O' Gold' on Fox.

Unfortunately that is what happened to him.

McGinty did his best to act the part but it was immediately obvious that he was having difficulty putting on the stage Irishman.

He's too honest a young man for that and shame on Murphy for making him into a laughing stock character.

What next?

Damian singing the Lucky Charms jingle on stage?

Could the stereotyping get any worse?

Probably.

Time for Jane Lynch to smack some sense into Murphy with one of those megaphones.

Here's a clip of McGinty getting to know Finn:

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40 Comments

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taniagiacomuzzi | Jan 22, 2012, 10:16 AM EST

So, I really think you didn't watched the episode, because if you did, you would realise that only Brittany (played by Heather Morris) thought that the leprechaun existed, the other characters didn't. I think you should truly write about what you really know and not just hate on people or shows. Actually, I think Glee is a great show, who makes us realise that we should embrace ourselves :)

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liveinlove21 | Dec 16, 2011, 05:44 PM EST

If you are that offended by this, which is a bit odd and childish don't watch it. I'm Irish, i love glee. Are you offended by lucky charms too?

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Gabbie166 | Nov 22, 2011, 04:47 PM EST

Patrick if you don't like it don't watch it. I think Damian did a wonderful job with what he was given. It was all in fun after all it's Glee not a documentary on Ireland. So get over yourself!

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kateleigh | Nov 06, 2011, 05:51 PM EST

The jabs and jeers at ethnic groups, religions, sexuality, and political issues are not anything new to TV, "gLee" simply adds catchy music to soothe the sting. First, to judge this episode of "gLee" against the previous episodes this season, I have felt them all to be rushed as if we are running to get to the goal line yet stop short to catch our breath...perhaps that is because the plot lines of the star characters are growing thin. They are growing up and out of McKinley High, as we know several of the students are seniors. Enter, new blood, Damian McGinty along with Samuel Larsen, and the return of Chord Overstreet. For his first time up to bat, Damian proved he is a diligent worker and a fast learner. He did well with what he was given. Would I have made "Rory Flanagan" a lonely, sweet, naive international? No, but I don't produce the show. The real Damian seems to have a sharp wit, kind heart, and be quite savvy to American culture. There have been reports of several of the "gLee" cast members to be very similar to their own nature and personality, which I would like to see in "Rory." Perhaps "Rory" will have a chance to show a deeper side, as many of the other McKinley High students have shown as we have gotten to know them. "gLee" is drama and comedy wrapped in the colorful cover of cynicism and tied with a beautiful bow of satire. For me the cringe worthy moments of the show are equal to the glimpses of human compassion and vulnerability (see season one episodes "Wheels" and "Hairography" as well as season two episode "Funeral.") However, when it is all said and done, the feeling of being offended is totally subjective, which needs to burden us to be responsible of our actions and words. p.s. Mr. Roberts did use the term "jumped the shark" correctly. We all know that "google" is spearheaded by a focus group of post adolescent video game junkies who live in their mother's basement. Don't trust them. *sarcasm*

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kidsnurse92 | Nov 03, 2011, 07:41 PM EDT

This all is really silly. Its a pointed attempt to showcase the Glee Project. No other new character was given their "own" show that revolved around only them. The other cast members took a backseat for this storyline. They was people to question who this new character is, and why he is on the show. It will be all over the entertainment show shortly. I applaud Damian, he sounds lovely. And judging by how many times he was shoved or had things thrown at him, yes others did see him. Oh the joys of high school. As for the "gay agenda" get a grip people, there isn't one!

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yellowc123 | Nov 03, 2011, 07:33 PM EDT

From this article, it is clear that Patrick has no idea what he is talking about. For starters, he used the term "jumped the shark" totally incorrectly. Google it. Did he even watch the episode?! Example; "she was the only one who could see him". FALSE! And I agree with joninfinity re taking yourself too seriously. I mean...hello...reality check...this is GLEE we are talking about. I'm an animal lover and horseback rider, but I would never claim that Glee "jumped the shark" when Brittany believed unicorns pooped cotton candy. And if you are Irish American, then chances are you are a Christian, so did you get offended when they had "Santa" come on the xmas episode also? Probably not, because Santa, much like Leprechauns, are myths. Now, if a leprechaun told me he/she was offended by this episode, I'd understand that. To all the haters; when you land a role on a hit series, or become a director, writer or producer, THEN you can criticize all you want. Until then, maybe think about why you feel like you have to judge others. If you think the show is "disgusting" and serves the "militant homosexual agenda..." THEN DON'T WATCH IT! Also what on earth is a "militant homosexual agenda"?!

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joninfinity | Nov 03, 2011, 02:02 PM EDT

Patrick, Get over yourself you pious, self rightious twit.... That show wasn't a problem, YOU are the problem. Quit taking youself so seriously, and quit looking for things to whine about. "Oh, Whaaaa.... We must be politically correct, whaaaa..." Ralax, loosen up, have fun; you may live longer.....

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billie061 | Nov 03, 2011, 10:52 AM EDT

This is why I don't have a t.v. prefer my books.

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tisherself4 | Nov 03, 2011, 09:36 AM EDT

My kids liked it. They are first generation born here. By the way, the show is for the younger ones. It's all in good fun. Don't take it so serious.

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newcanaan | Nov 03, 2011, 07:30 AM EDT

patrick your the disgrace , whats a man of your age watching a kids program like this. MORAN

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AustinWadeBlinn | Nov 03, 2011, 12:47 AM EDT

Wow, what a waste of time. I think the real person that is racist is you, and Ryan Murphy(Who is trying to make a COMEDY), deserves a real nice apology. Just because your jealous of half the people on this goddamned earth doesn't give you the right to judge things that you couldn't do any better. Thats why you're so good at criticizing. I dont like people like you. Bad stuff happens to 'fat&lazy'Americans too, but we dont sit around and complain til the days end. Its time for you to get your fingers smashed so no one has to read your stuff anymore. BTW, THIS IS A REALITY TELEVISION SHOW.... MADE FOR TEENS.... YOU'RE 50

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Ernesider | Nov 02, 2011, 11:20 PM EDT

I saw the 69 second video you shared and Damien reminds me of meself when I first came to America. He'll do fine and Pat I get a feeling you don't believe in Leprechuans.

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PhoenixZouave | Nov 02, 2011, 09:58 PM EDT

You big cry babies. Stop being so PC all the time. My friends and enemies call me an IRA terrorist all the time...So what?

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brianmack | Nov 02, 2011, 07:51 PM EDT

Patrick, you sure know how to stir up the pot! The kid's from Derry for Christ's sake! I've watched 1/2 minute of Glee and it's the reason why we're not allowed to have guns in Chicago. In any case, Damian isn't that bad and it may or might get him a shot at Broadway.

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jamthecat | Nov 02, 2011, 06:19 PM EDT

Jesus, get a grip and grow up, Patrick. Your lack of maturity is showing.

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