Glee Spins its "Wheels"

One episode of the television show Glee entitled “Wheels” has been widely hailed for its ethics, but critics should not be so generous with their praise. In the episode, all of the members of the Glee Club are required to spend time each day in a wheel chair to better understand how Artie, the paraplegic member of the Club, struggles with high school life.

The premise is admirable and the show very sensitively portrays a handicapped character. Physical handicap is one very underrepresented demographic in film and television so I am glad to see such a character even included in such a popular show.

The thing that bothers me most about Artie is his casting. Kevin McHale, the actor who plays Artie, is not handicapped. He is a fine actor and does very well in the wheelchair, but a handicapped actor should have been given the opportunity to represent the physically handicapped on national television.

I have never been involved in television or film casting before, but I’m guessing that handicapped people aren’t cast for roles unless being handicapped is written into that role. A producer might cast an actor with glasses even if he didn't envision glasses for a character. But if a role calls for a tall, dark, and handsome man and the tallest, darkest, and handsomest man turns out to also be in a wheelchair, I would wager that he does not get the role. The producers might think something along the lines of “Well he may be the best, but I didn’t plan on my character being in a wheelchair. That guy was almost as good and he can walk, let’s give him the role.”

So if the only role that a handicapped actor has a legitimate shot at is a handicapped character, why take that role away from him or her? Glee’s treatment of Artie is a great step forward for television (especially for a show that involves dancing and performing) and I am very happy that the show has become so successful. I just think that the show should give a handicapped performer the chance to shine, just like the fictional Artie receives his chance. Glee had the chance to take a step for handicapped performances, but didn't take it.