Glee, the musical dramedy that captured hearts and sparked conversations, wasn’t just about catchy tunes and dramatic storylines. It was also a platform that, albeit imperfectly, pushed boundaries in representation, particularly when it came to body diversity. Among its standout characters was Mercedes Jones, portrayed by Amber Riley. From her very first appearance in Glee‘s pilot episode, Mercedes commanded attention not only with her powerhouse vocals but also with her distinctive and evolving style. While the keyword “mercedes jones outfits first episode” might seem specific, it opens a door to explore the broader impact of Mercedes’s fashion choices and how they contributed to her character’s powerful presence and body positive message throughout the series.
Mercedes Jones wasn’t just a character; she was a statement. In a television landscape often lacking in authentic plus-size representation, Mercedes arrived with confidence and a wardrobe that reflected her vibrant personality. Initially drawn to Glee by the buzz around Darren Criss, like many viewers, I soon found myself captivated by Amber Riley’s portrayal of Mercedes. While I, too, had my initial reservations about certain aspects of the show (Terri Schuester, anyone?), Mercedes became a compelling reason to stay invested. Glee, airing on Fox from 2009 to 2015, centered around the underdog glee club, New Directions, and their journey through show choir competitions. But beyond the singing and dancing, the show tackled crucial social issues faced by teenagers, from self-esteem and relationships to race, sexuality, and bullying. And within this mix, Mercedes Jones stood out as a beacon of self-acceptance and style.
Mercedes, alongside other plus-size characters like Lauren Zizes, Coach Beiste, and Unique Adams, contributed to Glee‘s attempt at showcasing diversity. While the show wasn’t without its flaws in execution, it undeniably made an effort to place characters of different races, genders, and sizes at the forefront. Crucially, these characters weren’t always defined by their differences, and their storylines often transcended stereotypical narratives. Mercedes Jones, in particular, exemplified this.
Mercedes Jones: More Than Just a Voice, A Fashion Statement
Mercedes’s storylines delved into her racial and religious identity, exploring how these facets intertwined with her personal values. The show openly addressed the complexities of Black hair, with Mercedes candidly discussing her use of weaves. It also touched upon the intersection of her religious upbringing and her evolving views on LGBTQ+ rights. Romantically, her relationship with Sam Evans, a jock and not someone traditionally paired with plus-size characters in media, was a refreshing departure from typical tropes. This relationship wasn’t based on superficial attraction but on genuine friendship and connection, further highlighting Mercedes as a well-rounded individual.
One particularly insightful episode explored Mercedes’s discomfort with sexualizing her image for an album cover shoot. Her refusal to compromise her comfort and modesty, even at the cost of a record deal, sent a powerful message about body positivity. It challenged the narrow view that body positivity equates to revealing clothing, emphasizing that modesty is equally valid and empowering.
Mercedes’s personal style was a defining aspect of her character. She consistently sported bright, bold, and edgy outfits, demonstrating that fashion knows no size limits. While early episodes might have featured a few less polished looks, her overall style was a clear declaration of self-expression. Mercedes’s fashion choices, from the first episode onwards, were never about hiding; they were about celebrating her personality and presence. She remained the only consistently prominent plus-size character throughout the series, yet avoided the tokenism that often plagues diverse casting.
Lauren Zizes: Challenging Plus-Size Tropes
Lauren Zizes, played by Ashley Fink, was initially conceived as a minor, comedic character. Her introduction to the New Directions, in exchange for unusual favors, established her quirky and unconventional personality. Lauren embodied many common tropes associated with plus-size characters – the confident athlete, the sexually assertive individual – but Glee layered these tropes to create a surprisingly complex character. Beneath her tough exterior, Lauren was vulnerable, insecure about her singing voice, and hesitant in romantic relationships, particularly with Puckerman.
Her relationship with Puckerman, a conventionally attractive male protagonist, was notable for its inversion of typical media pairings. While their dynamic had problematic moments, with Puckerman sometimes focusing on her size, Lauren often called him out, demanding to be treated with respect and genuine interest. Her assertive rejection of his insensitive serenade underscored her self-worth and challenged the stereotype that plus-size individuals are desperate for any attention.
Lauren’s body type, a non-hourglass shape, was also significant in expanding the representation of plus-size bodies on screen. Despite facing criticism, including Rosie O’Donnell’s unfortunate comments about Ashley Fink’s appearance, Lauren’s character challenged narrow beauty standards and the notion that only hourglass figures are acceptable within the plus-size community.
Coach Beiste: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Coach Beiste, portrayed by Dot Jones, was a character whose journey was deeply intertwined with identity and self-acceptance. Initially presented as Shannon Beiste, her non-conventional femininity and masculine presentation made her an outsider, mirroring Sue Sylvester in personality but facing different societal judgments due to her appearance. Coach Beiste’s experiences with isolation and cruel jokes, both in youth and adulthood, highlighted the impact of societal beauty standards and gender expectations.
Her storyline took a powerful turn with her relationship with Cooter Menkins, culminating in a poignant scene addressing domestic violence. Glee‘s decision to tackle this sensitive issue with a character like Coach Beiste, who defied traditional femininity, broadened the understanding of who can be affected by such issues.
Later, Coach Beiste’s transition to Sheldon Beiste sparked controversy for some viewers. However, this storyline, though debated, provided a platform for exploring transgender identity and self-discovery in a mainstream television show. Sheldon’s journey towards self-acceptance and comfort in his identity, by the series’ end, offered an inspiring narrative of personal growth.
Unique Adams: Unapologetic Self-Love
Unique Adams, played by Alex Newell, brought transgender representation to Glee. Born Wade Adams, Unique quickly asserted her identity, demanding to be addressed as “she” and “Unique.” She became the show’s first openly transgender character, embodying unapologetic self-love and challenging societal norms. Unique’s confidence and self-affirmation served as a powerful message, asserting her right to exist and be accepted without apology. Her talent and diva-like persona, described by Glee creator Ryan Murphy as a blend of Mercedes and Kurt Hummel, further solidified her as a force to be reckoned with. Unique’s presence in the New Directions reinforced the club’s core values of diversity and acceptance, making her a champion for inclusivity.
Imperfect Representation: Areas for Improvement
Despite Glee‘s efforts, the show wasn’t without its shortcomings in representing plus-size characters. A significant issue was the disparity in screen time and storyline depth compared to their thinner counterparts. Lauren received only one solo and was written out early, while Mercedes, despite her vocal prowess, was often relegated to backup vocals and recurring status. Stereotypes also crept in, with Lauren and Coach Beiste sometimes reduced to food-related humor. Wardrobe choices, particularly performance outfits often featuring sleeves and bolero jackets, raised questions about whether they prioritized character comfort or reinforced size-based fashion limitations.
Furthermore, some potentially rich storylines for plus-size characters, such as a hinted storyline between Lauren and Kurt or the resolution of Unique’s catfishing plot, were left undeveloped. Even with these flaws, Glee‘s attempt to challenge stereotypes and broaden representation, particularly in its early seasons, remains noteworthy.
Conclusion: Glee‘s Legacy of Plus-Size Representation
Glee was a product of its time, and its approach to plus-size representation was both groundbreaking and flawed. Characters like Mercedes Jones, Lauren Zizes, Coach Beiste, and Unique Adams offered glimpses of diverse body types and experiences rarely seen on mainstream television. While the show could have done more to fully develop their storylines and avoid certain stereotypes, it undeniably opened doors for conversations about body image, self-acceptance, and the importance of seeing diverse bodies on screen. Mercedes Jones, with her powerful voice and evolving style from the very first episode to the series finale, stands as a testament to the positive impact of visible and confident plus-size representation in media.
Have you watched Glee? What are your thoughts on how the plus-size characters were portrayed? What aspects of their representation resonated with you, and what would you have liked to see done differently?
