‘Glee’ season 5 spoilers: Shirley MacLaine to lend Darren Criss’ Blaine helping hand

When “Downton Abbey” first signed up Shirley MacLaine for a guest spot during season 3, the show hyped it up like it was the biggest casting news EVER. Was it really? While Shirley is a legend, we were shocked by how little her character actually had to do. Basically, it felt like her primary purpose was to show up, say a few snide things to Maggie Smith, and be sent on her way.

Will she have a little more of a notable storyline on “Glee” season 5? It’s possible, at least based on the information that we know now. According to TVLine, the living legend will play a wealthy socialite who is intent for some reason on making Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) into a star. Why? Because according to “Glee,” these sort of things happen all the time.

There are still many mysteries when it comes to this role, including what sort of “star” she wants Blaine to be. Is he a Broadway performer, a singer, a dancer, or something else? The thing about this character is that he gets by so much on his charisma, and while he’s pretty good at a lot of different things, he’s not the best singer or the best dancer out of the New York transplants. He’s more qualified to win the all-around prize.

This all feels a little sketchy to us, and given that the show has already reinforced a few times now that New York is not always what it’s cracked up to be, it’s hard to think realistically that both Rachel and Blaine are going to have so much handed to them early on in their Big Apple careers.

For now, let’s just raise the following question: Are you happy to see McLaine on the show? Share your thoughts below, and to get some more “Glee” news, including a review of the new episode airing Tuesday night, be sure to click here. Also, sign up now to get further email updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: Fox