‘Glee’ season 5 debate: Is relationship between Santana, Demi Lovato’s Dani off to great start?

When you think about “Glee” pairings, there are the iconic ones like Kurt and Blaine, Will and Emma, and the unfortunately tragic one that is now Rachel and Finn. When it comes to Santana Lopez, she is in a tricky place: She is already the part of an iconic pairing with Brittany, but Heather Morris isn’t on the show right now. Not only that, but there is also no timetable as to when she is coming back. Is that reason enough for Brittana fans to be upset? Not quite yet, since there has not been any indication that Brittany is gone for good.

But for the time being, we have a new relationship on “Glee” in Santana and Dani (Demi Lovato), a pairing that has been lovingly called “Dantana.”  So how is it doing so far? Let’s break it down along with another new relationship from last night’s “Tina in the Sky with Diamonds”: Penny Owen and Sam Evans.

Dani and Santana – The good news for these two is that there was instant chemistry. Demi and Naya Rivera know each other in real life, and we’re sure that helps with the comfort level of being in a TV relationship together. Ryan Murphy has also done a great job of making it no big deal when there are two men or two women kissing on network TV.

The bad news? That the entire relationship feels somewhat rushed. Since you know that Demi’s time is limited, there is probably an expiration date on things. The two have yet to go through any difficulties yet, and even their pursuit was easy. Whatever drama that comes for these two has yet to arrive.

Sam and Penny – Meanwhile, this has the feeling of something that could genuinely go the distance. It’s starting slow, with Sam trying to woo the college student / nurse with impressions and biting himself just to go to the office. Penny seems interested, but at the same time distant since he is a high school student.

One of the other reasons to believe that this pairing could last is that one, we haven’t heard Phoebe Strole sing yet (and you know that is coming with her background), and two, this is the first relationship for the Sam character that really was not an extension of another story. Brittany and Quinn were originally attached to other people, and he just ended up being with them for a time while fans waited for the original couples to get back together.

What relationship do you prefer right now? Sound off in our poll! In taking things down to a serious level, click here if you want to read some early details on “The Quarterback,” the Cory Monteith tribute episode.

Photo: Fox