For their final trip to Nationals, the Glee writers were able to craft one of the finest episodes of the last few years. Almost everything worked about it, even when it should have gone wildly off the rails.
The only part that I didn't really care for would be the first five minutes. I have to be honest, I was worried about what the remainder of the hour would look like: the musical number about LA was uninspired, Throat Explosion was lame, and the catch-up session with Mercedes came out of nowhere.
As the episode continued, everything began to click into place. The new kids were finally given something to do other than sway in the background, there were real emotional stakes, and Finn was given a tribute that was almost more effective than the Quarterback episode.
I've seen a lot of bitching on the internet about the shamelessness of the writers in using Cory Monteith's death to get an emotional response out of the audience, but I feel like it was just right. My wife and daughter began to tear up when the Finn flashbacks began during the U2 number, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a lump in my throat as well. After coaching them to wins at Sectionals and Regionals, it's understandable that Finn would still be on the minds of the New Directions. Carole's realization that they were performing all of Finn's favorite songs was the cherry on top of this wonderfully bittersweet moment.
That being said, it's hard to disagree with the New Directions loss at Nationals. I've never been the biggest fan of Styx, and my daughter was the only one in the house that knew the other song, but the Throat Explosion performance was top-notch. Without a doubt, one of the best group performances since Vocal Adrenaline belted out Bohemian Rhapsody at the end of the first season. Everything about it was captivating: the choreography, the vocals, the energy. I know we're supposed to be rooting for New Directions, but it's hard to disagree with the judges when Sam and Blaine just walk to different places on stage and blast out their songs. I felt for their loss, but the right team clearly won.
Finally, something needs to be said about that last scene between Sue and Will. I was shocked at Becky calling Schuester gay. I certainly got a good laugh out of it, but it's surprising to hear that type of insult on a show that so heavily preaches tolerance. Still, that scene in Sue's office had a nice sense of finality to it. Her line about how much she respects Will's accomplishments over the last four years was a nice summation of their relationship throughout the show. So many great lines in this scene. I'm not sure if it was the writers bringing their A-game, or if Jane Lynch just sold the hell out of the material, but it was pretty much perfection. "You didn't lose, Will. The game's just over." It really makes you wonder why they can't have this level of consistency every week.
I have no idea how they're going to get another season and a half out of Glee. With the glee club finally being disbanded, this almost feels like a build-up to a series finale. As long as they can continue to produce quality episodes like this one, I'm in it for the long-haul. Here's hoping that the 100th Episode next week can bring the goods.
Originally posted by turtlebayunlimitedThe biggest surprise for me was that they never even addressed how Finn died within the Glee universe. The episode started and he was already dead. It was a ballsy choice, but I think it worked out pretty well. There really wasn't a satisfying death that they could come up with, so this worked really well.
I just realized the ranks are weiner-references.
Go Pack Go! Owner of one (1) share. (8-7-1, NFC North Champions.) Let's Go Riders! Owner of one (1) share. (11-7, Champs!)
Originally posted by turtlebayunlimitedThe biggest surprise for me was that they never even addressed how Finn died within the Glee universe. The episode started and he was already dead. It was a ballsy choice, but I think it worked out pretty well. There really wasn't a satisfying death that they could come up with, so this worked really well.
It was suggested by the producers that they may shed light on his death at another time, hence me asking.
Thread rated: 5.71
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