Time for Regionals! The competition that put an end to New Directions journey last year has returned, and this time the Glee Club's "changing their weave, [with some original songs] up their sleeve." (Disclaimer: This review is all over the place, so I took the liberty of adding interjections to help keep it from being completely disjointed)
The episode opened with the Warblers singing "Misery" which seemed to mirror Kurt's current state of mind. He was the viewers' voice and right on the nose when he labeled the club as "Blaine and the Pips." The group showcases one person's vocals while the rest "doo-whop" in the background.
Meanwhile...
Rachel was hard at work with her songwriting. "Only Child" may not have been as ludicrously awesome as "My Headband" but it still put a grin on my face. Finn, her audience of one, suggested "The only Berry on my family tree" might not be competition ready and thought she needed to dig a little deeper.
We finally got to see Quinn clarify her actions as of late. At first, her explanation for being with Finn was rather absurd. She's determined to become Prom Queen because it apparently sets you up for life. She tell us she's a "relatively sane girl" and follows this statement with "Prom queens, on average, live 5 years longer than most girls - probably because they smile more." It did give her some motive (albeit a ridiculous one) to have it out for Rachel, but it wasn't until later that her meddling made a little more sense.
On a side note, what was up with the headwear this episode? Between Quinn's backwards hat and Brittany's fedora, I couldn't help but think they have a surplus of caps on set and the wardrobe people decided this was the episode to use them all in. And while I'm on the topic of costumes, the boots that New Directions wore to Regionals were distracting to say the least. And not in a good way.
But back to Dalton Academy...
I'm starting to find the Warblers meetings more and more unnecessary. Hearing them talk about their matching ties and piping or listening to them worship Blaine is unbelievably grating. The only saving grace was Kurt singing "Blackbird" to honor Pavarotti's passing. I didn't understand why the group ruled out the idea of a duet at Regionals, and then proceeded to elect Kurt unanimously as Blaine's singing partner. Let's just accept this and move on so I don't have to hear that damn gavel again.
Switching now to New Directions...
The cease and desist letter Will received from My Chemical Romance and Sue bluntly admitting to her role behind it was great. It eventually allowed to her declare "World War Sue" - I have to give credit to the writers who continue to fuel the jokes behind this hilarious character. Having her simply toss sticks at Mercedes was another highlight.
The original songs were a great way to incorporate secondary characters in the Glee Club and a lot of them were better than expected. The numbers spanned several different genres, starting with Santana's jazz lounge "Trouty Mouth" (an ode to Sam), then Puck's rollicking "Big Ass…Heart" (wrote for his girl Lauren) followed by Mercedes poppy "Hell to the No." I have to admit, the last one was probably my favorite, largely because there was a reference to Mercedes' bizarre plotline of keeping tater tots in the school cafeteria.
The kiss between Kurt and Blaine took place between these numbers and while I have to say I saw it from a mile away it was still a sweet moment. I'm sure there are hundreds of "Blurt" fans out there so I won't dwell very long on ham-fisted dialogue that led up to it – but, seriously, did anyone involuntarily laugh at the line "You move me, Kurt" too?
On to the drama...
Quinn revealed to a suspicious Rachel that she and Finn were, in fact, together. I thought her reasoning behind being with Finn in this scene was a lot more logical than her initial one and, to me, it actually humanized her a bit. In her own begrudging way, Quinn told Rachel she was destined for better things outside Lima, Ohio - unlike herself and Finn. Dianna Agron and Lea Michelle were very good here and I thought their character's interaction was a believable catalyst for Rachel to finally write a song with emotion in it.
Now the competition...
Aural Intensity's "Jesus Is A Friend of Mine" was pretty entertaining, with Cross and Star of David formations thrown in for good measure. Blurt's duet of "Candles" was nice, if not a little schmaltzy, but it segued into Blaine taking lead on P!nk's "Raise Your Glass" (Hasn't this song haunted my radio long enough?). I figured "Get It Right" would be Rachel's obligatory overwrought performance but I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. There was a restraint that's usually absent in Rachel's solos and I think it won me over. Also, because the song was tailored for an actual character in the show, it obviously had a strong connection that sometimes isn't apparent in the covers. That being said, I thought the transition into the upbeat "Loser Like Me" was a bit jarring, but you couldn't help but cheer when the confetti filled Slushies doused the crowd. Kudos to the editors who showed Sue at the line "All of the dirt you've been throwing my way"
The celebrity judges this time consisted of a tea party candidate/homeschooler/twitter poster, an exotic dancer-turned nun, and TV anchor & Sue's former flame Rod Remington. I have to say, I found previous judges a lot funnier (Kathy Griffin is a much better actress in real life than she is on television) but you can always rely of Rod and his distorted voice of reason as a winning source of comedy.
And the results...
Some drunk lieutenant's wife announced that New Directions had won, meaning they'd be going on to Nationals. There wasn't much suspense to the proceedings since we know there'll be several episodes left but it was still rewarding to see the club triumph. I can only imagine what would've been had they lost - Schue would probably be a wreck and turn to alcohol, Brittany would be Brittany, and Rachel would retun to belting "My Headband" into her hairbrush. Would've made for some great television…alas we'll never know.
The ending of the show was rather anticlimactic but I'm glad Rachel is back in the club's good graces (at least for now). The first half of this season seemed determined to make her unlikeable but I thought some of the iciness melted away when she tearfully thanked her fellow Glee Clubbers for honoring her.
Episode Highlights:
Rachel & Santana's Interplay during "Loser Like Me" – Maybe it was simply for the performance, but hearing Rachel say "You may think that I'm a freak show" and Santana respond with "I don't care" was a nice moment for a pair that's usually at each another's throat. The "working on a pole" comment almost guarantees these two will never be BFF's but if they can at least get along during song, it's a start.
Sue's Reaction to the Results – Never one to lose graciously, Sue decided to express her frustrations physically at the expense of someone who's probably taken a blow to the face before. Fingers crossed we get to see her mug shot when the show comes back in April.
Pavarotti's Funeral Scene – Sure, this bird had "plot device" written all over him from the start but the conversation between Kurt and Blaine at his memorial service was probably one of the most honest ones they've had together (and I only laughed at the Gap line, which was intended to be funny)
The MVP Trophy – I like the idea of the Glee Club honoring its members after their competitions. While Rachel deservedly won the award this time (did she say "brass ring" or "breast ring" during her acceptance speech?), I think it'll be a good way to include other characters in future episodes. Perhaps Tina will finally get to speak instead of nodding in approval or playing the piano.
And with that, I'm officially done reviewing for a couple weeks. The preview showed a lot of familiar faces (Holly, Sandy, Terri, Sunshine) so I think it'll be an enjoyable rest of the season. Until then, Imma go eat my Wheaties, so I don't come down with diabetes.moreless
AIRED:
 Dianna Agron |
Quinn Fabray |
 Chris Colfer |
Kurt Hummel |
 Jessalyn Gilsig |
Terri Schuester |
 Jane Lynch |
Sue Sylvester |
 Jayma Mays |
Emma Pillsbury |
 Kevin McHale |
Artie Abrams |
 Darcy Shean |
Carla Turlington Stevens |
Guest Star |
 Loretta Devine |
Sister Mary Constance |
Special Guest Star |
 Kathy Griffin |
Tammy Jean Albertson |
Special Guest Star |
 Chord Overstreet |
Sam Evans |
Recurring Role |
 Harry Shum Jr. |
Mike Chang |
Recurring Role |
 Darren Criss |
Blaine |
Recurring Role |
-
Kathy Griffin on Glee from the episode "...
© 2011 Fox Broadcasting Company -
Kathy Griffin on Glee from the episode "...
© 2011 Fox Broadcasting Company -
The Warblers perform at Regionals on Gle...
© 2011 Fox Broadcasting Company -
New Directions perform at Regionals on G...
© 2011 Fox Broadcasting Company
Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions
-
TRIVIA (1)
ADD TRIVIA-
As seen in the episode, both Tina and Quinn can play the piano. Tina is at the piano while Santana sings Trouty Mouth, and Quinn tests out keys while composing in the auditorium. Santana is seen at the piano during Mercedes' song, Hell to the No, but it is unclear if she can actually play because in all her shots, she is waving her arms.
-
-
QUOTES (9)
ADD QUOTES-
Blaine: (while burying a canary in a sparkly casket) It kinda reminds you of your mom's funeral, doesn't it?
Kurt: The casket was bigger. But, yes. -
Blaine: What's that?
Kurt: I'm decorating Pavarotti's casket.
Blaine: Well, finish up. I have the perfect song for our number and we should practice.
Kurt: Do tell.
Blaine: Candles by Hey Monday.
Kurt: I'm impressed. You're usually so Top 40.
Blaine: Well, I just wanted something a little more emotional.
Kurt: Why did you pick me to sing that song with?
Blaine: Kurt, there is a moment when you say to yourself "Oh, there you are. I've been looking for you forever". (Blaine holds Kurt's hand) Watching you do Blackbird this week... That was the moment for me. About you. You move me, Kurt. And this duet would just be an excuse to spend more time with you.
(They kiss)
Blaine: We should practice.
Kurt: I thought we were.
(They kiss again) -
Kurt: Sometimes I don't feel like we're The Warblers. I feel like we're Blaine and the Pips.
-
Santana: You blew me off to be with Stubbles McCripplePants.
-
Quinn (to rachel) : Do you want to know how this story plays out? I get Finn, you get heartbroken... and then Finn and I stay here and start a family. I'll become a successful real estate agent and Finn will takeover Kurt's dad's Tire shop... You don't belong here Rachel and you can't hate me for helping to send you on your way.
-
Quinn: Do you want to be in this relationships or not?
Finn: Whoa! Scary Quinn.. OK.. Uh. -
Will: What's your favorite song?
Brittany: My Headband. -
Sue: In case you haven't heard, I like to play dirty.
(Brittany and Santana open their lockers – avalanche of dirt.)
Brittany: I don't even remember putting that in there. -
Sue: Consider this the opening salvo of World War Sue.
-
-
NOTES (2)
ADD NOTES-
International Episode Titles:
Czech Republic: Původní píseň (Original Song) -
Original International Air Dates:
Canada: March 15, 2011 on Global
Australia: March 21, 2011 on TEN
New Zealand: April 22, 2011 on TV3
United Kingdom: April 25, 2011 on E4/E4 HD
Sweden: May 4, 2011 on TV11
Latin America: May 19, 2011 on FOX
Czech Republic: December 3, 2011 on Prima LOVE
Slovakia: January 8, 2012 on JOJ
-
-
ALLUSIONS (3)
ADD ALLUSIONS-
Quinn: It's like Groundhog's Day with you, Rachel. How many times do you have to make the same mistake to realize it's not gonna work out?
In the 1993 film Groundhog Day, actor Bill Murray portrays Phil, a weather man who is forced to relive the same day of his life over and over again. No matter what he does each day, such as stay up late or get thrown in jail, he always wakes up the next morning to begin February 2nd (Groundhog Day) all over again.
-
The character of Tammy Jean Albertson - as a failed Tea Party candidate who announces that she is not a witch - alludes to former Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell.
-
In the judges room while the judges were giving their opinions on who should win on the wall behind Kathy Griffins character: Tammy Jean Albertson a poster for the Broadway musical "Wicked" can be seen. "Wicked" starred Idina Menzel, who played Rachel's mom and Kristen Chenoweth who played April Rhodes.
-
|
Saturday
No results found.
Sunday
No results found.
Monday
No results found.
|
-
Catfish (Spolier)
2 days ago1
-
Season 5 suggestions...
05/11/132
-
Wonder-Ful (Episode 4X21)
05/11/133
-
All Or Nothing (Episode 4X22)
04/30/131
-
Lights Out (Episode 4X20)
04/27/132
-
All or Nothing
S 4 : Ep 22
Aired 5/9/13
-
Wonder-ful
S 4 : Ep 21
Aired 5/2/13
-
Lights Out
S 4 : Ep 20
Aired 4/25/13
-
Sweet Dreams
S 4 : Ep 19
Aired 4/18/13
Season 2 Episodes
See AllEp 22
New York
Ep 21
Funeral
Ep 20
Prom Queen
Ep 19
Rumors
Ep 18
Born This Way
Ep 17
A Night of Neglect
Ep 16
Original Song
Ep 15
Sexy
Ep 14
Blame It on the Alcohol
Ep 13
Comeback
Ep 12
Silly Love Songs
Ep 11
The Sue Sylvester Shuffle
Ep 10
A Very Glee Christmas
Ep 9
Special Education
Ep 8
Furt
Ep 7
The Substitute
Ep 6
Never Been Kissed
Ep 5
The Rocky Horror Glee Show
Ep 4
Duets
Ep 3
Grilled Cheesus
Ep 2
Britney/Brittany
Ep 1
Audition
-
neomichel USER EDITOR
User Score: 326
-
addict666
User Score: 1139
-
AJMeredith
User Score: 264
-
jasobres
User Score: 206
-
emaganut
User Score: 169
-
RenatoB
User Score: 154
-
Adam_Dicy
User Score: 139
-
strat_boy
User Score: 123
-
pitzerLN
User Score: 115
-
kaybee29
User Score: 88
More
Less
