GLEE Redux • Goodbye

McKinley High School completes another school year, only this time, it is a little different. The New Directions are National Champions. Coach Sue is with child, and helped Mr. Schue lead the show choir to the win. Mr. Schue and Miss Pillsbury are not only engaged, but they put some issues aside, and share a deeper intimacy than ever before. Quinn is out of the wheelchair, and planning on taking the Ivy League by storm. Rachel and Finn are still in love, and plan to start this new part of their life together. That includes them moving to New York City, with Kurt. But this does leave Blaine alone in Ohio, taking on his senior year without the reason he transferred to McKinley. Will they all be leaving Puck behind, or can he pass the test? All these questions we hope to be answered in the final episode of season 3, Goodbye.

Top: The New Directions. Clockwise: Beyoncé; Bruce Springsteen; Madonna; Guys And Dolls; Rod Stewart; The Beatles; Room For Two; and New Radicals.

As Mr. Schue is walking down the hallway, he hears the kids singing in the chorus room. Artie, Tina, Kurt, Mercedes and Rachel playfully sing "Sit Down, You're Rocking The Boat," part of the score for Guys And Dolls.



He watches them a bit, but then takes a deep breath, and walks in. He reminds them there is nothing left to prepare for, well save the last assignment. He'd like them to prepare a song to say goodbye. The underclassmen will say goodbye to the seniors, and the seniors will say goodbye to everyone. Mr. Schue dons the guitar to kick it off with a stripped down acoustic version of "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart.



Next we see Kurt walking down the hallway, remarking on how far he has come since he was a timid freshmen at McKinley High. He is reminded how his actions has made it possible for other young gays to wear nice frocks to school. He walks into the auditorium, and finds his father there, on stage. Mr. Hummel is telling Kurt how proud he is of his son, and what they accomplished together. He reminds Kurt when they started getting honest. He found Kurt in a unitard, dancing with Brittany and Tina. They were dancing to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)."



Kurt can't help but laugh as his father does the number, still applauding as Mr. Hummel leaves, blowing kisses. Kurt couldn't imagine a better graduation present. Blaine reminds him of the monogrammed towels he bought for Kurt, and then mentions they need to talk. Blaine reminds him Kurt is graduating, but Blaine has another year to go. Can their love survive the distance between Lima, Ohio, and New York City? Kurt thinks they can make it work, for he has no intention of saying goodbye to Blaine, his high school sweetheart. But how will he say goodbye to everyone else? Well, he'll sing a Madonna song, of course. He dedicates "I'll Remember" to everyone, but especially the boys who never cared that he was gay.



In the hallway by Kurt's locker, Rachel comes up to Kurt and Finn to get them to agree they must open the letters from their prospective schools together, and in the chorus room. They agree. In another part of the hallway, Santana fights through a forest of balloons to find Sam and Mercedes, with Sam eager to talk about Mercedes record contract in L.A. Well, an indie label wanting her to sing backup, anyway. But Sam is so proud of his girlfriend. Santana congratulates Mercedes, and learns that Mike is getting a scholarship to dance with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago. Santana gives him a hug, and Tina mentions Santana's plan to go to the University of Louisville. As she walks away, Santana thinks about what she wants to do, and how she is every bit as talented as Mercedes, Mike, Rachel or Kurt, so why can't she chase her dream, too? Cut to dinner, with Santana and her mother, played by the beautiful Gloria Estefan, and Brittany. She tells her mother that she wants to skip college, and head to New York. While trying to be supportive, her Mama Lopez urges her to go to school. New York will still be there when she has a degree, something Mama never got the chance to accomplish. That is when Brittany explains she is not graduating, having failed everything, and hopes to do better on her second time as a senior. If Brittany stays in Lima, maybe Santana will stay with her... Back in the chorus room the next morning, the seniors get together to sing to the underclassmen. They perform "You Get What You Give" by The New Radicals.



There were plenty of hugs and knowing glances shared, but soon we are with Finn and Rachel, talking about chairs for the reception. Finn is worried that Rachel is settling for him as her husband, but she assures him that is the one thing she is definite about. Cut to Finn walking down the hallway, thinking how his career was a success, having won a State Championship in football, and a National Championship in glee club. There is only one thing that scared him - the future. But not anymore. He's marrying his great girlfriend, and moving to New York with her and his gay step-brother. Every straight boy's dream, right? Finn thinks he nailed his audition with James Lipton. He stops by to see Mr. Schue, who was signing his yearbook. He asks Finn to sit down, and apologizes about having blackmailed him to make him join glee club. Finn mocks him, and leaves. At home, Finn is spending time with his mother and a picture of his Dad. He regrets he wasn't able to get his Dad an honorable discharge, and thinks he should have tried harder. How can he redeem his father's name if he runs to New York to be an actor? His life seems to be coming together, but not this aspect. The next morning in the chorus room, the underclassmen have a chance to say their goodbyes to the seniors. First, they have a special dedication to Finn, who as the starting quarterback on the football team, had the most to lose by joining show chorus, and treat the members with respect. They perform "In My Life," by The Beatles and written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.



This is lovely, but I keep getting surprised Sam is not a senior. Now we travel down the hallway with Quinn, who remarks how she has gone full circle in her McKinley journey, from popular cheerleader captain, to troubled unwed mother, back to Cheerios captain again. She is so grateful and impressed with her friends, although she still worries about one - Puck. She sees Coach Beiste quizzing him, helping he prepare for the make-up exam he needs to pass. Quinn wants to give back in her last week of high school, and starts with a Metro Pass for her friend Rachel, so they can visit when Quinn is at Yale and Rachel in New York City. She also tries to help Puck study, and when he is about to quit, she tells him she loves him. They've been through too much together, and she won't let him give up. She kisses him, hoping Rachel was right - when she and Puck were together, she brought out the best in him. Cut to Puck walking down the hallway, well, really strutting. He has his swagger back, thanks to Quinn. He is ready to ace that exam. Roz, who is back to coaching the synchronized swim team, comes to see Coach Sue. But she would like to join forces with Sue to take out Principal Figgins. On her way out, she passes Quinn, who is coming to see Coach Sue. Sue tells her she first thought she was just like a younger version of herself, but now sees that isn't true. Quinn is not evil, and Sue admires that about Quinn. She provokes Quinn to tears, and a spontaneous hug. There are tears and honest love there. Cut to the hallway outside of the civics classroom, where all the kids are with Puck, waiting to get the results of the exam. He get's a C-, or, as he says, "a Puckerman A+!" He will graduate with the others. Puck is suddenly in his graduation getup, carrying his electric guitar as he sings "Glory Days" by Bruce Springsteen.



This is sung by Puck and Finn as the seniors we know and love accept their diplomas in their red cap and gowns. After the ceremony, Finn, Kurt and Rachel meet in the chorus room, ready to find out about their future. Finn opens his first, and finds out he did not get into the Actor's Studio. Kurt opens his letter, and tells them he didn't get accepted to NYADA. That leaves Rachel, and she slowly opens up the envelope, and learns she was accepted to NYADA. We cut to Rachel clearing out her locker, getting ready to leave school. All her dreams had come true; she was Prom Queen, National Show Choir Champion, and marrying the quarterback. Yet she can't be happy, worrying about her fiancee, Finn, and her good friend Kurt. She will defer school for a year, and make sure they both will be with her in New York. Santana is clearing out her locker, and her mama comes to get her for her party. She also gives Santana an envelope, her graduation present. Santana is shocked at the amount, but gives it back. She doesn't need the money - she is not going to college. Mama tells her to take the money, and move to New York, she believes in Santana and her dreams. Feel the love! Finn picks up Rachel, just as they planned for a post-graduation wedding. But Finn heads to the train station, and he tells Rachel he loves her so much, he is calling off the wedding. He won't let her put off her future because of him. She can't stay with him, he is joining the army. So he wants her to get on the train and be the star she is meant to be. Rachel is a teary mess, and they kiss goodbye. Finn walks her to the train, and all the kids are there to see her off. She sings "Roots Before Branches" by Room For Two.



The song starts in Ohio, and ends in New York, with Rachel with her mod outfit walking by Broadway theaters. I halfway expected her to be spinning around and tossing her hat in the air, a la Mary Tyler Moore. Rachel is moving to New York, and Mercedes is moving to L.A., and Mike will be in Chicago. I guess Santana is New York-bound. Quinn will be in New Haven, Connecticut, and Finn in the Army. What will Kurt do? And Puck? Guess we won't know until season four starts in the fall.

GLEE Redux • Nationals

Wow, this is the second hour of GLEE-TV we are getting tonight, and once all is said and done, there is only one more hour left for the season, and the senior class will be moving one. Some might come back to visit, and others will have a story Glee will continue to follow. But tonight, the New Directions head to Nationals, and see if they can make their dreams come true, and bring home a championship!

Clockwise: Celine Dion; The Who; Lady GaGa; Nicki Minaj; Queen; GroupLove; and Meat Loaf.

Mercedes comes down with food poisoning, and Sue is trying cold baths and Pedialyte to get her ready for the show. Coach Beiste comes to Mr. Schue, she needs his help. The kids are imploding downstairs, fighting like cats and dogs. He tells them to focus the passion, and it will help the performance. Outside, Rachel runs into Jesse St. James, who tries to shake her confidence. She doesn't let him, and tells him he will lose. Backstage at Nationals, Mr Schue is about to give his speech to the kids, but Finn stops him, and gives his own speech, explaining how Mr. Schue is the teacher of a lifetime, to the cheers of the kids. More cheers when Mercedes comes in the room, thanks to steroids, witch doctors, and Coach Sue. It is their last performance, and Mercedes wants all the girls to join her in a great performance. In the audience, the judges are announced, with a local politician, Lindsay Lohan, and Perez Hilton. Coach Bieste, Coach Sue, and Mr. Schue are freaking out, but soon the curtain opens, and the girls are singing "The Edge of Glory" by Lady GaGa.



They are met with a resounding ovation, and from the wings, Rachel sees that Madame Tibideaux isn't in the seat she reserved for her. Finn grabs her, and explains it is her moment, one she needs to take advantage of having. She walks out on stage, and sings Celine Dione's bombastic "It's All Coming Back to Me Now."



As she sings, she sees Madame Tibideaux taking her seat. After the song, she gets a standing ovation, including from Tibideaux. Quickly, Finn starts the next number, "Paradise by the Dashboard Light" by Meatloaf.



Of course, this song is so over-the-top, the very definition of bombastic,making it a natural for the kids. The audience was on their feet, clapping to the beat by the time they were halfway through. They crowd is in a frenzy, including Tibideaux, who is clapping and whistling. Kurt and Mercedes go to wish Unique to break a heel, but Unique is melting down. The pressure of being the only performer in drag, and everyone is looking at him, has finally gotten to him. They calm him down, offering support. They aren't really enemies, they tell him, that is not the way the New Directions roll. As they leave, he thinks he might need to transfer schools. Unique takes the stage in full drag, and sings "Starships" by Nicki Minaj.



Next up, Unique and Vocal Adrenaline launch into "Pinball Wizard" by The Who, from the seminal Rock Opera, Tommy.



At the end, they get a standing ovation, and the McKinley coaches look worried. The judges are meeting trying to name the top three groups, with Perez constantly blogging about Lohan, and the politician coming out of the closet as a show choir groupie. They are arguing, and no one knows what is going to happen. In the lobby, Jesse St. James stops Madame Tibideaux, to tell her that Rachel is the most talented person she would want to have in her program. She remembers his audition two years ago, and gives him a nice compliment. Back on the stage, it is time for the awards. Unique is named the MVP, an honor Rachel was hoping to get to make her NYADA dream come true. The Portland Scale-blazers are in third place. As tons of confetti falls, the New Directions are named National champions. There is screaming and hugging all around. This leaves Vocal Adrenaline in second place, and a handsome but disappointed Jesse St. James on stage empty handed.

After a commercial break, the kids and Mr. Schue walk into McKinley high, and are met with slushie cups filled with more confetti, and there is joyous celebration everywhere. Then we hear the kids sing "Tongue Tied" by Grouplove.



Thinks are happening, like Rachel being asked for an autograph, and Mr. Schue getting laid. They bring the trophy into the school, and put it in the case. They are smiling. Rachel and Finn are called into Principal Figgins' office, congratulated for winning. He also tells them he wishes kids didn't get married until they were 29. But he really wanted to invite the New Directions to sing at an event tomorrow. Mr. Schue and Miss Pillsbury are basking in the afterglow a day later, only to speak of their love, not lust. They are walking to the ceremony, Sue stops them to tell Mr. Schue she thinks she will be named teacher of the year. Mr. Schue agrees she deserves it, for helping the New Directions win at Nationals. In the auditorium, Principal Figgins brings out Finn and Rachel, who announce Mr. Schue was named Teacher of the Year. They both thank him sincerely, and then the curtain opens and the New Directions sing "We Are the Champions" by Queen.



The kids pull him up on stage, and there are hugs to everyone. Even Coach Sue is smiling, and singing along. Soon, the whole student body in the auditorium is on their feet, celebrating the music geeks and the geeky teacher with a standing ovation. Next week is the final episode of the season, looking at graduation and those final goodbyes...

GLEE Redux • Props

As we approach the end of season three of Glee, it feels much like the end of high school. We are going to be saying goodbye to some friends who have been felt like an important part of the high school experience, but we have no idea when and if we will see them again. There are three episodes remaining, but two of them will be happening tonight!

Left to Right: Celine Dion; Irene Cara; Jason Mraz; Taylor Swift; and Michael Sembella.

Kurt and Mercedes are brought in front of Coach Sue, who blames them for the rise of "Unique" with Vocal Adrenaline, who has been getting all the media attention, since Sue made them tell Unique it was great to perform in high school choir in transsexual attire. She wants Kurt to wear a flapper skirt, and be called Procelina. He refuses, and Sue fears they will lose. Cut to Rachel sitting at a mirror, and starts to sing "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz.



She calls the NYADA judges, asking for another chance. If she will come to the National competition. Back in to chorus room, Sue tells them they will recreate Flashdance, and Tina Cohen Chang walks out, upset she has spent three years in the background, watching Rachel as the star. She storms out, and only to be told to keep in her place, she's just a junior. Her time will come. She's been patient, waited all these years, and is never doing more than costumes and background vocals. She's at the mall, still arguing with Michael via text, and she falls and hits her head. When she wakes up, she is greeted by fellow students, sort of. Puck is, well, Blaine, and Finn is now Kurt. As she walks down the hallway, everyone thinks Tina is Rachel. In fact, Santana and Artie have switched, as have Brittany and Mercedes. And Sue and Mr. Schue have switched, too! Of course, she sings the lead on "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion.



She sounds great, and wears a cute pink frock, just like Rachel would. After getting an ovation, she gives a pep talk to Tina (Raachel), who tells her she needs to keep trying with Madame Tibideaux. And that she, Tina (Rachel) knows she must be patient, and helping Rachel (Tina) gives them the best chance to win. Suddenly, Tina is waking up in the mall, and is Tina again. She is greeted by the real Klaine, or is it the real Blurt? Cut to Sue in charge of practice, with the kids in welding helmets, leg warmers, and sparks flying from the metal grinders. There is a battle of wills, as Sue still tries to push Kurt into the whole drag thing. Cut to the girls going to talk to Coach Beiste, for they found out she is back with Cooter, and they want to to get out of the house, and go with them to Chicago. She thanks them, but still refuses. Tina goes Rachel, and offers to take her to see Tibideaux, teaching a class nearby. Back in the chorus room, Sue wants to add more props to the routines, and has ordered 18 little people. She ordered them online. Or wants Kurt to don the drag, but he still refuses. Puck volunteers, willing to do drag for the win, but looks awful. Mr. Schue steps forward, and demands the props stop, and the kids just rehearse the number already. In the hallway, Puck is approached at the locker by Rick "The Stick" Nelson, with his mullet in full display. He rats out Puck on the drag earlier, and wants to fight him after school. In the car on way to see Tibideaux, Tina and Rachel are chatting about pans for the future, with Michael Sembella's Maniac playing in the background.



Puck meets "The Stick" by the dumpster, and the mullet-bound meat-head, and gets his ass kicked. They toss him in the dumpster, and he comes out brandishing a knife. Coach Beiste breaks up the fight, and pulls Puck into the locker room. Puck starts to say how he feels, flunking out of high school again, with a father who ran out on the family, a mother who doesn't care, and what a loser he is. He starts to cry, and Coach gives him a hug, and starts to cry herself. She understands what it is like to be strong, and people think nothing can hurt you. It can. Rachel catches up with Madame Tibideaux, who smacks her down again. Tina jumps to her defense, and softens Madame Tibideaux, but she still sends them away. As they leave, sh is left thinking. Back at Coach Beiste's house, Cooter has a line of crap to say, and she pulls out a knife, the one Puck had in the fight. It's not real, but the one in the kitchen, the one she sleeps with, that is real. She drops the ring on the table, and leaves. He is hurtful, and asks who will love her like he has? She will, she tells him as she walks out. She goes to the theater and sings "Mean" by Taylor Swift with Puck.



They are sharing a moment, that is for sure. Puck was rehearsing for Nationals, but Coach has some news. He will be retaking the test he needs to graduate, and she will help him get ready. He's helped her more than he'll ever know, getting out of the abusive marriage. In the chorus room, Sugar Motta is complaining about Rachel, but Tina steps up, and defends her. She tells them to show some respect for the team, and put in the work. their day will come. On the stage, Rachel is rehearsing, singing "Flashdance... What a Feeling" by Irene Cara.



She calls Tina out from the wings, and the duet on the song. Soon they are running through the hallways together, and get on the bus, bound for Nationals.

GLEE Redux • Prom-asaurus

We start off with Rachel wallowing in what she sees as the death of her dreams. Her failure at the auditions for NYADA has left her adrift, only looking forward to the Prom. In the bathroom, she has a conversation with Becky, who points out Rachel's failures. Brittany is called into Principal Figgins office, who points out she has done nothing since her election. She must take over the plans for the Prom. She fires the Prom committee, and announces her theme - Dinosaurs.

Clockwise: Fergie; Berlin; Ke$ha; Selena Gomez & the Scene; and One Direction.

Coach Sue makes the morning announcements, and we learn that Rick "The Stick" Nelson, Brittany Pierce, and Finn Hudson are nominated for Prom King, and Missy Gunderson, Santana Lopez, and Quinn Fabres are nominated for Prom Queen. In the chorus room, Brittany announces the prehistoric theme. And that hair gel is banned. Blaine laughs, but she tells him it is true, for there was no gel during the times of the dinosaurs, and she thinks he uses too much. In the hallway, Rachel loses her temper when she sees a poster Finn and Quinn for King and Queen, and goes to Finn to explode on him. She does, and he reminds her Quinn is in a wheelchair, and they are running as a pair to help her. And, she can't really dance, so cool down. Meanwhile, Quinn is in therapy, flirting with dreaded Joe, talking about working hard so she can walk into Prom. Becky walks through the hallway, speaking in Helen Mirren's voice, about her disappointment. Sue explains she didn't have the votes, but she will go to Prom with Sue. In the auditorium, Rachel starts singing "Big Girls Don't Cry," by Fergie.



She is joined by Kurt, and soon Blaine. After the trio, they talk about the miserable time they will have at Prom, and they decide to have an anti-Prom party. They announce it, and it seems fine, until Santana smacks her down, and tells her selfish, wanting to steal the joy of prom from everyone. In the hallway, Quinn and Finn are hanging posters, and Quinn is laying down a line of crap about her "withering" legs, going for the pity vote. It seems to be working. But Finn is a bit bothered by it all. Next thing we know, Mike and Tina are walking into Prom, seeing dinosaurs everywhere, including dancing with Brittany while she sings "Dinosaur" by Ke$ha.



Sue is working the refreshments table, and mentions her punch includes Visine, making sure it is not a late night. This causes Finn to go looking for Quinn in the ladies room, when he discovers her standing by the mirror, out of her wheelchair. He is furious. In a hotel room, Rachel, Blaine, Kurt, Puck, and Becky are at the anti-Prom, at a loss at what to do. Well, Becky wants to play strip poker, especially with Puck. At the Prom, Santana is singing the Selena Gomez & The Scene song,"Love You Like a Love Song."



Sam is dancing with Mercedes, but she notices her old boyfriend, Shane. Finn is dancing with Quinn, still in her wheelchair. He is angry with Quinn, and wants her to stand up and dance. She refuses, and soon Artie and Joe come up, and there is shoving. Sue comes over and threatens to toss Finn out of the Prom, but he leaves on his own. It leaves Joe steaming just a little bit. Back at the hotel, and the gays are bored. Kurt will go to Prom if Blaine wants to, but he is fearful of the gel ban. His hair will be a mess. Finn shows up, with a corsage. He tells them Prom sucks without his girlfriend and his friends. Rachel and the boys join him, but Puck stays at the hotel, and Becky still wants to play strip poker. At the Prom, Joe starts singing One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful."



He is quickly joined by the other boys, but Blaine is off to get the gel out of his hair. Back at the hotel, Puck is down to undies and socks, and he finds out how Becky is hurt she wasn't nominated for Prom Queen. He gets dressed, and does a makeshift crown, and crowns her Queen of the anti-Prom. They head out of the hotel, with cardboard crowns still atop their heads. Rachel pulls Quinn aside, to apologize for her jealousy. She explains how she was still jealous of the beautiful, popular cheerleader who had Finn as a boyfriend. Not the new, modest, wheelchair-bound girl that she considers her friend. This takes Quinn aback, just as she and Santana go into a room to count votes. Puck and Becky enter the Prom, their crowns sitting high on their heads. Becky distracts Sue as Puck spikes the punch, and gets Becky a glass. In the election room, we hear Brittany only had four votes, and Finn was the Prom King. And Quinn has one more vote than Santana, but it doesn't make her feel better. She has a plan, and enlists Santana's help. Blaine comes out without gel, a bushy-haired boy indeed. Brittany suggests he can use gel, but Kurt loves him au naturel. Principal Figgins in there to announce the winners, and Finn is Prom King. When he announces the Queen, there is momentary shock, for he says with a write-in vote, Rachel is the Prom Queen. Santana and Quinn smile, and we know they made up the results. The first dance begins, and Quinn sings "Take My Breath Away" by 1980s supergroup, Berlin.



Tina cries in Mike's arms, sad the year is coming to an end. While singing, Quinn stands up, held by Santana. Kurt and big-haired Blaine slow dance together, and get their Prom picture. Finn is holding Rachel close, and she believes that if she can be voted Prom Queen, anything could be possible. The camera pulls out, and we see the crowded gym floor as it fades to black.

GLEE Redux • Choke

Tonight we get to watch the eighteenth of twenty-two episodes this season, meaning that the senior year for some of our favorite McKinley High students is drawing to a close. We know that there are students auditioning for theater schools, and others going to Ivy league schools. And others just hoping to graduate high school. So who do we think might Choke, as the episode title suggests? One thing we know, that Glee happens.

Clockwise: My Fair Lady; Chicago; The Boy From Oz; Alice Cooper; Phantom of the Opera; Funny Girl; Kelly Clarkson; and Florence and the Machine.

The episode starts with Rachel walking down the hallway, discussing the celestial beings known as stars, what she wants to be. Soon she is doing mantra's in the mirror, telling herself she is a star. Next Finn is chatting with Puck, who plans to pass European Geography class by flirting with the teacher. Soon, Coach Beiste walks by, sporting a shiner. Santana makes a joke about Beiste and hubby Cooter, when Coach Roz overhears and is offended by jokes using domestic violence. She tells Sue about it, and they find a point of agreement. Sue tells Mr. Schue about the problem, and he doesn't believe his kids would make such jokes. Back in the auditorium, Kurt is practicing for his NYADA audition. He is singing The Music of the Night from the 1988 Broadway musical, Phantom of the Opera.



Puck makes his big move on the teacher, who rebuffs him. She tells him it is time to crack open a book, and he is angered, and sings School's Out by Alice Cooper, off his 1972 album of the same name.



After the song, Puck walks out of the chorus room. Coach Beiste, Coach Sue and Coach Roz are talking to the ladies of Glee about domestic violence, and Sue makes the assignment for the girls to sing songs of empowerment. In the locker room, Finn notices Puck is still missing, and he tells the boys that "No man is left behind," so they all must make sure Puck passes the class and graduates with them. Rachel and Kurt are in a panicked mess, as Rachel hears about his decision to change the song. They decide to stick with the old favorites. In the auditorium, the girls sing Cell Block Tango from the 1975 Broadway production of Chicago, as well as the 2002 film.



Sue and Roz are appalled, for the song celebrates violence, not how to empower women to move past it. But Coach Beiste leaves the auditorium, upset. They find out Cooter has punched her. No one thought he might have really hit her, so they are surprised. And shocked she took it. But they learn she was fearful no one else would love her. Sue tells her she is staying the night at Sue's house, no arguments. Puck is cleaning a pool, and tells the cougar he is leaving town, and then sees his father. Daddy Puck borrows money to pay rent, and Puck sees his father's life pass before his eyes. He goes to the boys to ask for help, so he doesn't end up like Daddy Puck, with no diploma. The guys will help him. As Kurt is about to sing Music Of The Night, he realizes it is the safe choice, and makes the on-the-spot decision to sing Not the Boy Next Door from the 2003 Broadway show, The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman.



He is decked out in gold lamé pants, and gives a big, over-the-top performance. The judge loves it, and congratulates him for taking a big risk. Rachel is concerned, knowing she is going with a song she started singing as a two-year-old. Rachel is back in the mirror, with affirmations of stardom. Finn comes in with flowers, and says she is definitely ready for her audition. She announces she will sing Don't Rain on My Parade from the 1964 Broadway show Funny Girl, and the 1968 film of the same name.



A minute into the song she forgets the lyrics, and when she restarts she messes up even sooner. The audition judge tells her there is no more chances, and it is over for her. She choked, and is a crying mess. The boys are in the room, helping Puck cram for his test. He is tired and cranky, and somehow is asked about the rainfall in Spain, so the boys of course break out an electrified version of The Rain in Spain from the 1956 Broadway production of My Fair Lady, also the 1964 film.



Afterwards, they are back to studying. Coach Sue is upset, Coach Beiste did not stay with her - she moved in with her sister instead. She tells the kids, hoping to teach them a lesson. The kids are moved, and she tells them she has moved out. She tells the girls they inspired her. In the classroom, Puck took his test, and some of those questions were in The Rain In Spain. Others were not. But he thinks he did well, so the boys can "hug it out" in the hallway. The girls apologize to Coach Beiste, and sing for her. They choose Shake It Out by Florence and The Machine, off the 2011 album Ceremonials.



This is a lovely acoustic version of the song. While they are singing, we discover Beiste has moved home, giving Cooter another chance. At Rachel's locker, Kurt tries to cheer her up, but it doesn't work. Rachel is still crushed, for it was she who choked. She cries, and Kurt gives her a hug, and leaves her to be by herself. She closes her locker and starts to sing Cry by Kelly Clarkson, off the 2009 album All Over Yet.



While she is singing, Puck gets his test back, and discovers he didn't pass. As she finishes the song in tears, the screen fades to black.

GLEE Redux • Dance With Somebody

Tonight is the long-awaited Whitney Houston episode, an evening dedicated to the music of the late legendary singer. I feel confident that, perhaps for the first time in a bit, the producers will allow someone other than Blaine and a guest star to sing all songs. In fact, I am kinda excited to hear Mercedes, Santana, and Rachel get a chance. Might be nice to hear from Puck, too.

The episode begins with Kurt, Santana and Rachel meeting at Mercedes' locker, and start singing How Will I Know.



It is a lovely moment for all. Quite nicely done. Mr. Schue is chatting with Ms. Pillsbury, talking about how the death of Whitney Houston has effected the kids, and she remembers how the death of Princess Diana took a toll on her. It gives Mr. Schue an idea, and he goes into the class to announce the assignment. The kids must pick a Whitney song that will really speak for them. Kurt is, of course, quite excited, and after class talks to a distracted Blaine. He asks boyfirned Blaine to go with him to check out music, but Blaine can't join him at Between The Sheets, the music store. While Kurt is at the store alone, a boy starts a conversation with him, and eventually asks for his number. That gives Kurt pause. Back in the choir room, Brittany sings I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).



She pulls Santana up to join her, and this is wonderful, frothy fun. Afterwards, Brittany announces that in her dreams, Quinn is dancing with them. Quinn looks hurt. After class, the dread-locked Christian boy Joe asks to go with Quinn to her physical therapy appointments. Quinn looks interested. Rachel catches Kurt getting a playful text, and assumes it is from Blaine. It is not, and there is some debate about the innocence of them. Back in the chorus room, Joe and Quinn step up for their song, and they do Saving All My Love for You.



We see the flirtation of the physical therapy appointments, and Joe pulling back. Quinn does as well, and seems hurt. Back in the school, Santana and Rachel team up to sing So Emotional.



The kids are loving it, and some have their phones out, videoing the girls. It is quite fun, and both sound great. And Kurt is giggling about an incoming text. Blaine notices, and looks hurt. In the bathroom, the girls joke about Quinn's relationship with Joe. She stops them all short, telling them Joe isn't interested in her and her chair. Joe is in the locker room, asking Sam about handling "those" feelings. "The one's in your pants," Sam clarifies. They talk about being a Christian, and how it won't allow sex. Sam mentions that tattoos are taboo, but that didn't stop Joe, did it. Joe has to learn to define himself, not just let others define him. Kurt walks into his room to an angry Blaine, who has been sitting there as the texts have poured in. He accuses Kurt of being unfaithful, with those texts. Kurt mentions the pain of being Blaine's boyfriend, once a star, now a supporting player. Blaine talks about changing his life to be with Kurt. Both are talking, but neither really listens. This ignites Blaine to sing It's Not Right But It's Okay.



Blaine storms out, and Kurt looks devastated. Rachel goes up to Santana to cement their new-found friendship. They realize there is just about a month and a half until graduation, and how much time they have wasted as enemies. Kurt and his Dad get a moment together, and talk about what is happening. Monumental changes are coming, and they both are avoiding what that entails - a separation. Kurt realizes what is happening, and relates it to his struggles with Blaine. In the chorus room, he sings I Have Nothing.



He sings it to Blaine, who sits there looking teary-eyed. In fact, all the kids seem to pull a bit closer to loved ones. Back in the locker room, Puck hands out little presents he has stolen from houses on his pool route. He wants to recall all the bro-ments he has shared with the boys. Ms Pillsbury is chatting with Kurt and Blaine, trying to help they through their problems. Both boys open up and finally start to listen and talk to one another, and Blaine talks of his feelings of being left behind by Kurt, and his being alone next year while Kurt is in New York with Rachel. They cry, and hug. Mr. Schue is greeting Ms. Pillsbury with champagne, talking about having their wedding at a campgrounds. She quickly realizes he is in a hurry to have the wedding before the kids leave for he also is feeling left behind by students he holds so dear. Back in physical therapy, Quinn feels Joe's erection while he helps her with her exercises. They talk, and both are unsure as to what it is, but both want to take their time and discover it together. Blaine greets Kurt at his locker, and wants to blow of the optional Glee practice to go make out. No one will be there, they all have other plans. Kurt wants to savor the few Glee practices they have together. They go, and find Mercedes and Artie are singing My Love Is Your Love.



One by one, they all come back in to join in the song. There is a real sweetness, and a purity to this cover. Mr. Schue is the last to arrive, and he is moved they all made time for Glee, for their very special time together. There should be a group hug, but instead, they pass around a picture of Whitney Houston. Not that different, really.

GLEE Redux • Big Brother

This is my recap of the most recent episode of GLEE, with music and videos of the original artists, not the Gleeks. Tonight's episode, Big Brother, featured the astonishingly handsome Matt Bomer as Blaine's older brother. That alone is worth a watch. And Big Brother was directed by Eric Stoltz, who I remember quite fondly as an actor in such great movies as Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Back To The Future, Some Kind Of Wonderful, and Mask.

Clockwise from top: Elton John; Duran Duran; Givers; Christina Aguilera; and Gotye.

The show opens with Rachel and Finn talking about the wedding that was postponed in the wake of Quinn's accident. That is when Quinn pulls up in her wheelchair, talking about how happy she is. She is joined by Artie, and they start with Elton John's I'm Still Standing.



She talks to the class, mentioning she is recovering and will be dancing by Nationals. In Principal Figgins' office, Sue discovers that she will be joined by Roz as co-coaches of the Cheerios. To cut that off, she promises to bring the Glee National title to McKinley. She takes over the Booty camps, and is tossing Androids, and being generally abusive, as Sue is wont to do. Mr. Schue tries to intercede, mentioning that it seems pregnancy has not made for a kinder and gentler Coach Sue. But soon, he and Ms. Pillsbury will be joining her for an ob-gyn appointment. Blaine and Kurt are walking down the hallway, talking about Blaine's brother. The exceedingly handsome brother shows up, and we learn he is the spokesman for FreeCreditReport.Com. Puck catches up with Finn, and wants to talk about a business opportunity. There are many more pools in southern California, so Puck wants to move the pool-cleaning business there. And he wants Finn to co-own with him. Fin is not on board, as he is moving the New York with Rachel. Sue pulls him aside, and will be teaching an acting class. He mentions he and Blaine were famous for their Simon LeBon impressions. So they sing a mash-up of Duran Duran's Hungry Like the Wolf...



And Duran Duran's Rio.



Afterwards, when discover Cooper Anderson, Blaine's brother, is quite vain, and really suffocating to Blaine. Later, at dinner, Cooper is telling Blaine how he can get better, and when Blaine brings up past issues, Cooper claims no memory. But wants to make sure Blaine is for his class. Quinn is encouraged to try a steep handicap ramp by Artie. He asks her to join him for Senior Ditch Day. In the Acting Masterclass, Cooper is giving advice about the #1 acting secret - pointing. And ignoring the other actors totally. When he is questioned by Blaine, Cooper shuts him down with more silly advice. Puck and Finn are working on a pool, and a good-looking cougar comes out to hit on Finn, and then Puck mentions how hot the ladies are in California. Sue goes with Schue and Ms. Pillsbury to her doctor, and finds out she is having a girl. Only, there are irregularities with the amniocentesis. Back at the school, Cooper is sucking up all the attention he can, calls Blaine "squirt" and bags on his wardrobe. Blaine goes off, and sings Christina Aguilera's Fighter.



Finn almost walks into another student while texting, and wheelchair-bound Quinn calls him on it. She also announces that she and Artie will be having their Own Senior Ditch Day, Artie-style. Sue is back at her desk, and Becky comes in to congratulate her for having a baby girl. And advises her to work on her patience... Artie and Quinn go to a skaterz park, and are rolling away with other challenged athletes, singing the Givers' Up Up Up.



We also see clips of the other kids at the amusement park, on roller coasters and all. Quinn is so glad Artie planned this day, but really doesn't relate to the kids there, for her condition is only temporary. Artie tries to tell her he was there once, but the sooner she accepts reality the better. Quinn is angry, and storms off. Back in school, Quinn is approached by dreadlocked Christian boy, Joe Hart. He is kind, and she invites him to join her and the New Directions. Sue gives a sweet speech, and it seems pregnancy is doing something. Kurt convinces Blaine to join Cooper in the auditorium, to try to iron out their relationship the way Blaine does best - by singing cover songs. He and Cooper sing a break-up anthem, Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know, featuring Kimbro.



It is angry and slightly yucky to have brothers sing that relationship song. They share a tender moment after the shout at one another. They are closer at the end, and will hug and make it better. They run off, and make an audition tape for Michael Bay, who has cancelled Cooper's audition. At Finn's locker, Rachel and Finn discuss the future. Finn mentions moving to California, which throws Rachel. She needs to be in New York City, and needs Finn with her. He is feeling a bit left out of the discussion, more like a subplot to a show. Rachel is left speechless. Next week, it is time for a disco celebration on Saturday Night Glee-ver!

GLEE Redux • On My Way

Clockwise: Young The Giant; The Wanted; Halestorm; R Kelly; Nicki Minaj; Kelly Clarkson, Lenny Kravitz.

Rachel and Kurt are talking paging through wedding magazines, when they are joined by Sebastian, who insults Kurt and threatens to post a Photoshopped picture of Finn, naked and in heels. In the chorus room, the kids are upset, especially Finn. It is even worse when he hears Rachel will still be performing at regionals, and Sebastian will be posting it. He storms out. We are suddenly with Quinn, who stops by to talk to Coach Sue about rejoining the Cheerios, and discovers Sue is pregnant, and suffering morning sickness. Quinn offers some suggestions, only to find out Sue will not hear about her returning to the cheer squad. Back in the chorus room, Blaine is on edge, trying to not think about Sebastian's treachery. Blaine decides to sing Cough Syrup by Young The Giant, a song about tolerance.



While Blaine is singing, we see Karofsky going into the locker room, only to be met with the letters F-A-G across his locker, and taunting and ridicule from the boys in the locker room. Karofsky runs out of the school, and soon we see him at home, looking to end his pain and misery, by hanging himself.

I loose about 10minutes of the show, here, and will start up again with The Warblers up first, with Sebastian on the lead. They sing Stand by Lenny Kravitz.



After asking for donations for a noble cause, the Warblers kick off a second song, and they sing Glad You Came by The Wanted.



Just before they take to the stage, Rachel and Finn announce they are marrying after the competition. When it is time for the McKinley team to perform, they take the stage, and they do a mash up of Fly by Nicki Minaj featuring Rihanna...



...and the iconic I Believe I Can Fly by R.Kelly.



Quickly, the boys leave the stage to the girls, and lead by Santana and Brittany, they sing Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson.



Soon, it is all Santana and Mercedes, and they finish the song. Then it is all about Rachel, who sings Halestorm's Here's To Us.



The results are given by the vampiric host, and New Directions of McKinley High are the regional champions. There is celebrating to be had. Sue calls Quinn into the office, and gives her a Cheerios uniform. She puts in on, and runs into Rachel in the hallway, and tells her she wants to come to the wedding. They hug. Then Kurt goes to see Karofsky in the hospital, just before he is released. Kurt is near tears, and wants to apologize for not returning his calls. Karofsky says it is ok, for he understood. He made Kurt's life hell for months, and when he got a does of it himself, he lasted less than a week. Karofsky apologies to Kurt, and then admits his parents and friends have disowned him. Kurt wants to help him, stand by him. He talks about the future, when he can leave this pain behind all behind. Kurt offers to stand by him. Coach Sylvester sees Mr. Schue in the hallway of the Justice, and tells him she is pregnant. Finn's and Rachel's parents talk about it, and plot how to stop the wedding. Cut to Rachel and Finn just before they see the Justice of the Peace. Quinn text messages saying she is running late. As the strains of Chapel Of Love by The Dixie Cups, play...



We see Rachel sending a text to Quinn, finding out where she is. Finn is getting impatient, And we see Quinn answering as she drives to the wedding while texting "On My Way," and we hear the awful sounds of a car wreck. The episode is over...