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 • Asian F

As I continue with my ongoing scheduling problems, I thought I would continue to recap GLEE, only a tad later than most others. GLEE is now on a "baseball hiatus," as Fox carries the Major League Baseball playoffs, returning in three weeks, on November 1st. So here is my recap of the episode that aired on October 4th.

The episode opens with Mercedes showing up to Booty Camp late, blaming her alarm clock. We also see Santana is back on board, but hiding it from Sue.Mercedes starts to work, only to have to stop when she is feeling sick. Mr. Schue is not impressed, and tells all the kids he doesn't want their best, he needs better!



Soon we see Mr. Schue with Miss Pillsbury at home before school, when Mr. Schue discovers her collection of Bridal magazines. He wants to bring more than just his porn collection to light, he also wants to meet her parents, which immediately causes Miss Pillsbury to panic, before figuring out there is no option. She retreats and regroups!

Mike Chang is at Principal Figgins' office with his father, who is concerned Mike is on drugs - his grade of A- in Chemistry is an "Asian F," he tells the principal. Mike Chang Sr. fears his son's failure is due to the Glee club, and his girlfriend, Tina. The father wants to put an end to both activities. Mike promises to work with a tutor, do whatever it takes if his father just gives him one more chance to prove himself.

Coach Beiste calls a meeting of the football team to tell them they are all to audition for the school musical, West Side Story. They must have a dance ready to go. They all look to Mike, who is feeling a bit pressured at the moment.



Rachel and Mercedes meet up in the lunch room, and her boyfriend Shane, a football player, notices her hugging her rival for the role of Maria. He is not impressed. He wants her to know that she is better than Rachel. She is moved and sings Spotlight by Jennifer Hudson.



And as would happen, this is the song she sings for the auditions. The trio of directors, Miss Pillsbury, Coach Beiste and Artie, are all impressed by the performance. So is Rachel, who is in the wings and looks worried. Next we see her talking to Kurt, who is leading the class president polls by 11 points. But Santana has a plan for Brittany's campaign, Girl Power. No, not the Spice Girl kind, more of the Beyoncé sort. Brittany sings Run The World (Girls).



Soon the whole school is at her Pep Rally, and dancing to her tune. Kurt sees his dreams of extracurricular additions to his application to NYADA might be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Mr. Schue comes across Miss Pillsbury and Coach Beiste as they sort through the quandary of who to cast as Maria, Rachel or Mercedes. They are torn. In fact, they want Rachel and Mercedes to audition once again. They want them to sing a song from the movie Fame. Afterwards, Rachel attempts to offer Mercedes a hug, only to be rebuffed.

Mike is getting ready to meet the tutor, when he comes across the dance room. He goes in to dance off some of his frustrations. Instead, he has an inner-dialogue with his father and with Tina. He comes to the realization that he wants to audition for the role of Riff. He sings and dances his way through Cool from West Side Story.



While Coach Beiste loads up on carbs, she discovers no girls have auditioned for Shelby Corcoran's Glee-club, and Mr. Schue is himself to understand what is up with Miss Pillsbury not introducing him to her parents. But soon he is back at the booty camp with Mike, telling the kids how impressed he has been. Soon they get to the latest assignment. Everyone clears the test, except Mercedes. When called on it, she fights back, and starts to walk out. The lights change, and she sings It's All Over from Dreamgirls, with the kids.



Mike is in the dance room, and his mother shows up and calls him on the lies he has been telling. He admits to auditioning for the show, and wanting to be an artist. She stands by him, and gives him a big hug. It seems she too loved to dance, and they dance together. Now, it is time for the Maria-off, and Mercedes sings first, followed by Rachel. They sing Out Here On My Own sung by Irene Cara in the movie Fame.



Rachel comes off the stage and is upset. Finn tells her she was great. Rachel thinks Mercedes was better. Soon she is rushing to see Coach Beiste. Miss Pillsbury comes home to discover a table set for four, and wonders what Mr. Schue might be up to. When she finds it is her parents, she flees. It seems they are Ginger Supremists - preferring the company of other redheads. They fear the gingers will cease to exist soon. Mr. Schue calls them on their odd leanings. Cut to Kurt talking to Rachel, both feeling their dreams are slipping away. Rachel is running for class president because she thinks Mercedes will be cast as Maria, and she needs something for her application. Kurt points out he is running not just for a credit, but he just might be able to make the school a little bit better for gay kids like himself. Rachel doesn't relent.



It is time to get the casting news, and the indecisive trio make a decision. They will double-cast the role, and run for 2 weeks instead of one. Mercedes will have none of it, and bows out, leaving Rachel as Maria. Rachel sees Finn, who hopes the casting means she will drop out of the race with his step-brother. She won't. He walks away, unsure who will get his vote.

Miss Pillsbury is still ridden with anxiety of her parent's visit, and Mr. Schue tries to figure out how to help her overcome her demons. They get on their knees to prays by the bed, and will sings Fix You by Coldplay.



The notice goes up with the audition results, and Mike is cast as Riff, and celebrates with Tina. Blaine is Tony, and gets a hug from Kurt. Rachel is Maria, and is alone with her news, and a distraught Mercedes goes to see Miss Cocoran to enlist in her new show choir.

See you in November!

Sue Sylvester Vogues

Words cannot describe the awesomeness. Jane Lynch, I love you. Crank it up, people!



Oh, yeah, I watched GLEE, thought it was very good. Jonathan Groff was an excellent addition to the show. Idina Menzel, another great casting winner, although I expect more to come for her. But, the winner of the night is Jane Lynch doing Madonna. Just Wow!

GLEE TV - New Scoop!

Michael Ausiello at EW.com got the latest scoop from Producer Ryan Murphy, and it is some great stuff. And I do mean some interesting and explosive stuff! To read the report in full, click here.

He’s putting Rachel and Puck back together! “I was really surprised [viewers responded so favorably to that pairing],” he says. “I thought people would find her to be far too irritating for him. But by the time [we heard that feedback], we had already shot the first 13 [episodes]. But because I read that — in your column, actually, so you get the blame — I was like, ‘I’m going to get them together in some way.’ So we just finished [writing] a special episode where they are together, and they have two numbers together. It’s episode 4, Bad Reputation.”

Neil Patrick Harris is nearing a deal to appear in the May sweeps Glee episode that’s being helmed by his Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog director, Joss Whedon. Anyway, Harris wants to do it, and Glee creator Ryan Murphy sure as hell wants him to — he’s creating a role especially for the How I Met Your Mother scene-stealer. And yes, the part includes a little song-’n'-dance. In fact, the gig not only would reunite Harris with Whedon, it’d also reteam him with Zachary Woodlee, who choreographed the musical number in HIMYM’s recent 100th episode. The one possible snag — and there’s always one, isn’t there? CBS has to OK its MVP’s appearance on Fox’s breakout hit. But at least since HIMYM and Glee are both produced by 20th Century Fox, there’s no conflict on their end.

The upcoming Madonna episode deserves to be called “very special.” “It’s big… huge. We’re shooting it now. It’s got like 10 numbers in it, and the production value is very big. We adore her and worship her, so when I’m directing, I’m always like, ‘Do it for Madonna.’” (Ed. note: Murphy wouldn’t say which Madge tune Jane Lynch’s Sue would be doing, but I can confirm that it’s Vogue.)

He’s gonna keep us seeing stars. “We got Olivia [Newton-John],” he recounts. “She’s going to come on and do Physical with Jane Lynch. Jennifer Lopez wants to do the show, so I’m going to meet with her. In the past couple of months, a lot of people are coming out saying they love the show and would I meet with them and write something. But I don’t want to stunt-cast too much, because I think the [musical] numbers are already so extravagant. If I do Jennifer, I would want her to be, like, a lunch lady. And [exec producer] Brad Falchuk is obsessed with having Bruce Springsteen on the show, so I’m sure we’ll go after him at some point.”

Kurt’s gonna get lucky. “We just announced we’re doing a nationwide search for the season 2 cast, and [a boyfriend for Kurt is] one of the three roles that we’re adding. And we’re going to make them a power couple. We’re not going to do the whole hiding in the shadows thing. We’re going to make them popular, and out and proud and glamorous. Like prom king and king. We’re doing the opposite of what’s been done.” But wait, there’s more: “We’re also casting sort of a Eve Harrington [from All About Eve] to kind of steal Rachel’s thunder a little. So those are two of the three.”

So, only three more months until we get more GLEE in our lives. Damn. At least we know the are filming the rest of the season now!

GLEE TV - Latest Scoop

Scott Huver of People Magazine Online is reporting about some plot twists and guest stars, making me very excited about what could be coming once the show heads back to the air in the spring. Some of the highlights include:



CASTING SEARCH
FOX executives have revealed that in February, the network will begin scouring the country for undiscovered talent between, ages16 to 26, to fill three new roles in the show’s newly announced season 2. The search will be documented in a multi-part reality special, which will culminate in the unveiling of the new cast members on Glee’s season premiere in the fall.

“We were going to do a nationwide search regardless,” FOX president Kevin Reilly told reporters Monday, noting that some of the original cast, like Chris Colfer, were discovered that way. “So we decided to let the audience in as a part of that. There will not be formal voting. The audience will not decide, but the audience will certainly participate. They will give us their opinions on who they want and who they like.”



READY FOR ROMANCE?
When Glee returns April 13, will choir director Will (Matthew Morrison), who was distraught after discovering his wife Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) faked her pregnancy, be on a fast track to romance with guidance counselor Emma (Jayma Mays)? Not so fast, says Mays, who attended FOX’s Winter TCA party. “[Series creator] Ryan Murphy said that it’s his job as a writer to keep us apart,” she says.



CHOIR DRAMA
Meanwhile, the show choir’s internal dramas will continue to heat up McKinley High. Dianna Agron tells PEOPLE her ex-Cheerio character Quinn is “still pregnant and just focusing on moving past the ‘woe is me’ moments of being pregnant, so it’s fun again! She’s back to her old spunky ways and we’re learning so much more about all the characters, whether it be at home with their families or in the school.”



GUEST STARS GALORE
In addition to more of Kristin Chenoweth, who appeared earlier this season as former glee-club star April Rhodes, the cast is excited to be joined by Idina Menzel and Olivia Newton-John. Of former Wicked star Menzel, Cory Monteith says, “I haven’t gotten to meet her yet but she’s around. I could sense her extremely talented presence somewhere on set today.” But will Menzel being playing the birth mother of Rachel, as has been speculated due to her strong resemblance to series star Lea Michele? “No, not Lea’s mom,” declares Gilsig cryptically. “It’s going to be interesting.”

And Jane Lynch reveals that the show’s arch villainess, Cheerios coach Sue Sylvester, will perform a duet with another amazing guest star: “I have two songs this season,” Lynch says. “One is ‘Let’s Get Physical’ with Olivia Newton-John.”

GLEE TV- Sectionals - Fall Finale

I don't usually do a recap, but since this is the last episode for five months, I figured I would just do it so I would have something with which to refer next May. After the recap of the last episode, we jump right in. I am not nearly as witty as my friend David Dust, so I am including screen caps. Click on the pictures to see them bigger. For those who haven't seen it yet, this is a total spoiler, so beware.




The kids are talking to Rachel, who reveals she is a little psychic, and is on to the fact Puck is the father of Quinn's baby, This leads to a wonderful phone exchange, with most of the participants within spitting distance of one another. Meanwhile, Emma tells Mr. Shu that she will take the kids to sectionals, even though it is the day of her wedding. She tells Shu that Ken doesn't mind, but we know otherwise.

Rachel talks to Quinn, to test her theory Puck is the father. Quinn runs to Puck at the start of rehearsals and Rachel knows. Mr. Shu announces Emma will take over for the Glee club, and says good-bye. The kids come up with their set list, and Proud Mary in wheelchairs and Don't Stop Believing are definitely in, they just need a ballad. Rachel steps up, only to be met by Mercedes, who wants her chance. She slays And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going. Despite seeing her dream dim, Rachel graciously steps aside.




Finn notices, and chats to Rachel, which leads to her telling him the news. Cut to Finn beating the crap out of Puck. Quinn tearfully tells Finn it is true. Rachel talks to Quinn, and Quinn tells her she wasn't brave enough to tell the truth, she can't be mad. And neither can have Finn. Puck comes to Quinn and tells her he will step up and be with her and be the father. Quinn tells him no, and walks away.





Mr Shu shows up to wish Emma and the team a great trip, without Finn. Icky Jacob is there to be the 12th person, with hopes of hitting on Rachel. At the sectionals, they are singing last, and the first group comes out singing And I'm Telling You... and then Proud Mary in wheelchairs, and Emma puts a panicked call to Mr Shu, explaining bladder issues and that Artie keeps running into the wall. Mr Shu confronts Sue, who revels in her apparent victory, even making fun of his 'lesbian' hair, offering that she 'loves him like a sister.' He finds Finn in the locker room, and they chat and it comes down to the fact that sometimes, being special sucks. And Shu tells Finn he can't always get what he wants and leaves Finn with the keys to his car.






Emma confronts the other team advisers about their cheating ways. The deaf kids sing Don't Stop Believing [badly], but the crowd is in tears. The kids meet to figure out what to do, and give Rachel the ballad, which she just happens to have ready. They will close with Somebody To Love, but need a middle song. Finn walks in, and brings a song. Puck wants to make up, but Finn is having none of that. Mr Shu is on the phone with Emma. The music to Don't Rain on my Parade, starts, and Rachel comes out of the back of the audience, and works the aisle, completely nailing the song. The kids come walking down to join her on the stage. As she finished, the audience leaps to their feet. She introduces the group, and they start singing the Rolling Stones song, You Can't Always Get What You Want. We see Mr Shu and this is the fist time this episode I shed a tear. Rachel and Finn sing the lead, with Artie and Mercedes adding soulful flavor. Another standing ovation.





Cut to the judges, a group of misfits and unhappy people. The assistant comptroller called the Jane Adams girls 'hoochie hos.' Their coach comes up to the kids in the hall, to say she will tell the judges they cheated and don't deserve to win. They have already decided, and don't want to listen to her.

Mr Shu preps for Ken & Emma's wedding, and Terri runs into him. She apologizes, and seeks to make the marriage work. It doesn't work for will. He goes to the reception, and finds Emma alone. Ken ended their relationship, as she went to Sectionals not for the kids, but for Mr Shu. She is leaving the school. We cut to the Principal, who is reading Sue the riot act for cheating and hurting the school. He takes away the Cheerio's squad, and she is suspended. Mr Shu is reinstated. Sue talks to Mr Shu in the hall, saying she will return 'Hellbent on his destruction.'





The kid shave a few things to show him, first being the trophy for winning sectionals. He tells them they have Regionals to worry about, and that Vocal Adrenaline are prepared and very good. First the kids have something for him, and break into song, singing My Life Would Suck Without You. As the kids dance and will smiles, we see Emma packing up her office. Will goes looking for Emma, finally finding her in the hall. Without words, he kisses her. They both smile. Roll credits.



We'll learn more...in FIVE MONTHS! Or FOUR MONTHS - UPDATED April 12, 2009!

To catch any episodes you've missed, you can find them online for FREE at Fox On Demand here or on Hulu here.