Glee: episode 2x11
Keep in mind, I write these reviews after seeing each episode a few days after it comes out in America, but then post them after the episode has screened in Australia, almost two weeks later. So I'm ahead by one episode now, but I haven't edited my review to reflect that except where noted, because these were my thoughts after seeing just this one.
So without further ado...
I need to talk about Glee, episode 2x11, first known as The Superbowl Episode, then renamed Thriller, and then renamed The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle, or possibly The Sue Sylvester Shuffle; I've seen both titles used, so buggered if I know what it's actually titled at this point.
Personally, I think the episode should have been called The Clash of the Clubs, because it's really about the clubs in the school - Glee Club, the Cheerios, the football team, and to a lesser extent the hockey team - clashing with each other. Or maybe Heads Will Roll since it's the title of one of the mash-up songs, and, well... *points to screencap above where Brittany's holding a dummy head* And in the end the only head that rolls is Sue's, but I'll get to that.
This episode made me fall in love with Glee all over again and reminded me why I love it so much. I mean, the show is insane, but when I'm alternatively swaying to the music and watching with my jaw on the floor and thoroughly enjoying myself both times, I can't help but love a show that makes me get that involved. (It's also the gayest show on TV at the moment, so that helps.)
Firstly, and arguably most importantly, how awesome is Coach Beiste? I love the way that woman runs the team and rules the locker room. Best football coach ever! And I love that all the guys respect her so much now.
Secondly... Dalton: Oh. My. God! That song! That performance! Those boys were amazing! I watched the whole thing just saying "wow" repeatedly. Just... wow. It was essentially a room full of experienced performers at their best. I am so glad I didn't watch any of the musical performances before I saw the episode, because it would have lessened the impact this had. I haven't been that blown away by a performance since Bad Romance.
The Warblers need to have more dancing by Nick, Jeff, David, and everyone else who was involved, and now I'm wondering if this is in response to New Directions' Brittany/Mike dancing at Sectionals. I know this was just a rehersal and their public performances might well be much more formal and proper, but if they applied this kind of performing at Regionals, they could walk away as winners, easily.
Blaine's right: if this is the direction the Warblers are going for Regionals, New Directions better pull out all the stops, because... well... wow!
Apparently Kurt and Blaine were a last-minute addition to the episode, and yet that scene in the coffee shop is one of the best and most heart-warming of the episode.
I love that Rachel was included in the friendship meet-up (even though Mercedes would have probably rolled her eyes hard when Kurt invited Rachel too). Blaine, Kurt, Mercedes, and Rachel having coffee together! *_* It's nice to see Kurt and Rachel getting along and talking without insulting each other now, and actually being something approaching friendly. And I love that Mercedes calls the four of them the "stars" of two rival Glee Clubs. Oh, Mercedes, I love you. ^_^
I'm confused now, though. Does Dalton have boarders or not? It's obviously a good private school, but does Kurt seriously drive almost two hours a day to get to school? He said he brings Finn warm milk "every night". I think the fandom assumes Dalton has boarders, or at least part of the student body boards, but that line implies Kurt still lives at home in Lima. I suppose it's possible he drives that far every day, I mean, I spent 90 minutes travelling to high school every day and the same time going home again, for six years, so I guess it's do-able. But then what about the Christmas episode where Kurt was studying at school and Mr Schuester came to see him there, not in Lima, plus it was already dark outside, so if he still had to get home...? Or was Kurt talking about the holidays and weekends, and shortened the phrase from "every night that I'm there", but now he's not? I suppose you could interpret it either way.
[EDIT: 2011.2.11 - There's some discussion on this point going on here, with some interesting explanations (contains spoilers for episode 12).]
[EDIT: 2011.2.14 - It just occured to me, Kurt's crack about the scarves... So far we haven't seen Blaine repeat a scarf, while Kurt is wearing the same scarf in the next episode as he is in that one. So either Kurt's comment can be translated to: "Blaine loves football. I love Blaine". Or else Blaine is stealing all of Kurt's scarf collection.]
Anyway, I love the fact that Blaine - sports nut that he is - knows all the rules and loopholes for high school football. He doesn't actually suggest the girls join, but I love that the girls take on his information, run with it, and sign themselves up with so much enthusiasm to make up the numbers. Because clearly, that's what you do when you need more men. I really love these girls!
Lauren, as usual, is awesome. Have I mentioned before how much I love the fact that there's a female wrestler in the club? Because I do. Her growling "you're gonna die" at the opposing team was brilliant.
Also, they all look so good in those unifoms. *_*
Azimo: What the hell are they doing?
Finn: What you don't have the balls to do.
Which leads me to my favourite part of the episode:
Tina! Tina! Tina!
I have loved that girl since the first episode, and I love her even more here. I love that she's the first of the girls (aside from Lauren) to essentially say, 'I'm sick of this', and quite literally get up and go for it. *waves Tina flag* And does she actually score a goal for the team? It's not exactly clear in the episode but it's certainly implied. Tina scored McKinley's first goal, people!
All the girls are awesome in this episode, though. I love Rachel, from her refusal to share the choir room with a homophobe, to her thirst for kicking some arse on the field. Quinn gets to prove why she's Head Cheerleader, sparring with Sue and leading her girls. I just wanted to hug Brittany throughout the whole episode. Even Santana publically pinned her colours to the Glee Club in the end! I'm so glad all three Cheerios got to be awesome together.
And look who's in the stands at the game:
The Hummel-Hudson family! With Blaine. I can't wait to see more Hummel-Hudson family story in my Glee. Especially with Finn and Kurt. They're my current favourite TV family.
Puck was also great this episode. He was the one who got the football team out onto the field again, all on his own, not two episodes after they jumped him for his Springsteen pitch. He really came through in this episode.
In fact, I loved all the Glee characters so much in this episode. I guess that's the key to writing an episode where your audience ends up liking all the main characters: juxtapose them with a common foe, in this case, the football team.
I loved seeing the footballers getting slushied by the hockey team! That was awesome! I shouldn't cheer, but I did, because I am a terrible person. That picture will never get old. ^_^
I still don't like Karofsky, but Max Adler is a very good actor. I still don't really want to see the character redeemed. I just want him gone, because the thought of him running into Kurt again gives me palpitations. Karofsky's still the same violent thug he's been since the start of the season, terrified of others finding out he's questioning his sexuality, over-compensating and making him worse than all the other guys on the football team. I'm just glad Kurt's far, far away from him now.
I'm still on the fence about Finn's character. Sometimes he's ok; other times I wish the show didn't focus on him so much. As much as I like to see characters getting along, I really don't like how chummy he is with Karofsky. I wish Finn could see how much damage Karofsky's done to Kurt, even without knowing about the creepy, sexual aspect of the bullying. I wonder what, if anything, will change if (when?) Finn finds out about that part. I'd hope something would change, or he'd get a clue at least, because at this stage he's still a bit too thick and idealistic. Look, Finn, you cannot just fix things with an apology. Karofsky is not like you. What he did and what you did to bully Kurt, are not even in the same league. You never forced Kurt to flee the school in fear. Argh! Boy needs to be hit with a clue-by-four.
I guess I'm still waiting for Finn to step up to the plate. He's apologised to Kurt for not being there, but he has yet to actually do anything to make up for that. I'm sure he will eventually, it just might take a while. I just really want them to be family.
This is why I have such lovely daydreams of Finn punching Karofsky in the face. I know violence doesn't help anything, and would likely only get Finn into trouble, but it would feel so good!
Anyway, on another note, that last scene with Finn and Quinn was just... Ok, it was good that they were re-connecting, and I'd like to see them get along, rather than ignore each other, but that ending was just... urgh. Though I do like the bitter symmetry of it: first she cheats on him, then she cheats with him, on someone else.
Finally, I love that Sue lost. So now she's being positioned as villain again, because she will want revenge for this, and that will be very interesting to watch. And Mr Schuester was a smug bastard in his funding victory, so they will clash again, and it will be glorious. I think they enjoy their wars against each other far too much.
The star Cheerios turning their backs and walking away from Sue was one of the best moments. She deserved it though, for forcing her students to choose. And for manipulating Brittany into signing that consent form.
Oh, and all the musical numbers were spectacular this episode!
I've already said how much I loved the Warblers' one, and Thriller/Heads Will Roll really was as amazing as everyone said it would be. Usually when things are hyped up that way I roll my eyes and think it can't possibly be that good, but I was impressed this time. Especially by Finn's and Santana's voices. And oh the make-up! Sooo good.
Turns out, Beiste's and Schuester's plan to bring the clubs together did actually work out.
There was so much I loved about this episode. Though I initially finished it thinking: "This show is insane. Truly insane.". Which is part of the reason I like it, I suppose. But, yes, insane and fun.
So without further ado...
I need to talk about Glee, episode 2x11, first known as The Superbowl Episode, then renamed Thriller, and then renamed The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle, or possibly The Sue Sylvester Shuffle; I've seen both titles used, so buggered if I know what it's actually titled at this point.
Personally, I think the episode should have been called The Clash of the Clubs, because it's really about the clubs in the school - Glee Club, the Cheerios, the football team, and to a lesser extent the hockey team - clashing with each other. Or maybe Heads Will Roll since it's the title of one of the mash-up songs, and, well... *points to screencap above where Brittany's holding a dummy head* And in the end the only head that rolls is Sue's, but I'll get to that.
This episode made me fall in love with Glee all over again and reminded me why I love it so much. I mean, the show is insane, but when I'm alternatively swaying to the music and watching with my jaw on the floor and thoroughly enjoying myself both times, I can't help but love a show that makes me get that involved. (It's also the gayest show on TV at the moment, so that helps.)
Firstly, and arguably most importantly, how awesome is Coach Beiste? I love the way that woman runs the team and rules the locker room. Best football coach ever! And I love that all the guys respect her so much now.
Secondly... Dalton: Oh. My. God! That song! That performance! Those boys were amazing! I watched the whole thing just saying "wow" repeatedly. Just... wow. It was essentially a room full of experienced performers at their best. I am so glad I didn't watch any of the musical performances before I saw the episode, because it would have lessened the impact this had. I haven't been that blown away by a performance since Bad Romance.
The Warblers need to have more dancing by Nick, Jeff, David, and everyone else who was involved, and now I'm wondering if this is in response to New Directions' Brittany/Mike dancing at Sectionals. I know this was just a rehersal and their public performances might well be much more formal and proper, but if they applied this kind of performing at Regionals, they could walk away as winners, easily.
Blaine's right: if this is the direction the Warblers are going for Regionals, New Directions better pull out all the stops, because... well... wow!
Apparently Kurt and Blaine were a last-minute addition to the episode, and yet that scene in the coffee shop is one of the best and most heart-warming of the episode.
I love that Rachel was included in the friendship meet-up (even though Mercedes would have probably rolled her eyes hard when Kurt invited Rachel too). Blaine, Kurt, Mercedes, and Rachel having coffee together! *_* It's nice to see Kurt and Rachel getting along and talking without insulting each other now, and actually being something approaching friendly. And I love that Mercedes calls the four of them the "stars" of two rival Glee Clubs. Oh, Mercedes, I love you. ^_^
I'm confused now, though. Does Dalton have boarders or not? It's obviously a good private school, but does Kurt seriously drive almost two hours a day to get to school? He said he brings Finn warm milk "every night". I think the fandom assumes Dalton has boarders, or at least part of the student body boards, but that line implies Kurt still lives at home in Lima. I suppose it's possible he drives that far every day, I mean, I spent 90 minutes travelling to high school every day and the same time going home again, for six years, so I guess it's do-able. But then what about the Christmas episode where Kurt was studying at school and Mr Schuester came to see him there, not in Lima, plus it was already dark outside, so if he still had to get home...? Or was Kurt talking about the holidays and weekends, and shortened the phrase from "every night that I'm there", but now he's not? I suppose you could interpret it either way.
[EDIT: 2011.2.11 - There's some discussion on this point going on here, with some interesting explanations (contains spoilers for episode 12).]
[EDIT: 2011.2.14 - It just occured to me, Kurt's crack about the scarves... So far we haven't seen Blaine repeat a scarf, while Kurt is wearing the same scarf in the next episode as he is in that one. So either Kurt's comment can be translated to: "Blaine loves football. I love Blaine". Or else Blaine is stealing all of Kurt's scarf collection.]
Anyway, I love the fact that Blaine - sports nut that he is - knows all the rules and loopholes for high school football. He doesn't actually suggest the girls join, but I love that the girls take on his information, run with it, and sign themselves up with so much enthusiasm to make up the numbers. Because clearly, that's what you do when you need more men. I really love these girls!
Lauren, as usual, is awesome. Have I mentioned before how much I love the fact that there's a female wrestler in the club? Because I do. Her growling "you're gonna die" at the opposing team was brilliant.
Also, they all look so good in those unifoms. *_*
Azimo: What the hell are they doing?
Finn: What you don't have the balls to do.
Which leads me to my favourite part of the episode:
Tina! Tina! Tina!
I have loved that girl since the first episode, and I love her even more here. I love that she's the first of the girls (aside from Lauren) to essentially say, 'I'm sick of this', and quite literally get up and go for it. *waves Tina flag* And does she actually score a goal for the team? It's not exactly clear in the episode but it's certainly implied. Tina scored McKinley's first goal, people!
All the girls are awesome in this episode, though. I love Rachel, from her refusal to share the choir room with a homophobe, to her thirst for kicking some arse on the field. Quinn gets to prove why she's Head Cheerleader, sparring with Sue and leading her girls. I just wanted to hug Brittany throughout the whole episode. Even Santana publically pinned her colours to the Glee Club in the end! I'm so glad all three Cheerios got to be awesome together.
And look who's in the stands at the game:
The Hummel-Hudson family! With Blaine. I can't wait to see more Hummel-Hudson family story in my Glee. Especially with Finn and Kurt. They're my current favourite TV family.
Puck was also great this episode. He was the one who got the football team out onto the field again, all on his own, not two episodes after they jumped him for his Springsteen pitch. He really came through in this episode.
In fact, I loved all the Glee characters so much in this episode. I guess that's the key to writing an episode where your audience ends up liking all the main characters: juxtapose them with a common foe, in this case, the football team.
I loved seeing the footballers getting slushied by the hockey team! That was awesome! I shouldn't cheer, but I did, because I am a terrible person. That picture will never get old. ^_^
I still don't like Karofsky, but Max Adler is a very good actor. I still don't really want to see the character redeemed. I just want him gone, because the thought of him running into Kurt again gives me palpitations. Karofsky's still the same violent thug he's been since the start of the season, terrified of others finding out he's questioning his sexuality, over-compensating and making him worse than all the other guys on the football team. I'm just glad Kurt's far, far away from him now.
I'm still on the fence about Finn's character. Sometimes he's ok; other times I wish the show didn't focus on him so much. As much as I like to see characters getting along, I really don't like how chummy he is with Karofsky. I wish Finn could see how much damage Karofsky's done to Kurt, even without knowing about the creepy, sexual aspect of the bullying. I wonder what, if anything, will change if (when?) Finn finds out about that part. I'd hope something would change, or he'd get a clue at least, because at this stage he's still a bit too thick and idealistic. Look, Finn, you cannot just fix things with an apology. Karofsky is not like you. What he did and what you did to bully Kurt, are not even in the same league. You never forced Kurt to flee the school in fear. Argh! Boy needs to be hit with a clue-by-four.
I guess I'm still waiting for Finn to step up to the plate. He's apologised to Kurt for not being there, but he has yet to actually do anything to make up for that. I'm sure he will eventually, it just might take a while. I just really want them to be family.
This is why I have such lovely daydreams of Finn punching Karofsky in the face. I know violence doesn't help anything, and would likely only get Finn into trouble, but it would feel so good!
Anyway, on another note, that last scene with Finn and Quinn was just... Ok, it was good that they were re-connecting, and I'd like to see them get along, rather than ignore each other, but that ending was just... urgh. Though I do like the bitter symmetry of it: first she cheats on him, then she cheats with him, on someone else.
Finally, I love that Sue lost. So now she's being positioned as villain again, because she will want revenge for this, and that will be very interesting to watch. And Mr Schuester was a smug bastard in his funding victory, so they will clash again, and it will be glorious. I think they enjoy their wars against each other far too much.
The star Cheerios turning their backs and walking away from Sue was one of the best moments. She deserved it though, for forcing her students to choose. And for manipulating Brittany into signing that consent form.
Oh, and all the musical numbers were spectacular this episode!
I've already said how much I loved the Warblers' one, and Thriller/Heads Will Roll really was as amazing as everyone said it would be. Usually when things are hyped up that way I roll my eyes and think it can't possibly be that good, but I was impressed this time. Especially by Finn's and Santana's voices. And oh the make-up! Sooo good.
Turns out, Beiste's and Schuester's plan to bring the clubs together did actually work out.
There was so much I loved about this episode. Though I initially finished it thinking: "This show is insane. Truly insane.". Which is part of the reason I like it, I suppose. But, yes, insane and fun.