Brittana Review of "Prom Queen"
I’m smiling. You know why, because this is the first week in a very long time that Santana was as well. Not just the random stray smile, but repeated smiles. It feels good. Even when drama happens it feels good.
***
First choir room scene is filled with those tiny little moments that make me almost miss season one and background subtext. First of, Brittany and Santana enter the room together, but with Lauren in between them. Still there seems to be an easy-going feel to their interactions. There is no real angst or no real drama. Yet when it is time to sit down they are miles apart. And not just that, Santana takes the seat next to Artie and Brittany takes the isolated seat up in the far corner that has become Santana’s favourite place. What’s even more important is that Santana is the first one into the room and thus first one to sit down. She deliberately chooses that seat. Santana knows Brittany doesn’t want to sit next to Artie, so she does what always comes natural to her, she gives up her own comfort to protect Brittany. Songbird wasn’t just fancy singing, it’s the honest truth.
Later on as Brittany reveals that she has no date, but intends to dance and just steal everyone else‘s dates, we are only given an Artie reaction shot. No Santana in there at all, almost as if her reaction is rendered pointless when the news are of no surprise to her. This amuses me. This makes me think there has been quite the few scenes between Brittany and Santana that we have not been privy to. Causing me to wonder what the current status of their relationship actually is.
And all of this makes it far too easy to then interpret Santana’s meticulous filing of her nails as subtle symbolism for the re-emergence of Brittana’s sexual relationship. I’m not saying this is what has happened, but I definitely don’t think we should rule it out either.
***
Then we have the Prom dress dry run (for some reason that sounds wickedly naughty) and even if this scene is brief it still warms my heart. Number one reason being that Santana is all smiles. Not only does Naya kill me dead every time she smiles, but to see this character that have struggled so much and so hard these past few weeks shoot off smile after smile is chicken-noodle soup for the soul. What’s even more delicious are the subtle Brittana interactions. Kurt is the centre of that scene and he gives Santana a thumbs up for her dress, but in reality his opinion is irrelevant. Because after he has reached his verdict Santana with a shy and questioning look on her face glance at Brittany. The blonde responds by looking at her adoringly before letting a smile flash across her face as she nods. Giving Santana the approval she was looking for.
Kurt then reveals he will be going to Prom with Blaine at which Santana quickly pulls him to the side and offers him the protection of the Bully Whips. This is completely besides any points but the fact that Santana is a history buff feels a little too good to be true. Like someone just tapped into my brain and abstracted all those things that excites me and poured it into a tight red dress. I’m professionally biased, but her frequent historical anecdotes make me love her that much more, even when she messes with accuracy. Perhaps especially when she gives history a good fuck.
Bully Whips are out in full force, trolling the halls like pitbulls looking for homophobes to sink their teeth into. There is so much depth to this essentially comedic scene. Others have and will write more in detail about the meaning of Santana and Karofsky’s behaviour in this. But the short of it is that they are actually trying to create the school they want and need. Under the disguise of protecting Kurt they try to force those around them into a sort of submission that will secure them a safe environment once they are ready to come out. Born out of selfish need, but it is still beautiful.
And look at Santana’s smile as Kurt blows her off and goes his own way. Like I said before, she is all smiles. I just feel like she is actually genuinely happy for the most part of this episode. She is still a badass with an attitude, but there is a tranquillity and contentment to her that has been missing for quite some time. If I was gonna be crude I’d say she got laid. Should I be crude?
***
Brittany, the chicken and the egg. This girl is perfection. This scene here is not stupid. This scene is true and real and of serious concern. If you say you have never had these thoughts then I bite my thumb at you, for you liar and a whore, sir. Or well okay not a whore, but I still think you might be a liar. The number of times I have had similar fears, nightly terrors even, about cracking my morning egg only to accidentally disturb a half-developed chicken - should not be counted. Like seriously though, I just don’t get it. How do I know that the egg I am holding contains a stillborn foetus rather than an alive prematurely hatched chicklet? And don’t even pretend that you and your scientific empirical brain is superior, because the day I am to make a sponge-cake and crack the egg and suddenly end up with a flailing chicken in my batter - that day I will remind you of this day. I feel like we were discussing something other than chickens and science…
…oh right. Artie and his serenade. Brittany’s reaction is perfection. She is unimpressed the minute he rolls into the room and when he mentions the word Prom her eyes close and you know he has no chance with her. Still he does his thing and sings “Isn’t She Lovely” and Mercedes rightfully comments on how that song is about a baby. And I’ve seen a few comments on how stupid it was of glee to pick this song because of that, as if they were so starved for songs that they picked this one and tried to make it work despite its content. Which is bull. Nah, seriously, the writers knew what they were doing. There is a reason they did pick that song. The same way that there was a reason they previously picked PYT and Songbird. The song selection may a bit far-fetched at times, but they are there to emphasise the characters feelings, emotions and perceptions. The song was chosen because it represents the relationship between Bartie and the perception Artie has of Brittany. As someone he was blessed with and given responsibility of. I think Santa and Magic Comb made it pretty damn clear that he sees himself as a type of guardian to her.
Anyhow, Brittany continues looking incredibly uncomfortable and even tries to “run away” from him. However he has enlisted the rest of the New Directions guys and they end up surrounding Brittany, driving her back to her seat. Where she continues hiding behind her hair, looking as if she wants nothing more than for the floor to open up and swallow her whole. As if that wasn’t bad/good enough she refuses to make eye-contact with him and literally pushes him away from her. Still the peer pressure gets to her and as Artie finishes she gives him a sincere if restrained smile, but firmly rejects his proposal. Instead she insists she shall go by herself and work on being just her while dancing with other peoples’ dates.
This scene was such pure perfection for the Brittana storyline. Last week Bartie broke up and Brittany ran straight into Santana’s arms and asked her to Prom. If that had stood alone, there could still have been doubts about whether or not Santana truly was her first choice. Because it could have read as Brittany just wanted a date so she settled for second best, that being Santana. Then this happened and suddenly it is made crystal clear that Santana will always be her first choice. And what’s even better is that, if she can’t go with Santana she won’t settle for second best. Artie may be sweet and he might have apologized, but he is still not the person she wants to be there with, so she is simply strong enough to say no to him. Despite the peer pressure of accepting the offer and difficulty of breaking norms by showing up to Prom on her own. Compare this strong and confident woman to that lost and hurting girl back in Duets. I like this progress.
Then there is the whole thing with her repeating that she will be dancing with other peoples’ dates. It's a straightforward truth, but there is also a metaphorical level to these comments that you have to pick up on, especially since it reoccurs. She doesn’t say that she’ll go to dance, but she insists that she will go to dance with someone else’s date. There’s a big difference. And this way it could easily also be seen as a metaphor for her being involved with someone who is in a relationship. She "steals" Karofsky's "girlfriend". Again, I am not claiming this to be fact, but the possibility of such interpretation is right there for you to make good use of if you are so inclined.
And this is Brittana unrelated, but I have to comment. As Artie rolls out of the room he comments, “I have nothing to live for”. That right there is perhaps the most explicit reason why this boy needs to be single for the next season and a half. Him and Quinn needs to form the Single Ladies Club and seriously work on themselves. Sorry for this. Now going back.
***
Prom - it happens and it is not necessarily the best prom ever, but damn entertaining. I love Santofsky so bad. Like their previous scene with the walkie-talkies and then their crazy dancing at Prom, they’re just fun together. And as the songs stay up-beat and they get to play around they actually look like they have a good time together. Two friends joking around on the dance floor. It’s fun, it’s light-hearted and I want more of it. I was previously asking for a Kurtana friendship, this is making me realise I don’t really need that. All I need is more of Santofsky, they fit much much better together (also I now can't let go of the image of Brittana/Kurtofsky being trapped in a small space together - there is a lot of comedic potential in throwing those four characters together).
As much fun as Santofsky are together during the easy-going songs as awkward they become when they are forced to slow-dance. Eyes flutter nervously and shoulders tense in the forced act they feel is needed to be perpetuated. Compare them to Brittany who gladly wraps her arms around a random girl when it is time to slow things down. And again, this is not a random crazy happenstance. There is a reason Brittany gets to spend the up-beat songs crazy dancing with both Mike and Artie, but once it is time for something more emotional she is put with a girl. It’s a comment on where she is at, where we will see her go. Santana might not be quite ready to take up her position in her arms, but we are reminded that she is supposed to be there by having Brittany dance with a faceless girl.
Oh, I almost forgot, but Santana’s reaction to that girl who wears the same dress as her - such perfection. Her eyes travel all over the blonde. And not in the “oh I’m so pissed some other girl is wearing my dress”. Nope her eyes rakes across the blonde’s body until she internally reminds herself she needs to be more careful with her leering and subconsciously starts shaking her head before averting her eyes. Another priceless pearl of ultimate homo from Santana Lopez Queen of the Teenage Lesbians.
***
Karofsky wins Prom King at which Santana takes a dig at Quinn, something I should probably discuss elsewhere, cause those two characters and their relationship requires more time and space than I want to devote to in this Brittana review. Anyhow, Karofsky wins and the Queen is announced as none other than - Kurt Hummel. Crickets play and tumbleweeds starts drifting through the gymnasium as hateful eyes converge on the flamboyant boy.
Obviously drama enfolds. Santana storms off with Brittany on her heels. The brunette breaks down in tears, lamenting her loss. Brittany tells her it is just a stupid crown that might as easily be bought at a party store. And in that moment it becomes crystal clear that Santa and Magic Comb was about Artie, not Brittany. She knows there is nothing special with those pieces of cheap plastic. She knows they hold no power beyond what people put into them. And you know what’s even better, that when it comes to this she doesn’t indulge or humour Santana. She might have done with the cheating and on many other occasions, but on this she won’t. She stands her ground and tries to make Santana realise how pointless this hunt for Queenhood was. That Santana's true value lies beyond a crown or what a bunch of High School kids think of her.
Santana is still in tears, because she saw this as her one chance to be accepted and when she comments; “I’ll be an outsider my whole life” - your heart breaks. Part of you almost wants her to have gotten that chance, that moment of acceptance before she has to tackle a world of injustice and prejudice. But before those thoughts have time to settle Brittany breezes through your mind like a pleasant summer wind, blowing away all the fear of the future. Because she gives Santana exactly what she needs, she gives her full acceptance. It is an intimate moment between just the two of them, but Brittany once again show her superior emotional intellect and comments on how other people pick up on that Santana is hiding something, not what she is hiding. And continues by stating that Santana needs to let go of her fears and simply embrace the awesomeness that is her true self. Basically telling her that once she starts loving herself others will follow. With a shy and broken voice Santana asks how she knows this, Brittany reveals that she voted for her.
Then your heart stops, because these two actresses and Eric Stoltz should all change their last names to Von Teese. For as Brittany tilts her head and lets her voice drop an octave as she steps into Santana’s private sphere your heart stops for a second before starting up with a renewed vigour. As Santana’s eyes then become hooded and her gaze fall down to the blonde's lips and as her own lips then gently part - your jaw hits the floor with a resounding BANG. I do not care if HeYa are the most platonic of friends ever, because they have an undeniable sexual tension brewing between them. It’s the reason Brittana happened in the first place. But when they then actively play up that natural tension you might just as well be sitting in a frying pan cause your entire body reacts as if suddenly cooked. They will set you on fire. This was one of those occasions, making me realise two things - their chemistry isn’t just good, it’s a fucking legend and secondly, there will be a kiss before the season ends. Two weeks in a row now they’ve played up the potential kiss. Last week it was really brief as Brittany joined Santana on the floor after Songbird, but this week the moment lingered and was more intentional than an in vitro pregnancy.
However the kiss does not happen, this time around, instead Brittany takes the time to tell Santana that she believes in her. Right now that was exactly what Santana needed. Love is one thing, but to have that spoken support of someone you love - that’s everything, isn’t it? And even if the sentiment and feelings have been there before I think hearing them aloud might be just what Santana needs to finally let her fingers wrap around the door knob to the metaphorical closet door. She is still fighting her fears safely from the inside, but behind her Brittany is gently whispering love in her ear, each supportive word causing the brunette to push the door slowly ajar. We're getting there. Slowly slowly wins the race.
A lost and sniffling Santana then turns to Brittany for guidance on where to go from here. Brittany simply uses her heart and tells her to go back out there, face the school and be there for their friend, Kurt, who has a much rawer deal than any of them. From Brittany’s lips springs Santana’s law and after having wiped her tears the brunette heads back out and supports Kurt by performing with Mercedes.
This comfort scene between them embodies everything I adore about their relationship. They are literally always there for one another, without a doubt and always without hesitation. And it’s not just a matter of comforting, it’s a matter of lifting the other up and giving them tailor-made support especially designed for them and the situation. When the world seems to be against them, weight of it on their backs, they always have that intimate place where there is just the two of them. A place filled with unconditional love and support. Then there is the matter of how they literally bring out the best in each other. Brittany is never as smart as she is when she is with Santana. And Santana is never as protective or emotional as when Brittany is next to her. Even though they both have fears and insecurities, when they are together those are smoothed over and drowned in the potential their partner helps them fulfil. I know they’ve hurt each other back and forth, but that’s part of being human. However the above paragraph is the reason I see them as a romantic ideal despite the pain.
***
It was good. It was really good. The build-up which has been rewarded this couple puts many a Uber fanfic writer to shame. It is slow, it is painful, but never once does the love or passion falter. Never once does it feel as if they are just drawing things out for the hell of it. No, this feels organic and tastes deliciously.
However as I sit here in the post-episode funk I’m actually having a hard time making up my mind if they are back together already or not. It’s just…Santana was so damn happy, like she was walking on sunshine. And the way Brittany interacted with her, despite last week’s debacle with Fondue for Two and the Soulmates Incident just felt so intimate and a little secretive. I know I’m probably seeing things, but I can’t shake the feeling they are very much back together but are keeping it on the down-low. I’m probably just over-reaching, being used to subtext and not actual maintext. Either way it was a good Brittana episode and an even better episode.
***
So now what? Another week waiting for Back To Black and another two weeks until Light Up My World (yes I totally see what they did there) - how is my fanheart supposed to survive all this waiting? Especially since I know the finale has been given a higher rating and this is the United States of America we are talking about, and there is only one thing they fear over there, or actually three things - Socialism, Sex and Sapphism. My fingers are crossed and I'm hoping for sapphism, but I'm not picky - I could take socialism as well. Not so keen on the sex though, unless it is sapphic socialist sex. I'm down with that. Fingers crossed.
Oh well, perhaps Naya hosting the GLAAD awards will comfort me somewhat. That or send my libido into a tailspin.
***
(I give up Shell, I'll never be able to fit Deus Ex Machina into any of these reviews. I feel like such a failure. But alas it is the painful truth.)
***
First choir room scene is filled with those tiny little moments that make me almost miss season one and background subtext. First of, Brittany and Santana enter the room together, but with Lauren in between them. Still there seems to be an easy-going feel to their interactions. There is no real angst or no real drama. Yet when it is time to sit down they are miles apart. And not just that, Santana takes the seat next to Artie and Brittany takes the isolated seat up in the far corner that has become Santana’s favourite place. What’s even more important is that Santana is the first one into the room and thus first one to sit down. She deliberately chooses that seat. Santana knows Brittany doesn’t want to sit next to Artie, so she does what always comes natural to her, she gives up her own comfort to protect Brittany. Songbird wasn’t just fancy singing, it’s the honest truth.
Later on as Brittany reveals that she has no date, but intends to dance and just steal everyone else‘s dates, we are only given an Artie reaction shot. No Santana in there at all, almost as if her reaction is rendered pointless when the news are of no surprise to her. This amuses me. This makes me think there has been quite the few scenes between Brittany and Santana that we have not been privy to. Causing me to wonder what the current status of their relationship actually is.
And all of this makes it far too easy to then interpret Santana’s meticulous filing of her nails as subtle symbolism for the re-emergence of Brittana’s sexual relationship. I’m not saying this is what has happened, but I definitely don’t think we should rule it out either.
***
Then we have the Prom dress dry run (for some reason that sounds wickedly naughty) and even if this scene is brief it still warms my heart. Number one reason being that Santana is all smiles. Not only does Naya kill me dead every time she smiles, but to see this character that have struggled so much and so hard these past few weeks shoot off smile after smile is chicken-noodle soup for the soul. What’s even more delicious are the subtle Brittana interactions. Kurt is the centre of that scene and he gives Santana a thumbs up for her dress, but in reality his opinion is irrelevant. Because after he has reached his verdict Santana with a shy and questioning look on her face glance at Brittany. The blonde responds by looking at her adoringly before letting a smile flash across her face as she nods. Giving Santana the approval she was looking for.
Kurt then reveals he will be going to Prom with Blaine at which Santana quickly pulls him to the side and offers him the protection of the Bully Whips. This is completely besides any points but the fact that Santana is a history buff feels a little too good to be true. Like someone just tapped into my brain and abstracted all those things that excites me and poured it into a tight red dress. I’m professionally biased, but her frequent historical anecdotes make me love her that much more, even when she messes with accuracy. Perhaps especially when she gives history a good fuck.
Bully Whips are out in full force, trolling the halls like pitbulls looking for homophobes to sink their teeth into. There is so much depth to this essentially comedic scene. Others have and will write more in detail about the meaning of Santana and Karofsky’s behaviour in this. But the short of it is that they are actually trying to create the school they want and need. Under the disguise of protecting Kurt they try to force those around them into a sort of submission that will secure them a safe environment once they are ready to come out. Born out of selfish need, but it is still beautiful.
And look at Santana’s smile as Kurt blows her off and goes his own way. Like I said before, she is all smiles. I just feel like she is actually genuinely happy for the most part of this episode. She is still a badass with an attitude, but there is a tranquillity and contentment to her that has been missing for quite some time. If I was gonna be crude I’d say she got laid. Should I be crude?
***
Brittany, the chicken and the egg. This girl is perfection. This scene here is not stupid. This scene is true and real and of serious concern. If you say you have never had these thoughts then I bite my thumb at you, for you liar and a whore, sir. Or well okay not a whore, but I still think you might be a liar. The number of times I have had similar fears, nightly terrors even, about cracking my morning egg only to accidentally disturb a half-developed chicken - should not be counted. Like seriously though, I just don’t get it. How do I know that the egg I am holding contains a stillborn foetus rather than an alive prematurely hatched chicklet? And don’t even pretend that you and your scientific empirical brain is superior, because the day I am to make a sponge-cake and crack the egg and suddenly end up with a flailing chicken in my batter - that day I will remind you of this day. I feel like we were discussing something other than chickens and science…
…oh right. Artie and his serenade. Brittany’s reaction is perfection. She is unimpressed the minute he rolls into the room and when he mentions the word Prom her eyes close and you know he has no chance with her. Still he does his thing and sings “Isn’t She Lovely” and Mercedes rightfully comments on how that song is about a baby. And I’ve seen a few comments on how stupid it was of glee to pick this song because of that, as if they were so starved for songs that they picked this one and tried to make it work despite its content. Which is bull. Nah, seriously, the writers knew what they were doing. There is a reason they did pick that song. The same way that there was a reason they previously picked PYT and Songbird. The song selection may a bit far-fetched at times, but they are there to emphasise the characters feelings, emotions and perceptions. The song was chosen because it represents the relationship between Bartie and the perception Artie has of Brittany. As someone he was blessed with and given responsibility of. I think Santa and Magic Comb made it pretty damn clear that he sees himself as a type of guardian to her.
Anyhow, Brittany continues looking incredibly uncomfortable and even tries to “run away” from him. However he has enlisted the rest of the New Directions guys and they end up surrounding Brittany, driving her back to her seat. Where she continues hiding behind her hair, looking as if she wants nothing more than for the floor to open up and swallow her whole. As if that wasn’t bad/good enough she refuses to make eye-contact with him and literally pushes him away from her. Still the peer pressure gets to her and as Artie finishes she gives him a sincere if restrained smile, but firmly rejects his proposal. Instead she insists she shall go by herself and work on being just her while dancing with other peoples’ dates.
This scene was such pure perfection for the Brittana storyline. Last week Bartie broke up and Brittany ran straight into Santana’s arms and asked her to Prom. If that had stood alone, there could still have been doubts about whether or not Santana truly was her first choice. Because it could have read as Brittany just wanted a date so she settled for second best, that being Santana. Then this happened and suddenly it is made crystal clear that Santana will always be her first choice. And what’s even better is that, if she can’t go with Santana she won’t settle for second best. Artie may be sweet and he might have apologized, but he is still not the person she wants to be there with, so she is simply strong enough to say no to him. Despite the peer pressure of accepting the offer and difficulty of breaking norms by showing up to Prom on her own. Compare this strong and confident woman to that lost and hurting girl back in Duets. I like this progress.
Then there is the whole thing with her repeating that she will be dancing with other peoples’ dates. It's a straightforward truth, but there is also a metaphorical level to these comments that you have to pick up on, especially since it reoccurs. She doesn’t say that she’ll go to dance, but she insists that she will go to dance with someone else’s date. There’s a big difference. And this way it could easily also be seen as a metaphor for her being involved with someone who is in a relationship. She "steals" Karofsky's "girlfriend". Again, I am not claiming this to be fact, but the possibility of such interpretation is right there for you to make good use of if you are so inclined.
And this is Brittana unrelated, but I have to comment. As Artie rolls out of the room he comments, “I have nothing to live for”. That right there is perhaps the most explicit reason why this boy needs to be single for the next season and a half. Him and Quinn needs to form the Single Ladies Club and seriously work on themselves. Sorry for this. Now going back.
***
Prom - it happens and it is not necessarily the best prom ever, but damn entertaining. I love Santofsky so bad. Like their previous scene with the walkie-talkies and then their crazy dancing at Prom, they’re just fun together. And as the songs stay up-beat and they get to play around they actually look like they have a good time together. Two friends joking around on the dance floor. It’s fun, it’s light-hearted and I want more of it. I was previously asking for a Kurtana friendship, this is making me realise I don’t really need that. All I need is more of Santofsky, they fit much much better together (also I now can't let go of the image of Brittana/Kurtofsky being trapped in a small space together - there is a lot of comedic potential in throwing those four characters together).
As much fun as Santofsky are together during the easy-going songs as awkward they become when they are forced to slow-dance. Eyes flutter nervously and shoulders tense in the forced act they feel is needed to be perpetuated. Compare them to Brittany who gladly wraps her arms around a random girl when it is time to slow things down. And again, this is not a random crazy happenstance. There is a reason Brittany gets to spend the up-beat songs crazy dancing with both Mike and Artie, but once it is time for something more emotional she is put with a girl. It’s a comment on where she is at, where we will see her go. Santana might not be quite ready to take up her position in her arms, but we are reminded that she is supposed to be there by having Brittany dance with a faceless girl.
Oh, I almost forgot, but Santana’s reaction to that girl who wears the same dress as her - such perfection. Her eyes travel all over the blonde. And not in the “oh I’m so pissed some other girl is wearing my dress”. Nope her eyes rakes across the blonde’s body until she internally reminds herself she needs to be more careful with her leering and subconsciously starts shaking her head before averting her eyes. Another priceless pearl of ultimate homo from Santana Lopez Queen of the Teenage Lesbians.
***
Karofsky wins Prom King at which Santana takes a dig at Quinn, something I should probably discuss elsewhere, cause those two characters and their relationship requires more time and space than I want to devote to in this Brittana review. Anyhow, Karofsky wins and the Queen is announced as none other than - Kurt Hummel. Crickets play and tumbleweeds starts drifting through the gymnasium as hateful eyes converge on the flamboyant boy.
Obviously drama enfolds. Santana storms off with Brittany on her heels. The brunette breaks down in tears, lamenting her loss. Brittany tells her it is just a stupid crown that might as easily be bought at a party store. And in that moment it becomes crystal clear that Santa and Magic Comb was about Artie, not Brittany. She knows there is nothing special with those pieces of cheap plastic. She knows they hold no power beyond what people put into them. And you know what’s even better, that when it comes to this she doesn’t indulge or humour Santana. She might have done with the cheating and on many other occasions, but on this she won’t. She stands her ground and tries to make Santana realise how pointless this hunt for Queenhood was. That Santana's true value lies beyond a crown or what a bunch of High School kids think of her.
Santana is still in tears, because she saw this as her one chance to be accepted and when she comments; “I’ll be an outsider my whole life” - your heart breaks. Part of you almost wants her to have gotten that chance, that moment of acceptance before she has to tackle a world of injustice and prejudice. But before those thoughts have time to settle Brittany breezes through your mind like a pleasant summer wind, blowing away all the fear of the future. Because she gives Santana exactly what she needs, she gives her full acceptance. It is an intimate moment between just the two of them, but Brittany once again show her superior emotional intellect and comments on how other people pick up on that Santana is hiding something, not what she is hiding. And continues by stating that Santana needs to let go of her fears and simply embrace the awesomeness that is her true self. Basically telling her that once she starts loving herself others will follow. With a shy and broken voice Santana asks how she knows this, Brittany reveals that she voted for her.
Then your heart stops, because these two actresses and Eric Stoltz should all change their last names to Von Teese. For as Brittany tilts her head and lets her voice drop an octave as she steps into Santana’s private sphere your heart stops for a second before starting up with a renewed vigour. As Santana’s eyes then become hooded and her gaze fall down to the blonde's lips and as her own lips then gently part - your jaw hits the floor with a resounding BANG. I do not care if HeYa are the most platonic of friends ever, because they have an undeniable sexual tension brewing between them. It’s the reason Brittana happened in the first place. But when they then actively play up that natural tension you might just as well be sitting in a frying pan cause your entire body reacts as if suddenly cooked. They will set you on fire. This was one of those occasions, making me realise two things - their chemistry isn’t just good, it’s a fucking legend and secondly, there will be a kiss before the season ends. Two weeks in a row now they’ve played up the potential kiss. Last week it was really brief as Brittany joined Santana on the floor after Songbird, but this week the moment lingered and was more intentional than an in vitro pregnancy.
However the kiss does not happen, this time around, instead Brittany takes the time to tell Santana that she believes in her. Right now that was exactly what Santana needed. Love is one thing, but to have that spoken support of someone you love - that’s everything, isn’t it? And even if the sentiment and feelings have been there before I think hearing them aloud might be just what Santana needs to finally let her fingers wrap around the door knob to the metaphorical closet door. She is still fighting her fears safely from the inside, but behind her Brittany is gently whispering love in her ear, each supportive word causing the brunette to push the door slowly ajar. We're getting there. Slowly slowly wins the race.
A lost and sniffling Santana then turns to Brittany for guidance on where to go from here. Brittany simply uses her heart and tells her to go back out there, face the school and be there for their friend, Kurt, who has a much rawer deal than any of them. From Brittany’s lips springs Santana’s law and after having wiped her tears the brunette heads back out and supports Kurt by performing with Mercedes.
This comfort scene between them embodies everything I adore about their relationship. They are literally always there for one another, without a doubt and always without hesitation. And it’s not just a matter of comforting, it’s a matter of lifting the other up and giving them tailor-made support especially designed for them and the situation. When the world seems to be against them, weight of it on their backs, they always have that intimate place where there is just the two of them. A place filled with unconditional love and support. Then there is the matter of how they literally bring out the best in each other. Brittany is never as smart as she is when she is with Santana. And Santana is never as protective or emotional as when Brittany is next to her. Even though they both have fears and insecurities, when they are together those are smoothed over and drowned in the potential their partner helps them fulfil. I know they’ve hurt each other back and forth, but that’s part of being human. However the above paragraph is the reason I see them as a romantic ideal despite the pain.
***
It was good. It was really good. The build-up which has been rewarded this couple puts many a Uber fanfic writer to shame. It is slow, it is painful, but never once does the love or passion falter. Never once does it feel as if they are just drawing things out for the hell of it. No, this feels organic and tastes deliciously.
However as I sit here in the post-episode funk I’m actually having a hard time making up my mind if they are back together already or not. It’s just…Santana was so damn happy, like she was walking on sunshine. And the way Brittany interacted with her, despite last week’s debacle with Fondue for Two and the Soulmates Incident just felt so intimate and a little secretive. I know I’m probably seeing things, but I can’t shake the feeling they are very much back together but are keeping it on the down-low. I’m probably just over-reaching, being used to subtext and not actual maintext. Either way it was a good Brittana episode and an even better episode.
***
So now what? Another week waiting for Back To Black and another two weeks until Light Up My World (yes I totally see what they did there) - how is my fanheart supposed to survive all this waiting? Especially since I know the finale has been given a higher rating and this is the United States of America we are talking about, and there is only one thing they fear over there, or actually three things - Socialism, Sex and Sapphism. My fingers are crossed and I'm hoping for sapphism, but I'm not picky - I could take socialism as well. Not so keen on the sex though, unless it is sapphic socialist sex. I'm down with that. Fingers crossed.
Oh well, perhaps Naya hosting the GLAAD awards will comfort me somewhat. That or send my libido into a tailspin.
***
(I give up Shell, I'll never be able to fit Deus Ex Machina into any of these reviews. I feel like such a failure. But alas it is the painful truth.)