Brittana Review of "I'm A Unicorn"
Am I too picky? Do I have expectations this show will never be able to fill?
***
This week was the complete opposite of last week. The episode was well written, really solid and without the gaping gaps in common sense and potholes of plot holes. However, unlike last week it held no entertainment value. Storylines were rehashed and the performances dull, flat and unengaging. Is this the way it will be? Will I have to accept that I’ll only get one of the two? Is it a paradox for entertainment and consistency to exist at the same time in Lima?
After last week I was all excited because it finally looked like they’d bring Kurt out of his gay bubble, apparently that was a fluke. Obviously I do like Brittany’s development on his account, but Kurt's storyline for this episode was one giant yawn-fest. I can sum it up for you so you don’t have to watch the show; in case you didn’t know, being gay can be hard and may cause you to be discriminated against. You probably didn’t know this, because it’s not like Kurt has gone through bad stuff before because he is a flaming homosexual. (There is a small part of me that wants to rant about how noticeable it’s become that Kurt cannot be happy and content in his sexuality until the straight alpha has condoned it, I’m not gonna, but Kurt/Burt’s relationship has stopped being about a supportive dad and has taken on a lot of other much more troublesome undertones.)
Quinn was another one of those characters that last week seemed to be getting some development through drastic devolution. Then this came along and the Quinn/Shelby/Puck storyline made it clear there is nothing new here, not a single new thing. Quinn is still the same crazy bitch with no soul and Puck is still supposed to be loveable scum.
What’s even worse is the lack of Rachel. It’s great that they’re focusing on the smaller characters and trying to flesh them out, but they can’t have Kurt as the lead through this. His storylines are too single-minded and even if Chris is good he isn't even near the kind of dramatic/comedic/musical performer that Lea is. The only reason glee even came close to working last season was because Lea was there to hold it all together. She’s the glue and heart of the show and she is a large contributor to its entertainment value. So any episode that only feature her in the background of other people’s storylines becomes a very boring one.
But everything wasn’t doom and gloom, only the actual storylines. The bright spots were the directing trio of Beiste, Emma and Artie, they provided some nice comedy and were hilariously mismatched. I’m really enjoying Beiste, alongside Sue she is becoming the most sympathetic teacher at that school. Then there was also some decent Brittany development so I’m appreciative of that.
***
Onto the Brittana, the episode starts off with Brittany hunting for a unicorn. She wants someone who isn’t afraid to show the world who they are and lead the way for the rest of the school’s closeted freaks to follow. She isn’t very subtle that young lady, but I don’t mind.
Like always, when Brittany wants something she goes after it, so she corners Kurt by his locker and shower him in compliments. She then tells him how it is and what she’s looking for, when he doesn’t seem to understand or follow, and question her with a “sorry?” she retreats and hides behind intricate metaphors and the accepted perception of her. This is classical Brittany behaviour, as soon as someone challenges or doesn’t follow she tries her best to hide behind complicated and elaborate stories, playing stupid and confusing them so badly that they forget their own names. This isn’t the first time, she acts the exact same way in Bad Reputation for example. Kurt eventually insults her and turns his back and tries to walk away. She rolls her eyes at him and then tries another simpler approach, she tells him that she was impressed with how he handled last year. Still suspicious he asks her why she doesn’t run and she answers him truthfully, that she isn’t smart enough. She honestly doesn’t think she is smart enough and I can see why. I don’t think she’s stupid, but neither is she traditionally smart either. She understands human behaviour perfectly, but she lacks a basic understanding of logic. And if that wasn’t problematic enough for a teenager she also happens to be one of the queerest kids on the block. This means she is constantly questioned, taunted and belittled - to the point that she’s lost faith in herself and her own mind.
Look at her in that small flashback scene, if she were truly stupid she wouldn’t have cared about people’s reaction, but she does. Their laughter cuts deep and it cuts hard. And that small side-glance at Santana makes it very clear that having her there makes it even worse. If there is one person Brittany wants to come across as smart and sharp in front of it is the brunette. So no wonder her face is so dejected at the end of the geography flashback. Perhaps there is also a reason behind us getting to witness that specific scene. She’s just embarrassed herself in front of the girl she is in love with so now she’s looking for another way to make it up to her, another way of impressing her. Perhaps making Kurt the Homo into class president will insure that their school environment becomes more accepting of homosexuals and thus win Santana by making her feel safe. I don’t know, but the way it is cut makes it appear as if the scene in which she makes a fool of herself in front of Santana is directly linked to her hunt for a unicorn.
Also in that flashback, look at Santana’s reaction to both Brittany raising her hand, but also answering the questions wrong. It’s not contempt, it’s not disgust, it’s not superiority. It just looks like Santana wants to make the words unsaid and spare Brittany from the ridicule she's bound to receive from the other kids.
Kurt eventually accepts her offer and will be running for president with Brittany as his campaign manager.
***
Then we move on to the first choir room scene of the episode. This room used to be a fun and playful place, now it is cold, desolated and smells of margarine and double standards. So it’s no wonder Brittany has her barbs out and that she spends the entire scene making sure we remember she is not a saint. I think this might be my favourite version of Brittany, the sharp tongued one who isn’t afraid to insult. She spends the scene oozing bad attitude, it’s awesome. Not only does she gleefully laugh at Mercedes when she gets Booty Duty, but she also lets her tongue lose and tells Rachel she hates her. I love this for several reasons. Number one is that it becomes obvious that Brittany’s mood suffers when there is no Santana there, she becomes bitchier and more aggressive as she’s missing her “friend” (whom she probably thinks was unjustly kicked out). Then secondly it shows that Santana is not a bad influence on her, people so often like to comment on how Santana manipulates and “taints” Brittany’s innocence, this scene shows that simply isn’t true. Brittany is actually a nicer and gentler person when Santana is around, and when she is on her own she has no problems mocking those around her. The Rachel hate is especially important since Santana isn‘t present. It shows that the comment has nothing to do with wanting to suck up to or assimilate Santana’s opinions, but this is all about Brittany‘s own feelings. Brittany doesn’t like Rachel, she never has and she isn't afraid to show it.
***
And we’re back to the unicorn campaign, a campaign that is singularly focused around homosexuality. Brittany tries to use Kurt as the puppet with which she can spread a message of gay pride with. It quickly becomes clear this isn’t about him, it’s about Brittany’s own need for a school that allows the closet freaks to leave their closets. She’s tired of the hiding and the fear and needs a place or at least one person who isn’t afraid to let their freak flag fly. Kurt might not be that person, but she does her darndest to groom him into that person.
But the campaign scene is more than that, it once again touches on Brittany’s insecurities. Kurt doesn’t like her ideas and becomes sarcastic, something Brittany doesn’t immediately pick up on. When it became clear he was exaggerating and joking around she tells him that next time he could always poke her or something when he was making a joke, and the look on her face in that instance is heartbreaking. She is so solid and proud of who she is, yet so painfully insecure in her own mental abilities. Breaks my heart a few times over. She knows she’s missing things, she knows she isn’t the smartest and what’s worse is that people never let her forget. They look at her and see one thing and judge everything she does and says from that one preconceived notion. It’s easier to call someone stupid than to re-examine your own logic and norms.
Her moment of insecurity is quickly glossed over and Kurt shows her his own take on the campaign posters followed by an elaborate and ridiculously gay anecdote as to where he got the inspiration from. Brittany simply scratches her head and cannot for the life of her figure out why he one minute objects to the rainbow themed campaign she suggested and in the next flame so flamingly his love of man-boys shines so brightly it could guide the Titanic into port. Her own brand of logic refuses to let her understand why he says one thing, but does another.
***
Then we fast-forward through most of the episode until we find Santana helping Brittany put up the Unicorn posters (we're getting there, slowly, but we're getting there, one step at a time). Kurt is having a moment and wants nothing to do with the gay pride so he attacks Brittany, instantly Santana is there defending her “friend”, making sure Kurt’s focus on her instead. Ready, willing and able to take a fight she doesn’t think Brittany wants or deserves. Why? Because it's something you do for someone you love.
This may be Santana’s only real scene in the episode, but damn she makes it count when it comes to the Brittana. Not only do we see her defend the girl she loves, but her eyes throughout the scene are fixed on Brittany. She doesn’t care about what Kurt has to say, she only cares about how Brittany reacts to it. Her number one concern is Brittany and will always be Brittany. The only time Santana’s eyes even look up from the blonde is when Rachel walks past, then they glide up and down the tiny brunette a few times. Either she isn’t very good at taking her own advice, or she’s simply dropped any and all attempts at hetero by now. And I’m still convinced the reason behind that lingering gaze is part of the reason why Brittany dislikes Rachel so much.
Kurt and Rachel disappear and leaves a heartbroken Brittany behind, she feels as if she’s failed her “precious unicorn”. Santana won’t have any of that and place the blame on Kurt instead, telling Brittany that if he doesn’t appreciate all that she’s done, then he doesn’t deserve her. But she doesn’t stop there, she comments on how brilliant the campaign is and that Brittany is a genius, telling her she is the unicorn. That’s when you throw your hands up in the air and exclaim, “I quit!”. No, but seriously, could they write them any more perfect? If these two aren’t meant as endgame I have no idea what is. The entire episode have Brittany struggling with her intelligence and feeling inferior because of it, and unprovoked Santana is there to reassure and support, saying exactly what Brittany needs to hear . And the thing is, she isn’t humouring or trying to placate Brittany, she actually believes the words she speak. Her face speaks of nothing but honesty and deep admiration. To Santana Brittany is the unicorn, she is the genius and she is one of a kind.
It’s not easy having an OTP that is this much superior to every other couple out there, but I’m sure I’ll manage, somehow.
***
This is a little off topic, but all the talk about casting Maria for the musical made me for a brief moment wonder if that role won’t end up going to Santana. First they highlighted Maria’s Puerto Rican heritage during the scene in Emma’s office, and then later on Emma asks if they’ve got any more “ethnic Marias” auditioning (and we already know Rachel and Mercedes have/will audition). I don’t know, glee isn’t know for it’s finely woven plot, but if that had been my writing that’s the kind of hints I’d drop if I planned a plot twist in which Santana snagged the lead from both obvious contenders. Though since this is glee it’s probably more likely Kurt will end up playing Maria.
***
End of the episode sees Brittany congratulating Kurt on deciding to go with her unicorn idea and be proud of who he is, but she also informs him that she has to step down from his campaign as she decided to run herself, with Santana’s help. Look at Brittany’s smile when she reveals she’ll be running, she couldn’t be happier if she tried. Not only did she get Santana’s attention and appreciation, but she also got her support. All of which made her gain enough faith and strength to try something she previously thought unapproachable. Isn't this what love is supposed to be about? That we find someone who believes in us so strongly and so unconditionally that we end up believing in ourselves.
Brittany also mentions that the past sixteen presidents have all been guys and since that’s left them “tethering in a double dip recession” it’s about time a girl mantled the responsibility. Again we see she ain’t no dumb blonde, she’s acutely aware of the current political climate even if her logic in linking it to their school might be challenged (even if it's not necessarily a far-fetched argument).
***
I was more or less bored out of my mind by this episode, but at least we got a few nice moments in which we got to reconnect with Brittany. What we already knew about her became even more obvious, she struggles with her intelligence, yet is sharp even if she lacks conventional logic. She is no saint, but will gladly use people around her to reach her own personal goals. Neither does she have a problem insulting people she doesn’t like or feels have wronged her.
And gravy on top of all this is that we are once more handed a scene that highlights why Brittana are perfect for each other. I still can’t get over how they’re the most mutually supportive and emotionally married couple on the show and they’re not even officially together yet. But that’s being gay for you, you can’t sit around and wait for other’s to make it official. If you do, they’ll have you wait for forever.
***
***
This week was the complete opposite of last week. The episode was well written, really solid and without the gaping gaps in common sense and potholes of plot holes. However, unlike last week it held no entertainment value. Storylines were rehashed and the performances dull, flat and unengaging. Is this the way it will be? Will I have to accept that I’ll only get one of the two? Is it a paradox for entertainment and consistency to exist at the same time in Lima?
After last week I was all excited because it finally looked like they’d bring Kurt out of his gay bubble, apparently that was a fluke. Obviously I do like Brittany’s development on his account, but Kurt's storyline for this episode was one giant yawn-fest. I can sum it up for you so you don’t have to watch the show; in case you didn’t know, being gay can be hard and may cause you to be discriminated against. You probably didn’t know this, because it’s not like Kurt has gone through bad stuff before because he is a flaming homosexual. (There is a small part of me that wants to rant about how noticeable it’s become that Kurt cannot be happy and content in his sexuality until the straight alpha has condoned it, I’m not gonna, but Kurt/Burt’s relationship has stopped being about a supportive dad and has taken on a lot of other much more troublesome undertones.)
Quinn was another one of those characters that last week seemed to be getting some development through drastic devolution. Then this came along and the Quinn/Shelby/Puck storyline made it clear there is nothing new here, not a single new thing. Quinn is still the same crazy bitch with no soul and Puck is still supposed to be loveable scum.
What’s even worse is the lack of Rachel. It’s great that they’re focusing on the smaller characters and trying to flesh them out, but they can’t have Kurt as the lead through this. His storylines are too single-minded and even if Chris is good he isn't even near the kind of dramatic/comedic/musical performer that Lea is. The only reason glee even came close to working last season was because Lea was there to hold it all together. She’s the glue and heart of the show and she is a large contributor to its entertainment value. So any episode that only feature her in the background of other people’s storylines becomes a very boring one.
But everything wasn’t doom and gloom, only the actual storylines. The bright spots were the directing trio of Beiste, Emma and Artie, they provided some nice comedy and were hilariously mismatched. I’m really enjoying Beiste, alongside Sue she is becoming the most sympathetic teacher at that school. Then there was also some decent Brittany development so I’m appreciative of that.
***
Onto the Brittana, the episode starts off with Brittany hunting for a unicorn. She wants someone who isn’t afraid to show the world who they are and lead the way for the rest of the school’s closeted freaks to follow. She isn’t very subtle that young lady, but I don’t mind.
Like always, when Brittany wants something she goes after it, so she corners Kurt by his locker and shower him in compliments. She then tells him how it is and what she’s looking for, when he doesn’t seem to understand or follow, and question her with a “sorry?” she retreats and hides behind intricate metaphors and the accepted perception of her. This is classical Brittany behaviour, as soon as someone challenges or doesn’t follow she tries her best to hide behind complicated and elaborate stories, playing stupid and confusing them so badly that they forget their own names. This isn’t the first time, she acts the exact same way in Bad Reputation for example. Kurt eventually insults her and turns his back and tries to walk away. She rolls her eyes at him and then tries another simpler approach, she tells him that she was impressed with how he handled last year. Still suspicious he asks her why she doesn’t run and she answers him truthfully, that she isn’t smart enough. She honestly doesn’t think she is smart enough and I can see why. I don’t think she’s stupid, but neither is she traditionally smart either. She understands human behaviour perfectly, but she lacks a basic understanding of logic. And if that wasn’t problematic enough for a teenager she also happens to be one of the queerest kids on the block. This means she is constantly questioned, taunted and belittled - to the point that she’s lost faith in herself and her own mind.
Look at her in that small flashback scene, if she were truly stupid she wouldn’t have cared about people’s reaction, but she does. Their laughter cuts deep and it cuts hard. And that small side-glance at Santana makes it very clear that having her there makes it even worse. If there is one person Brittany wants to come across as smart and sharp in front of it is the brunette. So no wonder her face is so dejected at the end of the geography flashback. Perhaps there is also a reason behind us getting to witness that specific scene. She’s just embarrassed herself in front of the girl she is in love with so now she’s looking for another way to make it up to her, another way of impressing her. Perhaps making Kurt the Homo into class president will insure that their school environment becomes more accepting of homosexuals and thus win Santana by making her feel safe. I don’t know, but the way it is cut makes it appear as if the scene in which she makes a fool of herself in front of Santana is directly linked to her hunt for a unicorn.
Also in that flashback, look at Santana’s reaction to both Brittany raising her hand, but also answering the questions wrong. It’s not contempt, it’s not disgust, it’s not superiority. It just looks like Santana wants to make the words unsaid and spare Brittany from the ridicule she's bound to receive from the other kids.
Kurt eventually accepts her offer and will be running for president with Brittany as his campaign manager.
***
Then we move on to the first choir room scene of the episode. This room used to be a fun and playful place, now it is cold, desolated and smells of margarine and double standards. So it’s no wonder Brittany has her barbs out and that she spends the entire scene making sure we remember she is not a saint. I think this might be my favourite version of Brittany, the sharp tongued one who isn’t afraid to insult. She spends the scene oozing bad attitude, it’s awesome. Not only does she gleefully laugh at Mercedes when she gets Booty Duty, but she also lets her tongue lose and tells Rachel she hates her. I love this for several reasons. Number one is that it becomes obvious that Brittany’s mood suffers when there is no Santana there, she becomes bitchier and more aggressive as she’s missing her “friend” (whom she probably thinks was unjustly kicked out). Then secondly it shows that Santana is not a bad influence on her, people so often like to comment on how Santana manipulates and “taints” Brittany’s innocence, this scene shows that simply isn’t true. Brittany is actually a nicer and gentler person when Santana is around, and when she is on her own she has no problems mocking those around her. The Rachel hate is especially important since Santana isn‘t present. It shows that the comment has nothing to do with wanting to suck up to or assimilate Santana’s opinions, but this is all about Brittany‘s own feelings. Brittany doesn’t like Rachel, she never has and she isn't afraid to show it.
***
And we’re back to the unicorn campaign, a campaign that is singularly focused around homosexuality. Brittany tries to use Kurt as the puppet with which she can spread a message of gay pride with. It quickly becomes clear this isn’t about him, it’s about Brittany’s own need for a school that allows the closet freaks to leave their closets. She’s tired of the hiding and the fear and needs a place or at least one person who isn’t afraid to let their freak flag fly. Kurt might not be that person, but she does her darndest to groom him into that person.
But the campaign scene is more than that, it once again touches on Brittany’s insecurities. Kurt doesn’t like her ideas and becomes sarcastic, something Brittany doesn’t immediately pick up on. When it became clear he was exaggerating and joking around she tells him that next time he could always poke her or something when he was making a joke, and the look on her face in that instance is heartbreaking. She is so solid and proud of who she is, yet so painfully insecure in her own mental abilities. Breaks my heart a few times over. She knows she’s missing things, she knows she isn’t the smartest and what’s worse is that people never let her forget. They look at her and see one thing and judge everything she does and says from that one preconceived notion. It’s easier to call someone stupid than to re-examine your own logic and norms.
Her moment of insecurity is quickly glossed over and Kurt shows her his own take on the campaign posters followed by an elaborate and ridiculously gay anecdote as to where he got the inspiration from. Brittany simply scratches her head and cannot for the life of her figure out why he one minute objects to the rainbow themed campaign she suggested and in the next flame so flamingly his love of man-boys shines so brightly it could guide the Titanic into port. Her own brand of logic refuses to let her understand why he says one thing, but does another.
***
Then we fast-forward through most of the episode until we find Santana helping Brittany put up the Unicorn posters (we're getting there, slowly, but we're getting there, one step at a time). Kurt is having a moment and wants nothing to do with the gay pride so he attacks Brittany, instantly Santana is there defending her “friend”, making sure Kurt’s focus on her instead. Ready, willing and able to take a fight she doesn’t think Brittany wants or deserves. Why? Because it's something you do for someone you love.
This may be Santana’s only real scene in the episode, but damn she makes it count when it comes to the Brittana. Not only do we see her defend the girl she loves, but her eyes throughout the scene are fixed on Brittany. She doesn’t care about what Kurt has to say, she only cares about how Brittany reacts to it. Her number one concern is Brittany and will always be Brittany. The only time Santana’s eyes even look up from the blonde is when Rachel walks past, then they glide up and down the tiny brunette a few times. Either she isn’t very good at taking her own advice, or she’s simply dropped any and all attempts at hetero by now. And I’m still convinced the reason behind that lingering gaze is part of the reason why Brittany dislikes Rachel so much.
Kurt and Rachel disappear and leaves a heartbroken Brittany behind, she feels as if she’s failed her “precious unicorn”. Santana won’t have any of that and place the blame on Kurt instead, telling Brittany that if he doesn’t appreciate all that she’s done, then he doesn’t deserve her. But she doesn’t stop there, she comments on how brilliant the campaign is and that Brittany is a genius, telling her she is the unicorn. That’s when you throw your hands up in the air and exclaim, “I quit!”. No, but seriously, could they write them any more perfect? If these two aren’t meant as endgame I have no idea what is. The entire episode have Brittany struggling with her intelligence and feeling inferior because of it, and unprovoked Santana is there to reassure and support, saying exactly what Brittany needs to hear . And the thing is, she isn’t humouring or trying to placate Brittany, she actually believes the words she speak. Her face speaks of nothing but honesty and deep admiration. To Santana Brittany is the unicorn, she is the genius and she is one of a kind.
It’s not easy having an OTP that is this much superior to every other couple out there, but I’m sure I’ll manage, somehow.
***
This is a little off topic, but all the talk about casting Maria for the musical made me for a brief moment wonder if that role won’t end up going to Santana. First they highlighted Maria’s Puerto Rican heritage during the scene in Emma’s office, and then later on Emma asks if they’ve got any more “ethnic Marias” auditioning (and we already know Rachel and Mercedes have/will audition). I don’t know, glee isn’t know for it’s finely woven plot, but if that had been my writing that’s the kind of hints I’d drop if I planned a plot twist in which Santana snagged the lead from both obvious contenders. Though since this is glee it’s probably more likely Kurt will end up playing Maria.
***
End of the episode sees Brittany congratulating Kurt on deciding to go with her unicorn idea and be proud of who he is, but she also informs him that she has to step down from his campaign as she decided to run herself, with Santana’s help. Look at Brittany’s smile when she reveals she’ll be running, she couldn’t be happier if she tried. Not only did she get Santana’s attention and appreciation, but she also got her support. All of which made her gain enough faith and strength to try something she previously thought unapproachable. Isn't this what love is supposed to be about? That we find someone who believes in us so strongly and so unconditionally that we end up believing in ourselves.
Brittany also mentions that the past sixteen presidents have all been guys and since that’s left them “tethering in a double dip recession” it’s about time a girl mantled the responsibility. Again we see she ain’t no dumb blonde, she’s acutely aware of the current political climate even if her logic in linking it to their school might be challenged (even if it's not necessarily a far-fetched argument).
***
I was more or less bored out of my mind by this episode, but at least we got a few nice moments in which we got to reconnect with Brittany. What we already knew about her became even more obvious, she struggles with her intelligence, yet is sharp even if she lacks conventional logic. She is no saint, but will gladly use people around her to reach her own personal goals. Neither does she have a problem insulting people she doesn’t like or feels have wronged her.
And gravy on top of all this is that we are once more handed a scene that highlights why Brittana are perfect for each other. I still can’t get over how they’re the most mutually supportive and emotionally married couple on the show and they’re not even officially together yet. But that’s being gay for you, you can’t sit around and wait for other’s to make it official. If you do, they’ll have you wait for forever.
***
