'Glee' recap: Won't you take me to Funkytown?
New Directions falls into a funk, and Will gives Sue a taste of her own medicine
I think Glee may have fallen into a teensy funk with last night's episode. Focusing on New Directions being intimidated by Vocal Adrenaline, the entire episode just felt slightly off (and also may have broken a record for most uses of the world ''funk'' in one hour — someone might wanna check that). I know that the order of episodes had been switched for these final few of the season, and I think that might be partially to blame: There seemed to be a lack of urgency for the penultimate episode of the season. But, being a total Gleek, there were of course some fabulous moments especially with Puck and Finn, and Will and Sue.
So the big storyline was that Vocal Adrenaline was able to drive New Directions into a ''funk,'' basically scaring them with VA's incredible singing abilities (and juvenile pranks). They opened the show with a cover of Queen's ''Another One Bites the Dust'' which I thought was just okay. And then basically Jesse broke up with both Rachel AND New Directions. It was such an about face that I didn't know how to take it. Jesse, you kinda broke up with me last night, too. I need more signs or warning before a breakup. Love, Tim. Also, if you ever throw an egg at me like you did to Rachel, I would have kicked you in the balls. Rachel, take note if that happens again.
After Vocal Adrenaline performed and then toilet-papered the Glee practice room, the boys got a little peeved and decided to pull their own prank and slash all of VA's tires. We got a quick glimpse of Idina Menzel's Shelby, which was weird also because there was zero mention of her being Rachel's mother or that entire revelation (yet more evidence that the Gaga episode was switched with this one). But anyways, in order to pay back the damage, Puck and Finn got jobs at Sheets 'N Things which led to a reappearance by no one's favorite, Terri. On the bright side, there was the return of her somewhat slow and weird co-worker Howard, who I sorta love, and ex-Glee coach Sandy, who I totally love. My favorite line from the first half of the season was by this fella: ''Who is Josh Groban? Kill yourself!'' He had a great one tonight when he turned to Puck and Finn and said, ''Did they change the name of this place to Losers N Things?'' Genius. Also, genius was the entire store joining in on a version of Beck's ''Loser.'' Really funny, although it kinda made me feel bad for anyone that works at Linens 'N Things, the obvious inspiration for the show's store. I also enjoyed the fact that Terri called it ''the iTunes'' as she attempted to help Finn find a funk song. Alas, that didn't work out too well. Is Terri gonna try and seduce Finn? Please do not do that, crazy lady.
Speaking of seduction, Will decided that the best way to defeat Sue was to take a page from heartbreaker Jesse St. James and attempt to woo the Cheerios coach. While I'm still not sure that Sue would fall for Will's charm, it did lead to some amusingly awkward moments for the pair. That final moment where they almost started kissing was so weirdly tense. Sue wearing pearls for her date with Will was also totally fab. Also, we got to see the inside of Sue's house, and it basically is how you would assume: full of track jackets and trophies. And she has a maid named Imelda who I feel like is the new Dorota.
One of my favorite moments of the episode was the news footage of Sue winning the cheerleading championships after assigning Kurt to sing a 14 minute Celine Dion number. Kurt said something in French and then did a high kick — I nearly cried laughing.
Quinn appeared to have gotten even more pregnant overnight. Is she having some surt of mutant pregnancy? Unclear. In any case, she's learning a valuable lesson about people passing judgment now that she's noticeably knocked up. But I don't really think it's fair to equate that with the racism that Mercedes would face as a black woman. Still, I really like their friendship because the two actresses are so fun together. And Quinn moving in with Mercedes could yield some interesting stories.
One really distracting element: how old is the girl who plays Jesse's pal in Vocal Adrenaline? No offense to the actress, but she looks about 30. It wasn't plausible for Gabrielle Carteris, and it ain't workin' now, peeps.
The Music
''Another One Bites the Dust''
I really liked the choreography for this number, but I just didn't ever feel like it took off in terms of the singing. Vocal Adrenaline impressed much more when they did ''Rehab'' and ''Mercy'' and, more recently, ''Highway to Hell.'' Shoulda gone with one of those picks. B
''Tell Me Something Good''
Will attempting to seduce Sue was simultaneously uncomfortable and sexy. It certainly helps that Matthew Morrison sang the hell out of it. And repeated shots of Morrison's backside can never be a bad thing. B+
''Loser''
Such a fun number that I actually wanted more of it. Glee so rarely does these kind of fantasy scenes, and it had such promise, especially when you realized the entire store was singing along! And any song that incorporates Howard saying ''yo'' gets a good review from me. A-
''It's a Man's Man's Man's World''
I loved the pregnant back up and dancers and Quinn's name for the group, The Unwed Mothership Connection. But Dianna Agron's voice just pales in comparison to the other kids'. Or maybe it's just that she hasn't found the right song yet. I'm gonna go with the latter because I do really like her and think she's a strong actress. B-
''Good Vibrations''
You could just tell that Mark Salling and Cory Monteith were having a blast filming this number. And it radiated on screen. The dance moves. The cheesy rapping. It all was a ton of fun. A-
''Give Up the Funk''
Again, this number did not come across as intimidating, and that's what they hoped it would be. Still, it was a lot better than Vocal Adrenaline's opening number, and the dancing was really fun. The song though didn't really highlight any of the kids which I thought was odd. B+
The Best Lines
Of course it's got to go to Sue. Talking to Will, ''Even your breath stinks of mediocrity.''
Runner up: Kurt defending Vocal Adrenaline's treatment of Rachel: ''Rachel's one of us — we're the only ones who get to humiliate her.''
So, overall, not one of my favorite episodes but still incredibly watchable and fun like every episode of Glee. What did you think of last night's episode? Did ''Funk'' thrill you? Or leave you cold?
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Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy
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Together, we can change the world, one mind at a time.
Have a great day,
Tommy
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