Glee Review: "Bad Reputation"

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We had one major beef with this week's Glee episode:

It was titled "Bad Reputation" and focused on songs that New Directions' members were tasked with rehabilitating - but the singles chosen needed no such rehabilitation! Ice, Ice Baby; U Can't Touch This; Total Eclipse of the Heart?

These are classic guilty pleasures! How dare Glee besmirch their name by implying they weren't perfect just the way they are?!?

We can look past this snafu, however, and discuss the character-based elements of the episode. Viewers saw a darker Sue, a harder Emma and a promiscuous Rachel. Just musically, of course.

Sue hit on all cylinders throughout the hour. As someone who just loved "revisiting the impeccable form of my jazzercise routines," she tossed out her usual one-liners, performed in an incredible music video with guest star Olivia Newton-John and bonded with her sister.

I complained, when this character was first introduced, that it was a cheap gimmick used to show the coach's human side. So I welcome Sue's sibling as a recurring character in order to basically prove me wrong. This is a relationship we'll actually see more of from time to time. I can get behind that.

Sue in Shock

Sue smells coffee instead of fear. NOOOO!

The initial appearance of Molly Shannon fell short, as Glee has already done that, been there when it comes to eccentric, unabashed alcoholics that want to take Will into a closet and "pork" him. But we'll give Brenda Castle a couple more episodes before we judge her.

Speaking of judging, remind us never to make out with anyone else while dating Emma. Damn, that woman can unleash her mind when prompted by Sue (and her hidden baby monitors in Will's apartment)!

Every word Emma said rang true, though we're not sure why Will didn't jump in to at least correct her about sleeping with April. (He only slept with her literally... right?). I still hold out hope for these two, but Emma is right: she can't put Will on such a pedestal. He may not really be a full-blown man whore, but he's also not the perfect specimen she's made him to be. That doesnt mean he can't be the one for her, however.

As for the evening's Glee music choices? I had never heard of "Run, Joey, Run" before - but Rachel's video was one of the highlights of the year for me.

It also led to Jesse dumping her, which leads us to wonder: what is this dude's agenda? We've been assuming he was a mole for Shelby and Vocal Adrenaline, and he still might be. But breaking up with Rachel doesn't exactly jive with that plan.

Overall, another wonderful episode. It wasn't as heavy as last week's somber "Home," nor as random as "The Power of Madonna." Browse through our favorite Glee quotes below and sound off about "Bad Reputation" now.

Did you like it?

Quinn: You're a really good teacher, even if everyone is calling you a man whore. | permalink
Brenda: I'm an alcoholic and I like pills. I hear that's your type. Let's go in the closet and pork! | permalink
Artie: We have to do what we've been dreading. Something more terrifying than Rachel's personality. | permalink
Artie: I'm kind of getting cold feet.
Brittany: Can you even feel your feet? | permalink
Mercedes: Why does everyone assume I'm angry all the time? It's called being sassy. | permalink
Puck: Jesse will never fully know what it means like to be a Jew.
Rachel: I'm ironically turned on by your bad boy image, but let's keep this professional.
Puck: I'm outta here. Why should I stay if there's no chance of making out? | permalink
Brittany: I had a cold and I took all my antibiotics at the same time and I forgot how to leave. | permalink
Rachel: In this age of celebrity sex tapes, a good reputation does no good at all. | permalink
Jesse: This song should be arrested for the crime of sucking. | permalink

Bad Reputation Review

Editor Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
  • 4.2 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0 (51 Votes)

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.

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Glee Season 1 Episode 17 Quotes

As soon as I figure out the difference between slander and libel, I'm suing you.

Sue

Student: Hey, Ms. Sylvester, let's get physical.
Sue: Not really my type, but I like that attitude.