Glee Season Finale Review: Off to New York

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Nationals finally arrived, along the season finale of Glee, this week.

With "New York" as host to The New Directions and the other 49 top show choirs in the nation, the Naked Cowboy may have been looking for ear plugs as the group broke out its rendition of "New York, New York" in Times Square. And were we really to believe that Rachel didn't know "Cats" was no longer running? Tough start to the season's final episode, but it turned out to be a stumble and not a fall. 

In NYC

Despite a few unrealistic moments, even by Glee standards, I thought it was a good finale. It didn't leave me with chills, or tears in my eyes, but it definitely had me chomping at the bit for next season.

The original songs didn't live up to the high standards set by "Get It Right" and "Loser Like Me," but that was strategic. The songs were mediocre and that was why they weren't in the top 10 (note to the Directions: don't wait until the day before to prepare your Nationals routine, okay?)

The writers did the storyline justice. The club got a taste of Nationals, but still failed to reach the ultimate goal. Next year with Blaine on their roster, they are a, dare I say, Schue-in? 

I felt the writers put too much emphasis on the kiss between Finn and Rachel being the scapegoat. I was shocked when the song finished and only Will stood and clapped. You're telling me the entire crowd agreed with Jesse that the kiss was common and vulgar? Please, I saw Lea Michele's breasts in Spring Awakening on Broadway and I didn't flinch for a second. It's art, people! Once again, though, I had to remind myself, it wasn't real, it was reali-Glee.

I liked seeing Artie and Brittany share center stage and how she threw a little Charleston into the choreography, but again the results were not a shock. We saw the level of competition they were up against when that Chelsea Handler look-alike belted out Usher. 

While the loss was tough to take, several moments more than made up for it. Santana's Lima Heights tirade; Blaine and Kurt's I love you's and the latter's Pip Pip Hooray; Samcedes!; and how a single Quinn scoffed at how even Zises was hooking up. 

Possibly my favorite moment was when Puck stood up and hugged Mr. Schue. Puck had some great moments in this finale, but please don't ever let him ride a skateboard again. That was just painful. 

I liked the cameo by the "Gas Man" from Dumb and Dumber, who told Will he had real talent. Also, the guard at the Gershwin Theatre letting Rachel and Kurt have 15 minutes on stage was a nice touch, although I'm not too sure if such a nice person exists in Manhattan. I didn't dwell on it too much, however, because I was completely moved by the duet we were treated to. The look in Kurt's eyes as Rachel pulled him to center stage and he looked out on the house was fantastic. 

I was underwhelmed by Finn and Rachel's big date. Patti LuPone made a cameo and Rachel told her she was her idol? I hope Barbara wasn't in the booth adjacent because you know what happens in booth adjacent. Bad things! I thought Rachel and Kurt had more chemistry during their breakfast at Tiffany's than she and Finn shared. It was also strange how they went from midtown to the West Village in subsequent scenes. The transition didn't quite gel with me. 

What did gel though was Quinn's new hair. No pun intended. Loved, loved, loved the new look, even though I had thought they would make more of a fuss over it. It also was a bit weird how she cared so little about the show choir competition after placing so much emphasis on something as frivolous as a school dance, but we have to suspend reality at times with this show and turn a blind eye to some of its inconsistencies.

Like, for instance, when Quinn was so cheery to Rachel and Finn as they walked into the choir room to close out the episode. Do haircuts really work that well, ladies?!?

Dustin was great in his return, as he tried to educate Will at the bar and Jesse dropped his usual lot of lines, as well. I didn't really care for the whole Sunshine scene or Vocal Adrenaline's performance either, for that matter. I was expecting something more. 

Brittany was preaching the truth to Santana and her words made for a great summation. Church was in service as she nailed this season's theme of acceptance. Like Rachel and Kurt sang to one another, everyone in the glee club is who they are today because they met each other.

They have been changed for the better for having met one another, just like I have been after watching this season unfold. Until next season, enjoy the reruns and look forward to the 3D movie. Next year, The New Directions are going to bring home the hardware! 

Did Finchel's kiss cost New Directions the title?

New York Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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Glee Season 2 Episode 22 Quotes

OK can we just talk about the Jewish elephant in the room?

Puck

Bartender: Do you even know what's in a Manhattan?
Puck: Yeah me, for the first time. Which is why I want to celebrate with a cocktail.