Welcome back, Gleeks! School's in session and there is an all-new artillery of music just waiting to be sung. The fourth season premiere of Glee was already cause for controversy, however. What with a change in direction and new faces mixing in with the old, this could either be a really good thing or a train wreck. And while the take off had a bit (okay, a lot) of turbulence, the landing was pretty smooth (well...as smooth as it was ever going to be with this series. The in-flight will be left up to your interpretation. Some loved it, most probably hated it and turned off their TV's at the 10 minute mark. But, if you stuck around, you might have found that it was actually not that bad.
I'm not quite sure yet how this season's reviews will be going, seeing how it now feels like I'm watching two separate shows. On the one hand you have McKinley High, which feels pretty much the same, and on the other you have "Rachel Takes On New York", which feels like it should have just been a spin off that Glee led into. But that's just my opinion.
I guess I'll split this into two parts and do it by location:
NEW YORK
The best thing about New York is that Rachel Berry finally realizes that she is a small fish in a big ocean. And the one to show her this is none other than Kate freaking Hudson, who was fabulous despite me not being able to understand a single word of the song she sang. If this was American Idol, old-school Simon would tell her great voice, horrible song choice.
They also introduced Rachel's new love interest, who is nothing more than Jesse St. James 2.0 in terms of personality. He is the male version of Rachel and if Ryan Murphy expects me to stomach this then he has another thing coming because I refuse. It's Lily, bitch. Yeah, I said it. The actor from Terra Nova who, although a pretty face with an even prettier body, is a complete and utter bore. He wasn't that much better on Terra Nova either. But I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
If they want to give me a good triangle for Finn and Rachel, then they're going to have to make this new guy (who's name I can't even remember...the only new face that I can't remember the name of) a viable love interest for Rachel. The reason why Finn and Rachel worked is because he balanced her. He was the ying to her yang. He kept her grounded and he was also her number one fan. This guy cheering her on in her big debut doesn't make me forget about Finn and rather just delays his inevitable appearance. Nope, sorry, Murphy, try again. Some will say I have my shipper goggles on. And while that may be true, give it time. This will bore you too. Rachel can't be with a male version of herself. We saw what a train wreck that was with Jesse back in season 2.
Now, as for Rachel's big breakdown in Central Park with Kurt, that was utterly heartbreaking. For the first time she's been cut down to size and is far from the on-top diva that we've seen for three years. Gone are the days of her dreaming of being a star and now she is in the thick of it giving it all that she has, only to discover that there are no signs of comfort in the littlest morsel. But, her best friend was thankfully there to catch her. That was beautiful. I need to rewatch that final scene of the episode again.
School was back in session and the first mission on the list was to hold auditions for new members. At least, that's what should have been on the minds of those left behind. Instead they were having a Diva-Sing-Off to see who "the next Rachel Berry" was. Except when we heard them sing (while I'm a big, big fan of Darren Criss and Jenna Ushkowitz) Tina and Blaine's voices just aren't big enough to fill the void left behind by the likes of Rachel or Mercedes. Not even the new kid Unique's voice is big enough, though I did love Unique in the last season. This character definitely has potential and star could still rise here.
Aside from Kurt hanging around McKinley High, I could not find one thing I liked about these scenes except for a quick Game of Thrones reference. Next to Kurt and Rachel's reunion, my favorite moment still stays with Chris Colfer as Kurt is supplied with sad farewells involving both Blaine and Burt. Blaine sang a song from one of my new favorite bands "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons (seriously download it on iTunes...in fact just download the entire damn album) and Criss covered it beautifully in a well choreographed number that was perhaps one of the most enjoyable songs of the hour. So that helped tip the forgiveness glass in his favor for being such a pain in the ass for most of the episode but not by much.
Now, as for Rachel's big breakdown in Central Park with Kurt, that was utterly heartbreaking. For the first time she's been cut down to size and is far from the on-top diva that we've seen for three years. Gone are the days of her dreaming of being a star and now she is in the thick of it giving it all that she has, only to discover that there are no signs of comfort in the littlest morsel. But, her best friend was thankfully there to catch her. That was beautiful. I need to rewatch that final scene of the episode again.
MCKINLEY HIGH
School was back in session and the first mission on the list was to hold auditions for new members. At least, that's what should have been on the minds of those left behind. Instead they were having a Diva-Sing-Off to see who "the next Rachel Berry" was. Except when we heard them sing (while I'm a big, big fan of Darren Criss and Jenna Ushkowitz) Tina and Blaine's voices just aren't big enough to fill the void left behind by the likes of Rachel or Mercedes. Not even the new kid Unique's voice is big enough, though I did love Unique in the last season. This character definitely has potential and star could still rise here.
Aside from Kurt hanging around McKinley High, I could not find one thing I liked about these scenes except for a quick Game of Thrones reference. Next to Kurt and Rachel's reunion, my favorite moment still stays with Chris Colfer as Kurt is supplied with sad farewells involving both Blaine and Burt. Blaine sang a song from one of my new favorite bands "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons (seriously download it on iTunes...in fact just download the entire damn album) and Criss covered it beautifully in a well choreographed number that was perhaps one of the most enjoyable songs of the hour. So that helped tip the forgiveness glass in his favor for being such a pain in the ass for most of the episode but not by much.
Kurt just kind of felt stuck for most of the hour until Blaine told him it was because he belonged in New York. Burt provided a great addition to that as his father was just the push he needed to get on a plane and go. Kurt was actually the only thing I liked in McKinley this time around, except for Mr. Schue who was naive as ever and Sue with her new adorable baby.
It did not help that the core group left behind just had horrible attitudes for nearly the entire episode. Even Sam and the Christian kid from last season. This turn was so completely out of character for both of them despite the fact we never actually see them say anything nasty. We just see them tolerate it, which is somehow worse. Watching them sit at the "popular" table and making fun of the lunch lady made me literally want to step into my television and punch them all. And then I realized: that's the point. I'm supposed to hate it because it sets up a new character.
It did not help that the core group left behind just had horrible attitudes for nearly the entire episode. Even Sam and the Christian kid from last season. This turn was so completely out of character for both of them despite the fact we never actually see them say anything nasty. We just see them tolerate it, which is somehow worse. Watching them sit at the "popular" table and making fun of the lunch lady made me literally want to step into my television and punch them all. And then I realized: that's the point. I'm supposed to hate it because it sets up a new character.
Marley. That's it. She was the best thing about the episode and I'm done. The end.
No, I'm kidding. About being done, not about the being the best part-part. Although she was one of the best parts but I'll get to the other new face in a second.
Marley's mom is the lunch lady the kids were making fun of, and the way the veterans discover is perfection. We all need to feel absolutely horrible sometimes over things we say and I found myself cheering Marley on. Sam of course, comes first to apologize. Now that's in his character, and he standing up and doing the right thing leads the rest of the members to apologize. The popular kids actually slushy the faces of Unique and Marley and order is somehow restored. This is the Glee I remember falling in love with. It's supposed to be them against the world anyway.
No, I'm kidding. About being done, not about the being the best part-part. Although she was one of the best parts but I'll get to the other new face in a second.
Marley's mom is the lunch lady the kids were making fun of, and the way the veterans discover is perfection. We all need to feel absolutely horrible sometimes over things we say and I found myself cheering Marley on. Sam of course, comes first to apologize. Now that's in his character, and he standing up and doing the right thing leads the rest of the members to apologize. The popular kids actually slushy the faces of Unique and Marley and order is somehow restored. This is the Glee I remember falling in love with. It's supposed to be them against the world anyway.
But no seriously, if anyone is the next Rachel, it's Marley. Actress Melissa Benoist's voice is the most amazing thing you'll ever hear. And I'd like to think that Rachel will love her the instant she meets her...if she ever meets her.
But, Marley and Rachel are too complete opposites. Where Rachel knew she was a star, Marley has an insecurity to her that is endearing (I'll explain why I love this in a minute). Rachel was a diva and Marley simply... Isn't. She reminds me a lot of... Finn actually. Believe or not. Watching her stand up for her mom reminded me of season 1 when Finn stood up for Artie.
But like I said, she wasn't the only thing I really loved. The other new face whom I love (more than the original might I add) is Puck Jr. Yep, Puck's half brother Jake is now on Glee. I know, I know...we knew this was coming so the "surprise twist" at the end of the episode lacks the weight it was trying to imply. But I didn't expect to love him so much.
Jake is, in a sense, like the extra crispy to the original recipe. I was never a fan of Puck. I adore Mark Sailing, but Puck was a punk. The only time I liked Puck was when he was with Quinn while she was pregnant or with Beth when she was born. I didn't like Puck with Rachel. They didn't bring out anything interesting in each other.
But that's why I think Jake and Marley could really work. Jake Puckerman is way more troubled than his big brother. He has a vulnerability to him that makes me want to hug him and slap him all at the same time. I can really see Marley being that light in his dark, dark world. And Jake is just what Marley needs to get her out of her shell. They've got a potential love-hate vibe coming off them in waves. He can be her champion. Marley clearly needs a dark knight in her life. And can you just picture a scene down the line where someone is making fun of Marley and her mom and Jake kicks their ass? I can! And who doesn't love a guy standing up for his girl? Seriously!
These two have something special in the making. Just wait and see. They could be what Rachel and Puck never could. They could be ying and yang to each other. And the actors already have chemistry based off their two scenes alone.
So was the premiere of Glee worth the very long wait? Was anyone even waiting for it? Did anyone care? And those who watched or simply because they were too lazy to change the channel after X Factor, what did you think? Is this new style for Glee going to work? Or are you already feeling a split headache? And what do you think of the new additions? Which one is your favorite? Sound off below!
But, Marley and Rachel are too complete opposites. Where Rachel knew she was a star, Marley has an insecurity to her that is endearing (I'll explain why I love this in a minute). Rachel was a diva and Marley simply... Isn't. She reminds me a lot of... Finn actually. Believe or not. Watching her stand up for her mom reminded me of season 1 when Finn stood up for Artie.
But like I said, she wasn't the only thing I really loved. The other new face whom I love (more than the original might I add) is Puck Jr. Yep, Puck's half brother Jake is now on Glee. I know, I know...we knew this was coming so the "surprise twist" at the end of the episode lacks the weight it was trying to imply. But I didn't expect to love him so much.
Jake is, in a sense, like the extra crispy to the original recipe. I was never a fan of Puck. I adore Mark Sailing, but Puck was a punk. The only time I liked Puck was when he was with Quinn while she was pregnant or with Beth when she was born. I didn't like Puck with Rachel. They didn't bring out anything interesting in each other.
But that's why I think Jake and Marley could really work. Jake Puckerman is way more troubled than his big brother. He has a vulnerability to him that makes me want to hug him and slap him all at the same time. I can really see Marley being that light in his dark, dark world. And Jake is just what Marley needs to get her out of her shell. They've got a potential love-hate vibe coming off them in waves. He can be her champion. Marley clearly needs a dark knight in her life. And can you just picture a scene down the line where someone is making fun of Marley and her mom and Jake kicks their ass? I can! And who doesn't love a guy standing up for his girl? Seriously!
These two have something special in the making. Just wait and see. They could be what Rachel and Puck never could. They could be ying and yang to each other. And the actors already have chemistry based off their two scenes alone.
So was the premiere of Glee worth the very long wait? Was anyone even waiting for it? Did anyone care? And those who watched or simply because they were too lazy to change the channel after X Factor, what did you think? Is this new style for Glee going to work? Or are you already feeling a split headache? And what do you think of the new additions? Which one is your favorite? Sound off below!
