by Chris Saccaro
via zap2it.com
After a slightly melodramatic winter finale, “Glee” is finally back to address some of the major points that it brought up at the end of the last episode–the biggest cliffhanger being Quinn’s texting and driving accident. And let us all let out a collective sigh as we watch what could have been an intriguing storyline turn into a walking (scratch that, a rolling) public service announcement against texting and driving. One can only hope that Quinn’s complete denial of the ramifications of her accident are part of a grander scheme that will reveal that Quinn was actually dead the whole time. Coming from the same guy who created “American Horror Story,” this isn’t too far off.
The main draw of this episode was introducing the world to Blaine’s older brother, played by special guest star Matt Bomer, who happens to be famous for car insurance commercials in the world of “Glee.” This gives us an interesting peak inside the psyche of Blaine. Growing up with a talented attractive older brother who always criticizes you is bound to make you slightly attention starved. While it’s great to see why Blaine acts the way that he does (and let’s be honest, Blaine can get very annoying), it’s slightly disappointing that this was the main plot of the episode as opposed to focusing on Quinn’s accident.
The emotional backlash of Quinn’s accident was completely glossed over. Her denial isn’t helping, as it just comes off as if nothing really happened. I guess if you really think about it, nothing really did happen. Quinn is apparently going to try to walk again by Nationals, so by then, this will all be a distant memory, like her pregnancy in season one.
The one upside to Quinn’s accident–Finn and Rachel’s wedding was called off. And by the end of the episode, there seems to be trouble in paradise. And honestly, thank the show choir gods that this is happening. Finally, Finn is starting to realize that if he goes to New York with Rachel, he’s going to be her trophy husband. The ending scene between Finn and Rachel was probably the realest display of emotion between these two characters. And it’s a welcome change from the blissful ignorance of teen love that is usually pouring out of their melodious mouths.
As a whole, this was a pretty weak episode. The songs were forgettable, except for Blaine’s cover of “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which felt oddly fitting for a duet between the two brothers. The biggest disappointment is how the writers handled Quinn’s accident. Other than some strange friendship forming between Quinn and Artie, (because apparently, wheelchair-bound kids must be friends), not much came from the accident. It feels as if Quinn is now a spokesperson for not texting and driving, going as far as chastising Finn for texting while walking–as if that is a gateway drug into texting and driving.
Sue also vows to help the Glee Club win nationals in a story arc that feels stale and overdone. While this episode sets up a few storylines for the final few episodes of the season, it feels like an episode that belongs earlier in the season, where the major storylines are still being established.
Chris Saccaro is a staff writer. Email him at entertainment@nyunews.com.
