(S01E12) While they were in there, I told 'em to go ahead and yank out those tear ducts. Wasn't usin' 'em." - Sue Sylvester
I wouldn't say this is the best Glee episode we've had, but it had some good moments, and of course, that big reveal, which we'll talk about after the jump. The mattress scene was a nice little number, but I wasn't familiar with the song performed by Rachel and Finn, so that didn't do as much for me.
Sue Sylvester was back to true form from her compassionate scene with her sister a few episodes ago. It's hard to believe she'd have that much feeling for her sister, and yet still be a big you-know-what in the rest of her life. Glee breaks down stereotypes in some cases, but I'm not sure Sue falls into that category. She still seems like a caricature to me.
And there were other things about this episode that bugged me, but maybe it's just me. I mean, it doesn't seem likely that a glee club would be looked upon so badly that they wouldn't even get a photo in the yearbook. Does it? Or that the football team would ridicule Finn so much for being in the club. Maybe I just went to a super-easygoing school. Or maybe I'm just looking at the show the wrong way, and thinking too much about it. Probably all of the above.
At any rate, I was so glad to see Terri's big secret finally brought to light. I don't even care if Will leaves her, because he truly belongs with Emma. And by the looks of what's coming up, maybe they'll end up together somehow. Emma will ditch her wedding to help the kids at sectionals, and Terri will slink off somewhere never to be heard from again. I was calling her all sorts of names when she told Will, "Why don't you just take the food out of the refrigerator and give that to the kids?"
But ooh, that was some scene when Will realized that Terri had been faking the pregnancy all along. I thought we were in an episode of "Law & Order" there for a second. We haven't seen Will get mad like that.
And hopefully, the true daddy of Quinn's baby will be revealed, too. Then all would be right with the world. Oh, and I really liked the last song, "Smile," with the montage of everyone.
What did you think of this episode? Glad to see Will get all up in Terri's face about the fake pregnancy?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
12-03-2009 @ 5:26AM
Mark Kawakami said...
You know, I actually *do* think this was the best episode they've had. There were a lot of funny, unexpected jokes; big plot dvelopment and two excellent musical numbers. Yeah, I wasn't familiar with the other one, but I thought it was one of their best duets so far. But what really sold me on this ep is that there was a sharper, tighter energy to the whole thing: wittier dialogue, more dramatic confrontations, more aggressive plotting and finally much more energetic directing.
Like you, my high school was much more laid back. Hey, great, we probably both had a more stable high school experience. But let's face it, it would have made for some really stale television. Glee's McKinley High is intentionally the worst case scenario of clique-ish schools because otherwise there's no drama, no comedy and no viewers.
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12-03-2009 @ 7:41AM
Lisa said...
I liked this ep although others have been stellar this season. The one thing that bugged was the darned mattress, can't Will just buy it and make things right? He has $325 he doesn't need to spend on the yearbook photo. I know it's the plot but this seems weak.
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12-03-2009 @ 2:58PM
am_hollitz said...
I saw the yearbook problem going in a different direction. I would have had the Mattress store owner buy an ad in the yearbook--like the funeral parlor did (too funny)--and feature the glee club kids in their pajams.
Granted, that would have left a plot hole for Will--his use of the mattress is what facilitated his removal as club director.
I dunno. It just seems like a rewrite was ordered to make a plot point fit.
12-03-2009 @ 8:07AM
tqlasnrz said...
I agree it was a really good show last night. Oh and next week Finn will find out that the baby is not his. Next week it is Episode 13.
See below:
Question: When will all of the baby drama come out in the open on Glee? Finn and Will both need to get a clue. —Caroline
Ausiello: The truth comes out at some point between “Wheels” (episode 9) and “Sectionals” (episode 13).
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12-03-2009 @ 9:32AM
RobynS8971 said...
Oooh, you're right, that scene where Wil found the belly padding...I really thought "Glee" was going to the dark side!
Loved the mattress ad, the duet not so much, hope Wil saves Emma before the coach mauls her.
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12-03-2009 @ 10:12AM
JeanE said...
Matthew Morrison is so good, I was riveted because I KNEW when he was going through those drawers he was gonna find her pregnancy pad! And when he pulled up her shirt, the gasp they both did, it was so real! I felt so bad for him but it was time to find out. You'd think Terri would've felt guilty about faking it so when Will told her he wanted to buy an ad she would've said, "oh, fine honey, go ahead!" But they write her as such a 1 note witch, it's kinda unbelievable. I want he & Emma together but it should evolve slowly. I loved the ep but the music part of it was one of the weaker ones. I understand, every ep can't knock it out of the park. It's still better than anything on TV currently (except for Lost my other fave!). I don't think Rachel is that annoying, she really means well. I love the way they dress her, it's so cute and unique. I wanted to punch Sue Sylvester but Will can't do that. Also, she should watch it with calling people ugly or fat, she is chunky and a giant. They make her too evil sometimes, again, too unbelievable. I just love this show, the joy when the kids sing is palpable. There's something for everyone. How will I live 'til it starts again next year?!
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12-03-2009 @ 10:16AM
Leroy said...
I really feel sorry for you if you can't enjoy a song the first time you hear it. That is an unfortunate disability.
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12-03-2009 @ 10:21AM
Sarah said...
i thought it was a really good episode as well. we finally got some real and impassioned acting through Will. i also noticed a hole in the plot... if Glee was given a page in Thunderclap, Will could have just paid for the crappy mattress the club was given.
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12-03-2009 @ 10:25AM
Gill said...
By far, IMO, the worst episode to date. I found the 'reveal' to be handled so poorly it was laughable trying to believe the anger in that scene.
This show really is only good when it keeps it lighthearted. Most of the attempts at any deep emotion have fallen completely flat for me. The only scene I can say otherwise would have been Quinn's admission to her parents, and though the actress who plays her did really well I think it was Gregg Henry's guest starring role that really made it work for me. The show needs to stop trying to shoehorn in deep emotional scenes because they make the show disjointed and since they're often completely ignored once they are over. I mean, where is the fallout from Quinn now being kicked out of her home and living with Finn? Not only has there been no mention of it, the last few episodes have played out as if it never happened. If they're not going to bother with legitimate character development that carries over from week to week just do not bother trying because it drags down the area of the show that are entertaining.
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12-03-2009 @ 10:56AM
Alicia R. said...
When Will started looking for his pocket square I knew the gig was up. Well, at least I was hoping it was. Loved the scene between them.
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12-03-2009 @ 11:09AM
George said...
I want to see the episode where the mattress place gets sued into oblivion for using "Jump" in their (90+-second!) TV spot without licensing it.
Better yet, I want to see the real-life legal case in which someone uses this episode to beat a piracy charge.
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12-03-2009 @ 11:14AM
zooguy65 said...
Great episode all around and I loved the dramatic/intense moment with Will and his wife over her deception. I think it really took the viewer to the place that this isn't just some happy-go-lucky show with great music and performances.
And speaking of musical performances, I can't believe nobody's said this yet, but that song that Quinn and Rachel perform is Smile by Lily Allen. I thought it was a great use of both "Smile" songs (the latter written by Charlie Chaplin). Can't wait for next week's episode, but will be bummed when they go on hiatus - which I hear is until April??
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12-03-2009 @ 11:33AM
Joel Keller said...
Here's the real info on "When You're Smiling":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_You%27re_Smiling
Definitely not written by Charlie Chaplin.
12-03-2009 @ 11:57AM
zooguy65 said...
Just a friendly little note. Before you call someone out for being wrong on their comment, make sure you're correct. The second Smile performed on last nights Glee was indeed the one written by Charlie Chaplin. They did not perform "When You're Smiling" by Louis Armstrong.
Rachel references it/semi sings it when she's looking in the mirror during the photo shoot, but they never performed it. So, next time you post what you think is a "NO, you're wrong" reply, check your facts.
Smile tho' your heart is aching,
Smile even tho' it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by,
If you smile
thro' your fear and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow,
You'll see the sun come shin-ing thro' for you
12-03-2009 @ 12:10PM
Joel Keller said...
My mistake. I really thought you were referring to "When You're Smiling." My apologies.
Now I realize why I thought that. You said the "latter" of the two songs was written by Chaplin. So I remembered "Smile" and "When You're Smiling." I didn't remember the third song. And when you said "latter," that's when the second song clicked in my head.
This could have all been avoided by giving the title in the first place. I'm just sayin'.
12-03-2009 @ 12:20PM
zooguy65 said...
No worries, it was just annoying to see the dismissive post. Also, the Charlie Chaplin song is also called "Smile" so that is why I put it in quotes (""). So really, I did give the title. Just sayin'
12-03-2009 @ 12:28PM
Joel Keller said...
You meant the latter of the two songs named "Smile." OK, thanks, I get it now. Must need to get a stronger cup of coffee before I read in the morning... my comprehension skills are off before then.
12-03-2009 @ 11:15AM
rick cokely said...
The song performed by Finn and Rachel was "Smile" by Lily Allen. It's off her first album which was amazing.
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12-03-2009 @ 12:01PM
jamie said...
EHEM. 3 different songs mentioned in this episode, people. Keep up.
1) Smile - Lily Allen (the duet)
2) When You're Smiling - Louis Armstrong/Judy Garland (Rachel sings to herself in the mirror)
3) Smile - Charlie Chaplin (fantastic group song at the end)
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12-03-2009 @ 12:15PM
Matthew Fleigle said...
I just kept thinking WTF when Quinn was jumping (and I think flipping) on the beds. Isnt that a horrible thing to do while pregnant???? I double checked to see it was her jumping (Cause I thought maybe it was Brittany), but couldnt tell with the flipping. Someone please correct me if I am wrong
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