Blaine’s issues seem like something that could be a legitimate concern, and that he was torn between what Kurt wanted him to do and what he wanted (we’ve certainly been there before enough times,) but he backs up his reasoning with really flimsy excuses, like a childhood love of playing “Operation,” so Kurt’s theory that Blaine is just scared and vulnerable is probably the truth. Shame, I would have liked to see Blaine actually make a move into something like law or media because, unlike Sam, he actually is a little social justice warrior, and I think if you asked him what was most important, he’d want to make a difference. However, Kurt claims that Blaine is a performer and a performer only, and that even if he fails at NYADA, he will find the spotlight.
The “University of Cincinnati” is so recognisable as the main public walkway at Paramount Studios that for a few seconds I think we’re still in commercial. But no, there’s Artie and Becky walking around with an advisor. They later attend an independent living class, where students with Down’s Syndrome learn bill-paying and financial budgeting skills. The group is enthusiastic about the college and about Becky, and she is invited to stay and watch the class, swiftly brushing off a guy who’s slightly sleazily putting the moves on her already.
Sam meets a booking agent – played by Tyra Banks – at top modelling agency House of Bichette. She trusts the photographer who shot Sam’s pictures, and she likes his look, especially his eyes, which apparently have the Midwestern vacant gaze of a cow, and his unusual mouth, which he resentfully identifies as “trouty” for her. Tyra Banks- I’m pretty sure she’s not playing herself, but she also isn’t given a name – explains that Sam needs to get better pictures, and, in a manner that drifts between realistic truth bomb and mystical craziness, explains that the career is not glamorous or that financially viable, and that the word he’ll hear the most is “no.” Sam takes this on the chin, and she likes his attitude, so she invites him to provide new pictures – in a week, after he’s lost ten pounds, a request which Sam is perplexed by.
At home, the loft has acquired a small piano – apparently a thank-you gift from Blaine and Sam for having them stay. Santana is supremely pissed off that Kurt and Rachel will now sing all day, all night, and at any given opportunity. Rachel brushes her off and attempts to feed Sam, who morosely refuses to eat anything other than “Mentos and flavored air.” The others all tell him how stupid the situation is, and that he should look for another agency. Blaine says that maybe this is an argument best made in song, to Kurt cries “yes!” and to which Santana groans – this is what she’s afraid of, every argument and discussion and meal turning into a sing-along. “You don’t have to sing, Santana,” Blaine smiles smugly at her, as Kurt adds “but I dare you not to!” and begins the opening to “Just The Way You Are.”
The group goes line by line, in different pairings, and it’s one of the most organic and beautiful performances ever done on the show – certainly the best this season. I forgot how good Rachel and Blaine sound together, and it doesn’t suffer that fake quality of many Glee performances, where the singers are backed up by lots of magical instrumentals that we can’t see. It’s just them, and Blaine’s single piano line, and their own vocal harmonies. Rachel sings to Sam, Kurt definitely notices, and Sam pulls Rachel up to dance with him.
Kurt and Sam also share some lines and they sound flawless together, and I’m reminded that after Finn cock-blocked their duet in season 2, they’ve never actually sung together. Ugh. RIP that entire plotline. We could have had it all, rolling in the deep, etc. Anyway, Rachel and Sam also sound amazing together – Chord’s voice is criminally underused on this show, it’s stunned me since his very first episode – and then, of course, Santana prances back in from her sulk, belting out into a hairbrush and joining in. While Blaine plays, Kurt twirls Santana around and Sam and Rachel continue to waltz, gazing at each other a little. As the song ends, everyone kind of notices with wide eyes, but nothing about it is mentioned aloud… for now.
Back at McKinley, Sue calls Becky in to talk about her trip to college. Becky admits she loved it and that she wants to go, that she is ready and has outgrown high school. Sue is sad to lose her, but wants to help write the application essay. Meanwhile, Ryder is getting really intense really fast, which Marley is clearly uncomfortable with. Jake, faking-jovial, asks them if this situation is for real, Ryder says yes, Jake says cool and drapes himself over some random girls, wandering off. Marley tells Ryder that they’re not officially Going Out and that she still needs time.
Sue and Becky set up an arts stand for the career fair. Will asks why Sue changed her mind, and she admits that everyone deserves a shot at their dreams, but as she still finds it irresponsible, she continues to undermine the idea while objectively doing what is right. The club overhears and delusionally defends themselves, claiming they’re all going to be big stars. “Of course you are,” Sue tells them patronisingly, “Isn’t that right, William?” Will, who clearly knows this isn’t going to be true for all of them, is saved from answering by Blam returning and talking about their time in New York. Why did Blaine have to audition at NYADA, by the way? Kurt and Rachel auditioned at McKinley… Sam tells the group that Schue conveniently neglected to tell them that Billy Joel never went to college, and reveals that he wont be going to college either.
Sue tries to peace out, saying she cannot imagine what goes on in their heads. Becky tells her “they’re nuts – every one of them is crazy,” at which Will gets a wicked grin. Sue, channeling Santana earlier in the episode, demands that no one start to sing – “No. No. Over my dead body will you inexplicably shoehorn in another Billy Joel song just to punctuate one of your weekly lessons that inevitably veers off into a saccharin barrage of angst and affirmation.” The whole glee club is grinning at each other by the end of this spiel as they break into “You May Be Right,” and they trash the career fair, dance through the halls, and end up on the stage singing and dancing with a massive group of other students, who apparently still hate and bully them except for every single time that the show needs people to bulk up performance numbers.
Next week, Glee presents season 5, episode 7 “The Puppet Master,” in which I have legitimately no idea what the hell is going on. Puppets? Yay?
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.