GLEE: Michael

In this new episode of GLEE, the rivalry between New Directions and the Warblers intensifies en route to Regionals. Michael celebrates the music of Michael Jackson with guest star Grant Gustin. Here are my thoughts as I watch the show:

• To explain why we’re seeing all the Michael Jackson this week, the former Troubletones are complaining that they didn’t get to sing The King of Pop. Which means, we’re going to start with “Gonna Be Startin’ Something”.
• Of course, after we get that great number, Sebastian has to be a tool and wants to steal all the MJ for the Warblers. When the team finds out that Blaine was responsible for the change, I have to give Puck credit for the bad history joke.
• If Blaine is going to take the King of Pop to the streets, I’m feeling that “Bad” is about to make an appearance. (Oh look, I’m psychic, or something.) Is it bad that I’m wishing that we’d had the “fight” scene from West Side Story earlier in the season (this is a weird substitute for my love of the Jets and the Sharks.)
• Sebastian, that’s a low blow, to slushie Blaine at the end of that number. Wait, a slushie can cause cornea damage. OH DAMN! That’s some rough slushie.
• Artie’s rage is totally awesome right here. He’s not just talking about being an outcast for Glee, but also about his rage over life in general. (Leading us into an awkward transition for “Scream” because well, we need it right now, right?)
• This proposal storyline seems so weird in the context of this episode. Also, I’m not sure how Quinn got into Yale Early Decision, but whatever. Oh there’s the context for the wedding issue– “Never Can Say Goodbye” as Quinn sagely tries to tell Rachel that being with Finn is a bad idea.
• Kurt referencing Clue–that makes me happy. Kurt and Santana trying to plot against Sebastian is wonderful. I’m just not sure what that is.
• Sam, why are you still after a girl who has a man? Even if you want to sing “Human Nature” with her. Mercedes, why did you just cheat on your man? You’re so much better than that.
• Did Kurt apply to NYADA early too? Oh good for Kurt! He needs some good news this episode. Burt Hummel, I love you for this utter undying love of your son. Of course Kurt’s shining moment is going to crash down thanks to Rachel and her breakdown about not knowing what she’s doing with her life after high school.
• This eyepatch on Blaine is odd. No lie. “Ben” is not one of those songs that I’m familiar with, but I do appreciate the sentiment of being friendly with the extended Hummel-Hudson family and significant others.
• Santana taking on Sebastian with the Warblers in view, well, this is awesome in potential. (Also, cute Warbler who wonders if Blaine is okay, you need to kick Sebastian to the curb.) Cellos and the two of them trying to take the other down is pretty damn impressive. I’d want more of that, but I don’t know if I really want to see that much Sebastian in another episode.
• It’s so impressive that Kurt is still taking the higher ground, even when Santana has the proof. The gang leaving for the auditorium does leave Finn and Rachel the time they need to sing it out. The song ends with Rachel accepting that proposal (no real shocker there).
• In the spirit of learning cooperation, we’re ending this episode on “Black and White”. In this moment, I’m reminded of listening to this whole album as a tween and the entire video that went along with it. This is only making me old (oh and we’ve just gone and done the CGI face-shifting I’m really going back now.)
• Ah, a take-down at the end of the episode. That feels right.

To live up the show’s name, Rachel gets her moment of glee with her finalist letter.