With all the negativity in this thread lately, I almost feel bad writing anything good about the show, and last night I kind of had mixed reactions to it. I mean after last week saying how much I loved the episode, I couldn't help but agree with all the naysayers about various things, and aknowledging all of Glee's faults, despite liking it. Actually, I think not only am I comparing the show to Heroes and the "Years that suck after the first year excellence" syndrome, I might also compare this show to 24, in that while there are so many good things about it, there are so many repititious things about it and the writing leaves a lot to be desired. Despite that, you kind of ignore it and go with the flow, which is exactly what 24 was past season 4.
Anyway, as for last night's episode, I think my mixed reaction comes because they wrapped up everything in this episode. Quinn's insanity? gone. Integrating the troubletones back into New Directions? Check. Blaine and Finn's conflict? Resolved. There were some of these storylines that felt wrapped up way too easily and I think the common criticism on this board (Which talking about shows like CSI or TNG) is along the lines up these stories "Tied up in a nice bow at the end of the hour." It felt like the writers decided to say "these storylines really do suck, so let's wrap them up as neatly and tidy as possible and move on to more sucky storylines". Even the one with Mike and his Father and that conflict that I've enjoyed this season felt too easy.
I'm being negative but I actually did like the episode. The music was great (this was the best New Directions sectional performance of the series) and I actually noticed how much Rachael really does hold everyone else down. Tina got to sing finally, and she did a hell of a job with ABC. Mike was the same way and man when he's not doing humorous silly stuff, he's a very good singer. It was also nice to see Sam come back and their rendition of Red Solo Cup was tolerable, even if I still hate the song.
I will also say I do hope they carry the theme of enjoying 16 through the rest of the season. This is a storyline for a group of high schoolers that can fit for this show and allows the writers to dial it back some. Don't be cute, just be simple. If we get episodes with that theme and quality and various questions that go with it in the back half of the season, I think I will be happy. I don't mind conflict, but some of the stuff this season (Like Puck and Shelby) have been so creepy and so off the wall that I really do hope the writers dial it back and let it be a show set in High School again. I think last night took some steps to doing that, and like I've been all season, I'm cautiously optimistic.
I'd rather be ignorant of details of TV show than the actual meanings of words.
