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June 9th, 2010
10:34 AM ET
'Glee' finale evokes tears and cheersI’m going to try not to cry as I type this. The “Glee” finale turned me into a sobbing mess on my couch. I was already dealing with the show’s first season coming to an end and the Tuesday night abyss that will be the next few months until the show returns in the fall. Then the action started.
From the beginning I was touched by the hopelessness of the McKinley High gang as they faced heading to Regionals with all odds against them. With the diabolical Sue Sylvester on the judging panel I was prepared for certain doom. Their willingness to share how much they were going to miss show choir, and each other, elicited a big old “Awwwwwww” from me. Then there was Rachel and Finn. She was just vulnerable enough, given the almost certain loss of the Glee Club and her recent heartbreak by Jesse St. James, to reach out to our favorite dumb jock. When she kissed him on the stairs in the hallway I melted. The kids weren’t the only ones struggling. It was clearly tearing Mr. Schuester up too – as did the news that Emma is now dating her dentist (who reportedly will be played next season by John Stamos, to which we say “YUM!”). When Schue broke down (emotionally, not mechanically) in his car and we see him at the side of the road crying to a Journey song, I was undone. Yet you just knew that the gang was going to rise to the occasion. Singing a medley of Journey songs, New Directions had the crowd, and me, on their feet at Regionals. Not to mention the magic I felt happening between Rachel and Finn. I loved that Quinn’s mom showed up announcing she had kicked the pregnant teen’s dad out because he had hooked up with some “tattooed freak.” This was classic “Glee” for me, with one of those “Oh no they didn’t” pop culture references that just slayed me. Quinn’s labor, juxtaposed with Vocal Adrenaline’s performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” was some of the best TV I have seen in awhile. Watching the other judges, notably Josh Groban and Olivia Newton John, turn on Sue was also classic. I love how the writers remind us every once in awhile that Sue isn’t evil to the core, but just twisted enough. Having her actually vote for New Directions was a nice touch. As was the kids singing “To Sir with Love” to Schue. So sweet and cue more tears! The look on Sue’s face as she watched the performance was just the supreme acting I’ve come to expect from actress Jane Lynch. Love her so much! Just about everything was wrapped up in a neat bow, including the adoption of Quinn’s baby by Rachel’s mother. I thought it was a nice redemption for that character. And speaking of redemption, I adored Sue blackmailing Principal Figgins into giving Glee Club another year. Ending the show with Puck and Schue singing the ukulele version of “Over the Rainbow” was just perfect. Happy endings all around! Like me, did you love it? Can’t wait for season two? Sound off! |
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I just finished watching the last episode online...I sorta had a Glee marathon. I hadn't realize that this was such a great show!!! I am completely, but pleasantly surprised at the great acting and dialogue of this show. I laughed and I cried!
I must admit, though, that the reason I started watching Glee was because of Charice. When I heard that she was going to be there as a recurring character, I thought I should catch up and find out what the hoopla is about...I'm so glad I did.
This show epitomizes Charice's underdog lifestory...and it's only fitting that she be part of this show.
I hope they give her a good character to play...a character as inspiring as she is.
LOVED the finale. I cried, too. The Bohemian Rhapsody song and the way the Glee cast came together for their pregnant friend was a total tear jerker. I want to go back to High School and be their friend!!
Loved this show from the first! Good finale, but didn't like Rachel's mom taking baby instead of Rachel story line; I realize getting those two actresses together was genuis, but that resolution was too cruel. Thought Bohemian Rapsody with Qinn's labor/delivery worked far better than it shoud have, and loved the last two songs!!! Want to see Figgins sing/dance next season, LOVE Jane Lynch, she's what keeps me coming back . . . also Brittany's one liners; laughed about the diary thing every time I looked at my cat! Please, more character development/singing, give Rachel a break. Don't have guest stars just because they're great performers. The inherent story lines are the show's strength, so don't strain our committment, or the show will become a parody. I'll be back in September!!!
I love, love, LOVE this show!!! The finale was awesome, and I do not think that Jane Lynch's charachter is compromised because of the ending of the finale. There have been a couple of episodes where you can see that she does actually have a heart, she just loves to torment Will and his kids, which without her this show would not be nearly as amusing. I absolutely LOVE Jane Lynch!! I knew Vocal Adrenaline would win but I thought McKinley would at least place, they were much better than the other group. I did not really like Rachels mom adopting Quinn's baby, I think she should have tried harder to know her real daughter first, and I thought what she did was a bit harsh. I hope that her character does not come back next season. I cannot wait until the return of next season! Until then they are showing the whole season over the summer, so I can still get my fix!
Glee is perfection to me! Sure, I get really tired of the whole, "oh no! Glee club is in jeapordy!" theme every week, but this show is endearing and wonderful in a way TV has never seen before. I was glued to my TV everynight since it first aired and absolutely LOVED the season finale! My only beef with it was, as was mentioned by another person on here, that Vocal Adrenaline's song was a SOLO not a glee clulb performance. So the fact that they won Regionals seems a little too far-fetched for me. However, Rachel and Finn's kiss on the stairs and they way he told her he loved her right before they went on stage was PERFECT. I'm also very interested to see how and if Rachel will have a reaction to her birth mother adopting Quinn's baby.
I hope they bring back Teri a bit next season. She was crazy. Her role in the first half was so interesting with her fake pregnancy!
I think I could talk about Glee all day.
Did anyone notice that you never saw the name of the First Place winner on the card. Perhaps New Direction did win, but Sue didn't call their name. If you remember in the deliberation room, Sue wrote New Direction and Josh Groban liked them too so that would have been two votes for New Direction and one each for the other team putting New Direction in First Place. Just a theory. You know Sue wouldn't have wanted them to win even though deep down she probably did, but that would have given Mr. Shue the upper hand at school and Sue couldn't live with that. I did not like the fact that Rachel's Mom adopted a baby when she could not be bothered with building a relationship with her own daughter. Rachel will be very hurt I'm sure. I'm finding that older people are more into the show than younger kids. Love the show and can't wait for next season to begin. I'll be watching the reruns all summer though.
MAN, I didn't need to read this and cry like a baby all over again. What a smash show. I mean, I don't know if all glee clubs are like this for real now a days, but I sure love this show. AND I AM A 58 YEAR OLD FORMER GLEE CLUB MEMBER. LOLOL What GREAT writers and what fun these kids are. I am missing it to death.
Yhree words. I LOVED IT!!!
Thumbs up! I hope the fat black chick loses weight over the break and gets with the Asian cutie, Sue's Cheerio's need more screen time, I want to see Emma home, Shoe has a great butt Curt should have a crush on him instead or at least hook-up on the down-low with Puck (break the norm) Quinn should turn into blue-eyed soul while living with the fat black chick, Curt's pops needs to hug and at least kiss his forehead show more accepting Fatherly affection, the Spanish Cheerio that swings should get a girlfriend scene, the principal should have a Bollywood moment... Ooo I am a fan indeed!
Vocal Adrenaline's nearly perfect rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody ( no one will ever match Freddie, but they can sure try) was entirely too polished compared to the rag tag, but oh so loveable New Directions. ND would never have won with their performance, simply because it was more like practise than a show performance.
Like most everyone, the parallel to Quinn's own 'rhapsody' of giving birth, was just as touching, especially when she cried out 'Mama, mama'.
I' got chills' (get it?!) when they started singing 'Don't Stop Believing' and I was happy that Puck and Santana got a chance to show off their voices.
What we all love and what I love about Glee, is that none of the 'characters' are one dimensional. They all have layers and complex emotions that drive each of them to make the decisions they do. Case in point, Sue. She's harsh, entirely too honest, but if one listens closely enough, she tells you exactly who she is. The fact that she fought for ND is the fact that she does truly admire the singers in Glee. She just has higher expectations for everyone, including herself.
I have to say one thing, and I may be opening the door for hate replies, but I am getting a bit tired of just Rachel singing. I love her voice and she's talented, but I want to hear more from the others. They're just as talented and I need a bit of variety as well.
while i loved the finale i was disappointed that VA won. Granted i understand why they had to win but VA only showcased Jesse. Atleast ND showcased more than just one singer. I love queen songs and think that VA butchered Bohemian rapsody. Jesse st james is a good singer but i am sorry he is no Freddy Mercury. I was glad to see that Sue voted for ND, and stuck up for them when groban and newton-john started in on them. I loved the fact and laughed my butt off when olivia stated the fact that only one group did a tribute to her. LOL too funny and how full of yourself can you be. Not to fond of Rachel and Finn together. I just dont see Finn being able to put up with the ridicule of dating someone like Rachel and being seen with her in public without getting embarrassed and breaking her heart yet again. I want to see more Puck and Rachel. Atleast Puck wasnt afraid to walk around the school with Rachel on his arm unike Finn. Plus the fact that Mark Salling is extremely good looking helps my reasoning as well. In all honesty i dont think that the whole Finn and Rachel story line will last very long. I think that he will eventually realize that he still loves Quinn and go back to her. I do hope that after having Beth that Quinn doesnt go back to being a *itch. She is to sweet to be like that all the time. Anyway I cant wait for season 2 and more of Brittany's one liners. "I think my cat is reading my diary." –Priceless. Okay am done rambling. Season Finale was great and cant wait for more.
Me and my partner love Glee; our fav is Rachel and we loved the finale.
by the way next season will be the third.
It will only be the second season when it starts up again in September.
I love love love this show. I love Kurt's character, but can someone please tell me why he insists singing the way he does? He's so nasal. It's like nails scratching a chalkboard. Worst. Singer. Ever.
I have watched this show from the beginning of the season and saw them on tour and I just can't get enought. I will probably watch every episode over this summer. I thought the finale was very good. I almost lost it when Finn told Shue that he was his father figure. This is the greatest show on television and I try to sit back while watching it and realize that this is something very specialt that could go down as one of the all time television greats. I can't wait until September.
This is an Awesome Show! The Humor, the Music, The Lessons. I come from the small Ohio town of Polk and I'm happy to say I'm a Gleek! The Finale was a perfect way to wrap up the season. Can't wait for season 2!
I loved the show. I disagree that Sue should not have shown a soft side. She has done so a few times this season with her sister and with the down syndrome cheerleader. She is human as much as she wants to believe she is not. I thought her character did what she needed. If Glee Club was gone who would she have to torment? She needs them! I really like the whole VA/Quinn's delivery thing. I thought it was great! I agree that VA was not a show choir but rather a show performance. Jesse is a good singer but others should have sung as well. Jesse also gives me the creeps with those intense eyes. After what he did to Rachel with the eggs I can't stand him. That was cruel and unnecessary. With all the school violence and emphasis on bullies in the news I'm a little surprised Glee actually promotes this type of behavior. I really think that needs to tone down. To Sir with Love was a great moment!
I love Glee but it seems like so many Gleeks lose any and all sense of objectivity when it comes to this show. It made no sense for the producers to hype all season long the showdown between New Directions and Vocal Adrenaline and then for it to be so lopsided in favor of VA. If these are really show choirs, VA actually put on a show choir performance. Don't Stop Believing was a huge letdown and snoozer – the group just stood around and sang most of the performance and the song doesn't lend itself well to a group number. Plus the fact that Jesse and Rachel never talk to each other at regionals is odd and a terrible way to end that storyline. A good, if uneven, episode to cap off a good 1st season but it could have been great.
I loved the finale, too. I didn't find Glee until mid-season, so I'm looking forward to watching the replay on Thursdays this summer.
Did anyone one else spot Steve Perry in the balcony during the Journey medley?
Seriously?! I'm going to have to watch it again, just to see. I love secret surprises like that.
I'm a jock involved with coaching sports, and I thought glee was gay at first. Then after watching it I kinda learned that saying things like the above sentence is hurtful, and that it doesn't progress us as a society to do such things. I'm glad I kept watching Glee because it gives me the hope that in a world of insecurities there may yet be the possibility for good. I've even started singing in the adult choir myself!
I did not cry, but I thought it was a very fitting end to a first season. Like others here I am a Lostie turned Gleek, so waiting for the fall is gonna suck. At least they're reairing episodes on thursdays during the summer. Maybe I'll get to see first few episodes I missed that are no longer available on Hulu.
Loved the Journey medley, loved To Sir With Love (Kurt actually reminded me of Lulu), Over the raimbow was ok, Bohemian could have been better.
HATED OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN (just goes to show she can act if she can provoke those kinds of feelings).
Absolutely adored the fact that Ms. Lynch showed us that even someone as brutal as Sue can break down and cry (yes those were the beginnings of tears in her eyes when she left the auditorium), and the fact that she voted for the kids was very sweet.
I liked the episode, but I was holding out for Sue to come through as Quin's biological mother. As Sue has mentioned at least twice... they're SO much alike. hehe
wow, there are some people who are actually negative here, hard to please I guess. I'm not really a Glee fan but I found it entertaining
Dont Stop Believing was disappointing. Not NEARLY as good or magical as when they did it in the series premiere.
really? i thought it was awful. it was rife with bad lip-synching, as usual.
If it's so terrible..all the time...why do you watch it...and then comment on it??
WOWWW! Lisa, you are insane! It's people like you that make me wanna HATE Glee. It was a good episode, maybe you could even say very good. MAYBE. But the fact that you were sobbing and your heart was melting makes me SICK! And now your life's gonna be over because the show is stopping for a few months? GET A LIFE! I like Glee, but it's obsessed Gleeks like YOU that make me want to hate the show! Most of the songs werent that good, not "the best television in a while!" Over the Rainbow was the only VERY good song. And the plot was predictable. And the Quinn screaming to Bohemian Rapsody was weird! That songs about hell and exorcism, not the birth of a child! All I can say is, CALM DOWN! It was a fine episode, stop living on Glee and GET A LIFE!!! And stop making it hard for me to still like Glee with your obsession!!!
Bohemian Rhapsody about hell and exorcism?! Seriously mistaken, making the rest of your rant suspect. Unfortunately, your tirade is much more in need of "calm down and get a life" than the author's article.
So what if a few fans are over the top with their enjoyment of the show? No need for all of us to be automatons. Let them enjoy it to their own satisfaction level. I do not understand why you feel the need to attack them or pass judgment. Just post your opinion of the show ..and let others alone eh?
LOVED this episode! I really liked how Finn and Schue told their gals, "I love you," but where will they go from there? And what grade are these kids in? And did Sue and Principal Finnegan do the nasty? Seemed like she implied that...Sue is a great actress and so funny! I think Rachel, Sue, and Shue deserve Emmy nominations, as well as the whole show!! Matthew Morrison did a fantastic job on this episode! Loved "To Sir With Love"! This show is fantastic!!! Matthew Morrison, you are such a hottie!
I really like GLEE, only laughter...never tears.
It was fantastic! I teach high school and I tell my colleagues and students to watch it. For those who missed it they are starting over in reruns on Thursday nights. The best show on TV!
Here's something to mull over during the summer break. What do bet that the KISS song Beth will be sung by Puck to his daughter?
Already happened, sort of! (at the end of Theatricality)
I ABSOLUTELY loved the finale. And yes, Vocal Adrenaline rocked and should have won even though they only allowed JSJ to sing; it's about a team and another member (at least one) should have been able to sing; and JSJ playing the piano also added to the winning performance...can't say if New Directions should have placed because the viewing audience wasn't given an opportunity to see the runner up perform. To the poster that mentioned Sue Slyvester redeemed herself – there was no redemption there. She only voted for ND because the other judges were such meanies and were only judging ND on their looks and not their talent. There is no doubt ND can go toe to toe with VA in the singing category, but ND's choreography and their outfits was a bit drab, and the song selections was a bit boring...can't wait for next season.
I thought it was a good episode, but there was so much that could have been done to it as well, who knows, maybe Quinn will regret her decission... but I still feel that it fell a little lower than I thought it could have.
Sue Sylvester is my hero!
Cheesy, saccarine, over the top drivel whose only redeeming quality is Jane Lunch's character.
Lynch,not lunch
I think you are missing the point.
It is SPOOF of all the high school drama shows (with some darn good singing thrown in on top). It isn't Supposed to be taken seriously...good grief..it's pretty obvious it's over the top.. Cheerleaders wear their uniforms everyday..cheer leading coach verbally abuses students regularly...guidance counselor with OCD/germaphobic..you can't take it seriously!! *LOL*
I watched the very first episode and hated it – so cheesy. Last night I watched the finale and I still think it's cheesy.
Haven't seen the finale yet, because I get no TV reception where I live, so I have to watch it all on the internet and I'm catching up to the season finale. I just want to say though that GLEE IS THE BEST SHOW ON TV FOR A LONG TIME. Great characters, plots, and such talent! Kudos to the writers.
I LOVED it! I wasn't super impressed with the Vocal Adrenaline number, but just because it was a showcase for one singer. Granted, he's a great singer (MUCH better than Finn!!), but it's supposed to be about the team, not just one star.
The juxtaposition of Quinn's labor with Bohemian Rhapsody was a little creepy, but worked overall.
Like it until the end. I was not a fan of the redemption of Sue Sylvester. Sue is the villain and a great one and her deliciously evil ways are one of the reason's we fell in love with her. Figgins should have decided to give the glee club another year, enraging Sue who promises to work even harder to destroy the club next year. I don't even know what they can do with the Sue character next season after this finale.
So nice to have a show that makes you smile and sing. Thank You, Thank You Thank You!!! Looking forward to a new season.
LOVED IT! I was a bucket of tears by the end. We had to re-watch the regionals performance twice this morning! Yay for DVR!
I enjoyed it. But thought, "Man couldn't they have at least placed!" I loved "To Sir With Love" and did tear up, just as the writers planned!
@Gagarin-new episodes will start in September, not sure of the actual date though.
I loved this episode. I had already set myself up with the notion that New Directions would not win at Regionals, but it was still heartbreaking to watch. Throughout the past few episodes I found myself liking Rachel & Jesse together, though not as much as her and Finn (I think my turning point for Rachel/Jesse was Total Eclipse of the Heart-I melted during that one), but I am so glad that Finn realized his true feelings for Rachel. Thank God I saved all the episodes on my DVR from the back 9 so I can re-watch over summer!!! September can't get here fast enough!! 🙂
I also loved "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and re-watched it over and over. When I got the Showstoppers CD and listened to it, there wasn't the same intensity to the song. I absolutely credit that to the on-screen chemistry between Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele. I wish Rachel could be with both guys! I hope some opportunity arises for the two of them something else together again– perhaps a screen version of "Spring Awakening"?
Loved it! The rendition of "To Sir With Love" nearly undid me – I was as close to tears as Will was. I also liked that Quinn had Mercedes in the labor room along with Puck and her mother.
Loved it! But...Am I the only one who felt that the Vocal Adrenaline number was absoluty incredible and that they actually did deserve to win? The vocals and choreography were simply amazing. Also, a McKinley High win would have been too hollywood and we would have been spared the emotional growth we were allowed to witness from the kids and Will.
While I think it was the right thing to let Vocal Ad win (hence the drama to follow), I actually found their performance to be choppy. Jesse was the only main vocalist and lack luster at best. It made me wonder if he was the only reason they (the show choir) existed at all. Tragic since he has such a high opinion of himself (Finn is a much better singer). The chorography seemed contrived at best, and down right boring. If it had not been for the cuts to Quinn in the delivery room (great editing!), I would have gone to make popcorn. McKinley was the superior performance, bar none.
Love the show. Saw the first couple of episodes last season and the last few of this season. I'm looking forward to next season.
One thing that really bugs me is every time Rachel sings (and sometimes Finn, too), she squints her eyes shut. Drives me bonkers. Once in a while, when I perform, I close my eyes but not with the intensity she does and not even close to as often as she does.
I think that was the point, and Mr. Schue pointed it out. New Directions wasn't good enough yet to beat Vocal Adrenaline, Bohemian Rhapsody was a huge number, but they only had to place to keep the group going, and they were better than Aural Intensity. If they'd beaten Vocal Adrenaline they wouldn't have had a lot of places to go next season. I mean, eventually the show has to take them to Nationals so Mr. Schue can return to the dream of his youth. The only question is how many seasons it will take them to do it, especially as the glee club should all be graduating after 2 more seasons.
Samuel –
Concur w/your assessment...I too thought the VAs performance was great...ND was exceptional and the Journey theme couldn't have been better, but the ending as presented, was perfection...looking forward to the next season.
I thought it was a terrific ending. They can't be the down-trodden nerdy kids if everything goes their way...better for this to be a group building effort. I also agree, let all the kids solo occasionally. Regarding Jesse he is an amazing singer and their final number was spectacular. They deserved to win..by design..the writers wanted us to feel everyone's despair. Also this gave us a peek in to the tight little heart of Sue's and see that, occasionally, when no one is watching..she can be a decent human being. Bravo! Wonderful season ender.
I totally agree with the review of the season finale of Glee above.It was very moving and sweet indeed.Although I wanted the New Directions to win at Regionals as did most of us , I think it was the best thing to do , in that the writers decided that it is not going to be all perfect every time New DIrections compete.It was a realistic ending.I am looking forward to watching the new episodes.Will that be in September or in January 2011?
It should be September. – The first half of the first season started in September but was put on Hiatus because they didn't expect to get picked up, hence the return for the second half in April.
I LOVE GLEE!
The perfect season finale........I didn't like the show at first, but each week seemed to grow on me. I eventually turned into a Gleek. I do not watch anything else now (since Lost is gone), so I cannot wait until Fall for Glee's return. It's gonna be a rough few months.....
I thought I was the only crossover Lostie and Gleek. The shows are so different that you don't come accross many - plus they were competing for the same time slot. I can rewatch every episode of Glee over and over again just like I could with Lost.
there are more Lost/Glee freaks than you know.
Apparently there are more than I knew...I am a Glee/Lost fan too. Glee is definitely one of the most entertaining shows I've ever seen. My favorite scene of the whole season was the football team dancing to "Single Ladies" – just classic!!
I loved it! I laughed, I cried, I was shocked! I <3 Glee!!
LOVED IT! Can't wait for the 2nd season to start...
Loved it but Vocal Adrenaline's song was a solo not a glee club performance. The best performance was to sir with love, then somewhere over the rainbow. They need to stop focusing on 1 or 2 singers; all of them can sing. If they keep this up the others will leave for other shows. Then boom, the dynamic is shattered and they'll never get it back. Start letting everyone sing; like in the begining.
can't wait for Charice to come on board..she can give Rachel a run for her money