I’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!