GLEE Recap: ‘Rumours’

“Rumours” was not a record that I grew up on, but I don’t live under a rock, so I am very familiar with “Dreams,” “Songbird,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “Don’t Stop.” I do applaud the decision to have a tribute episode that was all about the music, and not about theatrical, costume-y, image, filled with performance/music-video re-enactments (Madonna, Gaga, Britney). It’s hard to hate an episode filled with good music.

April and Will’s vocals on “Dreams” were like butter. Also, did anyone else notice how Will’s dimples are extra-pronounced during the many, many “ooh ooh ooh’s?” I thought they were going to sprout wings and fly away. I did find it a tad uncomfortable that they were being handsy and seductive with each other in front of the kids. It was fine at the bowling alley, and at the roller-rink on their own time, but at school, not so much.

Artie’s “Never Going Back Again” was pleasant, but not particularly moving. Perhaps it is the fact that Artie and Brittany was a coupling that never made sense in the first place, so we don’t feel for anyone during this break-up. Even Brittany was very quick to move on, offering to ask Santana to prom on her web series “Fondue For Two.” I am glad Artie is getting some screen time and voice time, but disappointed that his biggest moment plot-wise was calling Brittany “stupid.” Things I miss about the old Glee #238765287: sweet, vulnerable, shy Artie. THAT Artie never would have been so mean.

Santana serenaded Brittany with “Songbird,” which was a beautiful display of emotion. I almost wanted Brittany to join in and harmonize with her, since I know the Eva Cassidy version has a lovely two-part harmony.

Though I am a huge Finchel supporter, as you may know, I was really digging Finn and Quinn’s duet of “I Don’t Want To Know.” Their anger glares were as piercing as the sexual tension. I loved it.

April practiced a number for her autobiographical musical with Will in the role of Stanley Glover (who was once her lover). We only heard a few bars of the song, but it sounded really promising. I’m not even being sarcastic. It was very reminiscent of Spamalot. “Cross-Rhodes: The April Rhodes Story” could actually be a hit comedy musical in real life.

Rachel’s “Go Your Own Way” was a little disappointing. It was lacking a rock edge that that song demands. Something similar happened with “Don’t Stop,” which was lacking some soul.

So that was the music, and now for the plot. I just made the official decision today that I absolutely despise the “Destroy Will Schuster” never-ending storyline. It used to be about Sue wanting her cheerleaders to receive the majority of funding from the school, and now it’s evolved into this crazy personal vendetta that isn’t going anywhere. Here is my two cents to the powers that be: What if Sue was just a naturally mean person? And that she hates Will the most for no reason and continues to make fun of his hair, delivering hilarious one-liners, because she’s mean? What if she doesn’t go out of her way to recruit ex-wives and former crushes, serving them placenta martinis, and plotting to destroy him? Because I have lost sight of what exactly she’s trying to accomplish.

Bone to pick #2: Sam’s “living in a motel” storyline. First of all, it was too obvious. I called it (didn’t know if his parents were unemployed, or if he was an orphan or what, but I figured he was living in the motel and broke) during the first “stakeout.” Secondly, it was once again a storyline that was forced and trying too hard to be socially relevant. And bringing up the possibility that Sam is gay once is enough.

I will say that I was impressed with Chord Overstreet’s performance though, because I did feel for him, believe it or not, even as I was criticizing how the scenario was written. I was so happy for him to be able to see his guitar again – though it may have been more profound if we didn’t just see him playing a guitar, with like 20 other guys with guitars, in the auditorium. He’s been getting his fix. Would have also liked to hear him sing more. Since this was a very Sam-centric episode, it would’ve only been appropriate.

I do like the storyline of Will considering (or at least admitting WANTING) a shot at Broadway, and the fact that Emma was encouraging him. It reminded me of the “Pilot,” when Emma called him into her office to give him some guidance and convinced him not to become an accountant. I like seeing Will struggle with this conflict, as opposed to struggling with which blonde he is going to take home next.

Best Songs: Dreams, Songbird

TMI Award: Tina setting the record straight about a certain Asian-guy stereotype

Best joke that we’ve heard somewhere before: “My all-white version of ‘The Wiz’ was a dee-zaster.” – April

Favorite New Words: Stormer/stormee. Finn: “Why are you storming? I’m the one who should be storming.” Quinn: – “Really, because the way I see it, I’m the stormer and you should be the stormee.”

Awkward Dancing Award: Rachel trying to sway with Sam’s little brother, while the kid doesn’t budge.

What did you think of “Rumours”?