GLEE Season Premiere: “The New Rachel” – You Ask, I Answer
September 6, 2012 by Kath Skerry
Are you gleeks ready? One week from tonight your favorite show returns with an all new episode that really takes GLEE in a new direction (sorry, I tried to avoid it but I just couldn’t). Fox was kind enough to give me an early look at the ep, and in turn I wanted to share a few teasers with you!
Before we get going, I must share the same disclaimer I share before all my GLEE teaser posts…
Dear fellow die-hard GLEEks, in the words of Quinn Fabray – this post is all about the teasin’ and not necessarily the pleasin’. While I hope to share a few tidbits that will get you more excited about next week’s episode I’m not about spoiling major plot points for you.
If you are the type of fan that is going to be annoyed with me for not spilling everything there is to know then it’s probably best that you NOT read this and just wait to watch the episode yourself on Thursday.
On the other hand, if you are a fan that has a wavering line when it comes to what constitutes a spoiler, then you might want to stay away too as it’s not my intention to ruin the episode in any capacity for you.
Now that we have that settled, let’s get down to business.
As a fellow fan I know how excited you are about the new season, so to tide you over I wanted to answer a few of YOUR questions about the season premiere. Of course I didn’t anticipate that 90% of the questions would be about Klaine, Finchel and Britanna (but I guess I should have). There’s so much you didn’t ask me about! The music? Sue’s baby? Wade/Unique? The comments are open so if you want to continue chatting, I’m game.
In the Glee promos, it seems that Rachel is struggling in her dance class. Is that the only thing she is struggling with at NYADA? I hope not. – Becca (Tumblr)
You’re right, if you’ve seen any of the GLEE promos, you know that the Miss Rachel Berry isn’t necessarily the star she was in Lima, Ohio…or is she? Rachel might be butting heads with dance instructor Cassandra July (played by guest Kate Hudson) but let’s not forget about this girl’s powerhouse vocals. NYADA is competitive and Rachel is feeling the pressure, but don’t count her out yet. I mean if Carmen Tibideaux isn’t, you shouldn’t either. Yes, NYADA is challenging, but it seems like Rachel is struggling more with adjusting to her new life in NYC than anything else. If missing Finn and missing Kurt weren’t enough, she also has to deal with her roommate’s never ending sexcapades and dorm mates that don’t quite understand her extensive moisturizing routine. Rachel’s NYC life isn’t exactly what she dreamed about for all those years back in Ohio.
How do the newbies fare up to the og cast? – @GleekGenica
I think the gleek newbies are going to be winning over fans right from the first episode. Some seem poised (and obviously so) to fill the gaps left by last year’s graduating seniors, where others bring something fresh and new to the halls of McKinley and the streets of NYC. Those missing the presence of Quinn Fabray (the early years) will find comfort in Cheerio Kitty’s (Becca Tobin) high pony and acid-tongue. Girl is harsh. (Like way harsh, Tai). Noah Puckerman may have left McKinley but his half-brother Jake is still kicking around. The two share the same father and the same issues with authority…and the same ability to croon. Wade “Unique” Adams (Alex Newell) is new to McKinley High but not to GLEE fans. Like Jesse St. James before him, Wade has left Vocal Adrenaline for the greener, or at least (seemingly) more welcoming pastures, of New Directions. For me, the season 4 spotlight was squarely focused on Marley Rose (Melissa Benoist). Marley’s beauty and talent naturally compliment her sweet disposition. But don’t mistake her for a pushover. Marley isn’t afraid to stand up for what she thinks is right, even if it means standing alone.
Check out the new promo for “The New Rachel”
Does the split narrative work? – @cmstevens77
The show within the show does indeed work. The back and forth between NYC and Lima wasn’t jarring or off-putting in any way. I will tell you that like Rachel, I found myself in a New York state of mind. If anything, I felt slightly bummed every time the story brought us back to Ohio. NYC already feels like a slightly more grown-up version of GLEE and I really liked it.
Do we find out what Puck (the classic Puckerman), is doing now that he’s graduated? – @karladan
No mention of Puck’s post-grad whereabouts in this first episode, but rumor has it he’ll be back in the fold soon enough, perhaps talking some sense into his little bro.
Could you tell us if Will/Emma interact at all? – @Saranoh2009
Nope, sorry. The future Mrs. Will Schuester wasn’t anywhere to be found.
Any teasing about Artie would be appreciated 😉 – @yettafine
I can tell you that he takes on a new kind of leadership role within the group when Brit, Blaine, Wade and Tina ask him to choose which one should be “the new Rachel”.
Any Klaine one on one convos? – @SamLikesRedSox
Klaine goodbye scene? Klaine kiss? Klaine anything? – @Loveislove101
So, I was wondering…are you guys interested in what’s going on with Kurt & Blaine? My favorite GLEE twosome was at the heart of most of the questions I received from all of you. I’m not going to spill it all, but I will say that Kurt & Blaine are on solid ground. Sorry to say that there were no Klisses, but those boys have nailed the hug like no other (sigh..I know). As for what Kurt has been up to post-McKinley, well it’s hard to say since he spends so much time at his alma mater. He is working, but unfortunately it seems that Sebastian Smythe wasn’t too far off when he talked about Kurt’s future plans. Yes, apron and all my friends. But as any GLEE fan knows, Kurt is NYC bound and it’s Blaine’s encouragement that sends him on his way. Blaine sends Kurt off in style with a courtyard serenade complete with some jump roping, cup’ography and even some stepping. Oh Blainers. No, we didn’t get a Klaine airport send-off, but I say we got something even better because it’s Burt Hummel who brings his boy to the airport. Warning – bring tissues. Mike O’Malley is once again perfection. I was a hot mess of tears.
Please tell me that Blaine is nowhere near any bullying of any character (lunch lady or otherwise). – @Batkonehat
Wish I could, but Blaine is present and accounted for when the kids he’s sitting with at the “cool” table start making fun of the new lunch lady. He doesn’t join in and he does seem uncomfortable, but not enough to stand up for her. The glee kids all like their new-found popularity too much and don’t want to do anything to rock the boat, even if it means going against some of their personal beliefs. As for Blaine, I’ll go as far as to say I was a bit disappointed with him this episode. Where is the Blaine that Kurt met that first day at Dalton? I’d say he was acting too big for his britches, but that kind of goes without saying for Blaine. Have you seen how tiny his britches are? Thankfully Kurt gently reminds him the importance of being a humble leader and I think Blaine took it to heart.
I’d like to know if we see Santana at all. And if she’s mentioned by Brittany most importantly or others. 🙂 – @DreamsBe
Nope. We didn’t see Santana, but Brittany does via Skype. Unfortunately, Skype doesn’t allow the ladies to enjoy all the aspects of their relationship. And yes, they still have a relationship.
Will Tina get significant focus in the premiere. – @wingster55
You bet! With Rachel gone, Miss Cohen-Chang is ready to seize the spotlight. Remember the stuttering, shy girl we met in season one? Don’t worry, she doesn’t either. There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness and Tina isn’t always falling the right way in this first episode. As for her love life…well, not so good news there.
I know Finn isn’t in the premiere, but is there anything Finchel fans can look forward to in 401? – @breathofair7
Finn isn’t in the episode, but we do see him. Rachel’s iPhone is full of pics of her man. She’s not sure what Finn is up to or where their relationship stands, but she remains committed to him and to them. At least that’s what she tells Brody (newbie Dean Geyer). As for Rachel’s new NYC man, I’ll tell you what you already know – he’s incredibly hot, has a body of a god and can sing like he won Idol (oh, that’s right, Dean Geyer did). But what you might not know is as of now, he’s a really likable guy. Rachel is feeling lost and alone and Brody proves to be a sweet and supportive friend.
We saw pics of Kurt and Rachel reuniting in NYC. Is that in this first episode? – Jess (Tumblr)
Yes! The two besties do finally reunite in NYC and it’s an amazing moment. It was the second time in the episode that I had to reach for the box of tissues. A great moment for fans of Kurt & Rachel. I was so happy they have each other.
So that’s that for now. Between the promos, what the cast has already spilled and Ryan Murphy’s epic Twitter Q&A sessions, I don’t know that I brought that much new info your way, but if nothing else I hope I got you that much more excited for next Thursday’s premiere.
Stay tuned for more GLEE scoop from GIVE ME MY REMOTE. I’m heading out to L.A. on Saturday for a full week of TV fun. I’ll be talking to some of the GLEE cast members on Monday at a Fox bash and then again on Wednesday at the red carpet GLEE season premiere! I’m so excited to talk to the cast about what’s ahead this season!
Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @GMMRtv (Kath) on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page and over on the GMMR Tumblr site.
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Hmm, so Blaine is going to be OOC to help introduce the newbies. I hate them so mission accomplished. And Klaine are yet again desexualized and robbed of any real good bye because not like you would have one when your boyfriend of a year and a half is going away to another city, your lover too. Kissing? Of course not. And of course you don’t go to the airport to send him off. Of course. I don’t think I could hate Glee more than I do. Such a great and progressive show!
I really hope the ‘too big for his britches’ Blaine is just a thing for this episode. I can’t imagine Blaine being much of that these days. Didn’t we have this storyline back in the days of Dalton?
How did you feel the show dealt with Wade/Unique?. I confess I am a little concerned after the he/she comments last season.
Yeah, Blaine was a little too snotty for his own good in my opinion, but I will say the episode ends much differently than how it begins so I think we’ll be ok. I was not a fan of Alex Newell on THE GLEE PROJECT. He did impress me last season as Unique. I wasn’t really on board with having him at McKinley this season, and I’m still not sure I am, but he had some great moments in this first episode so I’m willing to give Wade, Unique and Alex the benefit of the doubt.
Thanks for answering my question, Kath! I have one more about this:
“Thankfully Kurt gently reminds him the importance of being a humble leader and I think Blaine took it to heart.”
Was the use of the word “leader” an intentional choice or just incidental?
I hope they keep Brody in the friend-zone. I’m not sold on the actor and after three years building up Finchel, I’m not just going to uninvest and start shipping Rachel with this new character she has no history with.
How bad is the news on Tina’s love life? Should Tina and Mike fans brace themselves?
They seem to going the wrong way about introducing new characters by throwing loved ones under the bus. No matter much we’re meant to feel sorry for them nobody will care when their favourite characters are being used and treated like everything that has happened before irrelevant. Blaine has been popular before and he was the nicest guy on glee. He has been assaulted, bashed and bullies and came out fighting and stronger. It’s ridiculously OOC and it’s annoying everybody and cause people to resent and automatically hate te new kids with good reason.
If Rachel is feeling alone and need a new boyfriend (go away Brody) to cheer her up in NYC, then she is not the Rachel we know from 3 seasons of Glee. What happen to what she told Finn on the Auditorium in Saturday night Gleever, Heart, Michael etc and that home is with him, not a place? We love Finn and Rachel, they are the fated lovers that belong together forever. I hope that Glee do not build up Brody to be Rachel new love interest and Finn do not need a new love interest either, there is enough internal angst between 2 loves with different dreams and how they overcome the challenge of new adult world to keep us interested in their progress.
Glee is not Glee without Finchel.
Why are you disappointed in Blaine? You should be disappointed in the writers for the character assassination for the sake of Marley’s plot.
Finchel fans just stop. Brody is a friend for now. I see you all are ready to push Rachel aside without even knowing the whole story.
For what it’s worth, I didn’t see Rachel trying to replace Finn with Brody. Of course she notices he’s attractive (no denying) but Brody is a friend to her when she needs one so I wouldn’t dismiss him just yet.
Just to clarify, Blaine isn’t the only Glee member that needs to check his attitude. They are all enjoying the limelight and popularity too much. But don’t worry, our kids soon figure out a way to get back on track.
I didn’t see it like that at all. I happen to be partial to the season 2 pre-McKinley Blaine, but my issues with his character doesn’t have much to do with the intro of Marley.
May I suggest ‘Americone Dream’ – its my fave Ben & Jerry’s flavor.
But since we are obviously talking about the lunch lady scene, and that is Marley’s mother, then it is being set up in terms of stacking the deck for little Marley Sue. Blaine goes under the bus, along with the others. And the rest doesn’t seem any better. The idea that Kurt needs to remind him of the importance also smells to high heaven! This is not who Blaine is and he never was that person and while people aren’t perfect, there is writing OOC and IC and this is so much the first. These writers plain suck.
Agreeing with James. Blaine is obviously being character assassinated for little perfect Marley Sue. Just look how Kath even describes her:
“Marley’s beauty and talent naturally compliment her sweet disposition. But don’t mistake her for a pushover. Marley isn’t afraid to stand up for what she thinks is right, even if it means standing alone.”
Awww isn’t she just PERFECT? Beautiful, humble, talented, brave, morally good, strong but why, just perfect perfect little white straight Marley Sue will teach all those minorities (gay kid, kid in a wheelchair, Asian girl, bisexual girl) how to be better people. Thank goodness for Marley Sue’s beauty and talent and poise and grace. I’m so glad she’s there to set the suddenly wildly OOC ND kids straight <3
See why this is going to be a problem and why people are going to hate Marley? Because we don't want our faves thrown under a bus and not acting like themselves just so Marley, some stranger bitch, can look good in comparison. It won't gain our sympathies but our hatred. Not a good way to introduce a new character at all. Especially since we know she'll be taking lead on the first group number of the season. The New Rachel, indeed.
“Blaine isn’t the only Glee member that needs to check his attitude. They are all enjoying the limelight and popularity too much.”
Even that is OOC for Blaine. He was lead of the Warblers, the worshipped the ground he walked on and he gave that up to be with Kurt. It goes against his character for him to suddenly care so much about being popular that he’d sit by while someone was bullied (especially since Blaine has strong feelings about bullying). It’s so obvious this sudden OOC behavior isn’t a part of Blaine’s development (or Tina’s or Artie’s or Sam’s or whoever’s) but to use him as a tool for Marley Sue, our new and improved Rachel (since she doesn’t have any of her flaws).
So Blaine Anderson is suddenly transphobic! Oh my … … !! Are you kidding me?! So he is going under the bus for both Unique and Marley! I think it is safe to say I am going to quit watching after this episode.
So sad about Tike’s breakup. Was it amicable, at least? Did Tina give a reason?
I don’t think he transphobic – I think he’s a high school kid that has a momentary lapse in judgement.
But then it is about transphobia? I cannot believe this. I seriously, seriously cannot believe this. This is it. I’m done.
James – Sounds like you are done no matter what the issue.
I couldn’t care less about Blaine and Unique or whatever, I watch the show for Finn and Rachel, the two main characters since the pilot. Its comforting to know that they are endgame. You could have given more Finchel spoilers though, they are a huge part of Glee.
Blair- Can’t share non-existent Finchel spoilers. Finn wasn’t even in the ep. I shared just about everything about the two…which isn’t much.
Can you clarify what happened between Tina and Mike? Other reports mentioned that Tina got a tattoo. Did they bring up Mercedes/Sam at all?
Oh ok, sorry, guess I won’t watch until episode 4 then.