If the first episode was any indication of how the fourth season of Glee is going to go, count me in.
It doesn’t always work when shows try to switch between scenes in different locations, but switching between Rachel’s life in New York and the Glee Club at McKinley High actually worked and made for some good television.
Kate Hudson made her Glee debut as Rachel’s overbearing dance instructor Cassandra July, who has a secret alcohol problem and mission to make Rachel miserable, and she rocked it.
But, Rachel is realizing New York isn’t what she expected and we learn that she isn’t happy. She is joined by Glee newcomer Dean Geyer, who plays a junior at NYADA (New York Academy of the Dramatic Arts, which unfortunately isn’t real) named Brody Weston. He is crushing on Rachel, who still thinks she’s with Finn even though they haven’t talked in two months. Brody and Rachel definitely seem to have some kind of connection. Did I mention she met him as he was getting out of the shower? Steamy.
Fresh off their win from nationals, the remaining New Directions are finally the “popular kids.” But, their rude demeanor was uncharacteristic of the once-accepting group. Luckily, later in the episode they were slushied by the jocks, so all was back to normal.
Since many of the Glee Club members graduated last year, there were some shoes to fill. Apparently, only one mattered: Rachel’s. The seniors –– with the exception of Sam –– competed for the position of “The New Rachel” with a rendition of “Call Me, Maybe.” Blaine in all his sweater vest and bowtie glory won the spot.
There were tryouts for new Glee Club members, and people actually came to them. Standouts from auditions included Puck’s half-brother Jake and Marley, both played by newcomers to the show, Jacob Artist and Melissa Benoist, respectively.
Oh, and Sue had her baby, which is a plot line that still doesn’t make much sense.
And that’s what you missed on Glee. The show was becoming predictable and somewhat annoying last season but it seems that it’s heading in a refreshing and “new direction.”
Puck’s good looks seem to run in the family with Jake and along with Brody, there is some nice new man candy. Marley has a great voice and might give Blaine a run for his money as far as taking Rachel’s place.
Many of the songs of the episode did not stand out, though Marley rocked Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” as well as a duet with Rachel singing Billy Joel’s great “New York State of Mind.” Blaine did a killer rendition of “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons
If Blaine is the new Rachel and will be singing like this every episode, how bad can this season be?
Overall: A
To email reporter: mvs5464@psu.edu
