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Here’s what you missed on Glee: Props

Story

• The New Directions are on edge about their upcoming performance.
• Shuester questions whether he has done enough to prepare the kids for all that awaits them.
• Finn bets Rick “The Stick” $500 that The New Directions win at Nationals.
• Wade (“Unique”) doesn’t think he can handle the pressure he is under after his last performance.
• Carmen Tibideaux comes to see Rachel perform at Nationals in Chicago.

Lindsay doing her best “derp” face.

Well, Obviously: When the New Directions made it to Nationals last year I expected them to win. I thought the point of the show was to make the characters hate each other for their differences and still find a way to win every competition. And, I guess, half of that is true. But this time–I think it’s safe to say–we all knew they had to win Nationals. Their selections were solid and energetic but I didn’t think it was their best. Can Blaine and the Left-Overs do the same thing next year is my question now.

Unique Runner-Up: If you didn’t know by now, Alex Newell (Wade/Unique) was a runner-up on the first season of The Glee Project. He, along with fellow runner-up Lindsay Pearce, were guaranteed a two-episode arc on the hit show. Yes, Lindsay’s “Harmony” character may have given Rachel and Kurt a scare earlier in the season with her amazing performances but did you really remember her character two weeks later? Whereas with Newell’s “Wade” character it seems that he is going to have more staying power. Whether it be because of controversy, another unique storyline (pun not intended but you’ll allow it), or whatever else, I think Newell might be getting a new contract in the near future.

Honorable Mentions:

• I doubt Lindsay Lohan is still, or has ever been, “America’s Sweetheart”.
• Speaking of Ms. Lohan, why did both she and Perez Hilton get to play themselves, while Rex Lee (Lloyd, Entourage) was forced to play some made-up nobody?!
• For a girl who could barely stand just a week ago–I’ll give you three weeks for the sake of TV to reality translation–Quinn was surely twirling and jumping around with the best of them.
• Finally, Emma. Finally.
• Did Wade/Unique give us a teaser for his possible transfer next season?
• Props to Jesse for putting a good word in for Rachel…because he might be the only character that loves himself more than Rachel loves Streisand.

Music*

Edge of Glory – The Troubletones (A) I have no problem saying I preferred the Troubletones performance over most of the New Direction performances from this season. Somehow the addition of Quinn and Tina didn’t hinder or help the girl group dynamic, and Santana can now (un)officially be name Most Improved Performer from seasons 1-3.

It’s All Coming Back to Me Now  – Rachel (A) For the first time in a long time, Rachel gave me chills. This isn’t to say that she lost her “Rachelness”, but she definitely hasn’t had her usual “it” this season, or at least she didn’t until this performance.

Paradise By the Dashboard Light  – The New Directions (A) An unusual song pick? Undoubtedly. As precise as the Vocal Adrenaline offerings? Not even close. However, something about the way they interact on the stage, like best friends or adorably energetic members of the Mickey Mouse Club, is just the type of corny, “we are family” energy no other glee club can touch. Hence, the win.

Starships/Pinball Wizard – Unique and Vocal Adrenaline (A) While Unique’s split, as well as Nicki Minaj and the exemplary usage of props, should have been enough to secure a win, it was only good enough to land them second place.

Tongue Tied – The New Directions (A) I’m sure they’ve done it before, but I can’t recall another time when we heard a song on Glee without some form of performance to accompany it. If this in fact the first time it’s been done, I’d be more than pleased to have it become a continuing thing. If I’m wrong, and this happens all the time, please ignore the first part of this paragraph. Also, finally Emma. Finally.

We are the Champions -The New Directions (A) Instead of everyone saying heartfelt goodbyes and sitting around discussing what comes next, they simply celebrated their collective win and Schue as Teacher of the Year. What a fitting way to head into the end of the season, as well as the original era of Glee. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who teared up quite a bit as the episode came to a close.

Quotes

“Are you forgetting who you are Jesse?  Your Bohemian Rhapsody was, like, the benchmark performance of every show choir competition in the past ten years.” –Rachel
“Most people don’t realize I lost ten pounds during that performance.” –Jesse

“I show up here and there’s not even a red button to push and a chair to spin me around where I can then point at a kid on stage and yell ‘I wanna work with you!’ Really? I’m firing my manager.” -Lindsay Lohan
“Can I use that as an exclusive?” -Perez Hilton

“With Monique down for the count, we are entering The Hunger Games of show choir competition without one of our most powerful voices.” -Sue