The music of Michael Jackson took center stage in the appropriately titled, “Michael,” this week’s episode of Glee. Compared to the rest of the season, I would definitely have to say that it was a high point. But compared to some of my favorite moments from season one, it still fell short. Very short.
I guess I just feel like the show is going through the motions these days. The sparkle and zest that I once loved now feels manufactured and shoved down my throat. Still, I soldier on because despite some people’s opinions, I really do love Glee. I don’t like saying negative things about it, but I’m also not going to applaud lazy writing and ridiculous characterizations.
To recap, the Warblers (led by a now-blatantly evil Sebastian) got wind that New Directions planned to bring Michael Jackson to regionals and stole the idea. A parking garage dance-off ensued where Blaine got hit in the eye with a rock salt-laced slushie. Instead of the police investigating a serious assault, they leave it in the hands of the teenagers. Artie gets mad, Santana gets a confession on tape, but in the end, Kurt takes the high road which means inviting the Warblers to join them in song.
Bullying is a serious, serious issue that Glee has tackled before, but actually injuring a person to the point of surgery is, I think, even worse than what the football jock did to Kurt last year. Sebastian should have gone to jail instead of just getting a musical schooling from the Glee club. In the same episode where Artie rants about the “It Gets Better” movement, is it really wise to show someone basically getting away with assault and battery and possibly attempted murder? Forgiveness is divine, but we have a justice system for a reason. It’s not a betrayal of principles to hold a criminal accountable for his actions, and I’m a little disappointed in Glee for insinuating that pressing charges is somehow less honorable than walking away.
Putting that aside, I continue to be amazed that, in spite of all my attempts to defend her, Rachel still manages to be one of the most selfish characters ever conceived. I know that’s kind of Ryan Murphy’s thing…he did create Dr. Christian Troy, after all…but after three years, has Rachel really learned nothing about being a good friend? Would it have absolutely killed her to suck it up and put on a smile when her supposed-BFF just received wonderful news? Apparently, because instead of being happy for Kurt, she steals his moment and makes it all about her own drama. Go ahead and marry Finn, Rachel, now that you’ve said yes to his proposal. You’ve managed to find someone who inexplicably loves you despite all of your faults. Don’t let him go just because you happened to meet in high school.
In other news, Sam and Mercedes are back together. Okay… Does anyone remember why they broke up? Just for the sake of melodrama and because the actor temporarily left the show? Yeah, that’s what I thought, too. Also, Quinn got into Yale thanks to her essay on having the perfect teen pregnancy. And Rachel did eventually get her letter from the New York performing arts school. She and Kurt are both finalists. Hope it won’t come down to the two of them for one spot, but knowing this show these days, it probably will.
One thing I absolutely did love about this episode was Artie and Mike’s cover of Scream. See, when Glee gets it right, they get it right. But when they don’t…well…it’s actually painful.
What did you think of the episode? Let me know below!
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