Glee:
Glee: "New York" Review
The season finale takes us to Nationals in New York City.
May 25, 2011 May 25, 2011 May 25, 2011
I wasn't watching Tuesday night's Glee finale eagerly awaiting New Directions' performance at Nationals hoping beyond hope that they win it all. After a debut season that was all about rising from the ashes and earning some respect, Season 2 has been less about the journey and more about the people, with some mixed results. That said, "New York" wasn't really about that final outcome, but more about putting these characters in the NYC and seeing what happens. The result was a bit disjointed, delivering what felt like a series of vignettes instead of a solid episode.
Most of these vignettes were quite enjoyable. The kids hanging out in their crowded hotel rooms working on songs had a realistic feel to it, in that all they wanted to do was get out. Thank goodness they delivered the hilarious performance of Brittany's "My Cup" before heading out the door. Finn and Rachel's "date" was nice and had a sweet comical tone that was unlike anything else in the rest of the episode. It was their mini romantic comedy, complete with a serenade of "Bella Notte" from Lady and the Tramp. Throughout the season, I've complained that the series hasn't really delivered any sparks between Rachel and Finn, even though we're lead to believe they are there. I think "New York" was the best the series has done so far with this couple. It actually felt right to see them casually kissing in the library after everything they went through in New York.
- FOX
But still, the rhythm of this episode was just off. I chalk it up to the remote location and trying to fit as many characters and loose ends into the mix as they could. The appearance of Vocal Adrenaline's Sunshine Corazon was a nice way to bring that season-long arc to a fitting conclusion, but elsewhere things were rushed. Schuester's plan to join April Rhode's musical was given just a few short scenes to try to make us believe he would give up his dream to stay with his "not baked right" kids. It was a weak resolution. Also, after last week's statement about having plans for New York, Quinn's actions in the episode only gave us an adorable haircut. Other segments of the episode, while still feeling removed, offered up some delights. Kurt and Rachel hitting Tiffany's for breakfast and then breaking into Wicked was fun if only mildly having a purpose.
The competition itself was a bit anticlimactic, even with Finn and Rachel's impromptu smooch. The original songs were okay, but nothing incredibly memorable. The 12th place finish seems high for a team that only wrote their songs the day before, with little time to practice. Of course, New Directions has done nothing all season but prove they can ace a routine in no time at all.
Back in Ohio, the temp of things returned to normal. It was a nice denouement, putting everyone at peace for having failed to reach the top ten at Nationals and getting their hopes high for next year. The only real surprise was seeing that Mercedes and Sam were now a couple, but that just adds another couple to Glee's list of unearned couplings. Perhaps we'll get that back-story next season. But overall, while not as epic as Nationals in New York should have been, "New York" was a decent close to an enjoyable season.
IGN Ratings for New York
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| out of 10 | Click here for ratings guide |
7.5 OVERALL |
Good (out of 10) |
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