UPDATE: I’ll admit, some of tonight’ plot points were contrived, but for me, the writers and actors brought emotional truths to the story that trumped the unlikely scenario. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I began crying about 9 minutes into the episode, and pretty much bawled my eyes out for most of the show. I’ll just say that Kurt’s experiences with loss were pretty close to my own. If it hadn’t rung true to me, I would have been insulted rather than moved.
The struggles with faith each of the characters had felt authentic. The writers did a good job covering all the bases while remaining neutral. Characters didn’t change their core belief systems. That would have felt false. Instead, they developed empathy and understanding of the “other side.” I think that’s the point Murphy and company tried to make–that somehow, we can respect each other despite our differences.
Tonight, Glee gets back to storytelling, as the episode explores religion–always a hot-button issue. When Kurt’s dad falls ill, the rest of the group consider God–exactly who he, she, or it is.
“This episode starts off our arc about tolerance and respecting other points of view, ” creator, Ryan Murphy told Entertainment Weekly. “That’s what the whole season, particularly the first 10, are about: All our kids rallying around the different people in the glee club who are persecuted and bullied. It’s a very powerful subject, but also we’re doing it with humor.”
I’ll be back with a recap and videos. In the meantime…DISCUSS!
Download Glee
- Bridge Over Troubled Water
- I Want To Hold Your Hand
- Only The Good Die Young
- Papa Can You Hear Me?
- I Look to You
- Losing My Religion
- One of Us
Photos and Videos after the JUMP…
Only the Good Die Young – Puck
I Look To You – Mercedes
Papa Can You Hear Me – Rachel
I Want To Hold Your Hand – Kurt
Losing My Religion – Finn
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Mercedes
One of Us – Entire Cast
Duets – Promo