Admittedly, last night’s Glee premiere was not one of my favorite episodes, but it did serve to catch up with old characters and reintroduce some new ones.
I’m really loving the addition of Coach Beiste, played impressively by Dot Jones. Dot began her show business career as a body builder and championship arm wrestler. She’s collaborated with creator Ryan Murphy in the past, and he’s written the perfect part for her. Although, I have to say, I’ll miss the old coach, Ken Tenanka (Patrick Gallagher). And gleekster, Matt (Dijon Talton) is gone too. Boo.
But we’ve got two new glee stars–Chord Overstreet as Finn rival, Sam and Charice as foreign exchange student, Sunshine. Chord is a decent singer and Charice’s character is full of spunk. Hopefully, the writers develop their characters properly.
So, over the summer: Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) and Mike (Harry Shum Jr.) hooked up. Poor Artie (Kevin McHale)! Santana (Naya Rivera) got a boob job (and a lecture and demotion from Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch). Rachel (Lea Michele) and Finn (Cory Monteith) are still together. Emma (Jayma Mays) and Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) were not re-introduced, but I’m sure they will be soon.
Really liked the way the show opened with all the summer expository stuff explained by McKinley High gossip blogger, Jacob (Josh Sussman) as he roamed around the halls attempting to get sound bites from annoyed students. Was Kurt (Chris Colfer) talking as his character or as Chris Colfer when he called out the haterz and their anonymous comments? Hm.
It was fun to see Sue and Mr. Shue (Matt Morrison) team up– even if it was for only a hot minute– to destroy Coach Beiste. The unlikely pair want to stop the new coach’s attempts to beef up the football budget at the expense of glee and cheerleading.
Poor Finn was the victim of the endless pranks, as Beiste casts him ou, t mistaking Finn’s attempt to help Artie as yet another nasty joke. Finn’s attempt to get back into the cool club by trying out for the Cheerios was hilarious and pathetic.
The episode had people teaming up, coming apart, and losing or gaining status. Newbie Sam takes Finn’s place as quarterback. Quinn (Dianna Agron), newly svelte after having her baby last season and back on the squad ousts Santana as head Cheerio. After a threatened Rachel plays a nasty prank on Sunshine, the new talent is snapped up by rivals Vocal Adrenaline. And when Sam sees what an outcast Finn has become, he decides not to try out for glee. The beleaguered club needs new blood desperately to become competitive this year. Will they make it to this year’s nationals in New York City?
The musical numbers were decent, but not show stopping. The kids hit the schoolyard to sing “Empire State of Mind” to show the class how hip they can be (well, maybe just a little bit), Sam displays some decent chops on “Billionaire”. My favorite, “Telephone” had Rachel and Sunshine in a funny face off in the girls bathroom, Sunshine does her own big-voiced thang on “Listen” and ditto Rachel on the closing number, “What I Did For Love”.
Now that we’ve got all the exposition and most of the intros done, I’m hoping the scripts get meatier. Next week, we’ll meet Emma’s new dentist boyfriend, played by John Stamos. Glee students have Britney Spears fantasies after they are put to sleep in the dentist’s chair. I can’t exactly say I’m looking forward to next week’s Britney-themed episode as I’m not a big fan of her music. But, the best thing to come out of it will be a starring role for the hilarious Brittany (Heather Morris). Her one line tonight, “Stop the violence”, as Quinn and Santana engaged in an angry bitch fight, was one of the funniest of the night.
What did you think of last night’s premiere?
Download the songs for “Audition”
- Listen – (Glee Cast Version)
- What I Did For Love (Glee Cast Version)
- Telephone (Glee Cast Version)
- Empire State of Mind (Glee Cast Version)
- Billionaire (Glee Cast Version
Videos after the JUMP…
Empire State of Mind – Glee Cast
Telephone – Charice and Lea Michele
Billionaire – Chord Overstreet
Listen – Charice
What I did For Love – Lea Michele
Britney Spears episode promo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Dop7HGNFY
