The plot revolves around Santana (Naya Rivera) and Brittany (Heather Morris) breaking their engagement to their respective families. Santana has to deal with a grandmother (Ivonne Coll) who disowned her after coming out a few seasons ago. Meanwhile, Brittany learns a few family secrets from her parents, played by Ken Jeong and Jennifer Coolidge.

Mercedes (Amber Riley) and Artie (Kevin McHale) return to Lima. The former, to help mentor the New Directions (and Rachel…who needs a pep talk!)  and the latter to help plan the big Brittana wedding!

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Glee Season 6 Songs! Listen to FULL AUDIO Streams From Episode 6 – What The World Needs Now
Glee Season 6 Spoilers: Plot Details “Transitions” Episode 7

This week’s Glee was a fluffy ode to love. All kinds of love. The love between family, between friends and between two people who are meant to be together.  And if two people are meant to be together? Other relationships might have to be sacrificed.  Santana and Brittany share their engagement news with their family. For Brittany, it’s a snap. For Santana, not so much.  A relationship is brewing between Sam and Rachel. But does it mean sacrificing a friendship with their dear friend Mercedes?  Pals have each other’s backs. When somebody is down, the rest are there with a song to cheer them up.

And what better way to celebrate love than with the songs of Burt Bacharach?  Eight of Burt’s most beautiful songs made for the best sound track of the season.  Also, while there is a side plot focused on Rachel getting her groove back, the heart and soul of “What the World Needs Now” is Brittany.  Heather Morris gets ALL the credit, despite the typically uneven writing,  for turning this episode into grade A entertainment.

Sam and Rachel meet in the hallway. It’s awkward! They’ve planned a date. Each wonder if they should cancel or reschedule.  They decide to meet at Breadstix after school. Both sing “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” as they roam the halls, head outside to the courtyard where they  nearly bump into two young lovers as they come face to face again….awkwardly! Before they both run away.

I’ll Never Fall in Love Again – Sam and Rachel

http://youtu.be/PKwAIwU4uFc

Brittany sits cross legged on her bed working on a math problem . IT’S KITTY THEMED!  Knock! Knock! It’s her parents, played by Ken Jeong and Jennifer Coolidge.  They have some news for her. There’s a reason why she’s a mathematical genius, and it involves a completely bizarre and convoluted story about how mom had sex with Stephen Hawking on their British honeymoon.   You see, Brittany’s dad, Pierce Pierce (GET IT!) has such a low IQ, (ONLY 60!) that he mistook the word “virile” for “sterile” and mom thought he couldn’t have kids. She ran off distraught to a local pub, got drunk, and had sex with the famed mathematician after she saw “two little wheels sticking out of the stall.” WTF? Wow. I guess there are a couple of things that are SUPPOSED to be funny here. That nobody has ever questioned why  her Asian dad is both 1. Stupid and 2. Obviously not her dad.  And the notion that Hawking would be trolling in a pub for a cheap Yankee pickup.

Nine months later, Brittany was born in an Indiana Barn (SPOILER ALERT.  Brittana gets married in an Indiana barn in 6×08. Hm). Ken is wryly funny here. Jennifer shouts all of her lines like a crazy lady. Remember back in season 1 when we were introduced to Brittany’s younger sister? I guess she’s been retconned out of cannon.  For Brittany, the news is “a lot to take in.”  Shocking to learn that you aren’t actually Asian? But she moves on–breaking her engagement news to the parents. Mom and dad couldn’t be happier.

Back at school, it turns out Sam and Rachel BOTH blew off their Breadstix date.  Sam admits he has a little thing for Rachel and “with a nudge or two” it could become a big thing, but at the moment he even has a BIGGER thing for Mercedes.   Rachel admits she has feelings too, but has “more important things to focus on like teaching these kids.”   Sam is late for class, and he races off with a “love you Rachel.”  Rachel, more confused than ever, answers, “love you …”

Rachel and Kurt introduce the week’s theme to the kids. Burt Bacharach!  “This is a good time to go to the bathroom or get a snack!” Kitty whispers to Spencer.  Kurt recites the deets–Bacharach is responsible for a ton of hit songs, has won ALL OF THE AWARDS.   His music is optimistic and uplifting. Just the kind of energy the club needs to get ready for sectionals, which are FIVE weeks away.

Hey. Is it ever going to be Christmas in Lima? Or Thanksgiving? Because it was October in Glee land last time, according to Sue’s Klaine calendar. But I digress.

The best news though?  Mercedes is back to mentor the kids  She’s fresh off of a nationwide tour and her single “Shaking My Head” is number 89 on iTunes–she says all this as she passes out CDs to the kids.  Artie is in the house too. It’s just awesome the way the  graduates wander back to high school without an explanation.

Cut to the faculty lounge, where Mercedes gets right to the point. She knows Rachel and Sam have a semi-thing going, thanks to Kurt. (“If the Olympics had a gossip event,” says Mercedes, “Kurt Hummel would be Mark Spitz.”)  Rachel explains that they bailed on a date they had planned, because they were afraid of hurting her.  Mercedes waves her hand. “I love Sam, but we’re just friends,” and she really seems to mean that.  “It’s time for you to get back out there!” Rachel is going to think about it.

There’s more important business to attend to.  Namely, the “Rachel Berry Rebuilding Project.”  Mercedes insists that Rachel will have to go back to New York City, where she belongs.  And as a matter of fact, Mercedes found out, at a lunch with Russell Simons, about a new Broadway show his friend is producing.  An audition has been arranged for Rachel, and it’s FRIDAY.  “YOU’RE GOING,” Mercedes orders.  Right here, I have to interject, that in the real world, NOBODY would be going near Rachel with a 10 foot pole after she broke her Fanny contract. In fact, she’d likely be in the middle of a lawsuit. But this is Glee. A hop back to Broadway, without repercussions, is business as usual.

Rachel shakes her head. She isn’t ready to go back yet. Some day. But not now.  And what about the kiiiids?  Rachel is doing “Gods work” says Mercedes, but sectionals isn’t for another  5 weeks!  Nothing feels right if Rachel Berry isn’t in front of an audience “killing it” says Mercedes. Rachel admits she’s scared. Mercedes understands, that’s why she set up a little old-school inspiration. And it’s off to the auditorium for a fantasy performance of “Baby It’s You.” It’s Shirrells style, with Mercedes in the lead, and Rachel, Brittany and Santana as backups.  Pink sparkles, teased beehives and choreography for the win! LOVE LOVE LOVE the vintage sound here.  After, Rachel admits that she misses New York.  But.  “I can’t do it.”

“Welcome to my bedroom!” Brittany says as she ushers Artie in. “I’ve been in here before,” he reminds her.  Remember when they used to be a thing? Brittany apparently doesn’t. She wants to hire Artie to be their wedding planner.  For free! He’s honored. But wonders why him.  “Partially because it feels like you’ve had nothing to do all year.” Hey producers. Using meta to call yourselves out on the chronic underuse of the talented Kevin McHale doesn’t make it OK. JUST THOUGHT I’D LET YOU KNOW.  Brittany has also asked him because he’s a director, and could really help bring her vision to life.

She made a list of all the things that remind her of Santana, and it’s typically crazy: scissors, sweet lady kisses, tuna….and heaven.  Artie likes heaven as a theme. (Lord Tubbington, holding court on a chair, prefers tuna!)  He begins excitedly scribbling down notes as Brittany babble.  “When I’m with Santana, it reminds me of heaven, and angel wings remind me of her.”  It’s time for more fantasy, as we  cut to a snow white heaven, with Brittany, descending through the clouds on a spiral staircase, in angel wings singing “Wishing and Hoping.”   Artie is there too , in his wheelchair. But not for long. Because there are no maladies in the hereafter.  Yay for giving Artie ONE MORE dream sequence where he can do a little dancing.  The dated lyrics of “Wishing and Hoping” make the gender flip fun.  It’s not about a girl who subsumes her personality to please a guy “Wear your hair, just for her. Do the things, she likes to do.” It’s about making the one you love happy.  And what’s heaven without a choir of angels? Blaine and Sam join in on a verse as they swoop back and forth on heavenly swings.  Angel  bridesmaids dress Brittany for the big day.  A be-winged Lord Tubbington chows down on a big tub of tuna.  The song ends with Artie tossing a bouquet to Brittany who is now back at the top of the staircase. The whimsy is IRRESISTABLE. Aside: If only the late Dusty Springfield, who made the song famous back in the 60s, had the opportunity to sing THIS version of the song.

Wishing and Hoping – Brittany with Artie, Sam and Blaine

http://youtu.be/Oj3pMz_1CcM

Back at McKinley, Mercedes recruits the boys to help out with Rachel. “I think it’s great that Rachel got the Glee club up and running again.” Kurt, looking annoyed, clears his throat loudly. “You’re doing your  A good job too, Kurt, with whatever your thesis is.”  Now, it’s my eyes that are rolling.  New York is Rachel’s calling, and the club has to help her see that. Of course, the newbies see no logic in that. Because they haven’t yet learned to roll with things that make no sense.   “Sorry if that’s awkward, Kurt,” says Mercedes when she mentions that she put in a call to Blaine. “OK,” says Kurt, taking in a deep breath, as they head to the auditorium. Those hours locked in the elevator last week really did shake things up. Kurt. Most definitely NOT over Blaine.

Planning their wedding together in Brittany’s bedroom, Santana is annoyed that her Abuela is on the guest list. “She should be there,” insists Brittany.  Santana shares a childhood story, about how she and her grandmother would play pretend wedding. She has always imagined, once the big day happened, Abuela in the front row bawling her eyes. out. But having her at the wedding would mean not marrying Brittany.  “I choose you over everyone,” declares Santana.

Meanwhile, when Brittany finds out that Abuela–Alma– has diverticulitis, she shows up at her door, in a candy striper outfit, pretending to be a nurse. She proceeds to befriend her with Spanish and a shared love of telenovas. The older woman is skeptical at first, but  Brittany completely wins her over, and before you know it, they are BFFs.  Alma notices Brittany’s engagement ring and wants to hear all about it.  Brittany spares no details, including that she dislocated a hip once. Alma find this all very romantic. Of course, she just assumes Brittany is engaged to some random man.  That grandma has turned out to be a hopeless romantic be the thing that helps her realize that love, is indeed, love?

Before you know it, Brittany has coaxed Alma to her house to be a guest on “Fondue for Two” or “Queso por Dos” which Brittany “just sold to Univision.”  Lots of crazy and funny stuff ensues here. Alma reveals that her first husband, a Lopez, died in Vietnam. But that was WONDERFUL because she met her second husband. Also a Lopez. Who turned out to be the love of her life. Since Alma is Santana’s maternal grandmother, is everyone in that frickin family named Lopez? There is also much hilarity as Lord Tubbington continues to steal the show,  looking fly in a little south of the border outfit, and generally meowing judgmentally at everyone.  When Brittany complains about wedding planning, and suggests she and her fiance might elope,  Alma erupts. She turns to the camera and lectures on blood being thicker than water, and how the family needs to “share in your joy.”  Cut to Breadsticks, where Santana is watching on her laptop, horrified.

Mercedes brings Rachel to the auditorium, where a mini Statue of Liberty is waiting next to her seat.  “New York is endgame for you Rachel, it just is,” says Mercedes. Are we shipping Rachel with a city now?   “Sometimes you need a little inspiration to remind you and light the way.”

Cue the boys, in tuxes in top hats, singing “Arthur’s Theme” which lyrics paint a romantic and sweeping picture of the city.  Blaine plays a baby grand piano, while the rest of the boys gather round to sing in front of a backdrop of the city skyline.  As Rachel watches, her mind flashes back: Discovering Times Square at dawn as New Directions gets ready to compete in Nationals.  Racing into Kurt’s arms as he surprised her with the news that he’s joining her in the city. Ditching her town car to roam around Chinatown on her own.  Standing on a street corner, newly arrived, but hopeful,  after Finn broke their engagement. At the end, she’s teary.  But still not ready to go. “Well, I am not leaving until you are!” promises Mercedes.

Arthur’s Theme – The Boys

http://youtu.be/_bnmAm73_JE

Santana is pissed that Brittany went to her Abuela behind her back.  But Brittany believes Alma merely fears what she doesn’t know.  “I used to be afraid of Greek yogurt,” explains Brittany, “once I added a box of sugar it kinda grew on me.”  It may be their jobs as “young hot progressives”  to educate “older, scary farts.”  Brittany reasons that if Abuela gets to know them, she’ll see that they’re “somewhat normal”– like how Brittany “likes to dance in my sleep” and how Santana dyes her hair blond “for no reason.”  (a tiny bit of meta there)  Brittany thinks they can convince Abuela they are “just like everybody else.”  Santana is convinced to try.  They exchange I love yous and kiss. Aw.

Cut to Sam alone in the locker room, singing an acoustic version of “Close to You.”  He’s no Karen Carpenter. That goes without saying. But I love this sweet, plaintive version of the song.  Surprise. He’s not serenading Rachel.  He finishes the song, singing to Mercedes in the auditorium.  Noting the romantic lyrics, she reminds him that they’re just friends.  Sam insists they aren’t just friends. Mercedes reminds him that they broke up months ago.  He admits he’s having a hard time making the transition. He hasn’t been dating at all.  He was afraid of hurting her and ruining their friendship.  She scoots  closer. He has to trust that their friendship is strong. And what’s more SHE HAS BEEN DATING. She’s met a CHRISTIAN musician at the BET awards who also wants to wait until marriage to have sex.  And just like that? The end of Samcedes.  Not that they EVER made sense as a couple, anyway.

Sam is a little jealous, but happy for Mercedes. She gives Sam and Rachel her blessing. Mercedes is a little jealous too, but she needs Sam “to help heal” Rachel’s heart.  HE’S SO GLAD MECEDES IS JEALOUS. That’s all he wanted to hear.  He’s not so happy to learn that the new boyfriend’s nickname is “Tank” and “bigger” than him.  “Your little white boy booty was just an outlier!” says Mercedes. They end up the best of friends.  See. This is the normal course of the majority high school romances. They eventually end as the kids inevitably grow in different directions.

Close to You – Sam

http://youtu.be/2yARh6XtqGs

This next scene. UGH. Rachel texted Mercedes in a panic, because she wants her to take over the Glee club while she’s away. When Mercedes reminds her that it’s Kurt’s job, Rachel suggests that “he works better when he collaborates” and “I don’t want all the kids singing Into the Woods and Paula Cole this week, so you’ll just keep them in check? ”

So much for Kurt being co-director of New Directions. Or having any solos. Or any agency as Glee comes to a close. So far, he exists as an appendage to Rachel, as he marches to the inevitable marriage to his high school sweetheart, the only boy he’s ever slept with. This is NOT the story line I envisioned for Kurt.  Stupid Rachel and her 5,337th chance to make it after effing up, while everyone rallies around and props her up is a tired storyline that is totally on my last nerve. RACHEL IS ANNOYING ME RIGHT NOW. There. I said it.

As it turns out, Rachel has decided to audition. She breaks down as she thanks Mercedes for helping her.  But she’s scared. “I haven’t been this scared in my whole life.”   After having failed so spectacularly, she simply CAN’T fail again. Honey.  You failed after a series of stupid decisions, which included QUITTING a job that any actress would kill for–the lead in a prestigious Broadway revival.  Mercedes reminds her that “we’re all going to fail again and again.”  Rachel has to get up, shake it off and get on with it.  They stand up. “My name is Rachel Berry, and I’ll be singing Promises Promises by Burt Bacharach.”  Rachel sings as she packs her stuff.  And there she is, pulling up in a greyhound bus–knocked down several notches from that town car she used to tool around in. She’s down but not out!  She emerges from the subway, wheeling her suitcase down the sidewalks of New York City.  Once again. She enters the theater. She’s on stage wowing the produces.  “Things that I promised myself, fell apart. But I found my heart” sings Rachel. Let’s hope so. Finally.

Promises Promises – Rachel

http://youtu.be/VvL_NgHMlIo

Back in Lima, Brittany walks a confused Alma into the auditorium.  “Does your fiance work here? Am I going to get to meet him?” Oops. Brittany will only  say that it’s a surprise. The curtain rises, and there is Santana, in a beautiful red dress singing “Alfie.”  This is the best solo performance of the episode.  Yes, even better than Lea Michele’s “Promises Promises.”  Naya Rivera brings emotion and SOUL to her rendition of the classic song.  Shades of Dionne Warwick. Alma looks so sad, listening to her estranged granddaughter sing.  The lights come up in the back, and the entire cast–oldbies and newbies alike–are on risers singing background. Brittany gets up to join them.  As the song ends, Brittany joins Santana center stage, taking her hand, entwining their fingers.  Alma is completely confused. “Do you two know each other?” But when Brittany reveals that Santana is the fiance she’s been talking about, Alma becomes angry.  She feels tricked.

“You taught me not just to exist, because I’m so much more than that,” says Santana. “Without Britt, I just exist.  She’s the love of my life and I’m going to marry her. I want to share that with you because without your love, I just exist too.”

Alma refuses to come to the wedding. “Right is right. I love you Santana. But I don’t love your sin. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but you disappointed me first.”

Then. Because Santana can’t do it for herself, Brittany turns into her.  “Good. I’m glad you’re not coming. The New York Times said half the increase in support of gay marriage is due to generational turnover.  That’s what smart people call ‘crazy uptight bitches dying.’  You guys lost. And honestly, the rest of us are going about our business being normal and waiting for you to not be around. Not because you can stop us from not getting married, just because you’re kind of annoying.” Whoa. Britt.

“You let her talk to me like this,” Alma asks her granddaughter. “Take a look,” anwers Santana, “This is what real love looks like. I love you so much. But Britt is my family now, and if having her in my family means not having you, then that’s a trade I’ll take any day.” Alma walks out without a word.

Alfie – Santana

http://youtu.be/GG_84tre27k

Cut to the teachers’ lounge, where Rachel is waxing rhapsodic to Mercedes and Sam about her New York adventure. “Once I started to sing, it was like everything stopped. My mind hasn’t been that clear in a really long time.”  Broadway Berry is back.  After Mercedes excuses herself, Sam confides to Rachel, “You know you don’t need a mentor to get back to Broadway. You’re going to get back there no matter what.”  Rachel smiles. She’ll be leaving at some point, but why don’t they enjoy every last minute together?  Their Breadstix dinner is back on the books.

Heading to the auditorium arm in arm,  Santana muses to Brittany that she should be mad at Abuela, but she just feels sad for her.  Brittany regrets saying such nasty things to her.  But, Santana is proud of the way her girlfriend stood up for her. “You’re my lady knight in shining armor.”  She wanted to believe that people could change, and that her Abuela would accept her. But she’s got a lot of love in her life already.

“Now, let’s go humor a bunch of tone deaf losers by acting surprised when we enter this auditorium.” Spencer greets them at the door to escort them to their seats, walking past the newbies who stand at attention.  Artie wheels on stage, and as the wedding planner, notes the empty seat at the Lopez family table now that Abuela won’t be there.  The problem isn’t taking away a chair, but adding more.  Will and the graduates join him.  “Family are the people who embrace you with open arms,” says Kurt, “No matter what.” Everybody offers a comment on the meaning of family. It’s NOT just blood, as Abuela insisted on “Quesos for Dos.” The short of it? The graduates offer themselves up as wedding party members, while the new kids volunteer to pass out programs, seat people, and release the doves. “There better be doves,” warns Kitty, before the entire group launches into a rendition of “What the World Needs Now.”

Cut to Will’s house. He’s invited the whole gang to dinner for a celebration. He holds his baby in his arms. LOOK THERE’S EMMA. Heh. That’s so not Jayma Mays. But it’s the thought that counts. The kids eat and drink.  Sam and Rachel are cozy on the coach. Mercedes looks on, grinning. Arties sidles up to Kitty and offers her a piece of cake. She smiles at him. Friends again!  The doorbell rings. Kurt goes to get it. It’s Blaine. He’s alone. They hug. It’s not awkward this time.  Before he shuts the door, Kurt checks the hall for good measure. No Karofsky in sight.  Poor Dave.  Fated to be a midgame.  The writers should hook him up with Spencer, or something.

We’re back in the auditorium as the song ends. GROUP HUG. And we’re out.

What The World Needs Now – EVERYBODY!

http://youtu.be/tZdwBOP97ws

Next Week’s Promo – 6×07 – Transitions

http://youtu.be/aWorvZmaXA8

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