Airdate: Tuesday, May 17th at 8/7c on Fox
Rating:
“We’re a team and we’re best when we work as one.” Glee’s penultimate episode of season two, “Funeral,” had some powerful moments, especially for anyone who has ever lost someone close to them. As is often the case with Glee, it’s only when you look beyond the surface that you appreciate how well each element of the show ties in.
Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) loses her crown of evil incarnate to Jessie St. James (Jonathan Groff) in this episode as the entire glee club comes to her support over the death of her sister, Jean (Robin Troki). Lynch’s portrayal is both genuine and moving. The realism is largely a testament to creator Ryan Murphy who wrote the episode. Sue’s initial anger over the death, followed by survivor’s guilt, sadness and then acceptance as she welcomes Becky (Lauren Potter) back into her life, is played to perfection by Lynch. Watching Sue’s reaction to the Glee Club’s rendition of her sister’s favorite song, “Pure Imagination,” from her favorite movie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, reminds me strongly of the Whos in Whoville when they have a similar effect on the Grinch’s heart in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Sue’s emotions are initially displayed as she pulls her hand away when Will tries to comfort her. When she breaks down during her eulogy for Jean, the camera pulls in to focus on Sue and Will’s hands as he comes to her aid and finishes reading it for her. Sue’s transformation is complete as she takes Will’s hand during the lyrics “want to change the world.”
Sue's (Jane Lynch) evil team, Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) and Howard (Kent Avenido), plots to prevent New Directions from reaching finals. Is this Sue's last evil deed?
It wasn’t a secret ahead of time that someone would die during “Funeral,” so I was hard pressed to remain spoiler-free about who it would be. I knew it would be a game changer, though, and my thoughts had run to Dave Karofsky (committing suicide) or the parent of one of the glee kids. Glee surprised me with this death, but it was an excellent way to defuse Sue, arguably the biggest bully at McKinley. The show has increasingly been sending an anti-bullying message, and Sue’s characterization was the biggest stumbling block to that message. Of course, I’m also curious to see what role they have in store for Sue next year – watching her use her evil powers for good to “change the world” by lobbying for better health care and disability compensation certainly has potential.
Rachel (Lea Michele) performs "My Man" while thinking about Finn (Cory Monteith).
As the club prepares for Nationals, Glee prepares for the end of the season, and this episode is full of potential endings and new beginnings. Once again, Finn (Cory Monteith) and Quinn (Diana Agron) break up over Rachel (Lea Michele), but before Finn can declare his love for Rachel, Jessie declares his. Quinn reveals she is planning something big of her own in the Big Apple. Will (Matthew Morrison) packs his bags to head for New York where he will be staying after the competition to finally pursue his own dreams. Emma (Jayma Mays) puts on a brave face as she lets him go, telling him it’s time to move on even while wearing the very vest he wore when they first met. Will also says goodbye to Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig) who is taking a job in Miami and apparently leaving the show.
The apparent splintering of the club is reflected in the individual musical numbers. The only group number is sung at the funeral. Jessie’s suggests they audition for the solo spot at Nationals. Santana (Naya Rivera) sings “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse; Kurt (Chris Colfer) belts out “Some People” from Gypsy; Mercedes (Amber Riley) sings “Try a Little Tenderness;” Rachel sings Barbra Streisand’s “My Man.” Each number is a showstopper, each showcasing and reflecting the individual performing They definitely aren’t choir material.
Kurt (Chris Colfer) performs "Some People."
Glee manages to entertain while still being socially relevant. Will comments on how far the soloists have come since they started in Glee Club. Finn shows just how far he’s come by finally taking the leadership role Rachel has been encouraging him to adopt. He initially opposes Jessie’s idea of the auditions because that isn’t what the Glee Club is supposed to be about. He is the one who insists they perform at the funeral because Jean was like them: “an outsider and an underdog all her life.” Finn also takes control of his relationship with Quinn. The fact that the soloists get angry with Jesse and have the confidence to challenge his criticisms is proof of how far they’ve come. The rivalry between Santana, Kurt, Mercedes, and Rachel dries up as soon as Will declares there aren’t going to be any solos to bring an end to the “in-fighting and me-first attitudes.” Of course, now they have one week to write, choreograph, and rehearse two brand new original songs before Nationals. The lesson is clear in “Funeral” – being inclusive is what saves the day.
Tune in to Glee on Tuesdays, 8/7c on Fox.
All photos ©Fox.
LisaM
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3 comments
I never expected that this would be the last episode, but since it is you kind of have to assume they don’t win their place in the top 10 otherwise there would be one more episode. The performance from the girls in white dresses was great for the singing, but they looked silly the way they were dancing and their expressions which I think was the point. It’s so easy to find the time to watch Glee now that I have my DISH Network employee Sling adapter because I watch on my iPhone when I’m out and about. I record the show and watch it on my lunch the next day but with a family to take care of I don’t think I would ever have time at home.
This episode was probably one of my favorites. I thought Jane Lynch’s performance was stellar. Of course she is an awesome actress, she shines in everything she does. Though I have to say I knew her more for her comedic roles.
The funeral had me teary eyed, it was beautiful how they used her favorite movie and made her funeral a way to celebrate Jean.
I also loved how as soon as the solos were dropped all 4 of the characters vying for the solo just started gushing about each other’s performances at the auditions, showing that deep down they are a team.
And I loved Finn taking charge! Of course he is my favorite character so…
Awesome review Lisa!
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Jane Lynch really did knock this one out of the park! They say that it takes the best actors to do comedy… It’s also really funny that both she and Jonathan Groff are, according to everyone who knows them, super nice people in real life…
I love how the characters on Glee actually evolve – like Sue, but especially Finn in this episode.