The TV Chick

The season premiere of Glee was very solid. I wasn’t crazy about the song choices but I like what was set up for the season. Tonight’s episode, “I Am Unicorn” is amazing — brought me to tears, must watch numerous times amazing. The musical numbers were fantastic, although all were from the Broadway realm. I was blown away. The episode centers around Kurt running for Senior Class President and Brittany’s hilarious and grandiose campaign ideas. She wants to run his campaign based on the fact that he is a unicorn, which means he’s special. But it’s not exactly what Kurt had in mind. Also, Shelby (Idina Menzel) comes back into town as a part time Show Choir director. Don’t worry, she’s not going to try to take down New Directions (there’s been plenty of that already). She was hired by Sugar’s (played by the amazing Vanessa Lengies) wealthy father to make her the star of a show choir. Shelby’s presence obviously has a huge impact on Rachel, Quinn and Puck. There’s a big part with Quinn and Puck wanting to see their baby, Beth. I don’t want to spoil too much, but it sets up a very interesting arc.

Another focal point of the episode is West Side Story auditions. And the most moving part in the entire episode, and I would say even one of the most moving things in the entire series, is Rachel’s duet/tryout with Shelby. They sing the famous West Side Story ballad “Somewhere” which has incredible meaning for both of them. And they absolutely floored it. This was the moment that brought me to tears. It was just so good. We also see Kurt knock his audition out of the park with a Streisand song. But the competition for the lead heats up when Blaine comes around and sings “Something’s Coming.” We all know what an amazing talent Darren Criss is, and even though this song isn’t my favorite, he just proves he should get the part of Tony. And every part ever in every musical. Whew. Anyway, “I Am Unicorn” features a lot of story/plot advancement, limited musical performances and it really felt like a season one episode. There were some lovely Quinn moments, very funny Brittany moments, a heartwarming Burt/Kurt moment and Sugar continues to be a welcome addition to the cast. If the rest of the season continues to be as good as “I Am Unicorn,” I will be very happy.

Glee airs tonight at 8 PM on FOX.