I have been eagerly anticipating the return of Glee since it was announced they were on hiatus for the World Series. I am never disappointed by this show, but I was absolutely floored by this week’s episode. It centered around Artie (which was a great move on the character development front), who couldn’t ride on the bus with the Glee club to Sectionals because the school couldn’t afford a special van for his wheelchair. Mr. Schuester tried to bring some understanding and compassion to the Glee Club for Artie’s life in a wheelchair, by making everyone ride in a wheelchair. There’s always concern when tackling an issue like disability that it won’t be done in a respectful way. But Kevin McHale clearly did his research, carried himself with dignity, and was absolutely wonderful. His solo “Dancing With Myself,” was great, and I loved that they gave him a love interest in Tina, because they had something in common (her stutter is technically a disability). We learn that Tina was faking the stutter and the relationship doesn’t seem to work out, but this was still fantastic.

Meanwhile, the Sue vs. Schue storyline continued as Schue advocated for wheelchair ramps, and the van for Artie. Principal Figgins was so inspired by Schuester’s decision to have all the Glee kids ride around in wheelchairs, that he insisted the Cheerios bring on a new girl to fill the void left by Quinn Fabray. The last girl to try out (Becky) was mentally disabled. Schuester expected Sue to be absolutely brutal (as she tends to be), but instead, Sue told Becky she made the team. It might have been a shocking moment but I sensed there was something more personal going on. Shortly after, we see Sue visiting her mentally disabled older sister. She brings her a pom-pom, reads Little Red Riding Hood to her and shows compassion that no one knew Sue was capable of. It is here that Ryan Murphy shines the brightest. Just when you think there is no empathy in that twisted brain of Sue Sylvester, he really brings it home. Sue might put up a front, but deep down, she is just as sympathetic and understanding as Mr. Schuester.

Another extremely touching and compelling storyline involved Kurt and his father. When Schuester announces that the Glee Club will be singing “Defying Gravity” from Wicked for their new number, Kurt wants to try out for the solo. (Brief aside: when I heard this was going to be a musical number, there were practically tears. It is such an amazing song and perfectly fit for Lea Michele’s powerhouse of a voice. Also, doesn’t she remind you of a certain Wicked star that really needs to guest star?) Mr. Schuester shoots Kurt down repeatedly, even after his insistence that he can indeed hit the high F. (Any former choir member/gleek such as myself would tell you that is a very hard note to hit). Kurt is clearly distraught by the news, and seeing this, his father goes to Mr. Schuester and Principal Figgins and stands up for his son. If you recall Episode 3 of the season where Kurt so memorably dances to Single Ladies, joins the football team, and comes out to his father, you know that their relationship might not have always been the greatest, but it is full of understanding and acceptance.  I love Glee for this.

While this episode may have showcased some character’s differences, it truly shows that they are in this together. (Almost like a brighter version of the Breakfast Club, except in Glee they will keep being friends). In any case, Kurt and Rachel have a “diva off” to compete for the solo in Defying Gravity. Both the solo versions and the duet are on the CD, but this number was as amazing as I could have imagined. And kudos to Kurt (Chris Colfer) who really nailed the performance. We find out he threw the high F at the end because he didn’t want his father to have to constantly get harassed. He had gotten an anonymous phone call that morning about Kurt’s sexuality which had shaken him. And just when I thought this episode couldn’t get any more wonderful and sweet, it does. And I haven’t been able to stop listening to both versions since the episode aired.

This episode also explored the relationship/love triangle between Quinn, Puck and Finn. Quinn has medical bills piling up, and asks Finn for help. Finn seems like he’s trapped in his own thoughts and can’t get it together to find a job. Puck very clearly cares for Quinn, and the feelings appear mutual but Quinn says that even if the baby comes out with a mohawk, she will swear to her grave that it is Finn’s. Finn and Puck also have at it when Puck tells him to step up to the plate and that he doesn’t know how lucky he really is. In the end, both Finn and Puck step it up. Puck puts pot in the cupcakes so they can sell them to raise money for Artie’s van. Rachel helps Finn get a job by using a wheelchair, and he gives his first paycheck to Quinn. It might be sort of a twisted way to solve the problem, but I look forward to seeing more out of this love triangle.

And I have gotten through this whole review, and only talked briefly about the musical numbers which rounded out the episode perfectly. Mr. Schuester announced that the Glee Club will be doing a number in wheelchairs. Proud Mary (Rollin’ on a River) was a great choice, and it gave Artie and Mercedes a chance to be in the spotlight. We also find out that the money raised was more than enough to fund the van, but Artie decides to donate it to the school to get wheelchair ramps. However, Sue had already donated the money for ramps, so Artie gets to ride with the Glee Club after all. But I digress. The musical number ends the show and I couldn’t think of a better ending to an episode that was, to quote my good friend and TV lover alike, “an emotional rollercoaster.” The episode was directed by Paris Barclay, who is an Executive Producer on one of my other favorite shows, “In Treatment.” I think it was a great choice to bring him in for such an emotional episode, when he has so much experience in handling those types of shows.

There had been complaints in the TV Critic/Blogger universe that Glee wasn’t grounded enough, and that this episode was full of convenient revelations. I completely and respectfully disagree. This episode develops many of the characters with a sense of compassion, while still staying true to themselves. Sue Sylvester will still remain a real pistol, but now we know more about her personal life. Kurt is proud of who he is, but we now know he will do anything to spare his dad’s feelings. Artie might not enjoy being stuck in a wheelchair, but we now know how he got there and how it has made him stronger. We got to see all of these characters in a light we’ve never seen them before.

I am so excited Glee is back, and I think this episode has a permanent space on my DVR for many repeat viewings.

My favorite quotes of the episode:

“Recipes are confusing.” -Brittany

“Your irritating most of the time. But don’t take that personally” -Artie about Rachel

“Try auditioning for Baywatch and being told they’re going in another direction. That’s hard.” -Sue Sylvester

And because I know you loved the musical numbers as much as I did, here are the songs:

Defying Gravity: Kurt and Rachel:

Proud Mary (Rolling on a River):