The TV Chick

Last night’s episode of Glee, titled “Funeral” was one of the most emotionally resonant to date. And let’s face it, Glee does some pretty emotional episodes. “Funeral” focused on Sue’s sister’s death, and we see a side to Sue that has only really been touched upon in the past. Also, I don’t think there was a single song that I didn’t think was fantastic. One of them gave me chills and another made me cry. There was also a scene between Quinn and Finn that was crazy good. So yeah, I would say this episode of Glee was a favorite.

Jesse St. James is New Directions’ Show Choir consultant and he suggests the Nationals set list should be built around a star performer. Schue agrees to hold auditions. I love the Groff so much. He appears to have groomed himself a little better here. Meanwhile, Sue is trying to take down Glee and derail their travel plans. And Becky wants to be in Glee because Sue kicked her off the Cheerios. Schue would love her to join but not right before Nationals. Schue confronts Sue and it turns out her sister, Jean, died and Becky reminds her of her sister. Seriously, this is only the start of the sadness. I understand this was an emotionally semi-manipulative move on Glee’s part but Sue breaks down later, which I think is such a brilliant move. Her actions can’t be justified, and she recognizes this. I don’t think a new nice Sue can’t still be a sarcastic, ridiculous Sue. I really, really liked that we saw Sue at her most vulnerable. Later, Kurt and Finn bring Sue flowers. She admits she doesn’t know how to deal with the loss. She asks why it wasn’t her turn. Whew. Finn and Kurt decide to plan Jean’s funeral. Jesse doesn’t think it’s a good idea right before Nationals but Finn is firm on his decision.

Emma is helping Will go through his apartment and pack. There are many sentimental vests. Emma tells Will to let it go. The Glee Club doesn’t know he might end up on Broadway. At the audition for lead at Nationals, Santana sings Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black.” LOVE! Santana, you are amazing. Jesse insults her even though all he wrote on his notepad was a drawing of a cat. Kurt sings “Some People” from Gypsy. It was super sweet and cute. Jesse insults him, too. Mercedes sings “Try a Little Tenderness” Love! Even Jesse’s impressed but says she’s not a star. Rachel sings “Funny Girl,” and Jesse wishes she was thinking of him, but she’s thinking of Finn. My God was this role and this song made for her. Slight tears! CHILLS! Jesse loved it. I know that “Funny Girl” isn’t exactly Top 40 but Lea Michele can belt out a ballad like no other. But I digress. Schue is going to take a couple days to decide the solo.

We later find out that Sue is letting the Glee kids plan the funeral because she is afraid not a lot of people would attend otherwise. But much to her surprise, a ton of people show up. Maybe I’m just tired, but that got me SUPER emotional. Finn and Kurt decorated the funeral home like Willy Wonka (her favorite movie). When Sue goes to read her eulogy, she breaks down and Schue fills in and reads the rest. And while I was emotional throughout this entire thing, it wasn’t until the Glee club performed “Pure Imagination” while a slide show and videos of Sue and Jean played, that I had to really try and hold it together. And in a genuine signal of friendship, Sue grabs Schue’s hand.

After the funeral, Finn breaks up with Quinn. At first, she refuses — they will become Prom King and Queen next year — but he lays down the law. This scene had such pure, raw emotion. I feel for Quinn. I truly do. I understand her need for acceptance. And my goodness, both Cory Monteith and Dianna Agron were phenomenal in this scene. Later, Sue reinstates Becky on the Cheerios, makes her captain and makes her give her a hug. Aww, so many emotions. And to redeem herself even more, Sue wishes Schue good luck in New York and apologizes. She confesses about the airline tickets, but Terri was able to get the kids first class tickets to NYC. Terri and Schue talk and we learn she’s moving to Miami. They admit that they loved each other. It was a very sweet scene. I think Terri will be back (and definitely still with feelings for Will), and while I’m sad it probably won’t be for a while, they really haven’t given her much to do. Then there are more goodbyes: Emma is wearing Schue’s vest from when he first met her, and kisses him and wishes him good luck. She then walks away crying.

At the end of the episode, Jesse tells Rachel she is going to be the featured soloist and kisses her and confesses his feelings, all with Finn watching with a tulip behind his back. Oh boy. But his sources are wrong, as Schue decides the New Directions are going to go back to doing original songs sung by everyone for Nationals. And apparently, Quinn has big plans for NY.

Overall, this was a great episode leading up to what I’m sure is going to be an amazing NYC finale. Sue was at her best. She might not have been at her most hilarious one-liner stage, but she was at her best. I remember when we first found out about her sister who had Down Syndrome and how glad I was to see a softer side of Sue. The funeral where all the kids come together for her (even after her torturous ways) shows how strong of a group they truly are. They did it for her sister, who was also an outcast, and I respect that so much. And the music knocked it out of the park. I loved that a bunch of people got a chance at a big solo. Naya Rivera, Amber Riley, Lea Michele and Chris Colfer all have wonderful voices and I thought these songs showcased them so well. I have to say, I’m not super crazy about original songs so I’m not sure how much I’ll enjoy their Nationals numbers but I know I liked one last time, so I’m interested to see what Glee comes up with. It’s been an up and down season, but it’s been really good lately and I can’t wait to see the big finale.

Glee airs Tuesday nights at 8 pm on FOX.