It’s almost here, the episode of Glee that may cause a drastic rise in the rate of teen depression. Thursday’s episode is called “The Break-Up,” and it’s everything you can possibly imagine and then some. You should start preparing yourself now for pain and heartbreak. I suggest not watching with any sharp objects nearby.
Having seen the episode (and generally hating the dramatic episodes), I can say that it’s infinitely better than I expected. Yes, it’s all serious with lots of crying and more teenage melodrama than an entire season of One Tree Hill, but it’s done as well as can be expected, and as long as this is a one-off “very special episode” and not what Glee will become all the time, I can accept it.
It also benefits greatly from some of the best musical performances the show has ever had. Seriously, almost all of them sound amazing and are expertly acted with a ton of emotion. My season-ending “best songs” list will feature several songs from this episode, most of them near the top.
Anyway, I’ll have my complete recap with full thoughts after the episode airs, but for now, here are 10 spoilers to get you in the mood.
It’s Super Sad
While there are one or two funny moments (mostly dealing with the Rapture), this episode is basically wall-to-wall drama. Everyone cries, even during the songs (there’s a near Tina-style breakdown during one of them). Not even NBC’s Parenthood is this emotionally manipulative, and that show gave the main character’s wife cancer.
Santana Is Awesome
Santana feels the same way about Kurt landing a job at Vogue.com as I do, so I instantly adore her. The only bad thing is that Santana and new Head Bitch Cheerio Kitty are in the same place at the same time and DON’T have an epic throwdown like they should. What a missed opportunity.
Absence Makes Finn Better
I’ve never truly liked Finn as a character, but now that he’s been MIA for three episodes, I’m actually happy to have him back. It’s startling how different the show feels with his return and he’s better than he’s ever been. And don’t fear, we learn all about where he’s been, how that Army thing worked out, and there’s a pretty obvious set-up for what his immediate future might be.
Brotherly Love
I know everyone’s excited for Finn and Rachel and Kurt and Blaine to share scenes again, but one of the more touching interactions comes between brothers Finn and Kurt. Their relationship has evolved a lot and it’s sweet to see them together again.
“Teenage Dream”
Blaine’s acoustic rendition of “Teenage Dream” is even better in the episode than it sounds online. It’s definitely going straight to the top of my favorite performances of all-time.
Multiple Break-Ups
It’s hard to tell how many couples actually break up, but it’s more than one. And other couples may not technically break up, but they’re definitely on rocky ground.
Left Behind, Literally
The show references the popular book series Left Behind. And if you think that’s a little too on the nose as a metaphor, you’re not wrong.
Ryan Murphy Protects His Favorites
I can’t say too much without spoiling huge news, but let’s just say that Ryan Murphy’s writing makes some characters come out of the episode with a LOT less blame than they should thanks to some random, out-of-character plot twists.
There Are Flashbacks
If you want to relive the glory days of season 1, you’re in luck, because the episode features some flashbacks to very, VERY memorable scenes.
A Possible Three Dog Night Cover?
I have no idea if this is in the works, but Ryan Murphy beautifully sets up the potential for a cover of Three Dog Night’s “Eli’s Coming.” The song would fit perfectly into the plot and I really hope this happens in the future. You’ll understand why after you see the episode.
See all of this and a whole lot more for yourself when “The Break-Up” airs Thursday at 9pm on FOX.
(Image courtesy of FOX)
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
John watches nearly every show on TV, but he specializes in sci-fi/fantasy like The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and True Blood. However, he can also be found writing about everything from Survivor and Glee to One Tree Hill and Smallville.
