“Glee” concludes its two-part Beatles tribute on Oct. 3 with the uplifting new episode, “Tina in the Sky with Diamonds,” in which there is a central theme: New beginnings.
Santana (Naya Rivera) and Sam (Chord Overstreet) meet new love interests, Dani (Demi Lovato) and Penny (Phoebe Strole). Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) gains new confidence. Kurt (Chris Colfer) gets a new job and Rachel (Lea Michele) wins the role of a lifetime.
That Thing You Do
That thing that “Glee” does? You know, the butterflies-in-the-stomach that flutter till they bubble over in literal joy you can feel in your heart? This episode delivers lots of that.
“Glee,” as a whole, is the one show above all others that really shines in the feel-good, get inspired kind of way. Overcoming adversity and digging in your heels to chase a dream is the heart and soul of the series. We need this episode and the cast needs this episode in the wake of Cory Monteith’s recent tragic death and as a precursor to the upcoming Cory/Finn tribute episode (see video). Primarily because it’s so happy and in this sense returns the show that has evolved into a pop culture phenomenon to its humble and heartwarming roots.
There are some fantastic musical numbers, including Chord Overstreet as Sam singing “Something” (with Ryder and Jake), Naya Rivera and Demi Lovato singing “Here Comes the Sun,” Kurt and Rachel singing “Get Back,” Darren Criss and company singing an epic “Hey Jude” and a big, sweeping split location performance with everyone getting in on the iconic “Let It Be.”
Some big puzzle pieces just click together and fit really well in this installment. Things come together, right now, over “Glee.”
Love at First Sight
Demi Lovato fits right into the cast like a bee on honey as the very pretty and talented waitress named Dani (short for Danielle). Santana is flustered over a girl for the first time in a long time and it’s really fun to see. They do a fabulous “Here Comes the Sun” which is sealed by a kiss and we can’t wait to see these two evolve.
Back at McKinley, Sam is lamenting over his lack of true love ala Senior Prom and then college student/school nurse Penny arrives and he’s suddenly struck by love fever. These two don’t seem as believable as Santana and Dani, though. Plus, Sam seems a little young to date an older woman. Maybe they’ll feel better as a couple with time. Nevertheless, Chord Overstreet, Blake Jenner and Jacob Artist deliver a sensational “Something.”
Tina’s Triumph and Rachel’s Big Break
Tina’s elated to finally get her moment in the spotlight when she’s crowned Prom Queen. Her joy is quickly squashed as she’s doused with a big bucket of red slushie right before she accepts the award. Poor Tina!
The New Directions gang gathers around her, led by Blaine and Darren Criss launches into an epic version of “Hey Jude” and the rest of the group gathers in to encourage her and refocus her. It’s a triumphant moment when she returns to the dance, holds her head high, and accepts the crown.
In NYC, Rachel mopes around thinking she didn't get the part in “Funny Girl.” In fact, after last week's episode, we all thought she wouldn't get it. It’s great to see Chris Colfer and Lea Michele sing an energetic “Get Back" as Kurt tries to bolster her spirits. Their duets are always sublime.
But the icing on the feel-good cake has to be at the end of the show when Rachel finds out she scored the lead role as Fanny Brice on Broadway. All previous signs pointed to a pass over for the part and then bam! She lands it. Her biggest dream is coming true and we couldn't be more thrilled with the news!
With news of Finn’s death looming right around the corner, it’s almost a bittersweet moment, but it’s a great one. The ending “Let It Be” anthem (with some standout vocals from Chris Colfer) ties things up beautifully for all the characters and we leave this episode remembering how big moments when we’re young are the ones we often cherish most as we move forward with the rest of our lives.
“Glee” airs in Flint on WSMH FOX66 on Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST.
