Darren Criss and the Glee Guys Strip Down for the ‘Naked’ Episode; Hot or Not?

Glee stars showed a new side of themselves in the lovable and redeeming “Naked” episode on January 31. Highlights included: Rachel considering a topless scene in a student film, the guys of New Directions stripping down for the “Men of McKinley” calendar and bro bonding like we've rarely seen before. What worked, what didn’t. Here’s how “Naked” scored on Broadway.com Glee Report Card.

HONOR ROLL
Best Number: The shirtless mashup of “Centerfold/Hot in Herre” performed by the New Directions men. Need we say more? Runner-up: “Love Song” as sung by Rachel, Santana and Quinn (not shirtless).

Best Line: “You’re not a porn star, even though your hair and your makeup makes you look like one.” —high school Rachel to college Rachel

Most Clever Way to Hide Nudity: Covering Brody’s naughty bits with a cereal box called Rooster’s.

Biggest Glee Tease: Santana hinting at moving to New York City. Rachel, Kurt and Santana in NYC!? Yes, please!

Best Relationship Advice: “Chicks dig hot guys who are willing to get naked for a calendar; but what they really look for is a guy who will get naked emotionally.” —Ryder urging Jake to express his love for Marley

Best Cable Access Show: Fondue for Two hosted by Brittany S. Pierce and featuring her cat, Lord Tubbington

Scene with the Most Heart: Blaine surprises Sam with an inspiring video message from past and present New Directions members. We’ll admit it, Sam wasn’t the only person tearing up watching that adorable and moving montage.

Relationship of the Week: The friendships between the young men of McKinley. Buddy pairs Artie & Finn, Sam & Blaine and Jake & Ryder all displayed the true meaning of friendship by confiding in each other, inspiring each other and putting their bestie first.

Star of the Episode: Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman. So we've had our eye on Jake for some time now, but when he serenaded Marley with “Let Me Love You,” it really made us swoon. Also, his kickass bod deserved its own listing in the credits—damn!

ANATOMY
“For the record, Blaine has an awesome body and perky and delicious behind that looks like it got baked to perfection by some sort of master chef.” — Tina (“Amen to that!” —everyone)

ECONOMICS
“Girls are the ones that buy stuff. We’re responsible for the consumer-driven economy. Those Twilight books are poop on paper, and we’ve turned them into a billion dollar industry." —Kitty explaining why “The Men of McKinley” calendar will be a big seller

HISTORY
“My Penthouse centerfold, so groundbreaking that it completely redefined the term ‘hirsute’ and gave birth unto these United States a pose so limber they named it the regal American not-so-bald spread eagle.” —Sue recounting her own naked photoshoot

GEOGRAPHY
“Indianapolis, the Paris of Indiana.” —Artie

A FOR EFFORT:
We really loved the risk Glee took filming the final song “This Is a New Year” in such a straightforward and artsy way. The video was revealing, accessible and had a definite Instagram feel.

FINAL GRADE
A-