Glee-Cap: Ep. 4: Secrets, Lies and 'Single Ladies'
In an episode pregnant with secrets and lies, a great truth was revealed about Glee: the best thing about the show is not its talented performers or tongue-in-cheek sense of humor. The best part is its emotional honesty. That honesty is, of course, not always present, but when it emerges… Wow! Now, to quote the ever-eloquent Sue Sylvester, “let’s cut the crap” and get on with the Glee-cap.
Before we dig in to the heart-warming stuff, let’s get the episode’s title, “Preggers” squared away. As we know, Will thinks his wife Terri is expecting, but she’s merely suffering from a secret hysterical pregnancy. She’s now keeping up the ruse with Lamaze-breathing techniques and perhaps the worst-looking pregnancy prosthetic this side of Halloween. (The couple does sleep in the same bed and share a bathroom. Is Will so wrapped up in his redheaded OCD co-worker batting her eyelashes at him that he doesn’t notice his wife’s lumpy bump? Or am I just making up excuses for him because he’s so damn likeable?) Anyway, you can’t pretend your pregnant forever, so something’s gotta give. In other words, Terri better get ready to push something “the size of a watermelon out of her boy howdy” (yes, direct quote), or get a baby some other way. Hmm.
On a related subject, we learn that cheerleader Quinn, proud president of the celibacy club, is with child—and she’s not faking it. Picture Legally Blonde meetsJuno. She tells her bf Finn about her situation and papa don’t preach, but she’s keeping her baby. Finn’s cute, can throw a football and has a great singing voice, but clearly he wasn’t paying attention in biology class. See if you can pass this pop quiz: Can a girl get pregnant from kissing her boyfriend in a hot tub while they are both wearing swimsuits? Is the answer: A. Don’t be ridiculous, or B. His name is Puck, he’s got a mohawk and Billie Jean is not his lover, but the kid is definitely his son (or daughter). See the paragraph above and put two and two together about how this might play out.
OK, a lot more happened in this episode: Sue Sylvester got a running spot on the local news in which she advocates caning—“Yes, we cane!” She also blackmails Principal Figgins (don’t ask) to get Sandy Ryerson back in the mix and join in her nefarious plan to do in the Glee Club. Oh, and entitled Rachel quits the club when Mr. Shue gives her solo in West Side Story to Tina. Rachel runs right into Sandy’s audition room, gets in touch with her inner Celine Dion (everyone has one, no?) and lands the role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Maybe this time indeed!
Now let’s all make like Beyonce and put our hands up (oh, oh, oh) if you found yourself getting a little misty at the main storyline: Kurt, his dad, the football team and some serious booty shaking. When Kurt’s father catches him recreating Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” video—complete with unitard, sequins, Fosse-inspired choreography and a pair of backup dancers, Kurt lies that it has to do with sports. He even says he’s on the football team, which feels like a total eye-roll until deceit becomes reality. Quarterback Finn helps Kurt by recruiting him as the team’s new kicker. Soon enough the footballers are doing choreography during the big game, and Kurt’s father is finally proud of his boy… and he should be. Not only is his son a kick-ass kicker, he also courageously comes out to his dad in a beautifully played scene between father and son. Though Kurt’s father is unsurprised by the news, he still asks, “You’re sure, right?” To which Kurt replies, “Yeah, Dad. I’m sure.” You better believe he’s sure.
And I’m sure Glee is hitting its stride. Everyone likes it so much, we shoulda put a ring on it.
P.S. Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth will be featured in next week’s episode. My bet is that it will be wicked good.
