Happy Saturday, everyone! I’m Gigi in for Gabi once again for this week’s Gleeview! Thursday night’s episode “Thanksgiving” was definitely a doozie (yes-I did use the word "doozie.")
The episode starts out with graduates Quinn Fabrey, Noah Puckerman, Mike Chang, Santana Lopez and Mercedes Jones reuniting, in song of course, with a mashup of “Homeward Bound” and “Home”. Just as I'm about to tear up, the always tough guy Puck says “Dude, if you start crying, I’m going to kick your ass.” And then the graduates pulled in for a hug (and I ran for a box of tissues.)
The episode starts out with graduates Quinn Fabrey, Noah Puckerman, Mike Chang, Santana Lopez and Mercedes Jones reuniting, in song of course, with a mashup of “Homeward Bound” and “Home”. Just as I'm about to tear up, the always tough guy Puck says “Dude, if you start crying, I’m going to kick your ass.” And then the graduates pulled in for a hug (and I ran for a box of tissues.)
Then we’re in Marley’s head where she reveals that she’s wanted to perform in front of people since she was seven-and that she’s still trying to lose weight in an unhealthy manner-but just until sectionals is over. She really wants to look her best for the group, and in her mind that’s how to do it.
The graduates celebrate their coming home for the holidays at breakfast, and catch up a little bit. Kurt and Rachel aren’t there because they’re not sure what they want to do yet. The meeting ends with Finn asking them for a favor.
That favor? Mentor some of the New Direction members to help prepare them for Sectionals! Finn pairs Santana with Marley, Puck with Jake, Mike with Ryder, Quinn with Kitty, and Mercedes with Unique. Practically perfect if you ask me. The New Directions chose "Gangnam Style" as their show-stopping group number and have Brittany as the lead female dancer, but need to choose a male partner.
Afterwards, Ryder and Jake talk about how they both want the lead with Brittany. Jake confronts Ryder about his date with Marley last Friday, assuring his new friend that she's more than just a "hump and dump" and doesn't want to hurt her. Ryder seems cool with it, and Jake tells him he should take the lead dance role.
Rachel and Kurt decide to stay in New York for Thanksgiving together in order to concentrate on theirselves-and their NYADA Showcase pieces, as opposed to going home for the holidays.
At McKinley everyone seems impressed with Ryder's moves while Jake falls flat with his dance steps-purposely if you ask me. While the guys are practicing their dancing, Quinn, Santana, and Brittany make a comeback as the Unholy Trinity to show Kitty, Marley, and Sugar just how to win at Sectionals-with a musical number, of course. Their rendition of "Come See About Me" totally made me nostalgic. (anybody else remember their "I Say A Little Prayer" performance during the first season?) After the performance, Marley doesn't look well-Santana asks if she's alright and Marley blames it on rehearsing.
Kitty gets a chance to talk to Quinn alone and reveals that she not only idolizes Fabrey, but also has a "WWQFD? (What Would Quinn Fabrey Do?)" in her locker. When Quinn asks about Marley's behavior, Kitty takes the opportunity to let Quinn "know" that Jake is trying to pressure Marley into having sex. Speaking of that new couple, Marley is trying to convince Jake to take the lead in the dance knowing that he's a greater dancer than he led on. Jake doesn't want to take it from Ryder in order to keep their new found friendship in tact, but Marley reminds him that he should for the good of the team.
In Rachel's Dance 101 class, Brody is substituting for Ms. July. Not wanting to be bothered with him, Rachel starts to pack her stuff but is stopped by Brody. Rachel is clearly still upset about his affair with Cassie, and Brody explains that they're both adults that make adult choices, but agrees to stop seeing Cassie for the sake of their friendship. They also discuss (while dancing the fox trot) Thanksgiving plans-Brody is going to cook for Rachel and Kurt.
Quinn confronts the Puckerman half-brothers about Jake's supposed mistreatment of Marley. She warns him to stay away from her if he wants her to focus in winning sectionals, despite telling her that she's heard wrong.
Just as Kurt is about to turn the lights out at work, he finds that Isabelle, his boss, is still in the office. He asks if she has plans for Thanksgiving, and she does not. Kurt invites her to his dinner with Rachel. When Isabelle asks about Blaine, Kurt tells her that chapter of his life is done with-and she les him know that sometimes in order to truly move on you have to forgive the one at fault.
Quinn gives Kitty advice on how to win the judges at sectionals over in the choir room for a bit before Santana walks in. When Kitty leaves, Santana lets Quinn know that she's almost positive that her mentee has been giving Marley laxatives in order to lose weight. Quinn takes this as Santana's way of projecting her jealousy of Quinn onto Kitty. Santana breaks out her classic Lima Heights attitude to explain to Quinn that she has nothing to be jealous about. The mini-brawl only lasted long enough for each girl to smack the other across the face (I think Quinn deserved to smack Santana-the "teen mom who hardly ever visits her child" comment was a low blow.) only because Brittany came into the room.
Meanwhile, Jake walks in on Ryder as he's getting frustrated with the dance moves. Jake tells Ryder to just let it flow. Jake does a few steps and tells Ryder that he's trained in ballet. Ryder offers the part in the show to Jake, but instead, Jake just decided to coach Ryder.
Kurt, Rachel, and Brody are preparing dinner over in New York. Brody and Rachel share a moment while buttering up the turkey. Rachel mentions that the sectionals competition is starting soon, as she reminisces about her first Sectionals.
Speaking of first Sectionals, we see Marley giving herself a little pep talk in the girl's bathroom before running into Unique who will no longer let her parents' protection keep her from who she really is. Marley confesses that she wishes she could be as self-assured as Unique. The two of them join the rest of the New Directions and mentors in the choir room for show circle (the first one without Mr. Shue). Finn tells the new New Directions why his first Sectionals was so important.
The competition starts off with the Dalton Academy Warblers. They performed Flo Rida's "Whistle" and One Direction's "Live While We're Young." The New Directions have some SERIOUS competition based on their performances. The Rosedale Mennonites did a medley of American classics. As their time to perform draws near, the New Directions spot Mr. Shue in the audience.
.
While the competition is going on in Ohio, the party's just getting started in New York (with a mashup of "Let's Have A Kiki" and "Turkey Lurkey")
Blaine gets a phone call from Kurt (insert fangirlish scream here) explaining that he's trying to forgive what Blaine did and that even after all they've been through, he's still his best friend. They plan to see each other at Christmas and exchange 'I love you's. And in that moment I was very thankful for that box I tissues. (sidenote: I'd love Ryan Murphy to infinity and beyond if Klaine got back together. Well...more so than I already do.) After that phone call Kurt returns to his party and is greeted by a hug from Isabelle.
The New Directions are just about to take the stage and Marley is asked once again if she's alright. This time she finally breaks down and tells Jake she hasn't slept in days and she's sweating when it's not hot and feels like it'll be all her fault if they don't win. Ryder overhears this and fakes an ankle injury to get Jake to take the lead. He appreciates why Jake did what he did, but for the sake of the team Jake had to be put in the spot.
The New Directions did their "Gangnam Style" number amazingly...until Marley faints at the very end of it. The episode ENDS LIKE THAT. Stupid cliffhangers. Well, after half a box of tissues and a three minute "I HATE YOU GLEE" fan fit...that was Season 4 Episode 8's Gleeview!
Tune in next Thursday 9/8c on FOX to find out what happens next!
The New Directions are just about to take the stage and Marley is asked once again if she's alright. This time she finally breaks down and tells Jake she hasn't slept in days and she's sweating when it's not hot and feels like it'll be all her fault if they don't win. Ryder overhears this and fakes an ankle injury to get Jake to take the lead. He appreciates why Jake did what he did, but for the sake of the team Jake had to be put in the spot.
The New Directions did their "Gangnam Style" number amazingly...until Marley faints at the very end of it. The episode ENDS LIKE THAT. Stupid cliffhangers. Well, after half a box of tissues and a three minute "I HATE YOU GLEE" fan fit...that was Season 4 Episode 8's Gleeview!
Tune in next Thursday 9/8c on FOX to find out what happens next!