Glee: Season 2, Episode 22 “New York” (C+)
On a show like this, it’s required for the season ender to be a spectacle. A trip to New York for Nationals certainly fulfills that, and this hour does take advantage of the wonders of New York City as a performance space. I’m most impressed with the successful emptying of areas such as Washington Square Park to be able to film a scene with all of the players. Logically speaking, the sudden takeover and rampant running around of the members of the glee club isn’t as sound, and I’ve read critiques of Rachel’s failure to know that the musical to which she purchased tickets hadn’t been on Broadway for years, especially since Quinn did know that. The ease with which Will and the duo of Kurt and Rachel were able to sneak into auditoriums to sing their hearts out is also rather suspect. In a lot of ways, however, this was a predictable episode. They made it to New York, but they didn’t place, yet they still bonded as a glee club, ready to take on their next hurdle. Though the kiss itself didn’t do much for me, I did really like the renewed relationship between Finn and Rachel, and it’s good to see that he’s finally wising up and treating his girl right. Blaine’s declaration of love for Kurt seemed easily passed over and almost forgotten, and the coupling of Sam and Mercedes a bit peculiar if not amusing. This second season has definitely been rockier than the first, and just as uneven. I still enjoy it, and I’m hopeful that next year can bring some more clarity and coherence on a regular basis.
Season grade: B-
Season MVP: Chris Colfer as Kurt
Friday, May 27, 2011
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I had a different problem with this finale, especially when compared to last year's finale. There were absolutely no stakes. Nothing was either won or lost by them winning or losing Nationals, which made their not placing at Nationals kind of a "meh" moment. Last year, the club not placing at Regionals was a more significant moment, because Figgins had threatened to shut down the club if they didn't place at Regionals and they had Sue as a judge which made the episode more significant in terms of tension. This episode had no story, other than Finn and Rachel, and I have to be honest, I find both of them boring as a couple. I like Finn better with Quinn, and Rachel in a relationship is Rachel at her most irritating. Also, they need to stop doing original songs. I loved the songs in the Original Song episode, but the ones here were not memorable at all and it made the whole performance fall flat for me (especially when compared to the Journey Medley last year).
There were moments I loved though. The opening to Rhapsody in Blue, Kurt and Rachel having "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and then singing "For Good" at the theater, the guys serenading Finn and Rachel to Bella Notte, Brittany's final speech and Blaine's scene with Kurt. So, some good moments, but the overall episode was a letdown.
By the way, I do agree with naming Chris Colfer the MVP this season, since most stories surrounding him were the stories that worked the best, mostly because of him. I would also add Naya Rivera and Dianna Agron as alternate MVPs, since they were also standouts this season. But, yeah, I'm hoping for a stronger and more consistent third season.
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