What I’m Watching: Glee

Glee: Season 2, Episode 21 “Funeral” (C+)

This episode wasn’t all bad, and the reason that I didn’t like it don’t have all that much to do with the event described in the title. While I do take issue with the fact that Sue suddenly becomes a completely different person when tragedy strikes and immediately considers Will to be one of her closest friends, I also understand that it’s hard to predict the effects of tragic events. The funeral itself was rather well done, and the performance of “Pure Imagination” was quite strong and stirring. Jane Lynch handled the serious moments her character had to dole out well, and overall this was a great episode for the actress, balancing the inconsistencies of her character in a way that she hasn’t been able to do all season. What troubles me much, much more is Jesse St. James. I noted last week that I don’t like when a recurring guest star swoops into town and starts to dominate the storyline, and having him act as a consultant slash reality show judge alongside a speechless Will undermines everything the glee club has stood for since its inception. Having Santana, Kurt, and Mercedes sing their hearts out only to be told that they’re not good enough isn’t what this show is about, and for the blubbering Will not to realize that is lamentable. Terri saving the day by scaring up some first-class tickets to New York is more than a bit odd, but hopefully it should lead to a powerhouse episode to close out this second season.