What I’m Watching: Glee

Glee: Season 3, Episode 13 “Heart” (B)

This episode was a whole lot of fun, but, as usual, I have to take issue with some of the progress in the plotlines. To start with the good, I enjoyed the focus on Sugar and her Valentine’s Day bash at Breadsticks. Having Artie and Rory battle for her affection was a blast, and their performances were both highly entertaining. As soon as Rory announced to everyone that he wasn’t able to renew his visa, I thought that was the certain end of his arc on this show, but it seems that it may just have been a ploy to try to get with Sugar. His departure would be timed perfectly with the arrival of another winner of “The Glee Project,” Samuel Larsen, here to play God Squad singer Joe. Aside from the convenience of having a new kid in town, I have to commend the show for rather seamlessly incorporating these arranged guest stars into the universe of the show. Finn and Rachel’s engagement announcement was met with expected hostility, and it was fun to see Rachel’s dads trying to scare them into getting too close and then having a big fight. I still don’t think they’ll ultimately work out, but it’s a relationship work watching. It seems that Mercedes and Sam’s time is up, but what a way to go out! I liked Mike and Tina’s performance of “L.O.V.E.” and the vocal valentines were a blast too. It’s sweet that Santana and Brittany were able to have their relationship recognized enough not to be stifled by Figgins. I do have to really object to Karofsky courting Kurt since it’s such a character shift, and it wouldn’t kill Kurt to be just a little less clueless. The Whitney Houston dedication was a nice emotional touch on which to end the episode.