I'm Getting a Bad Reputation

The irony is not lost on me that my previous review earned me a "bad reputation" with the GCO fans.  I feel a little bit like poor Kurt Hummel, wanting so much to be viewed as this dangerously crazy (in a good way) lady, who is cool and baaaad at the same time.   And I'm just not.  I'm a 30-year-old mom of 1, with a decent job, good credit, and a desire to please everyone.  I'm about as menacing as the Muppet babies.

So, it may come as no shock that after my requisite third watching of "Bad Reputation", I am still MADLY in love with this episode.

This episode brought back the glee to me.  Usually, when I watch an episode, I find myself grinning from ear to ear from start to finish.  This episode was the first since the big break that I have found myself outwardly laughing!  It was funny, it was sweet, it had drama (the good kind).  It felt balanced, well-written, and the music was fantastic.

Here are my top 5 favorite parts of the episode (in no particular order):

1) Kevin McHale in "Can't Touch This"
Ok, so I think Kevin McHale is a little underutilized anyway, but this dance/singing number was simply amazing.  I mean, the hammer pants alone would have done it for me, if it wasn't for the genius way that Kevin McHale pulled it off.  The part where he was rolled up in front of the librarian's desk, caressing himself and then wagging his finger at the 80-year-old lady...if I were that 80-year-old lady, I would have jumped him right there.  Epically funny.  I also thought the supporting players in that dance number did an incredible job with that dance.

2) Quinn is b-aa-ck!
I have been lamenting the fact that the writers really haven't touched on Quinn's struggle since the break.  I know that she is considered a minor character, but she has such a back story, I had wished that they would have at least focused on her a bit.  So, I was very relieved to have some Quinn action in this episode.  The scene where Will is coming out of Emma's office and spies her trying to make her way through the halls, with that scowl on her face, getting bumped around by others' shoulders, really brought home just how much Quinn must be hurting right now.  Then, follow that with the scene where Will and Quinn really bond over what a tarnished reputation feels like, and I actually felt better.  These unresolved storylines that were keeping me on edge for so long are actually getting resolved, and each time they do, something inside feels more at peace.  I am looking forward to seeing how they play out Quinn's story in the upcoming weeks.


3) Emma Takes A Stand
I have also been lamenting the romance between Emma and Will and the way that has played out since the break. Admittedly since the beginning, I have wanted those two together.  However, the constant back and forth and Emma being so weak was getting a little old.  I was so proud that Emma took a stand this week, calling Will out on his indiscretions in front of everyone in the teacher's lounge.  It's about time that girl grew a backbone!  I also really enjoyed the follow-up scene in Emma's office where she basically tells Will that she now realizes that he might not be what she is looking for. I still secretly wish that they will get together in the end (and they still might), but I am glad to see this new stronger side of Emma.  You go girl!

4) Sue and Her Sister
I just melt during the scenes with Sue and her sister, Jean.  Jane Lynch is already my hero, but these tender scenes really bring some humanity to Sue.  And I think it is just touching how beautiful Sue can be to Jean, while still being her same maniacal self.  I have a sister too, and while she may not have down syndrome, I find that being around her always makes me a bit sweeter, a bit less negative.  I think it's the same for Sue, and I love seeing that side of her!

5) Let's Get Physical, the Remake
Ok, not a huge fan of Olivia Newton-John, but a whole video with muscular men in tight spandex shorts?  Where can I sign up for that gym membership?  WOO LA LA.


There were other good parts as well (the ballet number), and some still annoying (Rachel, anyone), but I thought the overall treatment of the episode was very well done.

And so now, I'm going to enjoy my Glee high until next Tuesday.  "Glee high." Ha.  I slay me.