Glee: Their Lives Would Suck Without Him

This week’s episode did not disappoint–a frenzy-filled finale to the fall season of Fox’s best new show, Glee. Though the episode was more than a little melodramatic, it helped to solve a lot of the previous conflicts, allowing the series to progress when it picks back up in the spring.

As we found out last week, the finale would revolve around (finally!) the sectionals competition. As Sue had given the competition (a school for the deaf and a school for girls just out of juvie) the set list, we know trouble is brewing. Also, Mr. Schue has been disqualified as Glee director for sleeping on a mattress in his office that was given to the team for starring in a commercial. Plus, Emma and Ken’s wedding is on the same day as sectionals. Let the drama ensue…

Rachel catches on that Puck–not Finn–is the father of Quinn’s baby. She tells Finn the truth and he flips out, punching Puck and leaving Glee in the dust. Will is not even able to give the kids a setlist, so they’re left truly alone to their own discretion.

Emma blows off her wedding to take the kids to the competition, an act that eventually gets her dumped. Trying to stay positive, they prepare to sing their repertoire: “Proud Mary,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and Mercedes’ stunning ballad of “And I Am Telling You, I’m Not Going.” Unfortunately, the competition is one step ahead of them, having been given the set list from Sue.

Emma calls Will and tells him what’s going on, warning that they need a leader. Obviously, Will turns to Finn, since he can’t actually be at the competition. He tells him he is the only one who can help them win, and also, with a bit of foreshadowing, that “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Also, “Sometimes being special sucks.” A great message for all the average folk watching the show.

Finn shows up just in time as the club is arguing about song selections. Mercedes hands over the ballad slot to Rachel, saying it’s up to her and she deserves it. She sings an impressive version of “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” definitely showing up the other clubs. Finally, the club gathers for a performance of the aforementioned The Rolling Stones hit, which turns out quite well considering it was choreographed ten minutes prior to the show.

Though the dysfunctional panel of judges (a pageant queen, a co-anchor and a comptroller of Ohio) has some doubts, New Directions ultimately brings home the trophy. They thank Will by singing him a fun and spunky version of “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Midway through the song, the scene flashes to Will running to Emma’s empty office–she has quit her job because it’s too shameful to see Ken and too heartbreaking to be around Will. However, Mr. Schue finally catches Ms. Pillsbury (almost Tanaka) and they have their happy ending. The show ends with the pair sharing a kiss, and the upcoming anticipation of how all the drama will play out before regionals and Sue’s even more vicious return from her suspension from school due to her deviance.

For another take on this episode, check out You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Except This Time by Matthew Turnier.

Glee returns to Fox in April 2010.

Season 1, Episode 13: Sectionals (originally aired December 9, 2009)

For more on Glee, click here.

Wednesdays at 9pm on Fox

Photographs courtesy of Fox and IMDbPro