Glee: Hello, Hello!

Glee is back, and not a moment too soon!

Quite a few things have changed at McKinley High since we last stopped by. Football season is over, which means Finn is now focusing on basketball (he’s not very good at that either) and plenty of hook-ups have taken place. Rachel got her wish, and she and Finn are now a couple, while Puck and Quinn try to make things work between them. Mr. Schu and Emma are also moving forward after their little make-out session in the hallway.

Oh, yeah, and did I mention Sue Sylvester is no longer on suspension and back in her rightful position as Cheerios coach?

As per Mr. Shue’s instructions, all the songs this week have to feature the word “Hello” in the title. The Gleeks belt out a little bit of Lionel Richie, The Beatles, and some All-American Rejects in the form of “If It Gives You Hell.” It’s only missing one letter in the title – that counts, right?

Very early on in the episode, it becomes clear that Finn isn’t so sure why he’s going out with Rachel. He can’t seem to get over Quinn and has all these other issues, thus he tells Rachel it’s over. Well, she certainly turns on the waterworks for that one!

Rachel’s not down in the dumps for long. At a local music store, she meets Jesse St. James (Jonathan Groff), the lead singer for Glee club rival Vocal Adrenaline. He automatically steals her heart, although admittedly that’s not too hard to do. The Gleeks are in an uproar over this new relationship accusing Rachel of “fraternizing with the enemy.” She’s convinced it’s the real deal, however we know better.

Sue Sylvester is back to her antics and ropes in Santana and Brittany again to be her minions. Although the two Cheerios rather like Glee club, they can’t help but give in to Sue’s plan when she offers them the position of Head Cheerleader if they can annihilate Glee club.

In other news, Mr. Schu is a bit of a man whore. One minute, he’s making out with Emma; the next, he’s getting it on with Vocal Adrenaline’s feisty coach Shelby (Idina Menzel). Idina Menzel, by the way, is fantastic! Her lines were funny and delivered spot on. After finding out that Schu is not yet divorced, kinda-sorta has a girlfriend, and STILL made out with her, Shelby tells him he needs to take some much needed time for himself.

What began as an episode filled with couples ended with most everyone’s heart getting broken – except for Rachel/Jesse, but that’s just a train wreck waiting to happen.

Glee finished its first half of the season on a strong note, but this second half was only so-so. Part one wrapped up all the loose ends nicely, but now new stories and drama need to be introduced. It’s almost like they’re starting all over again. I’m optimistic, though, that the next couple of episodes will get better! The dialogue is still witty and fun and most of the characters continue to be unique and enticing to watch. Can we especially give Brittany a web show or something? I would love to hear more of her random facts about dolphins and gay sharks!

Next week the Gleeks succumb to the Power of Madonna – be sure to watch Sue Sylvester’s interpretation of Vogue in preparation for it! It will blow.your.mind!

For another take on this week’s episode, check out Hello again! by Allison Toner

Season 1, Episode 14: Hell-O (originally aired April 13, 2010)

For more on Glee, click here.

Tuesdays at 9pm on Fox

Photographs courtesy of Fox and IMDbPro