The Bitch is Back & Dinner is Served: Did Glee’s ‘Thanksgiving’ Episode Get Us Hungry for More?
It’s Thanksgiving a week late on Glee, but boy was this holiday worth the wait. In the November 29 episode, “Thanksgiving,” The New Directions host sectionals and a handful of alums (including Quinn Fabray!) return to coach them, Rachel and Kurt invite Brody, Isabelle Wright and her fabulous friends to Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, Marley’s eating disorder causes drama and Ryder and Jake uphold the bro code. What worked, what didn’t? Here’s how “Thanksgiving” scored on Broadway.com’s Glee Report Card.
TARDY
Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron): “I just got tapped to be in the only female secret society at Yale. Former members: Hillary Clinton and Jennifer Beals.”
HONOR ROLL
Best Number: “Let’s Have A Kiki/Turkey Lurkey Time.” When we first heard this number there were some eye rolls, but seeing it performed was unbelievable. The choreography, the costumes, the appearance from Drag Race star Shangela— it was a big gay dream come true.
Best Line: “Don’t be that crazy girl who expects people to read her mind.” —Brody to Rachel
Best Sectionals Performance: “Whistle/Live While We’re Young” by the Warblers. These guys nailed their numbers and their Newsies-inspired choreography. Grant Gustin was adorable and Broadway vet Nolan Gerard Funk gave a breakout performance.
Best Reason to Call Out of Work: Because you “can’t stand to be in the same room with your mediocrity again.” —dance teacher Cassandra July's excuse for skipping class
Best Sex and the City Nod: “Nothing is better than being single in New York City.” —a Carrie Bradshaw-clad Isabelle Wright (Sarah Jessica Parker)
Scene with the Most Heart: Kurt and Blaine’s tearful Thanksgiving phone call. Klaine fans now have hope for a Christmas reunion.
Relationship of the Week: Jake and Ryder. We are really enjoying these very different guys coming together for Marley, for New Directions and for each other.
Most Predictable Cliffhanger: Marley’s eating disorder causes her to faint in the middle of New Directions’ sectional performance. Who didn’t see that coming from that first scene in the choir room?
Star of the Episode: Nolan Gerard Funk. He may have had only one solo, but then again that’s all Darren Criss needed his first time on Glee. This is the best Glee debut since Criss’ “Teenage Dream.” Check out the video below.
LANGUAGE STUDIES
“Dude, it’s Korean; just sing gibberish, who cares?” —Jake advising Ryder why lyrics are not important for “Gangman Style.”
THEOLOGY
“So do not fear because I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I will strengthen you. I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” —Joe Hart’s prayer during show circle.
DETENTION
We loved having Quinn back on Glee; but Quinn, you in danger, girl! The former Cheerio never sounded better (and her look is flawless) but bitch-slapping Santana, dating her professor and getting involved in high school drama after graduation? Not cute.
FINAL GRADE
B+
