FOX seems to be actively promoting the Tuesday, November 8 episode of GLEE… in which at least somebody is going to have their “First Time.” The First Time, of course, referring to S-E-X, which two of the show’s major couples (Finn & Rachel, Kurt & Blaine) have yet to experience their first times with one another.
See a gallery of images from GLEE “The First Time”
We’ve seen a screener of the episode, and without spoiling it, here are eight observations about the new episode to tide Gleeks over through Tuesday. We’re going under a cut to avoid any even accidental spoilage.
Not Smooth Sailing. This episode isn’t as simple as “This Couple has sex.” There are obstacles for all parties, and it’s not even a guarantee that they’ll all do the deed. (Please note: this is also not a guarantee that they won’t!)
Santana + West Side Story = Awesome. Why isn’t Naya Rivera given more musical numbers? She’s amazing, and performing music from West Side Story, she really shines. I’m definitely getting these tracks if they end up on iTunes.
Surprise Cameos. There are at least two characters I did not expect to see in the episode, and one of them was only for a fleeting moment. One of those appearances made for a great character moment, well played by the actor involved.
Dot Marie Jones (Coach Bieste) will break your heart… again. I can probably safely say that almost every character on GLEE has annoyed me at one time or another. But one who hasn’t is Dot Marie Jones’ Coach Bieste. We learn a little bit more about the Bieste this week, and again, you really feel for her and her own emotions. This element hasn’t been played up a lot, but it’s really sweet.
Grant Gustin as “Sebastian.” So, we’ve got a wrench to get in the middle of Klaine… finally. I applaud GLEE for doing a gay relationship but I do worry that the Kurt/Blaine coupling is written too much as obstacle-free when compared to the straight relationships. Sebastian’s arrival gives Blaine some temptation and kind of brings more reality to the situation. I don’t know if it’s intentional, but Gustin kind of comes off from the Kerr Smith school of “straight guy playing gay” instead of letting it come naturally, but I’m glad to see a “Cheryl Blossom” entering the love triangle. (Archie fans know what I’m referring to – I hope). Gustin’s musical talent is fantastic; the Warblers join him for “Uptown Girl,” and we get echoes of Kurt’s first time meeting Blaine when Blaine and Sebastian first meet. Side note: If I went to Dalton, as much as I’d like the music, I’d be so annoyed if people randomly broke into dance numbers when I’m walking down the hallway.
Finn gets a storyline. Ever since GLEE got new toys in the forms of people like Darren Criss, Finn as the male lead seemed to diminish. I don’t know if the writers are bored with Finn or not, or they’re catering to Cory Monteith’s weaknesses in the music department, but this was like Season 1 with Finn having a decent role. My only problem? I don’t think I care about Finn anymore either, no offense to Mr. Monteith. Finn is just not very deep or interesting.
No Sue. This one’s weird. I love Jane Lynch, but the episodes of GLEE with no Sue Sylvester are often more grounded, more well written, and generally more enjoyable. I can’t figure out why I feel this way, because I love Sue. Maybe a little Sue goes a long way?
Underage drinking, TV style. Maybe I grew up sheltered, and hey, we do live in a world where recent high school grad Liam owns a bar on 90210. But I’d love to know how easily teens get into bars and order drinks in the television universe, fake ID’s or no. I can’t imagine a reasonable bartender serving Kurt alcohol. Now, if it’s Puck, who visibly looks in his late 20’s… well that’s another story…
All in all, it’s one of the best episodes of the current season, away from ridiculousness, and the whole sex aspect is handled tastefully. GLEE “The First Time” airs Tuesday, November 8 on FOX.
