Glee, 1x16, “Home”

Episode Title: Home
Writers: Brad Falchuk

Director: Paris Barclay

Originally Aired: 04/27/2010
Grade: A-

Yes, this was another “after school special” episode about self-image, but whatever. The point is that it was fun! Mercedes taking over the Cheerios performance was preachy, but there were so many great moments that it’s hard to be resentful. For one thing, Amber Riley nailed both the acting and singing—Mercedes was a perfect combination of nervous, awkward, and determined. Quinn was the first to join her, stepping out into the spotlight with her hands on her belly, a fierce, proud, protective mother. Will smiled at the Glee kids with a look of pride, and more importantly, love. Hell, even Puck joined in, and I believed it, because he is in many ways a big softie. And finally, it brought the ever-competing Cheerios and Glee kids together.

My biggest gripe was the over-abundance of screen time given to April Rhodes. I adore Kristin Chenowith, but there was just way too much of her in this episode. The Springsteen number was nice, but the duet in Will’s apartment both dragged on for FOUR FUCKING MINUTES and appropriated part of Kurt’s song from earlier in the episode, which I resented. Chris Colfer was probably thrilled that he and Cheno sang part of the same song, but I thought Colfer sounded great and shouldn’t have to compete vocally with Chenowith on the same number.

Other Stuff

-I know the Kurt/Finn family storyline was the anchor for this episode, but the fact that the episode’s musical numbers were built around it made it feel contrived to me. I know most of this show is contrived in that way, but it felt especially so here, for whatever reason.

-The reporter giving Sue credit for the performance was annoyingly predictable. It actually looked like Sue might have begun to consider the negative consequences of her actions, but I doubt any of it will have a lasting impact on the show. Sometimes it’s more like a sitcom in that way—the continuity blows.

Quotes

Quinn: “When you start eating for somebody else, so that they can grow and be healthy, your relationship to food changes. What I realized is that if I’m so willing to eat right to take care of this baby, why am I not willing to do it for myself?”