A nice part about Bieste's plot is that it also involves Sue (Jane Lynch) and Roz (NeNe Leakes). Roz is annoying until "Choke," when she suddenly becomes relevant. Also, by labeling the two as black Sue and original recipe Sue, there is a great dynamic between the pair. Sue and Roz stand up for Bieste, giving her friends; a support system. Bieste doesn't make use of their help, but hopefully, in time, she will. At least she has people she can turn to.
The rest of Bieste's subplot, which involves several of the high school girls singing to her, isn't as good as the dialogue-driven scenes. A truncated version of "Cell Block Tango" is fun, but that song should never be cut down. It loses some impact with only two verses. This is followed up with a more emotionally successful "Shake It Out," though it's too bad Glee doesn't go with the up-beat version of the tune. Yes, the characters are sad, but they could be inspiring without being boring. Luckily, the interspersed scenes with Bieste save this ballad.
At McKinley, the legendary Carmen Thibodeaux (the just-as-legendary Whoopi Goldberg) arrives in "Choke" to see if Kurt and Rachel have what it takes to join her first class at the famous NYADA school. The gravitas Goldberg brings just by appearing on screen in this part is impressive. Perfect casting!
Kurt ditches his rehearsed, safe "The Music of the Night" in favor of "Not the Boy Next Door." Having dancers on stand by and a fitting costume under rip off dress wear proves this is a decision Kurt considers before implementing it at the last moment, but that takes away nothing. This isn't the best song Kurt has ever done on Glee, but it's damn good, and should secure his spot under Ms. Thibodeaux's tutelage.
Dot-Marie Jones may win the MVP award for "Choke," but Lea Michele comes in a solid second. She crashes and burns while trying to perform "Don't Rain On My Parade," a Glee classic fans may remember from season one, and a tune Rachel has been practicing since childhood. Nerves are real and can strike anyone, even a born diva like Rachel. It's an earth shattering moment, as she watches her dreams crash and burn. That's probably why she gets worse as she gives it a second go, sensing her end is nigh, and devastated by the reality of the situation.
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