Now that I'm done picking on the titular theme, let's get down to the good parts of "Laryngitis." Oh, yes. The whole episode is not as horrible as the initial paragraphs of this review lead you to believe. Kurt (Chris Colfer) gets a great story, and Puck (Mark Salling) and Mercedes (Amber Riley) share a decent amount of screen time, too. That's why "Laryngitis" isn't a wasted episode.
Kurt is growing ever more jealous of his father, Burt's (Mike O'Malley), relationship with Finn after the two attend a Cincinnati Reds game together. Before we can examine Kurt's plot, it must be said that Cincinnati is quite far from Lima or
McKinley High, wherever the story takes place, as they are separate locations, and both those places are north, albeit hours apart. Cincinnati is in the southwestern corner of the state. Yet, Burt plans on taking Finn back for some hoagies they win just a few days later.
It's also unacceptable that Burt bashes the Reds. They may have had a few bad years lately, but they have five World Series titles and a storied history. Burt's snide comment may be chalked up to the fact that Northern Ohioans roots for the Cleveland Indians, a rival of the Reds. But then, why doesn't Burt take Finn to an Indians' game? It would be vastly more convenient, distance wise.
But I digress. Kurt feels left out, and wants to change to get his father's acceptance. His path to doing so involves wearing flannel, dating a girl, Brittany (Heather Morris), and singing John Mellencamp. Kurt actually does "Pink Houses" fairly well, but everyone is confused by Kurt's strange behavior, so it's hard to notice that. Then, in a fit of frustration, old Kurt re-emerges and slays "Rose's Turn" in a powerful, emotional performance. Certainly one of Kurt's best songs in the series.
Through it all, Burt makes no judgment, and lets Kurt do his thing. He seems to understand that Kurt needs to act out a bit, and this is part of finding his identity. Burt makes sure he gives Kurt time and attention, and tells his son that he is loved for whomever he is. Combined with the wonderful climatic song, this comes across as a solid, fantastic Glee plot. Definitely the best part of "Laryngitis."
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