Be warned — spoilers below!
Lest you attack me for my article title, I loved the first season of FOX's Glee. Finally, a show that combined good storytelling with entertaining musical numbers! The problem with the first season, though, was that the storytelling was just good, not great. Sometimes the plot meandered. Other times, it felt like twists happened just to fit the songs that had been slotted for the episode. Glee had many great qualities, but it was also lacking in a few critical areas.
All of that was fixed by the season two premiere, "Audition." I can't point to a single weak spot in the first episode back. Spoilers will be rampant below, so if you haven't seen the episode yet, I suggest you bookmark this article and go watch it.
The magic started with the opening credits. I knew that fan favorites Brittany (Heather Morris) and Santana (Naya Rivera) had been upgraded to series regulars, but I had no idea that the same courtesy had been extended to father-of-the-year, Burt Hummel (Mike O'Malley). Perhaps the Emmys helped him with that. The three are the only upgrades appearing in the first episode, though Burt sat the premiere out, along with a couple of the other starring adults.
The music selections were amazing. From "New York State of Mind" to "Telephone" to "Billionaire," each enhanced the story, and was used to further the plot, rather than stop it. Rachel (Lea Michele) even got to finish the show by belting out a Broadway staple, her strong suit. It no longer felt like the songs were decided first and then the story written around them.
Almost all of the main characters had interesting personal developments during the three months off. Rachel and Finn (Cory Monteith) are now in a serious relationship. Artie (Kevin McHale) lost Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) to Mike (Harry Shum Jr., the only member of the club left who is not a series regular) because he ignored her. Finn attempted to help Artie win her back, and his efforts got him kicked off of the football team, calling into question his whole identity. Solid developments, all.
Article comments
1 - Nadine Harris
You do realize this is the 3rd season, right?
2 - Lisa
Nadine, it definitely isn't the 3rd season. The first season just came out in two installments.
I also loved Dot Jones' performance. Her name on the show certainly is pronounced "Beast", but as she mentions, is spelled "Beiste". It's French :-)
3 - Jom
It isn't the 3rd season. It is the second season. A season is 22 episodes network tv. the first season was just split into two parts. And Lea Michele's strong suit is singing period. Show tunes are just like talking to her.
4 - Amanda
Rachel was super annoying in this episode. I generally can empathize with her character, but in this episode she stereotypes and is self-centered.
5 - Jerome Wetzel
Rachel has never been my favorite character. I love Kurt and Mercedes many times more.