Despite the focus on the core cast, there were plenty of new characters. My favorite was the female football coach, Beast (Dot Jones, The Boondock Saints, Patch Adams). She was introduced as a stereotype, but was fleshed out and sympathetic by the midway point of the episode. As much as I loved the Will (Matthew Morrison) and Sue (Jane Lynch) team-up, I loved even more when Will followed his moral code and apologized to Beast.
Other new singers were also introduced. Sam (Chord Overstreet) is a new kid who gets Finn's place on the football team, and rejects the club to be cool. Sunshine (Charice) was a threat to Rachel's place in New Directions, until the diva alienated her enough to send her into the arms of their arch-rival, Vocal Adrenaline. Both could be really cool characters, and I look forward to their return.
Part of what makes Glee succeed are the cast of recurring minor parts, and the premiere did not leave them out. "Audition" opened with great documentary interviews provided by Jacob Ben Israel (Josh Sussman, Warren the Ape), and Becky Jackson (Lauren Potter) sat in on Cheerio tryouts with Sue. I would be remiss if I did not mention Principal Figgins (Iqbal Theba), who had more than the usual refereeing to do in the first episode back.
All in all, it was an unexpectedly awesome start for Glee's sophomore season. If they can maintain the fine tuning to an already hit formula, this show will only go up from here. Kudos to all involved.
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.