I'm only just beginning the look back at Glee's first season, but I am confident that "Showmance" will number among the better episodes. It has many laugh-out-loud moments, as well as some fantastic musical numbers. Sue (Jane Lynch) is at the top of her game, trying to sabotage the New Directions and handing out zingers. The story stays solidly in the Emma (Jayma Mays)/Will (Matthew Morrison)/Terri (Jessalyn Gilsig)/Ken (Patrick Gallagher) love web, as well as the triangle between Rachel (Lea Michele), Finn (Cory Monteith), and Quinn (Dianna Agron). As theorized in the review for "Pilot," these are likely the stories worked up ahead of production, and thus, keeps with where the writers are strongest while beginning the series.
First, a look at the music. The episode features "Le Freak" very early on, but this is a terrible rendition. Vocally, it isn't too bad, but the awkward choreography and visible uncomfortableness of the glee club kids with the song makes it a little painful to watch. I do not believe this is a mistake, but rather, a demonstration of how modern students do not always relate to older material, especially when said material is not fresh or hip at the time it is being performed, or arranged to be such. Instead, the actors wonderfully portray just how bad an idea it is for them to perform this number.
Also excruciating is "Push It." I am less convinced this is intentional. The New Directions, led by Rachel, decide to circumvent Will's wishes and do a sexy bit. While Emma and Figgins (Iqbal Theba) bounce along to the ditty, Sue's reaction is much more authentic of an educator. What is going on onstage is an orgy simulation done by a number of clearly not sexually confident teenage kids. It's disturbing, creepy, not at all attractive, and I do not believe it would lead to the eruption of cheering, no matter how hormonally crazy the student body may be. Not at all an effective number.
These two misfires (one an artistic choice, and one a mistake) are balanced, however, by some really home-run efforts. "Gold Digger" is the first, with Will leading the kids in a soulful rendition of the piece. From Mercedes's (Amber Riley) sassy "Oh, I got this!" to the vocal runs done by both Mercedes and Artie (Kevin McHale), this song works on so many levels. Will's leadership in it might seem like he is trying to recapture his youth and own glee club experience, save for the fact that he actually is teaching while credibly singing. It's a perfect scene with the cast doing what they do best. Even when there are only a handful of kids, they can deliver.
Article comments
1 - Juliana Marques
I agree with you about the 'Push It' number but I still think sue's reaction hilarious haha
2 - Frank
Push It was hilarious in how awkward it was. I wonder if Jacob hadn't has clap if other would have and Jacob only clapped becasue of Rachel. You skipped the great scene with Emma and Rachel in her office.
3 - Juliana Marques
I love that Emma and Rachel scene on the office. lol
Rachel: “Have you ever liked somebody so much you just wanna lock yourself in your room, turn on sad music and cry?”
Emma: "No.." crying to “All by Myself” in the car. LOL
4 - Jerome Wetzel
That is a great scene, I agree.