glee season 2 finale - New York

ND in Central Park

Spent the day catching up on the last 2 episodes of the season.

'Funeral' was sweet in that it set up this mini-reconciliation between Sue and Will, even Will and Terri. I can only say the episode had one specific objective and that's that. We don't see Sue/Terri returning in the finale so who knows what's going to happen to them.

Was SO looking forward to the finale.
Episode opens with my utmost favorite band piece - Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue! Who doesn't love that opening clarinet glissando/trill! ; and NYC!

Rachel Berry and very cute peacoat

big lights will inspire you...

We sat through the whole season just to see if New Directions win Nationals, ain't that right?
Unfortunately, they didn't place in the top 10, coming in 12th. Despite a Boring performance from Vocal Adrenaline, they still placed in the top 10. Sigh. While Charice is a freaking awesome singer, I seriously thought VA's performance lacked imagination. A solo backed by a handful of singers seems to go against their style. Remember their rendition of Rehab from Season 1? Powerful and alive. This one seemed to take the ND route a little too much. *yawn*

Vocal Adrenaline

New Directions didn't put up a particulary memorable performance either. They did their trademark routine - slow duet between Finn and Rachel, followed by a fast group number. *yawn* Give the others a chance already!! There is definitely no lack of talent in the club. Santana, Kurt and Mercedes have memorable voices.

Found the original songs disappointing as well. At least those from Regionals were better. I particularly thought Loser Like Me was good. These two sounded like they were written haphazardly at the eleventh hour. Which, going with the storyline, was probably true seeing as ND chose to go on dates, haircuts, Broadway, rather than write their music.

Finchel

Quinn

Santana

Brittany

The arc with Jesse St James coming back seems kinda unresolved? He was introduced as ND's vocal consultant but he didn't do much apart from instigating an audition for soloist, making snarky Simon Cowell-esque remarks, having his suggestions thrown out and him sidelined. At the end of the episode, what exactly is his next move?

Writers seem to be hinting that Sunshine Corazon could be back with ND, just as she was meant to be in ep1, in Season 3. I hope that's the case as it would give Rachel more competition and possibly make the show more interesting. The whole Rachel anchoring the choir (together with Finn) because she's the best singer format gets stale after 2 seasons. Personally, I thought VA's performance outfit looks too old for Charice. It just isn't her!!

At the end of the episode, we're introduced to a possible Season 3 arc - the Sam-Mercedes story. I think it's about time Mercedes found love :) Still remember her thrashing Kurt's car (Bust Your Windows was a song with attitude!) in Season 1. As for Sam, I guess there's no getting back with Quinn. I don't remember how they broke up. Did he dump her for Santana or did something happen? Well.. anyway.
I really like Blaine and it would be awesome if he would join ND in Season 3. Someone else other than Finn getting the lead male part? And he does have chemistry with Rachel - Blame It On the Alcohol episode.
That said, I think the Warblers do play a huge part in making Blaine sound amazing. The whole acapella format is interesting and I don't think ND can replicate that.

I hope Santana and Brittany get together. Well, the writers are content to leave them at Best Friends for now so let's keep our fingers crossed.

Brittana

Tina is still severely underused. I guess she is one of those characters who are pretty much overshadowed and the writers have yet to think of a storyline for her.
I would like to hear Mike Chang sing solo. We know he can dance but can he sing? Perhaps Season 3 would give us a surprise?

Quinn gets a haircut in the finale. After getting dumped by Finn, that's all she gets?! Keeping fingers crossed that Season 3 introduces better prospects for Q! I thought she had big plans for New York but those weren't mentioned once they got to New York hence... confused.

Lastly, my favorite parts of the episode - Rachel and Kurt's For Good duet and their Breakfast at Tiffany's moment. From fierce rivals (remember the diva sing off in Season 1 - Defying Gravity) to bffs, I thought they sounded great together.