Glee - "Duets"

     This week's Glee was as close to a typical episode of the series as you can get. Not that Glee has 'typical' episodes, as each is usually very different. What I liked about this week was the nice, easy pace, with each of the main kids getting some interesting plot. The adults pretty much took the week off. The kids not only got to act, but also sing, as, with the exception of Artie (Kevin McHale) and Brittany (Heather Morris), each got to sing as well.

     Which means we finally heard the voice of Mike Chang (Harry Shum Jr.), who is the only early glee club member still around that has not been upgraded to full-time character status. Mike is known for his dancing, but has never had a solo. The duet he did with current girlfriend, Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) was perfect, his off-key wailing flowing beautifully with her flowery lyrics. As they haven't had much screen time to establish them as a couple, it was a great showcase for why they are drawn to each other. I still want Tina back with Artie, but I now understand what she sees in Mike, and I like it.

     Poor, poor Artie. He was caught in the middle of something he didn't understand. My new theory is that Brittany is definitely a lesbian. I think she has had sex with all the guys simple for attention, or because she thinks that is what is expected of her as a Cheerio. It's really quite sad. I think we saw some real feelings from her towards Santana (Naya Rivera) this week. Their bedroom scene was touching, and Brittany's jealousy was real. I hope, for her sake, that Santana will return those feelings. I can't decide if Santana is bi-sexual, or just a nymphomaniac. I hope Santana wasn't just using Brittany, but clearly she also enjoys the man she's been with. Any way it plays out, this has given a deeper level to two of the more surface characters, and another couple to root for. Brittany is like a lost puppy dog (see picture), and her naive ditz is her charm. I'm totally in her corner at this point.

     Romance is also blossoming for Quinn (Dianna Agron) and the club's newest member, Sam (Chord Overstreet). I feel like, after the events of last season, Quinn doesn't have someone currently around that can be the man she wants. Sam may quite nicely fill that vacuum. He is clearly a very good guy, refusing to bow to peer pressure, standing up for Kurt (Chris Colfer). Quinn deserves such a man; one who won't judge her. I like them a lot.

     Puck (Mark Salling) is in juvie? That is so not fair! Poor guy. I hope he gets out and can rejoin his friends soon. I'm sure there just wasn't room for him in this episode, and that little twist may lead to some great story for him soon, but it's still sad.

      I was thrilled to see Kurt get two good weeks in a row. I really felt his loneliness this week, and I also felt for his father, Burt (Mike O'Malley), who wants him to have the good life, but if fearful for how the world will treat him. It truly isn't fair how homosexuals are outcasts in our high schools. I know that some people see this as a moral issue, and want to keep something they perceive as wrong away from kids, but how can you justify the cruelty? It's poignant, with recent new stories. I went to a high school with only one openly gay student, too, and I can sympathize. I hope the young teens out there struggling can see Kurt's braveness and take some strength from it. Thank goodness television is providing such a character at this time.

     Even Rachel (Lea Michele) and Finn (Cory Monteith), who, even though they are essentially the leads, are my least favorite characters, got to act human this week. I loved their little scheming together, as sometimes their relationship feels weird, and it's moments like those where they seem like they belong together. Also, I like that Finn is rubbing off on Rachel in some good ways. He is not the most selfless person himself, but he made her think twice about her own selfishness. Sure, throwing the duet competition served her purposes in the long run. But her conversation and duet with Kurt at the end came from a nice side of her we rarely see. I think the two of them could be quite close friends after more growth.

     Next week, Glee is taking a break, but it will be back the week after that with what is sure to be awesome, a Rocky Horror-theme episode, just in time for Halloween! Glee airs Tuesday nights at 8pm on FOX.

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Article first published as TV Review: Glee "Duets" on Blogcritics.