by Chris Saccaro
Let’s take a second to talk about NBC’s “Community,” which has made a name for itself by breaking the rules and conventions of television with unique narrative structures and self-referential episode themes. A “superhero” episode would be fitting in a show like “Community.” This sort of episode doesn’t work on a show like “Glee,” which has made a name for itself by having pop star tribute and musical episodes. However, this week’s “Dynamic Duets” is centered on a poorly explained superhero theme that belittles all of the other storylines of the episode.
The main conflict of this episode is Blaine’s post-breakup feelings. He’s questioning his place at McKinley, which makes sense. Granted, this same storyline was explored earlier this season, when Kurt left for New York, but now it’s recycled for their breakup. This storyline is disguised amongst a gimmicky superhero plotline where the Warblers steal the New Directions’ Nationals trophy. This allows Blaine to realistically question if he should return to Dalton Academy. But by the end of the episode, all it takes is a musical number with Sam to keep him at McKinley. “Glee” is all about raising the stakes for the show, but then either doesn’t go through with it, or just doesn’t know how to handle the high stakes.
Such is the case with Marley’s bulimia. What seemingly existed only as a storyline in “Glease” has now become a full-fledged characteristic of Marley and Kitty’s relationship. It’s truly a confusing relationship that still has no weight to it. Kitty’s intentions are veiled behind Ryan Murphy’s obsession with creating mysterious villainous characters. And the bigger issue of bulimia is reduced to a few tastelessly unfunny anecdotes for making oneself throw up.
With Will Schuester gone, Finn quickly fills the space he left. His first assignment a flop (though it was a very schuester-esque flop), he decides to pair up the arguing members of the new directions to force them into working together. This allows Ryder and Jake to get closer while also revealing that Ryder is dyslexic, because of course he is. Finn books him an appointment with the school special education teacher. And not once during any of this does anyone bring up the fact that Finn isn’t actually a teacher.
By the end of the episode, to remind us that the New Directions consists of more than just the newly inducted members, Finn leads the kids in a cover of Fun.’s “Some Nights.” While it’s easy to be fooled into thinking that this is great storytelling, a lot of the mushy camaraderie felt during this song is a by-product of Fun.’s ability to produce uplifting pop ballads. This performance was great and provided a nice homage to the first performances of the New Directions with the red shirts and jeans, but it’s clear that the writers included this performance to set the stage for Sectionals. When the singing stops and the lights come up, the performance feels forced and out of place at the end of “Dynamic Duets.”
Chris Saccaro is a staff writer. Email him at entertainment@nyunews.com.
