"Glee" has become one of the most talked-about pop culture phenomenons in quite some time, but it was last nights episode in particular will be remembered as a game changer. While the overarching theme of "Theatricality" dealt with finding a place to fit in, it was Kurt's and Finn's story line that opened a necessary dialogue about tolerance and acceptance.
But, lets start from the beginning when we discovered that Tina has been reprimanded by Principal Figgins for her Goth style. He was under the impression that a stricter dress code would lead to less gang violence and vampirism (he's fairly certain vampires exist and Tina is obsessed with them, despite never having seen "Twilight"). Tina's order to find a new look inspires Mr. Schuester to assign Lady Gaga tunes for the week.
Some of Gaga's most iconic fashions — from her bubble dress to an-off kilter take on her Kermit outfit — are flaunted by New Directions. The homage to Gaga's "Bad Romance" during practice was quite perfect. Eventually, Tina goes back to being goth (thanks in part to convincing the principal she is, in fact a vampire, and it turns out Asian vampires are the most vicious.)
Rachel, meanwhile, had a major revelation of her own. While spying on Vocal Adrenaline (they beat them to the Gaga punch!) Rachel heard coach Shelby (Idina Menzel) singing Barbara Streisand's "Funny Girl," and instantly realized she's the voice from the tape in last week's episode — as in, her mother. But, connecting with each other does not prove to be easy. While Rachel yearned for her mother's love and guidance, Shelby feared she couldn't provide that for her. After a plea from Mr. Schuester that Shelby let Rachel know how she really felt, the two ultimately decided to say goodbye and be grateful from one another from afar. Before parting ways they duet on a peppy, piano version of "Poker Face," though you could see in both of their faces exactly what they were feeling in that moment.
While the girls and Kurt were living vicariously through Lady Gaga, the rest of the boys (under Finn's rule) rocked out to another set of theatrical performers, KISS. In full KISS regalia, the fellas took on the over-the-top "Shout It Out Loud," but it's the subdued "Beth" later in the episode that really meant something. Puck, in all his infinite rock star wisdom, had suggested Quinn name their daughter Jack Daniels (or, Jackie Daniels). She naturally declined, and later, Puck's inspiration to sing "Beth" came when he realized he didn't want to be like his own father and chose a rock 'n roll life over being a father.
While all of these story lines were quite meaningful, none really had the power of what Kurt and Finn went through. When Finn found out he'd be moving in to Casa Hummel, and sharing a bedroom with Kurt, he wigged out. Apparently he was well aware all along that Kurt has a crush on him and got even more upset when he became a verbal punching bag from two particularly homophobic jocks at school.
Finn's discomfort with his own insecurities and Kurt's sexuality hit a fever pitch when Kurt redecorated their room to his style. In an emotional tirate, he dropped the dreaded f-word, which was, thankfully, overheard by Burt. The proud papa rightfully lectured Finn on the hatred behind that word and insisted that it is not allowed in their home. He promptly kicked Finn out and reassured his son (who had been mercilessly picked on all week at school for being gay and expressing himself) that he will always stand up for him. (Yay Burt!) Finn took a long, hard look in the mirror at himself and decided he knew what he needed to do: stand up for his friend. In the end, our Glee kids, looking like Lady Gaga superheroes, faced discrimination and proved .
Were you as touched by last nights episode as we were, Gleeks? What was your favorite Gaga outfit and song?
** Hollywood Crush Twitter