Glee - Episode 3.16 - Saturday Night Glee-ver - Review

Saturday Night Fever was the theme of this weeks Glee. It was full of high waist pants, surprising falsettos and yes Disco fingers.

Glee has done many 'themed' episodes but this weeks was part of a more successful formula then previous Madonna and Michael Jackson themed shows. Instead the theme is centered around one album apposed to a singular artist's entire career catalog. Last years 'Rumor's" episode dedicated to the Fleetwood Mac album was one of its better and more thorough episodes.

This weeks episode was centered around the seniors specifically Finn, Mercedes and Santana, who have yet to decide where their dreams or lack there of are going to be taking them come September. Mr. Schue and Sue come up with a plan that will have the kids not only doing disco music but also help them find their dreams.

Of course no one besides Blaine and Teen Jesus are really into disco, until Mr. Schue tells the kids that Disco is how his Glee Club won Nationals. Interesting tidbit the flashback footage of young Will was actually shot three years ago for the original Pilot of the show, but due to time it had to be cut out. It was nice to see them finally get a use out of it. But Will's unfortunate phrasing of his love for disco bleeds into Glee Continuity problem. If you've been watching the show from the very beginning then you know that episode 1.02 'Showmance' was based around the Glee club not wanting to do disco so Rachel convinces them all to do 'Push It', surely no one has forgotten Push It.

Continuity aside the episode was one of the better this season. And with the help of Sue and seamstress Becky they were able to somewhat bribe the kids into doing all the songs from Saturday Night Fever. The music alone was enough to have me anxiously waiting for this episode, being raised on Disco music, specifically the Bee Gee's I was not disappointed and neither was my mother who has been Bee Gee fan since the 70s.

With a little deception Santana, Mercedes and Finn win the dance off. When Finn's name is called you know that this is all a set up, but one that actually does pay off. The winners get a custom made polyester suit that matches the same one a young John Travolta rocks in the end of the film.

Santana has one goal in mind for the future, to be famous. She doesn't care how or when, she needs to be famous and she will happily do whatever it takes. Unfortunately for her Brittany takes this to heart and releases a sex tape of them that she makes viral. She also comes up with many ideas for Santana to be famous which include appearing on X Factor or my personal favorite 'whoreders' note the spelling.

It's Sue who helps Santana see the light, she has enrolled her into college on a full ride scholarship for Cheer leading with the choice to do something more like a lawyer or Taco truck owner. Turns out Brittany who only gets one good idea a year, came up with the whole plan and after their confessions of love and a sweet hug? Yup no kiss for them again, they were on their way.

Mercedes who wants to be like, Whitney, Mariah, Aretha- all of these women had hit songs that changed people's lives, that's what she wants. The only problem is she doesn't know how to get it, big world LA is not going to be easy and she doesn't want to go there and fail, especially when her father doesn't support her choices.

This is an interesting twist on wanting something and having the means to do so, but is unable because of other circumstances. Besides the awful cream and milk metaphors by Mr. Schue which I am about 65% sure were racist, Mercedes struggles are really effective and true to what High School kids deal with.

Finn who has struggled from the very beginning with defining who he is and what he wants has the most trouble and may be because he has a lot more on his plate. He has a fiance whose eyes are set on New York and he is a good enough guy to realize he can't not let her go and achieve her dreams, the problem is he wants to be worthy of her but he has no plans for the future.

After last weeks argument about their futures Finn and Rachel are still on the outs but Rachel sucks up her pride and tells him that they are going to take a step back from her dreams to figure out his, even if that means giving up New York. Their relationship has became such an essential part of the show that when these two characters are on the outs, it's felt the most through the fandom.

Rachel's plan to focus on Finn and his dreams back fires because the thought of spending time in any of the schools brought to him makes him want to puke. It's Mr. Schue who catches on to Finn's dismissal of his future, and his reluctance to accept that he knows deep down what he wants but is afraid to go for it.

Cory Montieth excels in this scene his distraught about the future being so unknown and wanting to stop time are spot on when it comes to figuring out your future. While the conversation may have been better suited during his college years and getting ready to start his actual life, I believe that it actually fits here as well.

For example I am Canadian and for me the option of Universities is simple you either stay within you town or you travel to the next cities over, the furthest being 4 hours away. But in America its about traveling to a whole new state, that's whats daunting the freedom to choose where ever you like is also the scariest.

Mr. Schue gets Finn to watch Saturday Night Fever and as he explains to Rachel, he is a lot like Tony, they both have passions that want to take them out of where they are and go to somewhere better. He has figured out his future, he wants to go to New York and become an actor, he applied to the Actor's Studio where James Lipton who hosts Inside the Actors Studio, teaches. Rachel is ecstatic and they are both now one step closer to achieving their dreams.

The episode also introduced Glee Project Winner Alex who plays Wade and openly gay and slightly gender confused boy, who worships both Mercedes and Kurt. He comes to them for advise although he is from their competition Vocal Adrenaline, now run by Jesse St. James. It is never a bad day when Jonathan Groff is on your screen, never. Wade wants to perform at Regional's in drag because he identifies with a being a female.

If you watched the Glee Project then this confession doesn't come as a surprise Ryan admittedly looks for the 'unique' and difference in people its why Alex, who had a pretty crappy attitude and work ethic remained on the show until the very end and why he was encouraged by Ryan to dress up in drag and perform, also his voice is spectacular.

You Should Be Dancing-Blaine, Mike and Brittany: This number opened the episode. And while Darren sounded really good on the vocals, it's more of a dance piece then anything else. And like my mother said too much dancing, the original didn't feature so much movement. But it was the perfect song to get the Glee Club introduced into Disco. 2.5/5 Disco Fingers

Night Fever- Will and Joe: Will uses this song as part of the 'competition' its a great dance song but unfortunately I am not a fan of Matthew Morrison singing in falsetto. I wasn't a fan when he did it during the Prince song Kiss last season and I don't enjoy it now. Fortunately for him I believe in his love for disco so the performance isn't so campy and actually fun. 2.5/5 Disco Fingers

If I Can't Have You- Santana: Santana sings this song to Glee Club or more Brittany as part of her assignment. Naya sounds so good and effortless and she even brought tears to Brittany's eyes. Of course this is Santana and while it was a beautiful love song to her girl it was not about that at all. Either way her vocals were great and she even had the proper attire to match jumpsuit and head band. 3.5/5 Disco Fingers

Disco Inferno- Mercedes: As if we should ever doubt that Amber can sing Disco. She destroys this song and makes it her own, its defiantly a new personal favorite. Vocally she was spot on and when she reaches down and hits those raspy rough notes I'm in heaven. She too dressed for the performance which my mother pointed out is the same dress that the girl in the film wears. 4/5 Disco Fingers.

How Deep Is Your Love- Rachel: In a previous review I was called out on being biased towards Finn and Rachel but specifically Lea Michele, well get ready because this song and her vocals, PERFECT. Of course they cut the song to just over a minute and a half which doesn't do the song or Lea's voice justice but her glory note at the end? Perfection. The song fit the scene perfectly as did Finn and Rachel's banter right before she sings it. Lea Michele is untouchable when it comes to the vocals on this show and she again proves it. She singing in a slightly higher register than her normal C note, and it sounds beautiful. 5/5 Disco Fingers.

Boogie Shoes- Wade/Unique: This song is so fun and such a funky beat and Alex kills it vocally. I dare say he could rival Amber when it comes to sassy soul. It was hilarious to see Jesse have a total freak out and if he weren't so sexy and hot I'd be embarrassed for him, but I. can't. look. away. 3.5/5 Disco Fingers.

More Than A Woman-Finn (side: Kurt and Santana): Who knew Cory Monteith could sing in a falsetto? I didn't. At first I was unsure of who was singing but then I really enjoyed it. Cory has proven not only in his acting but now in his singing that he is one of the most universal people in this cast, he really can do anything when he is given the opportunity. This number was great costumes and all. 4/5 Disco Fingers.

Stayin' Alive- Finn, Santana and Mercedes: For a group number it was fantastic to see everyone dressed in the white suits, it's also the most iconic Disco dance song ever, and truthfully THIS is real dance music. The group number overall was nothing special but the song is still fantastic. 4.5/5 Disco Fingers

Overall just go on iTunes and buy every song from the episode they are all perfect and amazing. Musically they nailed it this episode and any song missed is a loss.

What do you guys think? Was Glee able to get their Boogie on?

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