Glee’s “100” episode is actually the first episode in a two part sequence completed with “New Directions” and it’s truly the end of an era as we see New Directions disbanded. “100,” which is also the 100th episode, was written by the creative team of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan and was directed by regular Paris Barclay. “New Directions” was also kept firmly in the control of the creators as it was both written and directed by Brad Falchuk. No doubt this is why these two episode really felt like they were a return to the best the show can offer us. I kept thinking that this ending/beginning is how the creative team wanted to handle the end of season three.
It was fantastic to see so many of the original cast back, some of whom will now be joining the regular cast again in New York. Brittany (Heather Morris) and Santana (Naya Rivera) are back together. Arte (Kevin McHale), Sam (Chord Overstreet), and Blaine (Darren Criss) are all moving to the big apple. While it was sweet and poignant – especially for Rachel (Lea Michele) – to see Puck (Mark Salling) and Quinn (Diana Agron) reunite as a super couple, I’m still disappointed that there is little chance that we will see them again. Salling’s voice was as sweet as ever in these episodes.
We are also saying goodbye to the “new” New Directions cast: Jake (Jacob Artist), Marley (Melissa Benoist), Ryder (Blake Jenner), and Unique (Alex Newell). Presumably, we may still see Kitty (Becca Tobin) as she’s still going out with Arte. I am glad to see the end of Newell, who never impressed me. Benoist and Artist will be missed for their talent and I don’t feel we ever got enough of Jenner to really see his potential.
I was happy to see Artist get to show off some of his dancing talent in the number with Brittany, Santana, and Mike Chan (Harry Shum Jr). I was annoyed by the continued use of cuts in the number, however. I think they need to go back and watch some Fred Astaire movies to learn how to film a good dance sequence! These kids can dance – and I want to see it!
Other people we are going to lose going forward include Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina) – who finally gets some much deserved screen time in these last few episodes. Jayma Mays has already bugged out to another series, but we also say good bye to Will (Matthew Morrison) and Sue (Jane Lynch). Lynch, of course, has a number of other projects and her own show in Hollywood Game Night. Sue, for me, had long ago run her course – she just wasn’t funny anymore, so it was actually great to see her end her run on the series on a serious note.
I loved the film they make for Will and Emma’s baby, and it’s fitting that the original cast starts “Don’t Stop Believing” and is then joined by the newer members.
While I never particularly cared for either the character of April (Kristin Chenoweth) or Holly (Gwyneth Paltrow), it was nice to see them back as they were popular guest stars. Chenoweth is impossible not to like on some level – even as the horrid Apirl! – and delivers some great performances. Paltrow, I thought, was terrible, especially in “100.” I loved seeing Chase Crawford (Biff McIntosh – the apple prince!) play Quinn’s new boyfriend, who just happens to be an hilarious version of his character from Gossip Girl.
This episode sees everyone truly moving on. Rachel and Santana finally settle their feud by Santana dropping out as Rachel’s understudy. Poor Rivera must get whiplash with how often they shift her character between good and bad! However, I have hope that we can actually move forward with the show from highschool and deal with more mature storylines.
What did you think of the episodes? Were you happy to see the old gang back? Will you be sad to see some of the characters go? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to vote for your favorite songs from the episodes in the polls!
