'Glee''s second episode finds the New Directions having to perform at an assembly to recruit new members since they need double the amount to qualify for competitions. The only problem is that Mr. Schuester is making them perform a disco song, and they fear that performing disco will make them even bigger losers than they already are. This is one of 'Glee''s many episodes featuring recruiting, but this episode is arguably the most important of the bunch since it's a newer experience for them.
The cast shine once again, with there being more than one standout. Matthew Morrison is great as Will Schuester, and we see more of his home life in this episode, as he and his pregnant wife are searching for a house but can't really agree on what will make them happy. Besides that, he is causing a problem for his students because he is forcing them to perform a song he likes without considering their ideas. This especially affects Rachel because all she wants is the club to be successful but worries that performing 'bad' music will ruin their chances. Yes, it was pretty stupid for Schuester to ignore his students, considering that they're the reason he even has a job anyway, but after he learns his mistake, he promises to be better and hear them out more. Jane Lynch is hilarious as Sue Sylvester. This time, we understand better as to why she will hate the Glee Club so much (budget cuts), and she gets a lot more screen time as well, which gives her more time to shine. Jayma Mays is great as Emma Pillsbury. While still struggling with her feelings for Will and trying to push Ken away, we learn more as to why she struggles with messes. While it's eventually retconned in the third season, her reasoning is compelling. Emma has some funny moments as well, which make her a more enjoyable character. Jessalyn Gilsig is pretty good as Terri Schuester, but her character is a nuisance by the end of the episode, as she chooses to lie about her pregnancy to avoid losing her husband. It's a stupid decision, of course, but the character at least gets plot for several episodes because of this, and we grow to hate her more and more. Patrick Gallagher is fine as Ken Tanaka, and Iqbal Theba is entertaining as Principal Figgins. Lea Michele is great as Rachel Berry, as she tries to make the club happier by betraying Will. While this eventually blows up in her face, she gets her point across pretty well. At the same time, she has started to develop feelings for Finn, which escalates her rivalry with Quinn. Seeing her struggle with her feelings was incredibly realistic, as many people find themselves falling for the 'wrong' person. Cory Monteith is great as Finn Hudson, and while he takes more of a backseat this episode, his morals from the pilot episode carry over. While his peers aren't happy about him being in Glee, he chooses to stand his ground, as being in Glee Club makes him happy. His budding friendship with Rachel takes a toll as well, as he starts to have feelings for her while he is already in a relationship. His relationship with Rachel works well and doesn't feel rushed, but it doesn't feel very satisfying when they kiss for the first time since they hadn't many interactions with each other at this point. Dianna Agron is pretty good as Quinn Fabray, but her motivations are pretty lousy. She doesn't want to lose Finn, so she joins the Glee Club to stop Finn and Rachel's budding relationship while she also decides to spy on the club for Sue. While her feelings change as the show progresses, she comes off as desperate in this episode. Chris Colfer is great as Kurt Hummel but isn't much different from the previous episode, as he is still the comic relief. Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz still don't get enough screen time as Artie Abrams and Tina Cohen-Chang, thus making them pretty forgettable. Amber Riley is great as Mercedes Jones and really shows off her talents for the first time during the club's 'Gold Digger' performance. Mark Salling is fine as Noah 'Puck' Puckerman but has less screen time this time.
The idea of an episode focusing on recruiting new members makes a lot of sense to show how the club really is not that important at school. Nobody wants anything to do with the club, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and the club works hard to do so The romance developments work very well, as you can tell that Will and Emma have feelings for each other as do Rachel and Finn. Both couples have great chemistry and become two of the central couples of the entire show. Sue's rivalry with the club is silly but makes for great comedy. Her rivalry did last six seasons after all, so something clearly worked. Speaking of comedy, this episodes introduced many running gags such as Finn's 'problem', Sue's made-up stories, etc. that lasted for a while.
This episode had some decent performances, but the standout has to be 'Take a Bow' sung by Rachel. It sets the tone for the love triangle that has been created and shows it will play a major role for episodes to come. Lea Michele undeniably has an amazing role, and her performance is great as always. Overall, 'Glee' continues on a high note, and 'Showmance' defines how people just want to be accepted and noticed.
Pros:
-Continuation of storylines introduced in pilot
-Introduction of hilarious running gags
-Romance development
-School assembly segment
-Great cast performances
-Decent musical performances
Cons:
-Lack of screen time for supporting characters
-Some storylines don't work so well
8/10
"Great"
