The “Music in Glee” Review – 2.22 “New York”

There have been some thoughts floating around that the Glee finale this season was a bit anti-climactic. True, it wasn’t as epic as last season’s finale I don’t think, but what it did do well is touch on some of the highlights of season 2, as well as finalize some things (weird, I know) and start to pave the way for season 3 and beyond.

What was really cool is the writers not only did this in general, they did it on a musical level too. Not necessarily in a perfect way and not with every single song, but I felt it was done in a way that works. Like:

• New York. With Rachel always freaked out on Broadway and Will often pondering his old dreams of performing on stage himself, New York definitely felt like a fitting setting for a finale (and for romping around the city sights instead of practicing for Nationals, yep).

• Rachel and Kurt’s relationship. What used to be two totally diva characters who could not stand each other in season 1 has turned into two totally diva characters who’ve come into a friendship in season 2. Rachel and Kurt have come a long way since their “Defying Gravity” stand-off, and even if the Wicked push does seem a bit strange, between the songs, and Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, it’s sort of become an ongoing theme for Glee – so seeing the two come full-circle with another Wicked number in “For Good” was actually quite a treat.

• The cute and fun little original songs.Let’s face it, “My Cup” was just awesome (Brittany doing anything is pretty much awesome). Following in the footsteps of greats such as “Big Ass Heart” and “My Headband” (Brittany was inspired), hearing one last mini original diddy before the season’s up was just too much fun. (Although I seriously doubt it will be the last ever. C’mon, like I said, they’re just too much fun.)

• Original songs in general. I remember hearing the buzz about original songs back in season 1, but they took until now in season 2 to finally appear. Was it worth the wait? I think so. While I’m not too keen on the upbeat “Loser Like Me” and “Light Up The World”, I do love the softer ballads, “Get It Right” and “Pretending” (although I have to admit the lyrics in “Loser Like Me” are killer). While original songs didn’t exactly snag New Directions their Nationals win, it really did make the finale complete in my book.

• Finchel. After pulling us in and pushing us away from this primary series relationship for about two seasons, they’re actually kinda-sorta together finally. And they got to that point by…their “Bella Note” New York date. (Or so I’d like to think, anyway.) Whether that’s what worked to finalize the whole Finchel thing or not, it was pretty darn cool to see a Disney song featured in an episode – and from one of my favorite Disney films, to boot. (Psst…Ryan, Ian, Brad – more, please?)

• Sunshine Corazon.Ever since the premiere episode of season 2 where Rachel leads the poor girl on a goose chase and to a crack house, it’s been apparent that Sunshine will be seen as more of a rival than the sidekick to New Directions like some of us had originally hoped. Bringing Sunshine back for the finale not only makes sense to tie both episodes together, it also sets up a possible future friendship for her with (and maybe second audition for?) McKinley. And sure, Sunshine speaking her mind through song is a bit predictable, but after her scene with Rachel I found its poignancy outweighed that predictability.

• Will’s Broadway dreams. We’ve heard this mentioned at least once or twice before, and it’s constantly reinforced the second a character like April Rhodes enters and re-enters the picture. There’s always that constant conflict between the Schuester’s ideal dream of being on the Broadway stage and his current life of living out his dreams through his glee kids. And even if it does feel a little random, I like that it’s introduced again here. If only to bring all of them closer together again.

What were your thoughts, musical or otherwise, on the season 2 finale?

Your ears itching to give these songs another listen? Head on over to Glee The Music to hear your favorites from episode 22 of season 2, “New York” again.