Erik Galston reviews the winter finale of Glee, "On My Way."
"On My Way," the winter finale of Glee, was billed as an emotional roller coaster, and it definitely was. This episode to me was the best episode of Glee ever. I know I've probably said it a million times, but this episode really was. There really is no way I can do a Gleeview on this the way I usually do, instead of giving a huge recap, I'm just going to hit on some of the major plot points and give my thoughts on them. I apologize for the change in format to all who follow this to know every detail, but this episode has to be watched.
After last week's happy Valentine's episode of Glee, this episode was almost the exact opposite. "On My Way," is the Regional's episode, but it's MUCH more than that.
I really wanted to hate this episode after the first twenty minutes, but as the performances happened my mind changed. Why would I want to hate this episode? I wanted to hate it for very personal reasons. Last year at this time, I was in the hospital because of a suicide attempt, and the episode right after that was the "Sue-icide" episode. To this day, it is the only episode of Glee I cannot watch multiple times. This episode was another suicide episode, almost a year after the last one, so to me it was very personal. After events that happened last week, Karofsky was outed at his school, unable to deal with it, he hung himself. Luckily his dad found him in time, but the attempt has major ramifications on many of the characters. Seeing the reactions of the McKinley faculty was very powerful. Sue, in particular, chokes up and feels she could have done more when she was principal.
Since this was the Regional's episode, the "show must go on" so to speak. After some flashbacks showing some of the lead up to Karofsky's actions, the two groups agree to dedicate their performances to him and raise money for charities. The theme for the event was "inspirational songs," fitting for what was going on with the characters. The Warblers performed Lenny Kravitz's "Stand" and "Glad You Came" by the Wanted. New Directions performed three songs; a mash up of Nicki Minaj's Fly and R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly," Kelly's Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" and Halestorm's "Here's to Us." "Stronger" was actually performed by the Troubletones.
After New Directions win Regionals, Finn and Rachel have their wedding, which due to the cliffhanger may or may not happen.
As far as the cliffhanger, I'm not gonna mention who or what it was. It involved a MAJOR character though.
This episode, as I said was amazing. It really brought out some powerful emotions in me. I'm writing this 45 minutes after the show finished, and I'm still emotional over it.
The songs in context with the show were amazing. I had listened to the songs before the episode aired and wasn't too impressed by them, but after seeing them on the show, I love them. The five songs sung during the competition were amazing. There was one more song that was performed by Blaine, "Cough Syrup" by Young the Giant. This performance was used at the same time as Karofsky's suicide attempt, and it really truly made the song powerful.
This episode was the first time, in a while that I feel most of the characters actually were well-written. Seeing how the incident affected the kids was great. Having gone through it myself, and also having gone through friends attempting to it, I can say the writers of the episode really did the characters justice. You really felt for every one of the characters.
Having gone through the same thing as Karofsky, I really need to stress a few things. If you feel like there's nothing left for you, PLEASE reach out to someone. Suicide isn't the answer. There are plenty of organizations that will help you. Reach out to a friend, a teacher, a co-worker, a clergy member, someone, anyone. You may feel like you are alone, but I can guarantee you you aren't. Things do get better. Every day is a battle, but you can and will get through it, I did. If you are gay, and being bullied call someone. The Trevor Project (which actually debuted a new commercial with Daniel Radcliffe during the episode) is a great organization that can help. Call them if you need help: 1-866-488-7386. It's almost cliché to say it but it DOES get better.
Glee returns in April.
Written or Contributed by: Erik Galston
http://www.theouthousers.com/index.php/reviews/entertainment-reviews/18429-gleeview-on-my-way.html/
by LOLtron » Wed Feb 22, 2012 11:22 am 
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