Glee-Ful Highlights From Episode "Rumours"

The title of this week's episode of Glee may refer to the Fleetwood Mac album that inspires the songs, but it also perfectly sums up the theme of the night. McKinley overdoses on the gossip this week, thanks to Brittany's new web talk show and Sue's revival of the school newspaper. Not only are the New Directions involved in the mudslinging — they're at the forefront of all of the hearsay.



Some of the rumors turn out to be true, while others are just made up, but in the end the whole club learns a lesson in how easy the truth can be manipulated to hurt others. Since all of the back-and-forth is reminiscent of the turmoil Fleetwood Mac went through while making their album Rumours, the club pays homage to the band by only using songs from that record. Let's talk about what worked and what didn't when you read more.

• First thing's first: we must discuss the wonder that is Fondue For Two. Showcasing Brittany's new talk show is a brilliant way to open the episode; I loved every second from Mercedes's criticism of the melted cheese to Lord Tubbington's Atkins diet.
• Brittany's gossip show is only a precursor to a much bigger animal: Sue decides to bring back the school newspaper, The Muckracker, as part of her latest evil scheme to get Will out of McKinley and create chaos for the glee club. She sets her minions out to dig up (or make up) dirt, and it's only a matter of time before Santana is flagged as a lesbian and Quinn is accused of cheating on Finn with Sam.
• When Artie confronts Brittany about the Santana rumor, Brittany deflects it by saying that her relationship with Santana doesn't count as cheating. Artie's pretty cute about his paranoia, saying that he can't compete with someone who can give Brittany more . . . until he gets so frustrated that he calls Brittany stupid for defending Santana. Poor Brittany takes off in tears, but it kicks off my favorite number of the evening: Artie sings "Never Going Back Again" while the rest of the guys follow with guitars. Not only does Artie sound great, but it's a creative and different performance (especially since Will and April's "Dreams" is kind of a snooze fest).
• Speaking of April, Kristin Chenoweth is back yet again this week, and I have to say that she doesn't add much to the episode. Thankfully she's not at the epicenter, but the woes of her Broadway show just didn't do it for me. She serves as the catalyst to try to get Will out of McKinley by enticing him with dreams of performing on a big stage. Though Emma encourages Will to get out and follow his dreams, Will chooses the group that "saved him" over the bright lights of Broadway. I'm still a bit confused about why April would be in cahoots with Terri though, since clearly both women still carry a torch for Will.
• Finn and Quinn's relationship suffers most from the tangled web of lies: given Quinn's track record, he can't help but believe that she could be hooking up with Sam, so he and Rachel stake out a motel (not sure where that tip came from) where they find Sam and . . . Kurt. Before the gay rumor even lifts off ground, though, they spot Quinn parting with Sam at the same location later that week. Finn and Quinn can barely keep it together (their "I Don't Want to Know" duet is entertaining but awkward). Meanwhile, Rachel uses the entire situation to try and manipulate her way back into Finn's heart. He may have offered a huge grin in response to Rachel's love song, but it looks like next week Rachel will feel the wrath of Quinn.
• Santana pulls out a love ballad of her own, dedicated solely to Brittany after she breaks up with Artie. It's a sweet moment, but the sentiment doesn't last very long. Though Santana agrees to openly accept Brittany's invitation to prom on Fondue for Two, she leaves Brittany in the lurch. To add salt to the wound, Santana confirms word that she and Karofsky are "soul mates." Ouch. Do you want to see Brittany and Santana go public or would you rather Brittany and Artie get back together?
• In the midst of all the cat fighting and finger-pointing, Sam's big secret is revealed: he's actually been living in the motel with his family because his father lost his job; Kurt and Quinn were just helping them get by. In typical New Directions fashion, Rachel and Finn are quick to apologize and do whatever they can to help. Poor Sam is so touched when they return the guitar he pawned that he starts crying. The frown is turned upside down though, for the episode's big finale of "Don't Stop."

Were you touched by the sweetness of this week's episode? Do you think Sam should have given Rachel's dating proposal more thought? And what are your expectations for next week's big prom event? Weigh in!