This was the first episode of Glee aired in September, but the second episode of the show (the pilot aired in May, remember?). "Showmance" covered a lot of ground in 43 minutes... so many characters, so many story lines.
Will/Terri
Our beloved Glee instructor, Mr. Shuester (Matthew Morrison) is married to his high school sweetheart, Terri. This is the episode we find out she is *not* pregnant, though she tells her husband she is. This mega lie is what is going to be the center of their relationship. Terri wants a bigger/newer house with room for her (non-existent) baby, but Will knows they can't afford it. So, he takes a job as a night janitor at the high school. (Will also thinks that Disco music is the way to attract more students to the glee club, as well as advance his kids to/through sectionals... Sorry Mr. Shuester, you are mistaken.)
Will/Emma
I know the "Showmance" title is a reference to Finn and Rachel (more on them in a bit), but it could also apply to Will and Emma. They are adorable together when they spend time cleaning up that classroom after hours (the whole bit w/the chalk... so cute). But, Will's married... sadness! Though Emma's heart belongs to Will, she agrees to go out with Will's friend/gym teacher Ken Tanaka. Ken's no Will, but he's a decent man who will treat Emma the way she deserves to be treated.
Finn/Rachel
What a whole mess of hormones - Rachel likes Finn, and Finn seems to like Rachel, but Finn's going out with head cheerleader Quinn Fabray... who happens to be the President of the Celibacy Club. Drama! This episode really is the start of the Rachel/Finn relationship... true, they aren't going out with each other, but there are feelings going on all over the place. Their little scene on the stage was very telling - Finn respects Rachel for being a good singer which leads him to see her more than just the crazy glee girl who has a crush on him.
Music
This episode featured a few solid music numbers. Thank goodness they didn't do a full length version of "Le Freak" (or whatever the hell that lame song is called). I'm glad we finally got a full song out of Will (true, in the expanded pilot he sings "Leaving on a Jet Plane") - it was nice to see him singing/performing in front of his students... even if it was to Kanye West's "Gold Digger". I can't think of any real high school where this song would be allowed, but it worked for the show. It's always nice to hear Mercedes and Artie get solos!
We also finally get to hear Quinn (Dianna Argon) sing! She's got a unique voice that's not as strong as Rachel's, but it's going to be a welcome addition to the club. Quinn's presence in glee is needed so she can keep an eye on Rachel "man-hands" Berry (btw - all of Quinn's insults to Rachel are funny... even if they are totally mean).
The two big numbers were "Push It" and "Take a Bow". I laughed so hard when the glee kids performed at the pep assembly... well played, Glee. Well played. Another inappropriate song which made me laugh from the sheer horror on Will and Sue's faces. After a mind-boggling Celibacy Club meeting, "Push It" completely brought to the forefront a theme that will be very present on the show - sex. This is a topic that is every where, especially on (MTV) shows that are geared toward adolescents. I read a letter to the editor comment in EW that said they were not happy about the sexual content of the show - sorry Charlie Bucket, it's 2009...
Lea Michele is super talented, and hearing her character's interpretation of "Take a Bow" was a revelation. She is the every-girl... b/c haven't we all at some point stood in front of a mirror, hairbrush/microphone in hand, and just sang your heart out about some guy? Those lyrics are powerful, even more so when put in the context of a crush like that. Rachel Berry is one of my favorite characters on TV today.
Other musings
The supporting characters on this show are priceless. All of the glee kids are great, but I have found myself eager to see more of Puck on the show (Puck = Finn's friend/football buddy, played by Mark Salling). He's a bit of a jerk, but I have a feeling he'll do something unexpectedly nice for someone sometime this season (not any time soon as 6 episodes have aired by now, but at some point).
My favorite part of the episode
Not gonna lie, since Finn is my favorite character, my favorite part of the show was when he was practicing hitting high notes while Rachel played the piano. When he was like "Laaaaaaaaaaa! That was good." I laugh every time because it is such a genuine moment. I like that his character makes little comments to himself, or others, when he talks because it's realistic. Rachel's little picnic is a bit much, but the re-call of the car accident is hilarious :)
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