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Entry tags:
looking for revenge
GOOD MORNING INTERNET. I didn't sleep last night, because for some reason I kept waking up every five minutes due to zombie apocalypse nightmares (seriously, brain? zombies? at least they were realistic, in that dream-me's response was to curl up inside the highest, most fortified space I could find and weep copiously), so this morning I was like FUCK IT and I called out of work, and I went back to miraculously zombie-free dreams all morning.
I'm actually pretty pleased about my timing, all things considered; it was something like -20 degrees last night, which means that my normally-cold desk at work is arctic right now, and instead of shivering at it, I am at home and actually kind of overheating under all these blankets. Victoryyy! Double victory: actually being able to find the issue of Entertainment Weekly with Chris Colfer and Darren Criss on the cover (I tried no less than six stores on Saturday, to no avail). I picked up two copies and mailed them off to international fans who'd be unable to get their hands on the magazine in their own countries; my fannish good deed for the day is done. And so is my forehead. My forehead is so cold, man.
Day 01 - Your favorite male character
Day 02 - Your favorite female character
Day 03 - Your favorite group performance
Day 04 - Your favorite solo
Day 05 - Your favorite duet
Day 06 - Your favorite Rachel/Finn moment
Day 07 - Your favorite Finn-Kurt moment
Day 08 - Your favorite Quinn/Puck moment
Day 09 - Your favorite Kurt-Mercedes moment
Day 10 - Your favorite Santana/Brittany moment
Day 11 - Your favorite Sue Sylvester moment
Day 12 - The couple you ship the MOST
Day 13 - A scene/moment that pissed you off
Day 14 - A scene/moment that made you cry
Day 15 - A scene/moment that made you happy
Day 16 - Your favorite episode
Day 17 - Your least favorite episode
Day 18 - Your least favorite character
Day 19 - Your least favorite performance
Day 20 - Your favorite quote
Day 21 - Your favorite guest-star
Day 22 - Your least favorite guest-star
Day 23 - The character you most relate to
Day 24 - The character you would like to hear/see more of
Day 25 - Something that happened you wish hadn’t
Day 26 - Something that hadn’t happened but you wish had
Day 27 - Your idea for a future Glee episode
Day 28 - Your idea for a future Glee character
Day 29 - Your idea for a future Glee performance
Day 30 - Whatever tickles your fancy
This one comes down to two options and two options only. I love the pilot, too, but I don't think that the pilot is terribly representative of the show as a whole; they were still finding their feet and working out tone. So the two options, which are far and away my favorite episodes (seriously, nothing else even comes close), are "Preggers" and "Duets."
I actually came into this prepared to say that "Preggers" is still the reigning champion in my heart, as it has been since 2009, but when I started to write, I realized that that wasn't actually true. I love Kurt's storyline in "Preggers"; I'm moved by Quinn's, and the football players doing "Single Ladies" on the field remains one of my absolute favorite things that the show has ever done. But "Duets" was consistent, it was funny, it was moving, and most importantly, it gave everyone a voice.
Favorite episode: "Duets"
(For some reason, not a single person whose gifs I use made even one gif of Rachel and Kurt's duet or involving Artie. D: Hence: aerosol can + boob no-no. All used gifs by![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
100licks.)
In "Duets," every single kid in New Directions (well, except Puck) had a song and/or a storyline of their own. I can't think of a single other episode where that is even remotely true. The episode cut out all the grown-up drama (which was really what sunk "Preggers" as my favorite -- I hate its Will/Terri scenes) and focused purely on the characters who I love, and it somehow managed to make all of them likeable. It was the most balanced episode of the show ever, I think, even if there was still clearly more focus on certain storylines than on others. They all actually fit together.
We saw Brittany and Santana making out (well, sort of; very tamely) in a bed and they followed the line I'd been hoping for, with Brittany explicitly wanting something more and Santana refusing; we saw the scene from "Theatricality" that I'd found problematic get addressed; we saw an exploration of Kurt's loneliness and bamf-itude, with bonus Rachel reaching-out and without martyring or demonizing him, which the show tends to do; Rachel and Finn being hilariously manipulative together; Quinn and Sam being surprisingly sweet; Mercedes and Santana's Tina Turner impressions; we received an explanation for why Mike doesn't sing (and then a killer performance)... Just about the only storyline that I wasn't sold on was Brittany and Artie; I was in love with everything else. Like I think![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
gao said at the time, the episode wasn't quite like if I had written it, but was instead like if the writers had been trapped in a car with me for a while and forced to listen to my feelings on their show. I was absolutely delighted by the episode.
Artie asks the question that all of them are clearly thinking (and some are saying, in the buzz that followed Will's announcement). "Wait, seriously?"
"Seriously," Will confirms. "No solos; nobody stands apart. You guys sound amazing all together, and that's exactly how you're going to perform: together."
There is a silence of several seconds, everybody mulling that over.
"That actually seems kinda appropriate," Mercedes says, and Will is gratified to see more than one head nodding agreement. Will takes a quick scan of a few kids' faces. Finn looks a little confused, which is par for the course; Brittany is smiling blankly; Santana is frowning; Artie looks thoughtful; Lauren has raised her eyebrows; Puck seems to still be making up his mind; Quinn, Mike, Tina, Sam, and several more are beginning to smile. Mercedes is still nodding with approval. As for the other two students whose reactions Will was most wary of -- they're both eyeing him silently, which is, admittedly, better than what Will had thought he'd get from them.
"We're not an a cappella choir with one person out in front," Will says (sandwiched between Mercedes and Tina in the back row, Kurt still doesn't telegraph what he thinks of this development, but he doesn't flinch at the mention of the Warblers and their lead soloist), "we're not 25 dancers who'll pander to the judges with our song choices, and we're not one star vocalist with a bunch of singing props behind her." (Rachel studies him from under her bangs, but she still doesn't say anything, which either means that she has really learned something this year or that the club is about to witness the most spectacular diva flounce in the history of the choir room, which is really saying something.) "Our strength is our teamwork and the way that you guys support each other, and how great you sound together."
Puck grunts from the back row, slumped in his seat with his arms crossed. "So you're saying it's about balance."
"Right," Will says, pointing at him intently; not a little surprised that Noah Puckerman was the one of his students to vocalize it. "Puck is exactly right, guys. You're all incredibly talented; when you put it together, you're unstoppable."
Kurt has been sitting with one arm wrapped around himself and his other elbow resting on that forearm, his hand up by his face; he lowers his fingers from his mouth. "No one else will utilize that tactic," he says. "Aural Intensity and Vocal Adrenaline will be going for maximum bombast, and the Warblers for maximum charm." He doesn't sound like he disapproves; just like he's pointing out the obvious.
Will is already shaking his head. "We don't need any gimmicks," he says. "I mean, we're still gonna put together the toughest choreography that everybody can handle," (a couple kids laugh; a giggling Brittany pokes Finn's shoulder, and he grins sheepishly), "and everybody's gonna sing their hearts out, but you guys are too good for that cheap stuff. The judges will see right through it."
"Mr. Schuester!" trumpets Rachel, putting her hand straight up in the air, and it takes an effort for Will not to clutch the piano or let the corners of his mouth tug down.
Resigned, he asks, "Yes, Rachel?"
She rises out of her seat in the front row and smooths her skirt with several neat pats, then turns around to look at the rest of the glee club. When she looks back toward Will again, she's smiling like the sun. "I think this is a wonderful idea," she says, and a couple of them laugh, disbelieving, and smiles spread across the group, and Will has never been so proud of his kids.
"Let's bring it," growls Santana fiercely, and most of them laugh and cheer this time; Mike whoops and Puck shares a low high-five with a bemused-but-game-looking Lauren. "I needs me a New York shopping trip."
They all start laughing and talking over each other, and Will has completely lost control of this rehearsal, and you know what? That's okay, at least for the moment. Let them get psyched up. He stands back, arms folded, and fondly watches all his kids chatter and make plans, with a little bit of a lump in his throat. It's about them now, and Will has absolutely no doubt: they can do this.
I'm actually pretty pleased about my timing, all things considered; it was something like -20 degrees last night, which means that my normally-cold desk at work is arctic right now, and instead of shivering at it, I am at home and actually kind of overheating under all these blankets. Victoryyy! Double victory: actually being able to find the issue of Entertainment Weekly with Chris Colfer and Darren Criss on the cover (I tried no less than six stores on Saturday, to no avail). I picked up two copies and mailed them off to international fans who'd be unable to get their hands on the magazine in their own countries; my fannish good deed for the day is done. And so is my forehead. My forehead is so cold, man.
Day 01 - Your favorite male character
Day 02 - Your favorite female character
Day 03 - Your favorite group performance
Day 04 - Your favorite solo
Day 05 - Your favorite duet
Day 06 - Your favorite Rachel/Finn moment
Day 07 - Your favorite Finn-Kurt moment
Day 08 - Your favorite Quinn/Puck moment
Day 09 - Your favorite Kurt-Mercedes moment
Day 10 - Your favorite Santana/Brittany moment
Day 11 - Your favorite Sue Sylvester moment
Day 12 - The couple you ship the MOST
Day 13 - A scene/moment that pissed you off
Day 14 - A scene/moment that made you cry
Day 15 - A scene/moment that made you happy
Day 16 - Your favorite episode
Day 17 - Your least favorite episode
Day 18 - Your least favorite character
Day 19 - Your least favorite performance
Day 20 - Your favorite quote
Day 21 - Your favorite guest-star
Day 22 - Your least favorite guest-star
Day 23 - The character you most relate to
Day 24 - The character you would like to hear/see more of
Day 25 - Something that happened you wish hadn’t
Day 26 - Something that hadn’t happened but you wish had
Day 27 - Your idea for a future Glee episode
Day 28 - Your idea for a future Glee character
Day 29 - Your idea for a future Glee performance
Day 30 - Whatever tickles your fancy
This one comes down to two options and two options only. I love the pilot, too, but I don't think that the pilot is terribly representative of the show as a whole; they were still finding their feet and working out tone. So the two options, which are far and away my favorite episodes (seriously, nothing else even comes close), are "Preggers" and "Duets."
I actually came into this prepared to say that "Preggers" is still the reigning champion in my heart, as it has been since 2009, but when I started to write, I realized that that wasn't actually true. I love Kurt's storyline in "Preggers"; I'm moved by Quinn's, and the football players doing "Single Ladies" on the field remains one of my absolute favorite things that the show has ever done. But "Duets" was consistent, it was funny, it was moving, and most importantly, it gave everyone a voice.
Favorite episode: "Duets"
(For some reason, not a single person whose gifs I use made even one gif of Rachel and Kurt's duet or involving Artie. D: Hence: aerosol can + boob no-no. All used gifs by
100licks.)In "Duets," every single kid in New Directions (well, except Puck) had a song and/or a storyline of their own. I can't think of a single other episode where that is even remotely true. The episode cut out all the grown-up drama (which was really what sunk "Preggers" as my favorite -- I hate its Will/Terri scenes) and focused purely on the characters who I love, and it somehow managed to make all of them likeable. It was the most balanced episode of the show ever, I think, even if there was still clearly more focus on certain storylines than on others. They all actually fit together.
We saw Brittany and Santana making out (well, sort of; very tamely) in a bed and they followed the line I'd been hoping for, with Brittany explicitly wanting something more and Santana refusing; we saw the scene from "Theatricality" that I'd found problematic get addressed; we saw an exploration of Kurt's loneliness and bamf-itude, with bonus Rachel reaching-out and without martyring or demonizing him, which the show tends to do; Rachel and Finn being hilariously manipulative together; Quinn and Sam being surprisingly sweet; Mercedes and Santana's Tina Turner impressions; we received an explanation for why Mike doesn't sing (and then a killer performance)... Just about the only storyline that I wasn't sold on was Brittany and Artie; I was in love with everything else. Like I think
gao said at the time, the episode wasn't quite like if I had written it, but was instead like if the writers had been trapped in a car with me for a while and forced to listen to my feelings on their show. I was absolutely delighted by the episode.Artie asks the question that all of them are clearly thinking (and some are saying, in the buzz that followed Will's announcement). "Wait, seriously?"
"Seriously," Will confirms. "No solos; nobody stands apart. You guys sound amazing all together, and that's exactly how you're going to perform: together."
There is a silence of several seconds, everybody mulling that over.
"That actually seems kinda appropriate," Mercedes says, and Will is gratified to see more than one head nodding agreement. Will takes a quick scan of a few kids' faces. Finn looks a little confused, which is par for the course; Brittany is smiling blankly; Santana is frowning; Artie looks thoughtful; Lauren has raised her eyebrows; Puck seems to still be making up his mind; Quinn, Mike, Tina, Sam, and several more are beginning to smile. Mercedes is still nodding with approval. As for the other two students whose reactions Will was most wary of -- they're both eyeing him silently, which is, admittedly, better than what Will had thought he'd get from them.
"We're not an a cappella choir with one person out in front," Will says (sandwiched between Mercedes and Tina in the back row, Kurt still doesn't telegraph what he thinks of this development, but he doesn't flinch at the mention of the Warblers and their lead soloist), "we're not 25 dancers who'll pander to the judges with our song choices, and we're not one star vocalist with a bunch of singing props behind her." (Rachel studies him from under her bangs, but she still doesn't say anything, which either means that she has really learned something this year or that the club is about to witness the most spectacular diva flounce in the history of the choir room, which is really saying something.) "Our strength is our teamwork and the way that you guys support each other, and how great you sound together."
Puck grunts from the back row, slumped in his seat with his arms crossed. "So you're saying it's about balance."
"Right," Will says, pointing at him intently; not a little surprised that Noah Puckerman was the one of his students to vocalize it. "Puck is exactly right, guys. You're all incredibly talented; when you put it together, you're unstoppable."
Kurt has been sitting with one arm wrapped around himself and his other elbow resting on that forearm, his hand up by his face; he lowers his fingers from his mouth. "No one else will utilize that tactic," he says. "Aural Intensity and Vocal Adrenaline will be going for maximum bombast, and the Warblers for maximum charm." He doesn't sound like he disapproves; just like he's pointing out the obvious.
Will is already shaking his head. "We don't need any gimmicks," he says. "I mean, we're still gonna put together the toughest choreography that everybody can handle," (a couple kids laugh; a giggling Brittany pokes Finn's shoulder, and he grins sheepishly), "and everybody's gonna sing their hearts out, but you guys are too good for that cheap stuff. The judges will see right through it."
"Mr. Schuester!" trumpets Rachel, putting her hand straight up in the air, and it takes an effort for Will not to clutch the piano or let the corners of his mouth tug down.
Resigned, he asks, "Yes, Rachel?"
She rises out of her seat in the front row and smooths her skirt with several neat pats, then turns around to look at the rest of the glee club. When she looks back toward Will again, she's smiling like the sun. "I think this is a wonderful idea," she says, and a couple of them laugh, disbelieving, and smiles spread across the group, and Will has never been so proud of his kids.
"Let's bring it," growls Santana fiercely, and most of them laugh and cheer this time; Mike whoops and Puck shares a low high-five with a bemused-but-game-looking Lauren. "I needs me a New York shopping trip."
They all start laughing and talking over each other, and Will has completely lost control of this rehearsal, and you know what? That's okay, at least for the moment. Let them get psyched up. He stands back, arms folded, and fondly watches all his kids chatter and make plans, with a little bit of a lump in his throat. It's about them now, and Will has absolutely no doubt: they can do this.
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I'm actually starting to worry. It's a little too The Stand-ish for me.
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...which is to say, d'awww, I loved it.
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