Ep 12. 2009

Glee Season 6, Episode 12, titled "2009," offers Glee fans a poignant trip down memory lane. This reflective episode serves as a nostalgia-infused prequel to the very beginnings of the New Directions, the show choir at the heart of the series. The episode masterfully revisits and expands upon Glee's pilot, providing long-time viewers with a deeper understanding of the characters they've come to know and love, bridging past and present in a narrative ballet that both pays homage to the show's origins and sets the stage for its grand finale.

The McKinley High School setting is once again alive with the hustle and bustle of teenage life, but this time, viewers are privy to additional contexts surrounding the formation of the underdog glee club. The familiar hallways, classrooms, and auditorium are backdrops to revelations and untold stories that flesh out the characters' motivations and relationships from a new perspective. It's as if the curtains have been drawn back, revealing the before unseen prelude to the series.

"2009" carefully weaves the stories of several central characters, highlighting their individual struggles, dreams, and the moments that led them to join the nascent singing group. The episode delves into the psyche of the New Directions' eclectic mix of members, providing insights into their lives before the spotlight of competition shone upon them. Each of the McKinley High students is grappling with their own adolescent trials and uncertainties, yet they're on the cusp of finding a refuge and a sense of belonging within the choir room's four walls.

What makes this particular episode special is its ability to balance the fresh revelations with a respectful nod to the series' established narrative. There is an art to the way "2009" handles the storytelling, cautiously avoiding altering the essence of what viewers know while still presenting everything in a light that adds depth to the tale. The writers make sure that this look back feels more like filling in gaps rather than rewriting anything set in stone.

The driving force of the story is, as always, the passion and determination of the glee club's indefatigable director, Mr. Schuester, played by Matthew Morrison. He is showcased continuing his struggle to recruit students to join the glee club and is determined to make it succeed despite the skepticism and mockery it faces. His storyline intersects with each of the students, underlining his role not only as their mentor but also as the catalyst who brings them together.

In parallel with Mr. Schuester's narrative, the episode focuses on various students. It’s a yearning Rachel Berry, played by Lea Michele, still dreaming big and confident in her star potential. Finn Hudson, enlivened by Cory Monteith's sincere performance, continues to navigate high school's social complexities. We also see more layers to Kurt Hummel, portrayed by Chris Colfer, as he seeks a sanctuary where he can simply be himself. Mercedes Jones, Amber Riley's character, shines with her determination to let her voice be heard in a world trying to overshadow it. Each character is at crossroads, and the decisions they make in "2009" are pivotal to their future trajectories.

Aside from the students, the faculty also have their moments in this retrospective episode. Sue Sylvester, played with delicious venom by Jane Lynch, is ever the antagonist, poised to foil Mr. Schuester's plans at every turn, grudgingly acknowledging the talent that the glee club harbors. Meanwhile, guidance counselor Emma Pillsbury, shining through Jayma Mays' portrayal, continues to provide a supportive ear to the troubled students with her quirky blend of compassion and neuroses.

The choice of musical numbers in "2009" is, true to Glee's form, carefully tailored to reflect the characters' emotions and situations, offering renditions that are both touching and rousing. These performances serve as the emotional bridges between moments of drama and levity, embodying the core of what made Glee such a beloved phenomenon.

Through its unique blend of music, dance, humor, and heartache, "2009" captures the essence of what it means to find one's voice. The episode is a celebration of individuality and the magic that can happen when diverse lives intersect through the power of song. It's a tribute to the journey of the New Directions and an acknowledgement of the impact that this shared experience has had on each member.

In conclusion, Glee's "2009" is a love letter to its roots. It's an episode designed to resonate with those who have followed the show from the beginning, and to provide closure to arcs that began with the opening notes of "Don't Stop Believin'." For new viewers, it offers an enriching depth to the established characters and for long-time fans, a chance to reflect on the growth and the path walked together with the New Directions. The episode stands as a reminder that sometimes looking back is the best way to appreciate the journey that's been made, right before taking that final bow.