Ep 7. Transitioning

In Glee season 6 episode 7 titled "Transitioning," the New Directions tackle some tough issues as they help their friend Unique (Alex Newell) through her transition. Unique has always felt like a girl, but her biological sex has always been male. She decides to begin her physical transition and start hormones to fully become the woman she knows she is.

The episode deals with the struggles Unique faces both at school and at home. She faces bullying from classmates who don't understand her transition and rejection from her father who is not supportive of her journey. The New Directions step up to support her, from helping her find the right wardrobe to standing up for her against bullies.

The episode also explores the other characters' struggles with their own transitions. Coach Beiste (Dot Jones) returns after being away for a while and reveals that he is transitioning to become a man. This news surprises the students and faculty, but they rally around him in support. Coach Beiste navigates the difficulties of starting over in a new identity, from changing his name to figuring out how to dress and act like a man.

Meanwhile, Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) decides to transition from her role as a high school coach to a new job in Washington, D.C. She reflects on her time at McKinley High and what she has learned from her students. Her goodbyes are bittersweet as she leaves the school feeling ready for a new chapter but also sad to leave her old life behind.

Throughout "Transitioning," the music remains a major focus of the show. The New Directions perform a range of popular songs, both current and classic. Unique shines as she takes on a number of powerful solo pieces that showcase her unique voice and her journey. Other highlights include a duet between Kurt (Chris Colfer) and Blaine (Darren Criss) that explores their ongoing transition from ex-boyfriends to friends, and a group number that brings together all of the transitioning characters.

Overall, "Transitioning" is a poignant and heartfelt episode of Glee that explores the complexities of gender and identity. The show handles these topics with sensitivity and care, and the characters' journeys are both moving and engaging. As always, the music is a standout part of the episode and adds an emotional depth to the themes at hand. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this powerful and impactful installment.