‘Glee’ season 5, episode 19 review: Chris Colfer shines in ‘Old Dog, New Tricks’
Is there any way to make Chris Colfer into a member of “Glee” staff full-time? Okay, he is probably a little too busy for that, but the actor did a more than commendable job with tonight’s “Old Dog, New Tricks.” This episode was a nice departure from most of the rest of the story, at least in that there was an adult feeling behind it. At the same time, though, there was a charm in the story that reminded us of some of the early episodes. Chris wrote this like a man with a big imagination, and someone not completely jaded by the industry.
Colfer’s story revolved around his character trying to find a way to use a production of “Peter Pan” in order to find his place in New York. It was a way for him to find significant in a city that had swallowed him whole in many ways. It took some of his other friends a little while to realize that this was something to be proud of, but the majority of them did come around.
At the end of the day, we could say that this entire story was unrealistic and also super sugar-coated, but we don’t see it that way. Instead, it was pretty funny and very sweet. Because the whimsy came from an earnest place, we could look past most of the flaws … except for Santana. The fact that she is somehow the greatest in the world at PR with zero experience is a total smack to the face of people who actually do the job.
Was there any real movement forward with some of the characters? Not really, but the rest of the story was so strong (thanks to Colfer’s writing) that we didn’t mind. Grade: A-.
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Photo: Fox
atigrace
May 8, 2014 @ 8:03 am
Yeah, I wasn’t all that impressed w/Colfers writing efforts. It just seemed self serving. And the fact that he minimized his “fiance” in the episode makes me think there may be some truth to the many gossip blogs which is that Chris & Lea were/are trying to squeeze Darren off the show because they believe Darren is stealing their thunder. #1 its not Chris or Lea’s “thunder” to begin with, so to say their stealing it, is ludicrious. #2 Darren is crazy talented, the most talented cast member. Lea, Chris, Chord, Amber & especially Kevin & Naya are all very talented. But the truth is, people are not, nor have they been running out buying the songs these 6 other cast members sing from itunes after each new episode. Fans run out & buy Darrens tunes. Darrens the top selling Glee cast member on itunes when it comes to sales of the songs he sings on Glee. That alone pretty much proves my point.
Rini XCX
May 8, 2014 @ 10:40 am
It’s a shame that all you listen to is mere cheap gossips. Your statements are flawed, here’s why:
1) Chris’ writing efforts=self serving? In what way? Kurt barely has any private story line along season 5-the only story he has prominent is about his relationship with Blaine. Chris was asked by Glee producer to write something about Kurt – it seems that Glee writers thought that Chris is the best to do that-besides that he has many writing accomplishments in his resume. There are 3 story lines in that episode, so you’re point is not valid.
2) Darren stealing their thunder? In which way? Lea has been no.1 spot all this year after Cory’s death- following with her album release and book release this month. There’s no way Darren is surpassing her fame. Chris has his own book deals that go on for the next 2 years, his own project and book tour every year since 2012, he won the 2014 PEOPLE CHOICE AWARD -Beating Darren, that was. So, which thunder is Darren stealing? Chris has much more opportunities working with famous stars during Glee than Darren, he doesn’t need to do anything to be more than Darren – he already is and has been.
3) Statistics about songs selling from Glee – I don’t know how you get that stat-maybe from tumblr – but that’s not correct. THE best selling single is Don’t Stop Believing (first version) which HAD NO Darren at all, the Top 10 is inhibited by Lea’s songs or group songs mostly. Darren has only 1 in the top 10 – Teenage Dream.
4) Glee is not only about music and tunes selling. Sure they’re important, but that alone will never win Glee the Golden Globe, Emmy, Screen Guild, etc. And must I remind you that Chris Colfer is the one who won Golden Globe and got nominated for Emmy, not and never the other guy cast.
I also believe that the selling rate is affected by how popular the original song is. i.e Teenage Dream by Katy Perry or Story of My Life by One Direction. The most amazing is Don’t Stop Believing coz young people hardly knew this song – it’s an 80s hit, yet they loved it. If you check iTunes now, you will find Kurt’s Memory from last night hit the high spot, too. The comments give 5 stars to Memory. Compare that to no star for Story of My Life that feature Darren. Tbh – many reviews and comments everywhere give low ratings to the quality of Blaine solos lately. You can go check that out.
5) Many people especially important guys, are impressed with Chris’ writing so you’re losing votes here. And he’s only 23 going 24 years old, mind you – other cast including your favorite has never even commercially -world widely published any writing and song writing whatsoever – except Lea and Jenna. And those 2 only published journals about themselves- unlike Chris who really wrote real fiction books, movie and TV show scripts – something that is coming from his mind. Chris’ books are known world-wide – it’s been translated to many languages as well.
So, in the end, your points are not proven here.
A little advice: do not belittle somebody/ a star, just because you need you favorite star to be validated more. There is time for everyone, and now is Chris Colfer’s time. It has always been his time, actually.
Sue B
May 7, 2014 @ 3:46 pm
Great review, Matt. Thanks! I thought it was a really fun episode, with some melancholy moments, harkening back to S1. If all episodes were written like this (or by Chris), I guarantee you ratings would go up.