‘Glee’ season 6, episode 11 review: Jesse St. James’ return, Sectionals, and songs

For a few moments tonight, “Glee” reminded us almost of the early years when this was a show mostly about a high-school club who was trying to prove that they were worthy of competing against some of the big dogs. Of course, there was also a moment where we learned that an actual dog was the only reason that New Directions won Sectionals.

There has always been a strange, satirical dichotomy to the series in many ways. In one corner, you have students who care so much about music to the point that they would do anything to be a star. However, at the same time you also have an administration who cares so little about it that they are willing to have Sue Sylvester be a coach at Vocal Adrenaline, and a poodle of all things determine a winner. It is commentary clearly on how little stock some adults put into this sort of thing.

We have to admit that we were bored with most of the competition part of the story, even if “Take Me to Church” was pretty rad. We saw Jesse St. James tonight, which was a little random given that he is around for the first time forever. While we’re not necessarily rooting for Sam and Rachel, it would be rather bizarre for the show to pair up Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff at the last second just because they are good friends in real life. Sure, they had a past, but there are so many coincidences galore here, even for this show, that it is hard to wrap your head around most of them.

Sam did convince Rachel to return to NYADA and continue her education, which may have been the right move for her in the end.

The best part of the episode? The repeated acknowledgments of the past, and of the late Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson. While this show has become completely absurd and a shell of its former self in many ways, there is still some of that soul brimming under the surface. Maybe it will come to a boil in the finale. Episode Grade: C+.

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