It was really nice to have a break from the usual suspects on this week’s episode of Glee so we could concentrate on building the storyline in other ways, and see some characters back in the forefront that have gotten lost recently. (Yes, Coach Beiste! I’m talking about you, too!)
As my headline says, it was all about Mercedes and Mike tonight. And I have to say? I liked it!
I’ve never been too sure how I feel about Mercedes. Yes, she hella talented. But (as she reminded us seventeen times just this episode) she’s forever been living in Rachel’s shadow. Well, since we’ve known her anyway. In the past, Mercedes has been building up some anger, and she let it all go during and after the “Maria-off.” Good for you, girl! I’m glad she refused to share the starring role of Maria with Rachel. Do I honestly believe what Rachel said? That Mercedes was better than her in the audition? Um, no. If you noticed (I’m picky about this sorta schtuff) Mercedes got the more challenging parts of “Out Here On My Own” in the diva duet. She killed those parts, uh huh. But, had the song been divvied up differently? And Rachel had gotten those big moments instead? There would have been no contest. Sorry. Interesting, as Rachel won the coin toss, but ended up not being given the most spine tingling portions. (The Glee producers did this on purpose, is what I’m saying. Amber Riley is great. But really. No one is like Lea Michele. Especially if we’re being asked to chose a Maria from West Side Story. It’s a no-freaking-brainer.)
I’m still rather up in the air about the songs these kids chose to audition with as well. Many of you pointed out to me last week, that they’re “saving up” the WSS score for further on down the line. But! Why would Mercedes chose an in your face song about jealousy and rage to try out for a character who is anything but? Maria is the softest, sweetest gal alive. She abhors violence in any way. That’s why she implores Tony to stop the rumble between the Sharks and the Jets!! (We all know how that ended, and I can’t go into it, or I’ll cry.) Point being, most judges at an audition would have blown her off for not “doing her research.” It’s a big deal with theater people.
Even Mike, auditioning for the part of Riff, sang a song that took place in the musical after his character is dead. Huh?
So, enough of that analysis, and let me say a few things about what we learned about our McKinley High friends this time out.
1. Rachel still wants everything. Which still makes Finn want to punch her. Noooo! It’s not enough that she gets to be the star of the play, but now she has to steal Kurt’s thunder too. (I’m glad he bitched her out and Finn’s mad … again.)
2. Mercedes is gonna give us some drama by joining the other singing group. Smooth move. Selfish, but smooth.
3. I feel so sorry for Emma and her OCD. I’ve said before that all redheads are crazy. And I’m not talking about Emma herself. Did you get a load of her parents? (Hey, Donny Most! I’m waving at you.) At least she has Will. He’s very Melty. Did you get a load of that closing number, girls? I knew you did.
4. I’ve simply glossed over Mike as a filler. I was wrong. I loved getting the back story of him finally, and realizing the pressure he’s under not to get an Asian F. (In his house that’s an A minus. In mine, it was the dreaded “B.”) Moment of sniffery? You guessed it; his Mom’s “Don’t give up your dream like I did” speech. I hope she really will stand by him with his hateful Dad, now that he’s in the play.
And 5. Dot Marie Jones? I adore you! Please pass the pasta, and let’s carb up!
If you enjoyed any of the music on this week’s episode, click a link below to purchase the song from iTunes and help support CliqueClack at the same time!
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Oct 04, 2011 @ 23:26 EST5EDT
FYI, in the play West Side Story, Riff does sing Cool as the Jets are preparing for the rumble with the Sharks. In the movie, Cool is sung after Riff’s death. Also, in the play Somewhere, the song Rachel auditioned with is sung off stage to a ballet by an unseen singer, not Maria. The movie made it a duet for Tony and Maria.
IRL, actors don’t necessarily sing songs from the plays they are auditioning for, they may sing other songs that cover the range and style.
*POST AUTHOR*
Some good points.
I think, however, that Cool is not identified with Riff, or as good of a choice for a Riff audition, as say Officer Krupke or The Jets song. Both of them would have been better choices, in the same vocal range.
And as far as actors not singing songs for the role they’re auditioning for? That may be true and acceptable. But for Mercedes to choose a song of such a diverse, opposite style to that of Maria? It didn’t make sense to me. Not at all.