SPOILERS AHEAD
It's all about the "Journey".
I would like to say that New Directions' decision to do a Journey medley for their Regionals performance was predictable, but I really didn't see it coming. It was also a wonderful way to come full circle, since "Don't Stop Believin" was the song that put the show on the map back in May of last year.
As I expected, the season finale of the most exciting new show of the year was truly amazing, and definitely made up for the weakness of last week's "Funk" episode. The show was full of charm, joy, hilarity, and more than a few heart-tugging, Kleenex-grasping moments. While there are still some questions, everything for the most part was wrapped up enough for a clean slate this September.
Finn and Rachel fans got their big moment tonight when, just before going on stage, Finn told Rachel that he loved her. The way he said it, coupled seconds later with the power ballad opening number "Faithfully" was an emotional one-two punch. Speaking about that song, it may just be my favorite musical number of the entire season; Lea Michele's voice is revelatory and the high note she hits almost stopped my heart. I'm actually listening to the full version of the song as I type, and this might just make my Top 100. The rest of the Journey medley was amazing, and I was pleasantly surprised to see my girl Santana get a solo in the song (dear Ryan Murphy, Naya Rivera needs more solos. She can actually sing!). Even though there was so much happiness and pure joy in the performance, you can't help getting emotional watching it, especially if you've been watching since the beginning. It was cathartic seeing the kids finally get their chance to shine like the stars they are.
Of course, it would've been too easy to have New Directions take home their first Regionals championship. It turns out that Olivia Newton-John is a mega-bitch who only likes show choirs who sing her songs and doesn't like brunettes, and Josh Groban is attracted to Sue Sylvester and not much else. They were hilarious, even though while watching I could barely suppress my desire to purchase voodoo dolls in their image for voting against the glee kids. Surprisingly, it was Sue who put New Directions as her number-one pick; she clearly feels for those ill-shapen kids more than she lets on.
The other big story was Quinn finally giving birth to the spawn of Puck, to the 5-minute Vocal Adrenaline performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody" no less. Ryan Murphy's gonna have to explain that one to me, because I'm pretty sure women spend hours in labor. Oh well, it was entertaining nonetheless, especially with Quinn yelling "you suck" at everyone in the room as she pushed. Another few gold nuggets: Mercedes was invited to the delivery, as was Quinn's mother, after leaving her husband, who cheated with a "tattooed freak" (ouch, Jesse James dig). Puck and Quinn shared a very sweet, although slightly confusing scene outside of the hospital nursery, where Puck admitted that he loved Quinn both before and now. Not sure what that means for the future, but it could be interesting. The baby story closed in a very surprising way, with Shelby adopting their baby to finally start the family she couldn't with Rachel. Will we ever see them again? Hopefully.
So, with Glee not placing at Regionals, everyone was ready to pack it in, except Emma Pillsbury. In a surprising show of passion, she got into a screaming match with Principal Figgins and then chastised Will for not fighting harder for the group. He countered with an "I love you" and a kiss, even though she's dating her dentist. After the third love declaration of the night, the Glee kids sang "To Sir, With Love" as a thank you for his support. It was touching to hear in the beginning how far they all came since joining the club. We also got another solo from Santana, and Mike and Matt (aka the two boys who aren't Finn, Puck, and Kurt) actually spoke words. As Will packed up the room, Sue revealed that she used her powers of sexual blackmail to get another year for Glee. We also learned that she does admire Will's dedication to his kids. She also admires beating him, and not being able to do that would suck for her. So, Sue came through. Nice touch. After celebrating their renewal, Will gave the gift of song back to the kids, singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" with Puck.
There were definitely some rocky bits, but the season was wrapped up very nicely with this episode. The music was brilliantly performed, the big moments were awesome, and even though they didn't win, the ending was still satisfying. It goes to show that in the end, the journey is often better than the destination.
Musical Number of the Night: "Faithfully"
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