Season 4 of Fox’s musical dramedy split its time between Lima, Ohio and the bright lights of New York City — to varying degrees of success. Here’s how the episodes stack up.
"Shooting Star" (Episode 18)
High Notes: The performance of "More Than Words," directed at Brittany's cat Lord Tubbington, is silly but a nice moment of levity in an otherwise dark hour.
Low Notes: The school shooting plot is at the very least hackneyed and manipulative. At worst, it's offensive coming so soon after the Sandy Hook massacre, and it adds nothing to the story aside from a few cheap emotional tricks.
Via: Adam Rose/FOX
"Glee, Actually" (Episode 10)
High Notes: The return of Jessalyn Gilsig as Will's wife Terri, and the introduction of Aisha Tyler as Jake's mom. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is as resonant as ever.
Low Notes: The divergent storylines never really come together. Some are worse than others — namely Sue Sylvester trying to find the perfect gift for Marley's family, Brittany and Sam getting married (but not really), and the awkward return of exiled Glee Project winner Damian McGinty as Rory.
Via: Eddy Chen/FOX
"Britney 2.0" (Episode 2)
High Notes: There are some good Britney songs here that weren't included in the first Britney episode, like "Hold It Against Me" and "Everytime." The disastrous "Gimme More" performance is pitch-perfect parody.
Low Notes: As unnecessary as the first Britney Spears episode was, this one's even more gratuitous. The storyline is fine, really, but it's all too contrived to be taken seriously.
Via: Mike Yarish/FOX
"Wonder-ful" (Episode 21)
High Notes: Good emotional moments with the parents — Mike O'Malley is always great as Kurt's dad, and Katey Sagal makes her first appearance as Artie's mom.
Low Notes: Very little about the plot makes sense, from Cassandra's abrupt turnaround on Rachel to Mercedes' flimsy record contract. Equally nonsensical: framing an episode around the music of Stevie Wonder.
Via: Adam Rose/FOX
