Glee Review: I Now Pronounce You Wemma

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Glee has faced some challenges this season. It had to adapt to a split-format for story telling, following part of the cast to New York while introducing new characters in Lima and furthering the stories of the characters who remained after graduation. 

In a lot of ways Glee Season 4 had bitten off more than it could chew. Tonight was indicative of the show's struggle to devote adequate attention to all its myriad characters.

For a finale, "All or Nothing" left me feeling kind of odd and unsettled, but I guess when a show has already been renewed for two seasons, that's its prerogative. 

Regionals Photo

Brittany's early admission to MIT is perhaps the most oddball way to cover up her pregnancy that Ryan and Co. could have thought up. With all the available choices for writing her off the show, this particular route was just over the top. 

But this is Glee. And over the top is kind of its thing. So I guess we'll run with the notion that Brittany's tickly brain is actually her thinking up number sequences that even the most sophisticated minds can't decipher.

I mean, why not?

And yet, despite the silliness of the early admission, the diva outburst, and the slightly crazy burning of the Cheerios uniform, I'm really, really sad we're losing Brittany. Her monologue about glee club being where she first began to believe in herself sent me straight back to high school and drama club and finding my people. (To read her monologue and other lines from tonight's episode, visit the Glee quotes page!)

With that speech, she reminded us how this group began. How this ragtag bunch of high school misfits came together and formed something amazing. How everyone finds his or her place there. It was truly one of the highlights of the episode. 

And it led us directly into the main event: Regionals.

To be honest, I was underwhelmed with Jessica Sanchez' highly touted "guest role" on the show. Sure, she sang the pants off of her songs, but the build-up leading into tonight seemed like she would do more.

Oh well. McKinley was meant to win anyway.

Their songs tonight were fantastic. Featuring the guys in "Hall of Fame" and the girls on "I Love It," songs were chosen that showcased the various vocal talents hidden in the cast. the original song "All or Nothing" was also, well, original. And catchy. Certainly better than the remix of "Loser Like Me" from a few weeks back. 

Tonight also saw the reveal of Ryder's Catfish, and I have to say, I'm both surprised and not surprised. When Marley first stood up and then Jake stood up to defend her, I felt like I'd been punk'd.

Why on earth had we watched her choose Jake only to have her do this to Ryder? Way to make us hate the heroine, Ryan!

But then to find that she was covering for Wade/Unique was just a kind of pure moment for Marley. She wants to save people. To help them despite great personal cost. 

I don't know that I like that the Catfish was Wade/Unique, but I thought Alex Newell did a great job with the very emotional confession. Living the life that Wade/Unique lives makes it hard to make connections with other people. And that's really all anyone is seeking, right? Connection?

Ryder's reaction was appropriate given the circumstances, but I can't see Ryan and Co. cutting such a talent loose after this season. We'll see and hear more about the Wade/Unique-Ryder Catfish story in Glee season 5. Their look on stage after winning was enough to tell us that we may have gotten the reveal tonight but the story is far from over. 

The Catfish story isn't the only loose end we were left with tonight. Blaine's proposal to Kurt was interrupted by the Wemma wedding.

Finally, these two are married. In a place that is special to them and surrounded by the people they love. Which means a choir room full of high school students. Which is weird. But not as weird as Brittany getting into MIT? Maybe?

Anyway, those two are finally hitched. Blaine is holding on to a ring which he intends to give to Kurt as a grand gesture to win back his one true love. It's bold. And I don't think it will work. 

Truthfully, the "Blaine wants to propose" bit feels like yet another PSA and since Glee has done a number of these, their potency is weakened with every new message. I'm not saying that this one in particular isn't valid or worthy of representation because it certainly is, but at best, Glee hits somewhere in the middle with its ability to leave the viewers with meaningful takeaways.

Regardless as to the PSA-status of the proposal, I expect Kurt to turn him down in Glee season 5, but at some point before the series ends they'll end up in New York together. I'm a firm believer that just as Rachel and Finn are end game, so are Blaine and Kurt. Anything else might leave me a little sad.

Speaking of New York, Rachel sang for the role of Fanny Brice, but in yet another cliffhanger, we have no idea if she got the part. My guess is yes because how could anyone top that performance? It was perfect.

What did you think of "All or Nothing?" Were you surprised by the Wemma wedding? By the reveal of Wade/Unique as Ryder's Catfish?

All or Nothing Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 2.9 / 5.0 (212 Votes)

Miranda Wicker was a Staff Writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in 2017. Follow her on Twitter.

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Glee Season 4 Episode 22 Quotes

There comes a moment in every performer's life that defines him or her, sometimes for the rest of their career. This is our moment. We've struggled. We've endured. And now we must triumph.

Will

I thought you were going to tell me that I was an idiot and that's bullying and I won't tolerate that.

Brittany

Glee Season 4 Episode 22 Music

  Song Artist
To Love You More Glee Cast iTunes
Clarity Glee Cast iTunes
Wings Glee Cast iTunes