It’s been four months TOO long but FINALLY the season premiere of the Fox hit musical show Glee is upon us. The show usually premieres in September, but after the show concluded season five last spring, Fox decided season six would be it’s last and trimmed down the season from the usual twenty two episode order to thirteen episodes (thus the show being pushed back to January).
For the farewell season the focus is brought back to McKinley High (the fictional high school in the show). Rachel (Lea Michele) and Kurt (Chris Culfer) come back and attempt to ressurect the now defunct New Directions (the school’s glee club) dismantled by villainous Principal Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) last season after the club failed to win nationals. They hope to restore the glee club back to prominence and mentor the next generation. Along to help are former New Directions members Santana (Naya Rivera), Quinn (Dianna Agron), Mercedes (Amber Riley), Artie (Kevin McHale), Brittany (Heather Morris), Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz), Sam (Chord Overstreet) and Noah “Puck” (Mark Salling).
Blaine (Darren Criss) and Mr. Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) are also back. Blaine is now coaching rival glee club The Warblers (his old glee club) from Dalton Academy while Mr. Schuester (now teaching at Mt. Carmel) is coaching Vocal Adrenaline (Mt. Carmel’s glee club). Head cheerleader (and resident mean girl) Kitty (Becca Tobin) is also back, but notable absences are McKinley High students Marley (Melissa Benoist), Jake (Jacob Artist), Ryder (Blake Jenner) and Wade “Unique” (Alex Newell) who were the newer students that made up New Directions during seasons four and five. An explanation is mentioned during the episode, but it’s unclear if any or all will be returning. Being that this is the farewell season tbought, I have a feeling that some way or another they’ll all be back.
There are some new cast members worth noting like the plus size student trying hard to not be noticed along with an openly gay athlete both at McKinley while over at Dalton there’s a springy and confident teen intending on shaking up the traditions The Warblers have had for generations.
After reviewing the season premiere I can honestly say it’s not at all what I expected. Compared to the previous seasons this premiere was not as impactful, but that may very well be a good thing. Considering Ryan Murphy & Company had extra time to map out this final season, so I think they intend to build up to the series finale. I believe that it will only get better from here on out. Glee returns (on it’s new night) Friday January 9th with a two hour season premiere beginning at at 8pm.
