Beyond the humor of Finn’s “grilled cheesus,” Glee tackles some big issues in episode 3 of Season 2 including religion and homosexuality. Conflicting beliefs of the Glee club members and teachers are discussed throughout the episode while Kurt deals with the possibility of losing his father from a heart attack.
*Summary of Glee*
Finn makes a “grilled cheesus” in the opening scene of Glee. Seeing Jesus’s face on his sandwich brings out a spiritual side of Finn, and he says a prayer to his grilled cheese sandwich.
Kurt and his father argue about Friday night dinner. Kurt refuses to change his plans. Finn reveals his new found interest in Jesus and motivates Glee club to sing about him this week. Glee club members have vastly different views on God, noticeably Kurt does not support the idea due to many church’s non acceptance of homosexuality. Puck reacts by vowing to continue only singing songs by Jewish artists. Kurt’s father suffers a heart attack while at work. Will and Emma accompany Kurt to the hospital. Kurt’s father is alive but unconscious.
Finn continues praying to his “grilled cheesus” sandwich asking to be able to touch Rachel’s chest. Finn is upset that he was not informed about Kurt’s father’s heart attack. Mercedes dedicates I Look To You to Kurt, and Kurt reveals that he does not believe in God (saying he is like Santa Clause for adults.) Kurt voices his issue with the religious belief many people have concerning his sexuality. Sue Sylvester brings the attention of Glee club’s focus on religion and its inappropriateness in a public school setting to the principle. Rachel talks with Finn about her desire for her future children to be raised Jewish. Finn agrees, and in return she allows him to touch her chest. He thanks Jesus. Sue questions Glee members, Santana and Brittany, and then encourages Kurt to file a complaint against Mr. Schuester halting the use of religious songs.
Sue reveals to Emma why she is against religion and motivated Kurt to file a complaint. Sue prayed to God for her sister, and when her prayers were not answered, she stopped believing. Kurt reaffirms his disbelief in God to Glee club. Finn continues praying to his “grilled cheesus.” He asks to return to his position of quarterback. Puck reveals that he has been praying for Kurt’s father. Rachel takes Finn outside to sing her spiritual song, Papa Can You Hear Me, since religious songs have been banned at school. She is then singing in Kurt’s fathers hospital room. Kurt is upset when he finds his Glee club friends praying for his father. He asks them to leave.
Finn has Sam change a play on the football field, which leads to Sam getting injured. Finn regains his quarterback position but has mixed feelings about his reinstatement. Kurt sings a song, I Want to Hold Your Hand, dedicated to his father. A montage of memories shared by Kurt and his father are flashed to while he gives an emotional performance. Mercedes requests Kurt to join her at her church service, which will be dedicated to Kurt’s father. He agrees to attend.
Finn reveals his perceived guilt for Sam’s injury to Emma. Emma tells Finn that God was probably not answering prayers for Finn through his grilled cheese sandwich. Finn is disappointed, and sings Losing My Religion. Kurt attends Sunday service with Mercedes, and he wears a fabulous hat. Mercedes asks the congregation to direct their prayers to Kurt and his father despite his lack of belief in God, and dedicates Bridge Over Troubled Water to him. The church is accepting of Kurt.
Sue is visiting with her sister when she asks her if she believes in God. Jean does believe in God and offers to pray for Sue. Sue accepts. Kurt returns to the hospital to visit with his father and shares his experience at church and how it brought back memories of a Friday night dinner. Kurt does not change his belief about God. Kurt’s dad squeezes his hand while he is talking. Finn eats his “grilled cheesus” sandwich. Glee club sings What if God was One of Us. Sue enjoys the performance.
*End of Glee Summary*
After being disappointed with last week’s episode on Season 2 of Glee, I was impressed with this one. Glee brought to light true issues affecting many teenagers and adults with their feelings on religion and homosexuality. Although Glee was still funny, the “grilled cheesus” episode provided drama and real-life issues on top of humor. The issues discussed during week 3 of Glee are giving me something to think about. I enjoyed the performances this week, as so much emotion was present. The songs also had more realism compared to the fantasy styles showcased in the Britney/Brittany show. This episode of Glee reminded me why I fell in love with the show in the first place!
Sources
Glee / Fox
