‘Glee’ Premiere Recap: Kurt Gets Engaged To Blaine; Rachel’s Broadway Plans Thwarted

Glee premiered on Thursday night with the first hour of their two-episode Beatles tribute, and its first time on the air since the passing of series star Cory Monteith.

Rachel (Lea Michele) returns to her callback audition to play the leading role of Fannie Mae in Funny Girl, originated by the one and only Barbra Streisand. After singing just a few lines, she’s cut off and dismissed. Walking out of the theater, Rachel eavesdrops on the panel discussing her performance. They’re all in agreement that she has talent, but that perhaps she’s not experienced enough to take on the iconic role. Dressed in a hot pink trench coat, Rachel delivers a melancholy and touching performance of “Yesterday” as she walks through Central Park.

Short on cash, Rachel needs a job, which Santana (Naya Rivera) hooks her up with at a singing diner. During her lunch shift, both the director and lead actor pop in for a bite. In addition to their sandwiches, they’re treated to a rendition of “A Hard Days Night” by Rachel, Santana and the rest of the wait staff.

Back in Ohio, Mr. Shue (Matthew Morrison) makes his cursory speech to the glee club about the theme for the next two weeks. He explains that the greatness of the Beatles is something they should aspire to in preparing to win nationals again. The remaining New Directioners burst into "Drive My Car," with new flirtation Artie (Kevin McHale) and Kitty (Becca Tobin) taking the leads.

Kitty is definitely into Artie, but is wary of taking the relationship public, as she fears getting judged for dating the boy in a wheelchair. Her sentiment is highlighted through song in “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.” Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) gets in Kitty’s face about disrespecting her former love, and soon enough the nasty cheerleader softens up and announces the relationship to the glee club.

Visiting from the Big Apple, Kurt (Chris Colfer) picnics with Blaine (Darren Criss) on the concrete courtyard. Blaine, once again, is making an appeal to Kurt to give their relationship another honest go, and this time, Kurt doesn’t resist. Proving that he’s all in again, Kurt jumps up and bursts into the upbeat “Got to Get You Into My Life,” and is soon accompanied on the vocals by Blaine.

Now that he’s been assured that Kurt’s feelings for him are as strong as ever, Blaine gets back into planning a proposal. Singing “Help,” he recruits New Directions and members from other glee clubs to aid him in putting together an epic performance proposal. Still trying to comfort Tina – his former friend-turned-creepy attempted seducer – Blaine gets Ryder (Blake Jenner), Jake (Jacob Artist) and Sam (Chord Overstreet) to accompany him in serenading her with “I Saw Her Standing There.” She then gets to select one of them to take her to prom; she lands on Sam because in her words, he’s the “least gay and least Asian.”

Kurt learns about Blaine’s proposal plans and wrestles with how he’ll reply. Seeking advice from his dad, the ever-amazing Burt Hummel (Mike O'Malley), he hears an anecdote about how his dad never wanted to waste any time not being with his mom. For the elaborate proposal, Blaine has Kurt return to Dalton, where he’s treated to a collaborative glee club effort of “All You Need Is Love.” Once Kurt is delivered to the stairwell – the exact spot he and Blaine first met – Blaine begins his speech. Kurt, whose eyes fill with loving tears, says “yes” and Glee fans' favorite couple becomes engaged.

Next week on Glee, there will be more Beatles, prom and Demi Lovato making her debut as Santana’s coworker and new love interest.

Glee airs on Fox Thursdays at 9/8c.

– Chelsea Regan

Get Uinterview's FREE iPhone App For Daily News Updates here.

Get the FREE Uinterview iPad app here and watch our videos anywhere.