‘Glee’ Recap: New Directions Divided Into Katys & Gagas; New York Crew Forms A Band

by uInterviewNovember 8, 2013, 12:00 amNews >

Glee returned from its four-week hiatus with "A Katy or a Gaga"– a mostly light-hearted episode, which allowed the Fox series to return to its more playful musical roots.

Mr. Shue (Matthew Morrison) announces to the Glee club that they’re going to have some new stiff competition at Nationals this year, which will take place in seven short weeks. One of the groups – Throat Explosion – is rumored to be a powerful supergroup that channels the pop diva-ness of the Lady Gaga. When Tina (Jenna Ushkowitz) claims that New Directions more closely resembles Katy Perry, Mr. Shue comes up with an assignment.

The New Directions members divide themselves up into those who are more Gaga and those who are more Perry. Although Tina thinks Gaga left the club when Kurt (Chris Colfer) went to New York, Unique (Alex Newell) pulls her in with the Gagas, along with Jake (Jacob Artist) and Kitty (Becca Tobin). On the Perry side is Marley (Melissa Benoist), Sam (Chord Overstreet), Blaine (Darren Criss), Artie (Kevin McHale) and Ryder (Blake Jenner). Mr. Shue then switches the assignment up and tells the “Gagas” to perform a Katy Perry song and visa versa.

In New York, Kurt has assigned himself his own project – putting together a mainstream indie band (he nixed the Madonna tribute idea). Santana (Naya Rivera) and her new love interest Dani (Demi Lovato) are completely on board, but the same can’t be said for Rachel (Lea Michele). She’s starring in her first Broadway show and still grieving for Finn, and doesn’t think she could handle the added commitment.

Since Rachel is out, Kurt, Santana and Dani hold auditions for additional members. After a slew of subpar auditions, in walks Stardust (Adam Lambert). The American Idol alum kills his cover of Lady Gaga’s “Marry the Night,” in a performance that includes pelvic thrusts from the floor and swinging from a chandelier. Santana is visibly in awe, but Kurt shuts it down, thinking Stardust is too flamboyant for the band he wants to put together

In Lima, Sam is determined to woo Nurse Penny. Posted up at his locker, he stops her as she walks past. He’s stunned to see that she has a massive tattoo on her arm, and she’s equally stunned to learn he’s a fan of the Nickelodeon series True Jackson, VP. While Sam thinks its kind of cool Penny is into Skrillex and tattoos, Penny is totally turned off by his childlike locker décor. She’s more interested in the high school senior who was once a stripper.

Attempting to regain Penny’s attentions, Sam decides to lead his Gaga group in a racy performance of “Applause.” Shirtless and donning bony angel wings, the former “exotic entertainer” dominates the stage. Ryder plays his part in the cage well, while Artie sports Gaga’s album cover makeup. Blaine, meanwhile, dons silver hot pants, a lime green jacket and an inexplicable blond wig. Unfortunately for Sam, Penny is a no show. Also, Marley didn’t wear the seashell bikini, opting instead for a Katy Perry look, so Mr. Shue suspends her from Glee club.

Also struggling in the love life department are the coupled up Jake and Marley. Jake is both bored with all of Marley’s interests, which include cats and Julie Andrews, and wants to take their relationship to the next level physically. As a compromise, they make plans to go to a John Mayer concert. Meanwhile, Bree is putting the moves on Jake, who looks increasingly ready and willing to cheat on his purer girlfriend.

The Gaga group assigned to channel Katy Perry is struggling to decide on a song and a gimmick, and Jake is definitely not into the Tiger makeup and costume them put him in. In the end, they take on a stripped down version of Katy Perry’s ballad “Wide Awake.” The designated Perrys are impressed (and jealous) of their peers while watching in the audience. Also in the audience is Sam and Nurse Penny, fresh off a make out session in her office. It turns out she’s actually more of a Perry fan herself.

Back in New York, Rachel successfully points out to Kurt that he’s not only being hypocritical, but he’s not giving himself the chance to shine amongst the best. At the diner, he tells Stardust (real name Elliot Gilbert) that he’d love to have him in the band. The band, however, is still without a name – Apocalypsticks, Nipslips and Areola 51 have all been tossed out. When Rachel comes home from rehearsal for Funny Girl, she suggests Pamela Lansbury, and the band is born – and now includes the burgeoning Broadway star.

The final song of the episode – “Roar” – is performed simultaneously by both the new NYC band and New Directions. While the Glee club channels Tarzan and Jane, swinging from the rafters, the five up-and-coming singers channel the city-dwelling aspiring artists that they are. For the Glee club, they’re getting empowered to survive Sue and win Nationals, and the members of the new band are emboldened to “make it.”

Glee airs Thursdays on Fox at 9/8c.

– Chelsea Regan

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