Seeing White

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills have been serving up some GOOD drama lately, and last night's episode was no exception. I'm going with the advice column format again, so please let me know how you like it.

Kyle: Your White Party was stunningly beautiful, that goes without saying. I really saw you break down last night when faced with the idea of turning away Taylor, who seems to be falling apart herself. I can only imagine that you didn't want to hurt her more by telling her she couldn't come into the party, and thereby possibly breaking an already fragile woman in the process. However, you came at the situation in the wrong way. Like Chris Colfer said on Watch What Happens Live, you could have given Taylor a heads up about Camille being there and asked them both to steer clear of each other to avoid drama. I think you were pressured, not only by Adrienne and Lisa, but by Mauricio and Paul, to not allow Russell and Taylor into the party. As you feared, it didn't end well, and you were probably the one most hurt of them all. Kyle's grade for the week: B.

Adrienne: You were visibly and audibly terrified that you would be next to receive a threatening email from Russell, and I can understand why you would be. You have businesses and assets to protect, not to mention the ugliness of a situation like that. You were so adamant that Taylor knew about Russell's email, I have to assume that you have also tired of Taylor's inconsistent stories and unpredictable behavior. You got your way, Taylor was sent home, and you seemed beyond relieved. Usually, you're the peacemaker, but last night, you and Paul took a stand and didn't back down. I just wonder if you regret the way it came across in hindsight. Adrienne's grade for the week: C.

Lisa: I'd give you extra points just for letting us spend more time with Kevin Lee (still my boyfriend), but that wouldn't be fair. But I did enjoy your wedding-band-tryout scene. That was fun. At the White Party, you were pro-sending-Taylor-and-Russell-home, but you weren't as pushy about it, in my opinion. You did bring up the fact that Russell had sent you an email threatening to sue you first, a couple of times, actually, but no one quite reacted to that. I loved your reaction to Kim coughing in your face, which was quite disgusting. I would have tolerated you smacking her in the face, but we all know you're too classy for that. Lisa's grade for the week: B.

Camille: The drama was centered around you, but you couldn't have looked more calm. I really don't think you would have started anything with Russell or Taylor at the White Party, but you were the perfect card for Adrienne to play so that she could get Kyle to disinvite Taylor to the party. You seemed to be just fine, almost unaware that three of your castmates were in a tizzy over your email from Russell. I think if Kyle would have spoken to you, you would have told her to let Taylor and Russell in, and you would have kept your distance. And I think you would have made your friend Dedra keep her nose out of your business this time. Camille's grade for the week: A.

Kim: Oh, Kim. You're just out of control, aren't you? I don't think you took Paul's advice about reconsidering your prescriptions. In fact, you seem even more hopped up, if that's possible. Your talk with your daughters about keeping the drama to themselves really would have been useful for you at the White Party. I don't even mind you bringing your new man to the party, even though he was kind of awkward and didn't stop you from making a complete ass out of yourself. You seemed hell-bent on confronting Brandi, and you did just that. I gotta say, that scene made me laugh but not because it was funny, but because it was so cringey. Instead of quitting while you were ahead (somewhat), you just kept going and going and going. You became a 7th grade bully, and it wasn't pretty on you. I'm glad you checked yourself into rehab, because you seem like a good person - this just wasn't your night. Kim's grade for the week: F.

Brandi: Kyle didn't uninvite you, even though you two had a slap-a-thon at "your" house in Malibu on the last episode. I kind of admire your ability to bounce back after altercations with these women. The only nut you haven't cracked yet is Kim, and I gotta tell ya, you probably never will. I agree that your language is unnecessarily vulgar at times, and you get a little messy when you drink, but you have won me over to a certain extent. You handled Kim better than you have in the past, you let her vent, but you didn't take too much abuse from her. You said your piece and you thought she'd say hers and move on. But you have to remember who you're dealing with. You were wrong to say she was on meth at the game night, but you were right tonight in saying she has substance abuse issues. And thank you for bringing Jennifer Gimenez to the White Party because I love to just watch her face while all this craziness unfolds in front of her. Brandi's grade for the week: A.

Dana: I actually remembered you were in this episode, so that's a plus. However, your constant pandering and butt-kissing is insufferable. Oh, and you show off more than I did when I was 7 years old when my mom's friends would come over. Which is A LOT. I think you could be fun to hang out with, but your desperation is a major turn off. Calm the eff down, lady. Dana's grade for the week: D.

Taylor: I saved you for last for a reason. You were surprisingly subdued this week, which I suspect has something to do with being in your husband's presence the entire show. I understand you were still trying to keep a lid on the pot that was boiling over, as you put it on Watch What Happens Live. Your response to being kicked out of a party you hadn't even entered yet was heart-breakingly calm, but there was a sadness and anger just below the surface that I saw when you smiled and told Kyle to enjoy her party. I think you had to play the part of the adoring wife just back from a lovely Vegas holiday with her husband, and to get such a negative reception at the party (that your closest friend was throwing) had to be slap in the face. No pun intended. When you and your husband got in the limo, and Kyle was pleading her case, I feel you were still playing the part you felt you had to play. I've been tough with you this whole season, but I'm giving you some slack this week, because I can't even imagine how angry I'd be if I were in your shoes in this episode. Oh, and Jennifer from Basketball Wives called, she's pissed off that you stole her peacock earrings. Come on, you know I had to say it. Taylor's grade this week: B.

Watch What Happens Live was a Glee-ful spectacular, with Lea Michele and Chris Colfer. The show was a lot of fun, and both guests are obviously Housewives fans. In fact, Nene is going to make an appearance on Glee! Bloop bloop! Lea revealed on the After Show that she wants to marry Albie from the Jersey franchise, which I totally cosign on. Check out the After Show here. This was the last WWHL of the season. and starting January 8th, we'll get to hang out with Andy Cohen five nights a week! I can't wait!

What did you think of this episode? Tweet me!

And the Winner is ...

The last two episodes of Glee were so great!! And I'm not talking about tonight's episode - that blog will be up tomorrow.

Overall, I'm loving the direction the show is going in. I feel like it's giving us a lot of options for plotlines in the future, and possibly spinoffs, which would be awesome as well.

Rachel got caught trying to rig the election for class president in Kurt's favor, and as a result, is banned from performing at Sectionals. Brittany wins the election after all, by the way.

Santana comes out to her parents, who accept it, but she doesn't get such a good reaction from her Abuela - who I'm still convinced is modeled after George Lopez's grandmother. Santana is still a mean girl, but since coming out, she's not completely evil. Now she just throws out clever insults and then laughs about it and holds hands with Brittany.

Quinn tries to seduce Puck, but he tells her he slept with Shelby instead. And can I just say, Puck and Shelby do make a cute couple. Quinn takes this information and plans to get Shelby fired with it. There's an awesome confrontation scene between them, and Rachel even gets into the mix.

Sectionals are here, and the Trouble Tones are the favorites to win. But I have to point out, New Directions sang three songs! Three! I won't ruin the ending for you, but I'm sure you can guess who won.

I can't wait for tonight's episode!! What do you think of Glee? Tweet me!

Rumor Has It

Glee has been bringing the DRAMA lately, right? I love it!

Puck is still in love with Shelby and rocks out with the boys to "Hot for Teacher". Cute.

Sue's still going forward with her dirty campaign aids implying Burt Hummell has a baboon heart. Kurt is livid (and looking fierce in his wrap/sweater/braided skull cap combo), and storms into Sue's office demanding an explanation. In her best Sue Sylvester sneer, she tells Kurt that politics is dirty, and that's why Kurt's losing the class president race.

Shelby and Will decide to motivate their respective glee clubs with a Mash-Up Mash-Off, and perform a mash-up of Lady Gaga's "You and I" with Eddie Rabbitt's song of the same name. It's not the best mash-up, in my opinion, because I have never heard the Eddie Rabbitt song, and if I have, it was evidently forgettable. The best mash-ups are comprised of two equally popular/recognizable songs. It could be a generational thing, too, so don't hate me too much for not loving it. I did love Idina singing the hell out of Gaga's song! You and I is one of my favorite songs from Born This Way.

Puck tells Shelby he wants her, and it's a lot awkward, since apparently they kissed! I must have looked down to write my notes at that very moment because I honestly don't remember that from last week's episode. (Must watch show first, then take notes.) Shelby insists their kiss was a mistake, but Puck isn't going to give up that easily. Plus, he's 18, so it's not illegal, just super creepy.

Finn volunteers Irish foreign exchange student, Rory, for a solo at sectionals, which is totally unnecessary in my opinion. The kid is likable, but damn, don't these kids want to win? Blaine for the solo! Quinn is still hellbent on getting her kid back in the shadiest plan ever. This girl is not only evil, but just plain sad. I can't even hate her because she's so tragic. Kind of like Taylor on Housewives of Beverly Hills. Quinn asks Shelby if she can join the Troubletones, and she says she'll think about it. Finn and Rory run into Santana and Brittany in the hallway and Santana doesn't ever pass up a chance to call Finn fat, so that's exactly what she does. When Finn and Rory try to insult her back, she gives them the business, referencing her inherited smack talking abilities (is it just me or did they just give her the same grandma as George Lopez? "Garbage face?" Anyone?). They settle on settling this with a game of dodgeball - New Directions vs. Troubletones.

Rachel asks Shelby to sign a pre-written letter of recommendation for her dream college, and Shelby praises Rachel and says she's proud of her. Shelby says she'll be cheering her on because she's a star. Rachel decides it's ok if Shelby actually writes her own letter of recommendation - I mean, if she's going to say all that, she better, right?

It's dodgeball time, and the mash-up for this scene is "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar and "One Way or Another" by Blondie. See, this one is more to my liking. The Troubletones, with their brutal acrobatic feats, destroy New Directions. After the match is over, Santana pelts Rory a couple more times mercilessly. Kurt comes to his rescue and condemns Santana for her actions.

Mercedes establishes herself as the leader of the Troubletones, to the dismay of Santana, and demands that Santana cool it with the cruelty from now on. Santana agrees, but only because Brittany bats her eyelashes at her - this girl is in LOVE! Santana somewhat apologizes to Finn, and it's totally insincere. Finn has had it and tells Santana to come out of the closet. This crushes Santana. Mind you, this happens in a crowded hallway within earshot of a bunch of students.

Burt's had enough of Sue's smear campaign and urges Will to fight fire with fire as his campaign manager. Puck goes to Shelby's house and tells her about Quinn's evil plan. Puck says he should be in Beth's life and he wants to be her dad for real. Shelby's understandably shaken by all this new information about Quinn.

New Directions performs their mash-up for the Mash-Off, "You Make My Dreams Come True" and "I Can't Go For That", both by Hall and Oates. Don't judge me, but I love me some Hall and Oates. They decided to pay homage to these 80s superstars for their ability to stay together for so long, just like New Directions. It was a fun performance, complete with costumes, dancing, and light-hearted fun.

The debate for class president is underway, and Brittany promises to make tornadoes illegal and to go topless on Tuesdays. Really? Is she just a high school prostitute now? Kurt takes the mic and explains that he was never about dirty politics and he's not going to start now. He wants to ban dodgeball as it is a tool to bully and there's no place for that at McKinley High anymore. Rachel tells the crowd that she is withdrawing from the race and her vote will go to Kurt. I am so glad she's realized she can't turn her back on her bestie anymore. Kurt asks Rachel why she decided to do this, and she says she wants him to be class president so he can get into their dream college together. She can't imagine going without him. And a friendship is reborn.

Quinn goes to Shelby's and gets a pretty harsh verbal beat down from Shelby. This girl seriously needed a wake up call. Let's hope she listened. But I doubt it. Santana is called into Sue's office, and Will and Burt are there. Sue explains that in politics, things get dirty, and they show her a campaign ad from another candidate running against Burt and Sue. It "outs" her and condemns Sue for having a lesbian lead the Cheerios. This ad will be running in a matter of hours. Turns out one of the kids in the hallway during Finn's outburst is the niece of the other candidate. Santana breaks down, crying because she hasn't come out to her family yet.

The Troubletones' mash-up is "Rumor Has It" and "Someone Like You" by Adele. They knock it out of the park, with Santana and Mercedes as the lead singers. They have a great group behind them, and their outfits and hair were awesome. (Sorry, I notice that stuff.) At the end of the performance, Santana screams at Finn for outing her in the hallway, blaming him for the campaign ad. She slaps him, which shocks everyone. This girl is falling apart, and no matter how mean she is, I feel for her.

The next episode will air on December 1st, and for some reason, Bieste's boo is on a date with Sue (?), and there's more Puck/Shelby/Quinn drama, plus we'll see what happens with Santana.

What did you think of this episode? Tweet me!

Scandals!

This week's episode of Glee was pretty intense, on several levels.

Artie is thriving as director of the school musical, West Side Story, and all seems right with the world. Rachel and Blaine are in rehearsals, singing "Tonight", which is easily one of the best Broadway tunes ever. Artie decides their lack of sexual experience is hindering their performance. How can they sing about passion and lust if neither of them knows what that really feels like? I actually think their inexperience is valuable to their performance - all that tension right underneath the surface could be quite useful.

Finn is super excited about an upcoming visit from an Ohio State recruiter, which also happens to be the object of Coach Bieste's affection. Only she hasn't confessed her feelings for him. Oh, and turns out, Bieste is a virgin as well.

The Warblers turn in a rousing version of "Uptown Girl" while Blaine watches. He's there to invite the guys to West Side Story. There's a new Warbler in town, and he's dangerous. His name is Sebastian, and he is a shameless flirt. He's a home wrecker! And I am anti-home wrecker!

Santana and Rachel rehearse "A Boy Like That", and give us serious drama. These girls are talented, no doubt about it. Although, I can't not think about Rita Moreno's iconic performance in the movie. Rent "West Side Story" and prepare to be blown away.

Blaine meets Sebastian for coffee, and tells him that he has a boyfriend. Sebastian says that doesn't bother him. See? I told you! Home-wrecker! Thankfully, Kurt shows up and makes it more than obvious that Blaine is his and he's not going anywhere. Sebastian invites them to a gay bar. To Blaine's surprise, Kurt accepts the invitation. Kurt wants to start to take chances, and this seems like the perfect opportunity.

Finn and Rachel have a romantic dinner at Finn's house (all alone). They're celebrating 4 months of bliss, and Rachel initiates a makeout session. She wants to take it further, but lets it slip that she wants to "get this done by opening night", so that her performance can be as truthful as possible. Finn gets offended and leaves. Rachel totally screwed herself on this one, no pun intended.

Mike Chang's father confronts him about being in the school play after he explicitly told him to quit dancing. Mike stands up to his father and refuses to quit. Mr. Chang threatens to disown him, to which Mike says, "I don't have a dad anymore."

Artie learns that the Ohio State recruiter has feelings for Coach Bieste, and urges him to ask her out. He does, but Bieste can't quite believe the recruiter is sincere. She explains that she's not the pretty girl, and the recruiter tells her that she's beautiful. She finally accepts, and I'm really happy they're giving Bieste a love interest. Finally!

Rachel calls a girls meeting about her disastrous night with Finn and they all agree she should wait to have sex. Santana takes the opportunity to slam Finn's lovemaking skills, while Quinn reminds everyone of how having sex ruined her perfect life. Tina pipes up and shares how her first time was amazing, and says she doesn't regret it at all. Rachel now looks even more confused than usual.

Kurt and Blaine show up at the gay bar ("Scandals" - LOVE that name!) with fake IDs in hand. The scene is a little less than fabulous, but the guys give it a chance. Sebastian welcomes the boys and wastes no time getting Blaine on the dancefloor with him. To my personal surprise, Karovsky shows up and chats it up with Kurt! OMG! At least he's not being violent. Karovsky reveals that he's much happier now that he's going to a different high school, and he's apparently a bearcub. Kurt encourages him to be whatever he wants to be at his own speed. Good advice. Kurt then runs to the dancefloor and cuts in to dance with Blaine, who's intoxicated. As they're leaving, Blaine makes moves on Kurt, but Kurt refuses since it's neither the right time or place - and Blaine's drunk. Blaine doesn't take the rejection well and walks home, but not before throwing a dig at Kurt about trying to be spontaneous and fun.

It's opening night, and Rachel and Blaine are still virgins. They're both freaking out, but it's more about the musical than anything else. Artie is in a panic as well, after all these weeks of pretending he knows what he's doing, he's worried that everything is wrong. The cast gives him a bouquet of flowers and says thank you for putting the show together. We see the cast perform the showstopper "America", and they really did do a great job. I loved the fact that they had the Jets jump into the performance for a bit. All things considered, the show is a success.

Blaine apologizes to Kurt after the show and they have a really touching conversation. Who else is bummed we haven't seen Kurt's Officer Krupke?! I wanna see that!! The boys pass on the afterparty, and opt to go to Blaine's house instead. Finn is devastated because the recruiter passed on him, so he's spinning out of control with disappointment in himself. Rachel reassures him that he'll find a new dream, and that they'll figure it out together. The wedding scene plays while scenes of Blaine and Kurt and Rachel and Finn come and go, leading us to believe that each of these couples have taken their relationships to the next level.

Next week, Santana and Rachel go for eachother's jugular and there's a crazy dodgeball fight. Oh, and Puck and Shelby may or may not get it on.

What did you think of this episode? Tweet me!

Race to the Top

West Side Story is one of my most favorite movies ever. I've mentioned before that I used to watch it almost every day as a child. Why I haven't made my Broadway debut yet is beyond me. The latest episode of "Glee" centers around West Side Story - more specifically, the casting choices for the lead roles.

Mike Chang, who impressed me a great deal in this episode, is struggling with his father's extremely high expectations of him. Mike got an A- (which is referred to as an "Asian F" apparently), and has to hide the fact that he's practicing for his audition for the role of Riff, Tony's best friend. I think this is a great role for him, since he has the dancing chops and acting ability. His audition is stellar, and his voice is awesome. His mother understands that his dream is to be a performer, and unlike his father, won't steer him into a career he doesn't want. She confesses that she wanted to be a dancer when she was young, but put her aspirations aside to have a family. The moment when Mike teaches his mother to dance was especially touching.

Brittany is bringing out the big guns in the race for class president. And when I say guns, I mean Beyonce dance moves. She killed "Who Run The World (Girls)" and all but eliminated Kurt from having any kind of chance to win. She's evidently running on a platform of girl power, and it seems to be working.

Meanwhile, Mercedes is in a personal crisis. She's in pain in booty camp and not getting any sympathy from Mr. Shuster or anyone else for that matter. She turns in a wonderful audition for the role of Maria, but the wait to find out who got the role is weighing heavily on her. When Mercedes can't (or won't) do a particularly difficult dance move in booty camp, the glee club turns on her and she knocks "It's All Over" from "Dreamgirls" out of the park. But that's not all. Rachel and Mercedes are then told they have to audition again for the role of Maria, singing the same song - "Out Here On My Own". Both of them do amazingly well - which is why they're both cast in the role, one will perform one week and the other the next. Rachel seems to be ok with this arrangement, but Mercedes isn't having it. If she can't have the role all to herself, she doesn't want it at all. To what do we owe this bold, brazen, and almost bully-ish Mercedes? I think it has something to do with this new boyfriend of hers. Mercedes then approaches Shelby to be a part of the new glee club ... interesting!

Rachel is shocked by Mercedes' reaction to the casting news, but that's the least of her worries. She was so desperate to have her senior year be great that she decided to run for class president as well, thereby hurting Kurt's feelings even more. Kurt just can't get a break, am I right? Rachel's spinning since she basically got the role by default, which in her mind is unacceptable.

Mr. Shuster and Emma are still going strong despite Emma's ginger-supremacist parents who like to ridicule her OCD. Damn, these two love each other.

Next week is going to be a good one! What did you think of this episode? Tweet me!

I Feel Pretty

Gleeks! I loved this week's episode of Glee, probably because I used to watch "West Side Story" every day when I was little. No joke.

Quinn is still in bad girl mode and gets sucked into helping Sue with her campaign by confronting Will about how the arts failed her. Will delivers an amazing "GROW UP" speech and makes Quinn cry a little bit. But not enough to snap out of her funk.

Brittany approaches Kurt about running for class president and offers to help with the campaign. But after seeing the posters she's created for him, Kurt worries they're too in-your-face-gay. There are enough rainbows and unicorns on these things to make you vomit glitter. Brittany explains that Kurt is special and should embrace who he is - a particularly fabulous flamboyant gay man.

Rachel is startled by her biological mother Shelby, played by Idina Menzel,  showing up at McKinley again. Turns out, Sugar - who failed miserably in her glee club audition - has a wealthy daddy who has demanded a second glee club be created to feature his baby girl. And he's hired Shelby to coach said glee club. Shelby assures Will that she won't steal any of his students, and Will amicably replies that he's ok with it since it means more of the arts in the school. Shelby and Rachel have a wonderful moment preparing for the West Side Story auditions, as per usual for the amazingly talented Idina and Lea Michele, remember "Poker Face"?

Speaking of the auditions, Will has delegated that role to Emma, Coach Bieste, and Artie. I think it's an inspired choice, and I like their judging styles. They're fair and honest, but not mean, at least not yet. Will is busy teaching "Booty Camp" with Mike Chang for those who aren't as dance-friendly in the performances. And if they're going to win Nationals this year, they all need to be at the top of their game, not only with their singing, but dancing as well.

Kurt auditions for the role of Tony, but sings a Barbra tune (don't worry, he asked Rachel's permission), "I'm the Greatest Star." It was an amazing performance, but unfortunately, didn't give the judges much insight as to how he would play the leading man role. Kurt overhears the judges expressing their doubts, so he recruits Rachel to help him audition again. This time, a dramatic audition of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet". Kurt's attempts at masculinity are met with laughter and he bolts out of the audition. At that very moment, Brittany is hanging up the pink/rainbow/glitter posters emblazoned with Kurt's face on them sporting a unicorn horn, and he's horrified.

To make matters worse for our friend Kurt, Blaine auditions for the play, too. He makes it clear he doesn't want the role of Tony, so that Kurt can have it. But after a jaw dropping performance of "Who Knows", the judges ask him to read for Tony anyway. Kurt sees it all from the balcony and walks away in despair. Kurt speaks to his amazing dad about not ever being the leading man due to his over the top personality, and his dad gives him the best advice ever. Create your own roles. Don't wait for someone to accept you and put you in their picture of whatever story they're telling. Paint your own picture.

Puck makes Quinn speak to Shelby, who adopted their baby. Shelby tells Quinn that she wants her in the baby's life, but only if she cleans up her act. Quinn can't handle the second reality check she's gotten this episode, and hatches a plan to pretend to change so that she can fight for custody of her baby. Things just got REAL, people!

Brittany talks to Santana about Kurt not loving her campaign ideas. Santana suggests Brittany run for president herself, since she's so passionate about it. So Brittany does just that. It's gonna be an interesting race!

I loved this episode. What did you think? Tweet me!