Glee: 2.08--'Furt'

[jan_rea]

I've recently watched the newest episode for Glee--'Furt', and can only say that I love it to pieces with my heart. It made me laugh, it made me smile, it made me feel anger, pain and sorrow, and it made me cry in joy and in sadness, that's just how good I think it is.

And I can honestly (and embarrassingly) say that I've re-watched the whole episode for nearly ten times now, and kept on listening to the songs 'Just The Way You Are' and 'Marry You' for more times than what would be considered healthy,
After watching 'Furt', and also reading shit tons of comments on it, I finally decided to write this, as feelings are getting kind of hard to control....

Anyway, anyone who is up for some lengthy opinion of mine, feel free to click the link to read more~! =)



I love the episode. But then I went and read a few reviews/forums/community discussions and realized that a lot of people hated it too, and they also hated the fact that the show had been centering on Kurt so much.

I can't change what people think, but I can say that I really don't understand people's thoughts, which might be pretty similar to those who don't understand why I love this episode and Kurt so much.

But when I don't understand something, when my opinions differ from others, I like to go and read other people's opinions, or their POV/argument. It makes me think and rejudge my views, and if in the end I was wrong, I concede defeat; but if I still stand by my view, at least I can now understand why there are others who think differently than me. I don't like single mindedness, and love to challenge my own mind and thoughts. 

Regarding why I love this episode, I'm going to launch into an uber-long rant like dissection of the whole episode:

It starts like any typical Glee episode, throwing us into the loop without us having to figure it out ourselves. Burt has officially asked Carole to marry him, and she has agreed, and they break the news to Kurt and Finn. From Kurt's excited but confused look while hearing Burt describe everything to his reaction of hearing the proposal, and his exclamation of "Oh, Dad." in an utter disbelieving voice; coupled with Finn's shock at hearing the engagement and the fact that there IS going to be a wedding and the way he choked out that he was happy for his mum, it was obvious that there are two completely different reactions to the news, and it shows just how unprepared Finn was for this, while it shows how Kurt welcomes it.

And I don't know if anyone noticed, but Kurt said: "This is exactly what I needed.", while proclaiming that he is taking on the task as the wedding planner. I feel that this single sentence unintentionally shows just how much Kurt needs to do something in order to take his mind off the bullying and also to put some happiness back into his life again.

The scene with Sam and Finn shows how much they both crave the status and attention of their peers but was as a whole, not completely necessary except for the base to which Sam later gives Quinn a ring and asks for her affection and trust.

The scene of Kurt with Karofsky was once again done extremely well, and I think that both actors did an amazing job in portraying their characters. Karofsky was brilliantly creepy in a way that he wasn't even physically harassing Kurt and just speaking to him and yet he manages to freak Kurt out so much that his voice trembles and wavers when he says that he doesn't want Karofsky anywhere near him. And the small smirk that Karofsky gives in the end and the way he pries out the wedding couple figure and slowly puts it inside his pocket actually sent tremors down my spine just trying to imagine the terror I would feel if it was me. And the way Kurt freezes up and starts to shiver violently in fear even after Karofsky has left shows that it isn't only physical damage that is inflicted, but also some very major mental damage from the constant fear and pressure. And although it's quite odd, I actually loved this scene. It shows that bullying doesn't limits itself to physical harm, and it's actually the fear that was inflicted itself and the damage to one's self esteem and feeling of security that makes bullying even more the worst.

And although it's slightly delayed, Mr. Schue finally takes note of the situation and brings Kurt to the principal, which is Sue Sylvester. Even though Sue was her usual blunt and sarcastic self, it shows through that she actually cares about the situation, but there was just nothing she could do about it. It shows her as an educator, although she is not the type to placate students, but tell them the harsh truth so they can come to terms with it. Her harsh words are actually advices in disguise, delivered in a scathing tone which again masks her concern about the situation, playing herself out to be the villain, which is one thing I love about Sue--her selfish way of showing her selflessness. (Contradictory much? XD) Kurt's disbelief and feeling of unjust that there's nothing he could do against the bullying is again a testament to how much people actually cared about such situations, and also the steps that are being taken to prevent such bullying from happening.

The scene with Rachel trying to pool help to defend Kurt was amusing but heart warming at the same time. A lot of fans have been angry that even though everyone were bullied, it was Kurt who got all the sympathy and focus and help, but I think that the one line by Tina during this scene pretty much sums it up. And I love that even though they were bullied themselves, the Glee girls and guys all decide to stand up and help Kurt. When Artie and Mike confronted Karofsky in the locker room, I was mentally cheering the whole time. And although Sam jumped in at the end to help out, I still feel that the Artie and Mike, who were the ones who spoke up first, should have taken the credit.

Then is the scene of Kurt trying to teach Burt and Finn to dance. The scene started innocently enough, and the way Kurt taught Burt was very fun to watch. Finn's awkwardness at being seen dancing with Kurt shows that he still hasn't fully accepted and embraced who Kurt is and was also embarrassed and afraid of being seen with Kurt. Then Karofsky had showed up and mocked at them, which was all taken in by Burt, who then demands an explanation. Burt's protectiveness and concern for Kurt was amazing to watch, and showcases even more of what a wonderful father Burt is, and just how much he loves Kurt. And when Kurt finally stammers out that Karofsky has threatened to kill him, Burt's look of outrage along with Finn's flabbergasted expression was pure gem. I think it has only sunk in to Finn then just how serious the situation is, and he was still trying to come to terms with it when Burt has rushed off. And while I can rationally say that Burt, as a grown man, shouldn't have man-handled a student, I know that if it was my family being threatened, I wouldn't even think twice before doing the exact same thing.

And when Kurt and Finn rushes out to stop Burt, Kurt's plea of : "Please, you're sick. Come on." just pulls at my heart. Kurt is only worried about his dad's situation, showing just how much he loves his father. And while I felt sorry for Finn when he was reprimanded by Burt, it was what Finn had needed to hear and re-evaluate himself, I think.

The parents with sons confrontation in Sue's office was interesting to watch. I hadn't expected that Karofsky's dad would be such a reasonable and worried parent, and the way Kurt chose to not out Karofsky was also a bonus. It shows that Kurt, although being bullied, still has morals, and will not rattle out what happened even though he hates Karofsky and what had been done to him by the bully. I think that the fact that Kurt has in a round-about way sensed Karofsky's panic and fear and helped him out by keeping it a secret will be something that the bully will learn to appreciate and maybe think over. And the way that Karofsky's dad has noticed that there was something wrong with his son shows that he does pay attention to his child, and is in fact a caring parent. This shows that the fact that Karofsky has so vehemently denied who he is that it has taken a toll on his whole being. And the way his personality has changed also proves just how much he wishes to show to others and himself that he isn't gay and wouldn't at all be attracted to males.

I think that this makes a very good basis to explore the Karofsky character, because while we can see the perils and hardships that Kurt has to go through as an out-of-the-closet and honestly homosexual man, Karofsky's case can show us exactly just how hard it is on a person who doesn't want to come to term with his own sexuality and is denying his own being by acting out in the worst possible manner--hating what he is himself.

And of course, then comes the wedding scene, I personally loved the way they danced and sang down the aisle, even though it was slightly unorthodox. But hey! It's funny and cheerful and wedding-y, which sets the perfect mood for such a joyous occasion.

And then comes the vows. Which is another thing that a lot of fan had problems with, saying that it wasn't realistic and that it was all about Kurt again.

And while I agree the vows seem awkward, I have to make my own opinion concerning the contents of the vows. In Burt's case, even though he addresses Kurt, in the end he was genuinely proclaiming his love and gratitude for having Carole in his life. And with Carole, it shows that she is genuinely happy and willing to have both Burt and Kurt at the same time. Her words seemed to be a console to Kurt, who is getting a new mother, and Carole also states in the end that it is four person becoming a family, therefore including in Finn and also reassuring and convincing Finn of her happiness at the same time. Which is why I don't think it is Kurt-centric at all. Finn and Kurt both look to be touched to tears by the end, and I feel that what the show is trying to convey is that they have finally accepted one another and recognized each other for family, and that it isn't only Carole and Burt getting married and that they are both forced to tag along.

And I love Mr. Schue's happy expression during the wedding. He seems so wistful that I wonder if he is reminded of how lonely he is recently.

And then comes the wedding party. I personally found the Carole and Burt dancing scene to be charming. Burt has such an intense look of concentration and seems to be trying so hard to not mess up the steps, and Carole seems overjoyed and thrilled at having the dance, They both shows just how happy they are with one another.

It is then Finn's turn to give a speech. And while it was originally supposed to be a speech dedicated to the wedding couple, Finn decides to dedicate it to Kurt instead. (Of course, fans were screaming that it is wrong and that wedding couples should have gotten the spotlight.) True, it was awkward, it was weird, it seemed out of place in a wedding, and it isn't even about the couple.

But was it heart warming? Yes. Touching? Yes. Showing a necessary step that Finn had to take in order to change his old self and accept Kurt as family? Yes!!

And when Finn went over and put down the microphone, telling Kurt that he will be dancing with Finn instead, the look of amazement and utter incredulity on Kurt's face was enough to make me break into the most biggest smile.

The whole scene of Finn singing the song was amazing, and I loved it to the very last detail. From all of Kurts expressions: Wonder and disbelief as he roamed his eyes over the whole scene while Finn and the Glee guys broke into song; Embarrassment and reluctance and eventually giving in to Finn pulling him up from his seat (the rolling eyes were adorable); the way he smiled with tears of happiness and an utter heart wrenching look of joy and gratitude on his face while watching Finn and everyone dance and sing and the look on his face as he embraced Finn as a brother--These were all gems from the show.

Along with Finn's brilliant performance while he sang, dedicating the song not only to Kurt, but also to Rachel and Carole, telling both of the two important women in his life just how much he loves them and just how beautiful and amazing he thinks all of three of them are.

During the brotherly hug that Finn and Kurt shared, which totally shows that they have officially recognized the other as family, it could be seen that Burt and Carole were both touched and happy for both of their sons. When Kurt and Finn then turns to them and Finn sings to his mother, the look of realization and wide eyed excitement on both Burt and Carole's face as they scrambled off their seats just leaves my heart pulsing with a happy beat, filling me with fuzzy warmth.

And of course, I can proudly say that I actually cried during this scene, it was just so touching that I looked like a mad person, simultaneously smiling, giggling and yet crying at the same time....XD

And Mr. Schue's expressions were once again golden. Peaceful happiness and joy showing through as he took in the scene, looking as though he was both glad and wistful that his students all seemed to have grown up and were all enjoying themselves and sticking up for one another. 

To say it easier, he looks as if he has seen family, and is content to stick to the sidelines and memorize and take down every single detail of the moment.

I love the Mr. Schue in this episode. I feel as though the him in season 1 has been returned back, and I absolutely adore him~

But in the end, it turns out that the school board has allowed Karofsky to return back to school and Sue has decided to resign in protest. Kurt, Burt and Carole were all horrified and appalled at this news, and Kurt was even more devastated than before. The small pointed look Burt and Carole shared before telling Kurt that there is something they need to talk to him about leads to Kurt breaking the news to the whole New Directions members that his parents had decided to use their honeymoon money to transfer him to Dalton Academy.

And of course, the glee members were all shocked to hear the news. But even though they try to convince Kurt to stay, his mind is made up, and the ending scene in which Kurt apologizes to Mercedes and also to everyone before he turns and leaves was an utter heart-wrenching moment.

~And that's it! My own dissection on the episode and why I loved it~

It was brilliant in every single manner. Sure, there were a few odd moments and flaws in the plot, but nothing is perfect, and I love it even for it's imperfectness. I love how it can evoke such emotions within me and touch me so deeply in such a short span, and I love how this seems like a pivotal turning point in the dynamics of the characters and storyline~

Which leads to me being overly anxious and excited and completely looking forward to the next episode.

And I love both Kurt and Chris Colfer. The character, from his flawed personality to the portrayal of his character. And the actor, for how brilliant he is in acting out every single scene with such precise and genuine emotion and expressions and actions. Coupled together, the scenes just pulls me in with each captivating look, gesture and sentence. --Obviously a Kurt/ Chris Colfer FanGirl!!--

And I'm also beginning to like Rachel, even though her character can be so annoying at times~XD

Can't wait to see the next episode!!!!! Give me more GLEE!!!

*goes and re-watch 'Furt' again*