#finding kh

[spaceorphan18]

hello! what are your favorite s6 kurt moments?

Oh my goodness, this ask makes me so happy - thank you for asking!

I was going to have pictures with this but Tumblr won't allow me more then ten so.... I apologize. (stupid tumblr)

In chronological order...

1. Rachel's Bedroom, Loser Like Me

One of the things I like about Kurt is that he's kind of hard on the outside and soft on the inside. And in Season 6, he finally kind of allows himself to confront and deal with all the hard things that have to do with his breaking it off with Blaine - and coming to terms that he needed to work on himself.

I loved this conversation because it addresses a couple of things -- a) that Kurt is going to therapy and working on himself, b) he wants Blaine back because he loves Blaine, not because he's just lonely in New York, and c) he's come to terms that with the fact that maybe he can't or shouldn't do everything on his own all the time. Yes - he did come back to win Blaine's heart again, but he also came back so that he can be in a place where he has a support group that can help him through troubled times.

2. The entire Scandals scene, Loser Like Me

Kurt doesn't put himself out there very often, and this entire scene is Kurt putting himself out there -- and dealing with the consequences of his own actions. I love every painful second of it because we get to see Kurt say to Blaine, hey, I'm here and I fucked up but I'm going to win you back. And he's not some graceful swan while doing it either, he's an incredibly awkward duckling through it - because Kurt in his early 20s is still learning and growing.

And then at the end of the scene, we see Kurt lock himself in a bathroom and break down. And it's hard. But I think it shows just how rough a time he's having, and just how much he's broken his own heart as well as Blaine's. This whole scene is so gut wrenching, and yet so good. I love seeing Kurt's real emotions.

3. The Choir Room with Rachel, Homecoming

I love Rachel and Kurt as teachers - every time they have to share responsibility together it's absolutely hilarious. I also love the fact that Kurt was sorting sheet music by emotion - because that's insane - but also that's how Kurt relates to music.

4. Choir Room with Rachel, Jagged Little Tapestry

Okay, it's honestly hard not to say that EVERY moment in this episode is a favorite Kurt moment, so I'll refrain from doing that (but this is one of my all time favorite Kurt episodes). Again - this is some fantastic comedy between Kurt and Rachel as they try to teach the new kids. It's so hilarious.

5. Backstage with Brittany, Jagged Little Tapestry

I actually really like the friendship between Kurt and Brittany - she's one person who really isn't ever afraid to tell him how it is and be honest yet accepting.

I like this moment because it's another chance for Kurt to be truthful about his feelings - about how he isn't ready to let go of loving Blaine. And how Brittany's advice is actually not bad -- that he's allowed to have those feelings and still live his life. He's going to end up chatting with new guys and dating Walter, and that doesn't diminish how he feels about Blaine. But he isn't holding himself back from living life, either.

And that's a healthy thing. I appreciate the conversation here.

6. The Stage/Klaine Memories, Jagged Little Tapestry

I love this so fucking much I can't even tell you. I love that the song represents how he's feeling (and I can go on and on about my love of the song Head Over Feet for Kurt...) I love that he's remembering his relationship with Blaine, but not just the good times -- the bad and hard times, too, and that he misses all of it. He misses... Blaine. And his relationship. And he's hurting really deeply. I love that this is AFTER his conversation with Brittany and AFTER he accepts that he does need to continue on his with life. But that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. And his feelings won't magically just go away. And I love that he's outwardly emotional - Kurt just keeps things buried under 100 layers, but he's going to therapy now and being honest and more open about how feels about things. And that's tough. But and it's hard to watch. But it's good for Kurt to grow this way. Just - yes... everything here.

7. Choir Room with Rachel, Jagged Little Tapestry

I like this moment because it's another moment about him being open about how he's feeling - and how his emotions are effecting him. I always love when we get to see inside Kurt's head - and I'm so proud of him for continuing to say how he feels - acknowledge the fact that he keeps fucking up in the process - and try to continue on anyway. Yes - this episode is SO good!

8. Sue's Office, The Hurt Locker pt. 1

I think I'm just really entertained that Sue is not only so invested in Kurt's life - but the fact that the writers (through Sue) took the time to acknowledge just how attractive Kurt has gotten over the years. Nice objectifying camera pan you've got going there, lol.

9. Auditorium with Blaine, The Hurt Locker Pt. 1

Ooofff, hard conversations are hard. I love this scene for the subtext in it. Both he and Blaine are trying to be adults - and trying to be accepting of the other one trying to move on, and inwardly, they're both utterly failing. This last little look is everything. AHHH the delicious angst!

10. Elevator with Blaine, The Hurt Locker pt. 2

Honestly, everything in this entire episode. Like Jagged Little Tapestry - this is a great Kurt episode, and I really love just about every second of it.

I really could go on about how I even like the Walter date at the beginning because Kurt is relaxed and enjoying himself, even if he has deeper feelings for someone else. I love the relaxed - friendly nature he has with Blaine before the elevator, and how at ease they are with each other. I love that despite being a part for six-ish months, old habits die hard, and they bicker like an old married couple. I love that Kurt watches Blaine sleep wistfully.

But there are two moments in particular in the elevator that I really love -- the first one is above - playing the game with Blaine. It's the closest we get to casual pillow talk. They're so relaxed with each other, and happy to be with each other before Blaine brings them crashing back to reality. For a moment they're completely connected again -- and it's not even physical - it's emotional and resonating. And omg, I love it.

The second one is where he's rubbing his arm as Blaine as Blaine talks about things not being sexy and just wanting to get out of there. But that little rubbing himself is a tell of Kurt's -- he is turned on, he does want Blaine, and the emotions in the elevator are getting hotter than the temperature.

I also need to point out that aesthetically this is just great work from a production stand point. Kurt and Blaine are wearing matching outfits. And they both look hot as they lose the layers. (This is also a metaphor letting their guards down around each other -- I love when Glee plays with subtext.) Plus, omg, that Kiss ;) ;)

This is where I tag @snarkyhag to do some clothing meta ;)

11. Sue's Office, The Hurt Locker pt. 2

It's a real shame they didn't let Chris and Darren do more comedy together. Their little bits in this still have me cracking up. "Don't actually thank her" might be one of my favorite Kurt lines ever. Oh, these old marrieds...

12. Will Schuester's Apartment, What The World Needs Now

Okay, so there's not much Kurt in this episode, but omg, how I love that cheeky little grin as Blaine comes in, and he notices Karofsky is not with him. Things are looking his way.

13. The Choir Room, Transitioning

Kurt messing with the wheel so he can sing a duet with Blaine is just the best. It's nice to see a little bit of mischievous back in Kurt. He understands that he kind of has to let Blaine come around again - but he's also not above tipping fate in his favor either.

14. Outside Rachel's House, Transitioning

While I do wish there had been a little more of this scene between he and Blaine, I love how at ease Kurt is here. He's okay with himself, and with life, and his place with Blaine. He's getting himself back on track, and he's comfortable reminiscing about the past without feeling the baggage of it. Blaine's getting himself there - but Kurt's already at a place of acceptance and doing okay.

15. Choir Room, Transitioning

This is the moment where Blaine comes in after breaking it off with Karofsky. And I love that there's this little shared moment - this little look between the two of them where Kurt KNOWS Blaine was there to talk to him -- possibly to tell him something huge. It's such a subtle, little thing, but they share a look where they can read each other's minds but it's not the most appropriate moment. Throughout Season 6 - they try to be as respectful as they can be about the other one being in a relationship. (Clearly they both fail at that - but they are trying.)

16. Blaine's Apartment, A Wedding

I love when Kurt can't hold his emotions in. He loves Blaine, and his franticness is his way of showing that he really can't hold it all in any longer. He just has to express his feelings or he's really going to burst. (Still wish there had been a catalyst moment for his running, and I wish they had let the scene play a second or to longer, but...) One of my favorite Kurt moments of the series.

17. The Barn, A Wedding

So... the whole Brittany talking them into getting married weird, but one element that I actually really liked is the fact that Kurt never once says that he doesn't like the idea, nor that he doesn't love Blaine enough to go along with it. It's actually very carefully worded and... as outrageous as it all seems, Kurt's amused that this whole thing is being presented to him. Because it is something he wants.

My favorite part of the wedding, actually, is when Kurt watches Blaine walk down the aisle. He looks so young and happy - like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders. He adores Blaine so much in this moment, and he can't contain the joy of being able to do this.

18. The Auditorium, A Wedding

I mean I have a lot to say about all the hand holding in this episode that I just love. But really - I'm all about that kitten sweater, tbh. ;)

19. {REDACTED}, Child Star

All my favorite moments are off screen ;)

20. Auditorium, The Rise and Fall of Sue Sylvester

There isn't a whole lot in this episode of Kurt, but there are some fun background moments, and the opening when Kurt is comforting a sad Blaine. I do like how they show Kurt's being supportive.

21. Backstage with Rachel, We Built This Glee Club

Okay, so the conversation with Rachel is a little wonky. But we do get a tiny crumb of reflection about Kurt on his life -- and how he's glad he got a second chance at things, and was able to stop his life from going in a direction he didn't want it to go in. And we get a tiny mention of Kurt and Blaine's plans for the future - which is also nice.

Plus, aesthetically, he's so soft here -- and I really adore this look on Kurt. He's happy and open and looking gorgeous in that blue sweater.

22. The Choir Room, We Built This Glee Club

The piano blows up. And it's another reason I think it's a shame Chris and Darren didn't get to do more comedy together...

23. The Stage with Rachel, 2009

This is another episode where I love everything in the episode with Kurt and would just list all the scenes he's in. But... there are a few things in particular I'd like to say... one is this performance of Popular with Rachel. It's so, so, so good guys.

24. The Lima Bean with Mercedes, 2009

Kurt arguing with himself over liking Finn is just comedic gold. So, so good.

25. Sue's Office, Dreams Come True

I realize this is where Sue gets to recap their story but Kurt gets to open up and have an honest moment here -- where he says that he's grateful that he was able to get back together with Blaine, because apart he really was miserable.

But it's another moment, too, where we get to see Kurt having grown up a bit having gone through everything. They're both ready to go back to their new home - together - a bit wiser and older than they were before. And I really love that.

26. Kurt's Old Locker, Dreams Come True

I like that Kurt is allowed to have a moment to look back on his past and be glad it has happened - the good and the bad. He's in a good place in his life, but he's also okay with (literally and figuratively) shutting the door on his childhood and moving forward in life. It's such a small moment - but it's one of closure and acknowledgement that the pervious story is over and a new one is about to begin, whatever that might look like.

And there ya go... I really love Kurt, in general, in Season 6 (and I mean clearly the whole series). I think Season 6 is a time for him to really make peace with his past demons and become more secure in his relationship with Blaine. He heads back to New York being a relatively functional adult. Yes - there are plenty of things I wish we had more of or that they'd have done a little differently. But I am grateful for so much of what we did get. :)

[spaceorphan18]

Kurt Hummel Solos Ranked

Ever since I finished the Kurt Hummel Meta Series - Finding Kurt Hummel - I’ve been wanting to talk about the music a bit.  Well, here we go.  I have four different categories -- Solos, Duets, Small Groups Numbers, and Large Group Numbers, and I’m starting off with Solos.  

Kurt didn’t have a ton of solos on the show, but that made them special when we did get one.  Kurt’s solos are usually integral to his story line, and usually hold a great deal of emotion one way or an other.  And while not all of them are 100% tied to his own plot - I think they all show bits and pieces of his character.  

As a note - there are a few songs on here that may not initially be counted as a solo, but I’m doing so anyway -- either there’s a studio version with just his voice, or the tiny bit of someone else singing I’m kind of ignoring.  For this discussion, I’m counting them as solos. 

There are two songs, however, that I should mention first -- two short solos that didn’t have a studio release -- 

1. Pink Houses (Laryngitis, 1x18)

I still find this number quite hilarious.  Kurt’s attempt at emulating his dad, and therefore singing John Mellencamp, to seem more ‘masculine’ is not only a great comedic spot, but shows us really what the opposite of who Kurt is.  While, clearly, not a great song for Kurt -- we do at least get to hear Chris’s low register for once, and get a rare moment when we get to see Chris be actually comedic during a musical number -- something that didn’t happen all that often because Kurt’s musical numbers were usually serious in nature and involves a lot of crying.  It’s not a great performance - but it’s a damn entertaining one. 

2. Music of the Night (Choke, 3x18)

Another non-studio release for what is an extended comedic moment.  Kurt’s right - his rendition of this is pretty bland, and you can tell he’s not putting forth his best effort.  There’s clearly no emotional connection to the song that is a hallmark of his songs, especially his solos.  That said - the scene itself is pretty entertainingly comedic -- from his ridiculous choreography, to Tina’s bored version of Christine, to the massive amount of candles on stage.  The scene is a lot of fun - even if it’s not meant to be a serious performance. 

So, with those out of the way.... 

Kurt Hummel’s Solos Ranked: 

I should preface this with, these are, obviously, my own objective opinion.  While I am taking into account performances and effectiveness of the song, at the end of the day, these are my own opinions, and everyone will have their own version of the list.  

17. I’ll Remember (Goodbye, 3x22)

I don’t think that there are any bad Kurt solos.  There are ones that I don’t think work all that well, and this is one of them.  First off is the fact that I’m not a big fan of the song, originally done by Madonna.  While the song does fit the moment lyrically, and I do buy Kurt singing it, the song itself isn’t that great.  The performance is fine. Despite all the tears and wistful looks, it’s a bit standard of a performance that doesn’t lend itself to being all that memorable.  Also, there’s the fact that this song is dedicated to all the men in the room.  Ug, Glee your plot points suck sometimes. 

16. Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina (Special Education, 2x09)

This is the first of a few songs on the list that are technically sung by two people, but this has a Kurt-only studio version, so it’s here as a solo.  Kurt does relatively well vocally with this song.  But it’s clear that it’s not his song at all.  This is a Rachel song, which is made clearer as they sing it side by side as a comparison.  While Kurt sings it technically and proficiently fine, he doesn’t embody the song the way Rachel does in the scene.  (And that’s fine - the point is that it doesn’t fit him correctly.)  Kurt is a little stiff and uncomfortable with this song, with a sense of emotion that doesn’t quite connect.  And while fine for the scene that they’re doing - it lands this one low on my list. 

15. I’m Still Here (Bash, 5x15)

This is Kurt’s last solo of the series, and, unfortunately, the only representative of season 5 (and 6), which is why it really pains me to put it so low on the list, but, also unfortunately, there are a lot of issues with it.  First of all, at this point in the series, while old Diva Broadway numbers were his bread and butter - he had been growing past them, and while the song choice works for the story (mostly), the selection feels a little tired.  Vocally, he’s proficient enough, though it lacks some of the grittiness and understanding of, say, an actual old school Broadway Diva.  (I can see Rachel Berry singing this when she’s 80 a la Elaine Stritch.)  The choreography is a little weird at times - but they did let Chris do the choreography of this one nearly by himself, and it shows a little.  

One weird nitpick I have about this number is actually a production thing -- it’s clear that in the close ups Chris is doing better acting and giving more of an effort than he’s doing in the wide shots.  It’s a weird thing to notice but between that and the tepid performance in general, it brings this one way down on the list for me. 

14. Some People (Funeral, 2x21)

This one is a huge step above the others on the list, as the rest of this list is really a bunch of fantastic performances.  Chris really brings it in this one (and fun fact, he helped do the choreography on this one), as Kurt’s energy is high and all of his moves here are quintessential Kurt classics.  It’s like all of standard Kurt Hummel in one song, especially since it’s a classic old diva Broadway standard.  While I don’t have any complaints about the performance, the reason it’s so low is for two reasons.  The first one is the context -- it’s for an audition for a solo and not directly connected to any meaningful Kurt storyline.  And secondly - it’s just not a favorite song of mine.  But, Kurt at least gets to have a peppy and physically entertaining solo, which doesn’t happen very often, so it is worth a watch. 

13. You Are The Sunshine of My Life

Honestly, the only reason this as low as it is, is because I’m not a huge fan of this song.  There’s actually a lot of great things going on here.  For one, this is a really sweet performance for Kurt as he sings a sentimental song for his dad.  The choreography is silly, but it’s intentionally childlike as little Kurt came up with this with his dad.  Kurt sounds really good when he’s in his lower register (I actually love his lower register - which isn’t complimented enough).  And one thing I really like from second half of the series Kurt is that he’s less choreographed Broadway style and more reflective of the quirky weirdo that he is.  And this performance is exactly that. 

12. A House is Not a Home (Home, 1x16)

This is an interesting one, because there are a lot of great things going on here that bring it up the list, but a few things that very much drag it down.  First of all -- it’s the first showcase in the show of something I don’t see Chris get much credit for (outside the fandom bubble).  The fact that he’s able to act while sing.  It’s a difficult thing that Chris does masterfully here -- it’s not easy to make a solo next to a piano visually enticing but he really sells it.  Anyway - the way Kurt’s emotion bleeds through the song is perfect, it’s not too overt or too subdued.  And we really feel everything Kurt is feeling in this moment.  It feels real, in a way that isn’t apparent in a lot of the other characters when they sing songs (coughrachelcough).  This song is a fantastic reflection of Kurt’s emotional stance, and fits into the story wonderfully. 

Bringing it down... first of all, technically, Finn sings a verse of this.  And while I don’t consider this at all a duet (duets, I feel, are sung together), it’s still there, and still a glaring ear-sore.  (Sorry Cory.)  It sticks out like a sore thumb that Finn’s voice is not suited for this material, and while I see what they were doing with the story, it’s cringey when it gets there.  The other thing about this song is that it’s kind of uncomfortable to watch.  Kurt sells all of his emotion, but it’s focus point is an unrequited love, and the discomfort on Finn’s face, as well as a few others, makes it not an easy watch.  Still -- overall, this is a great number and a fantastic performance. 

11. I’m The Greatest Star (I Am Unicorn, 3x02)

This is kind of an interesting one to talk about because there are a lot of conflicting things going on.  It’s one helluva performance, it’s a terrible interpretation of the song, and it’s not a great choice of audition song for West Side Story (all of which was the point), but that doesn’t mean I don’t agree with Coach Beiste, that Kurt made the song his prison bitch.  If nothing else -- this really showcases just how talented Kurt is -- not only can he act while he’s singing, he has other talents as well, such as climbing scaffolding and using sai swords.  The comedic/tragic element of this song, for me, is the fact that Kurt’s trying to show off everything he’s able to do in one song -- and in effect, while being an incredible spectacle, kind of backfires for him.  (If he had done this one for his NYADA audition - I would have bought Carmen Tibideaux’s remarks.) I think this is often an underrated Kurt solo due to the high level of proficiency that’s needed to pull this off -- but it’s also not the best Kurt has to offer.

10. Bring Him Home (Diva, 4x13)

This is another one of those Kurt/Rachel comparison numbers that I count as a solo because there’s Kurt-only studio version and because it’s not really sung together but side by side.  What I really love about this number is that subtle delicacy that Kurt brings to the number.  It’s sung with a restrained emotion that’s perfect for the number that is a pleasure to listen to when compared to the over-emoting mess that Rachel is doing next to it.  The other fascinating thing I’m learning, as I do this list, is that there’s a sense of maturity about Kurt’s voice that I’m finding in the later seasons - which is really neat to listen for. My only real reason it’s as low on the list as it is - is because there’s the song holds no real weight for Kurt’s story.  I kind of wish the Midnight Madness song had not been the popular number of the year thanks to Les Mis, but something more meaningful to their friendship - but ah well, for Kurt, it’s still masterfully done. 

9. Le Jazz Hot (Duets, 2x04)

This is a fun number that really showcases Kurt’s talents and ability.  I really love the moment at the end when he sings his entire range.  Like I’m The Greatest Star and Some People, it’s a showoff number, but I think more so than those other two, Kurt really brings it extra in this one as the choreography and costume additions are incredibly inspired.  It’s not his greatest vocal solo, or the most meaningful, which is why it’s a little lower on the list, but it’s quite entertaining to see Kurt push in so much on himself, especially when forced to do so by the story, and thus makes it a memorable solo. 

8. I Want to Hold Your Hand (Grilled Cheesus, 2x03)

I believe with this one we’re getting into the iconic Kurt-solo territory.  The show already knew that Chris was a great pretty crier, and that was used to great affect in this entire episode.  The one really great thing that Kurt (and Chris in his acting) does is not over emote.  He sings songs with great emotion, but it’s usually controlled and right under the surface, making it incredible compelling.  (By contrast - Rachel is always over-emoting, and always giving the same kind of over emoting that feels bland the more you see it.)  The fascinating thing is that Kurt draws you into his world and his pain with song, and while he’s not doing much but standing there, he is letting you get a glimpse of what is behind the guarded shield he uses so much.  This is why Kurt solos are special, because they’re rare, and a rare glimpse of what’s going on in a character who blocks himself off so much from the outside world -- especially in the early years.  While I just happen to like the other solos on the list more, I believe this is one of the best performances on the show. 

7. Defying Gravity (Wheels, 1x09)

So.  This is the last of the side-by-side comparisons that I have on the solo list.  And I want to start by saying that vocally, even minus the intentionally botched note, it’s not very good.  Honestly - go listen to the season 5 version, and you hear how much better a vocalist Chris became, and it’s really a treat to hear him grow into his voice.  And I do think Rachel won this competition.  However...  there is something magical about this performance.  First of all, the song is deeply resonant for Kurt (and for Chris) and that comes through clearly in the song.  He embodies the emotion of the song in a way that Rachel (and I’ll argue Lea) doesn’t.  The lyrics are meaningful, and are acted out superbly.  And on top of that is a layer where Kurt is debating with himself as to whether or not he’s going to throw the song.  The vocals might not be there, but the acting is, and the emotion is, and on that alone brings this song so high on the list.  This is a character defining song if there ever was one.  

6. Blackbird (Original Song, 2x16)

Do yourself a favor - go on Netflix and watch this one, the youtube version cuts off Kurt’s head, which really is a disservice to the song and the performance, but it’s the only link I could find. 

First of all, I’m biased, because I really love this song.  Kurt sings it beautifully, too, which helps.  But really -- I think it’s an incredible story element on multiple levels.  Kurt’s singing a eulogy for a dead bird, which is bizarre when written out.  But this moment is perfect.  It’s a moment where Kurt’s restrained emotion is channeled beautifully through song, and we see, again, an element of Kurt himself, who has been caged throughout the whole Dalton arc.  So, it’s not only about the death of Pavarotti, but about the death of Kurt trying to be something he’s not - and the freedom that comes with allowing yourself to be you.  

On top of that, it’s a pivotal moment in the Klaine story, where Blaine finally gets to see the raw emotion of who Kurt is, and realizes he’s in love with him.  The fact that this song is so multilayered on top of a great and beautiful performance is really what makes it one of my favorites.  

5. I Have Nothing (Dance With Somebody, 3x17)

This might be the most controversial choice on this list, but I’ll stand by it because it is one of my favorites.  Yes, Kurt is straining to get to some of those high notes, vocally it’s a bit raw and forced.  But my god, it’s one of the most stunning displays of emotion that he ever gets to do.  Not only is this song about him, and the type of person he is, it’s also about love, and how Kurt expresses love.  

Like so many of his best performances, there are a lot of layers going on here.  Not only does it have the emotional intensity that A House is Not a Home did, but it has a razor sharp, singular focus that the other song lacks.  Kurt is expressing himself, the best way that he can, to communicate to Blaine -- and the two of them have an unspoken dialogue during the song, which is really incredible.  (The acting chops for both Chris and Darren here are really remarkable.)  It is the most romantic performance on the list, and one of my favorite moments on the show. 

4. The Boy Next Door (Choke, 3x18)

Believe it or not, this is one time I’d actually recommend the studio recording over the show performance.  Despite lacking the Gold Lame Pants of Infamy, the studio version really showcases just how amazing this performance is.  But anyway - unlike Carmen Tibideaux, who clearly doesn’t know our Kurt Hummel, there is nothing surface level about this performance.  And unlike I’m The Greatest Star - this isn’t Kurt trying to shove everything he can do into one performance, it’s showcasing who he is as a person and a performer.  Vocally, it’s fantastic, and I’m glad the later seasons allow Kurt to do more songs settled in lower registers - as that part of his vocal range is really quite beautiful.  Visually, this is Kurt emulating a bit of Hugh Jackman while retaining some of his own, unique elements.  This performance is truly special because it’s a time when Kurt realizes that it’s okay for him to be himself, and lets that shine through song. 

3. Rose’s Turn (Laryngitis, 1x18)

Kurt’s first real big solo in the show, and it’s absolutely stunning.  The fascinating thing about this one is, again, just how much is going on here.  Kurt slowly gets to unravel, shaking off the expectations that he thinks society is putting on him, and blossoming into who he really is.  This song is perfect for him as a character in this moment.  While the vocals are a little shaky at times (I’m noticing that a lot about season 1 Kurt) the performance is not.  We never really get to see Kurt be angry and gritty through song again, but I’m glad we do have this moment to show how it would go.  I love everything this number chooses to be, and everything that it says about Kurt, which is why I feel it’s one of his best numbers. 

2. Being Alive (Swan Song, 4x09)

There is something kind of magical about this song.  And this is the reason that I find it tragic we don’t get an emotionally powerful song from Kurt after this point.  (Though - after this point, we don’t get a long going individual Kurt arc either, so I suppose it makes sense.)  But here’s the thing about this song... It is Kurt going inside himself, and reflecting on all the pain and heartache that his life has given him, and all the struggles he’s had in the change from child to adult, and almost unknowingly, as the song continues on, getting lost on that emotion as he reflects.  It’s very hard for, I believe, for a musical number such as this to work on TV -- that relies on more action and visuals than other mediums.  But as I’ve stated in all of these other entries -- Kurt (and Chris, really) is the master of reflecting all these different, conflicting emotions on his face, and making it visually compelling, even if it’s one person in a room, and nothing else going on.  The emotion, the complexity, the story is all there in a performance much more mature than anything that had come before it.  This is really one of the most beautiful and richly developed performances on the show, and truly one of the best that Kurt has to offer. 

1. As If We Never Said Goodbye (Born This Way, 2x18)

I debated for a while which would take the top spot, and what I kept coming back around to was that while Being Alive is the most technically proficient, and deeply profound of Kurt’s solos... As If We Never Said Goodbye is the epitome Kurt’s character and story all wrapped up in one.  It is his most iconic solo, and for a reason.  It’s all of the emotion, vulnerability, and deeply layered story telling we get so often from Kurt Solos.  It perfectly describes the journey this character has been on and where it’s going, as well as just being a fantastic performative piece.  It’s helped by the fact that the show allows the whole five minute song to be sung, where we get to follow Kurt as he moves from one stage of his life to the next, again another song about coming out of his shell to reveal his true identity and what is buried in his heart.  This song is why I love the character, and why I love his story.  The fact that it’s subtle and refined, but having so many layers if you’re willing to look.  It’s beautiful and imperfectly perfect, just like Kurt Hummel.  

[spaceorphan18]

A Case for Season 4 Kurt Hotness

(which is totally out of character for me - cause I don’t usually do hotness, but since it’s a thing to think about it and I don’t have anything better to do...) 

for @darriness​ for something to think about and @snarkyhag​ because if I didn’t tag her it’d just feel wrong.

First we have Makeover... 

The hair in this scene -- why did we not have more of this style, my god, it’s fantastic

Also, this sweater... 

And then from Glease: 

The living off ambien and the notebook look, which probably shouldn’t be judged but here I am... it’s the hair and that sweater.  i’m a simple person

Swan Song:

Hair, Sweater, huh I’m noticing a theme

Because you need a better view of the sweater

Glee Actually

Okay this isn’t hot, it’s funny, I just needed to include it

Sadie Hawkins

Hair, Sweater (hoodie, jacket, whatever) I may have to write some fanfic about this apparent fetish

Naked... sadly no nakedness, but more Sweaters!! the hair is a bit tame though

I Do

This doesn’t actually need an explanation right? I mean y’all get it, like, I don’t need to explain it, cause you know, yeah... 

Girls and Boys on Film

Okay, this isn’t hot -- but it’s GOD DAMN FREAKING BEAUTIFUL GIVE IT ALL TO ME

Guilty Pleasures

I appreciate that he has the hair at night, also, they didn’t let Kurt wear enough t-shirts

Wonderful

“Dirty Cute” -- missing the pants though, which really sell the whole thing, cause that’s a lot of yellow by itself

This has been a very important meta post, thank you for your time ;) 

[spaceorphan18]

A Case for Season 5 Kurt Hotness

Cause @darriness​ wanted more.  Also @snarkyhag​ - for reasons. 

Love Love Love

Jesus fuck, c’mon, no explanation needed

A Katy or a Gaga

I’m sorry this is so far away... but it’s another great hair/sweater combo

End of Twerk

Yes, it’s the tattoo episode.  There’s a really pretty black and white gif of this somewhere that’s even more gorgeous

Puppet Master

I’m sorry, I don’t have any great photos, but go back and watch this scene!! Actually, go back and watch all the scenes in this one, just do it. 

Previously Unaired Christmas does not exist so I will not be posting anything from that. Sorry. 

Frenemies

Watch all of A Little Thing Called Love with Elliott and you will not be disappointed.  These screencaps do not do justice!!

New Directions (oh the puns) 

Was this necessary? No not really, it’s here anyway

New New York

ALL OF IT - but we’ll pick this one cause why not

Bash

Butt shot! Okay butts don’t really do anything for me, but they do for you, so here you go 

TESTED - YES I THINK WE’VE REACHED THE PEAK RIGHT HERE

Ngl, leaving the sweater on does it for me

Blaine, Kurt literally wants you to fuck him, it’s okay, really

You guys know this entire number was about anger sex, right? 

More t-shirts and tanks, c’mon

Because we needed the hair

The Back Up Plan

You do know why he’s holding that jacket in front right? 

I think it’s the domesticity that’s hot to me

Old Dogs, New Tricks

C’mon, it’s the hair (and the elf ears - really - it does something) 

The Untitled Rachel Berry Project

THIS ISN’T HOT BUT IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GOD DAMN ROMANTIC MOMENT EVER LET ME HAVE IT

(Seriously - this might be one of my favorite shots in the entire series) 

Fuck off June 

Sometimes It’s about the attitude (and the hair) 

No words necessary

This has been another very important meta post - thank you for your time! 

[spaceorphan18]

Kurt Duets Ranked

Part 2 of my Kurt Performances series, we move onto duets -- which will probably the least exciting of conversations, because this isn’t going to be much different than my Klaine Duets rankings.  I didn’t go check that, however, so we’ll see how I feel about them now that more time has passed.  

Meanwhile, the thing about the duets section is that while there are a ton of great songs in this one, it feels limited.  Glee didn’t like to stray from what it knew worked, and therefore, we get Kurt having only a handful of duet partners, and only two of them make up a majority of the songs.  It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get more Kurt and Mercedes duets, but even more unfortunate that Kurt didn’t sing with a larger variety of people.  I mean, could you imagine a season 4 Kurt/Santana duet? Or something season 1 or 2 with Kurt/Quinn?  Lots of possibilities, little room for experimentation.  

That said - I do enjoy a vast majority of these songs, and like the solos, most of them complement Kurt’s story nicely.  

Kurt Duets Ranked:

27. Candles (Original Song, 2x16)

You guys can’t seriously be surprised by this, right? As with all of these numbers, I went back to listen to see if I’ve changed my mind.  Nope.  And here’s the funny part - I actually do like this song.  But the arrangement, production, and context of this number is terrible.   My theory is that Original Song had so many songs in it that they were rushed to get this one done.  Coupled with the fact that that the arrangement was redone (by Darren? - idk, Darren’s usually better than this.) and probably rushed means that it was just sloppy by the time they got to production.  

From a music point of view, the arrangement is not complementary to either of their voices, and both of them clash on harmonies and go out of tune multiple times throughout the song.  On top of that, the emotion of the song is completely off.  It’s a break up song -- purposely more tailored for the Finchel story line at the time -- but doesn’t mesh well with Klaine’s getting together story.  It feels awkward and out of place, and one of those times where I think who ever picked this song made a bad choice.  

I know there are those out there who like it -- and that’s great! Don’t let me slow you down.  But it will remain a weak link in an otherwise solid discography.  

26. Get Back (Tina in the Sky with Diamonds, 5x02)

While this is way, way better than Candles, I do think it’s a weaker number for Kurt, and Kurt/Rachel, seeing that you’ll see they have some fantastic numbers coming up on this list.  Not a favorite Beatles song of mine in the first place, not helping is the fact that this song should have a grittier and harsher sound than either of these relatively more classically trained vocalists can give it.  

There is some fun with the choreography (weird NYADA piano tuning thing aside - that’s not how you tune pianos...), and Kurt and Rachel’s voices mesh just fine, but the rest of songs on the list just offer a bit more.

25. Memory (Old Dogs, New Tricks, 5x19)

This one is... rough.  And it makes me sad to say that about a song picked specifically by Chris Colfer.  For Kurt’s part, it’s a perfectly adequate rendition of Memory, though I think it lacks any of the deeper emotion that Kurt normally brings to his solos.  But marring it further is the addition of June Squibb (who doesn’t have the same caliber of voice) and the fact that the scene itself is a bit of forced sentimentality.  I get what Chris was going for in the script, but we’ve barely met these people, and they’re not memorable enough for us to get a tug on the heartstrings that this song wants us to have.  The scene just kinda falls flat. (I’m sorry Chris!)

24. Lucky Star (Old Dogs, New Tricks, 5x19)

I promise, I’m not picking on Chris, even if the two songs he specifically wrote for himself are down here at the bottom.  At least this one has more entertainment value even if I think it’s not a great performance.  Kurt flying around as Peter Pan is super cute, and the song choice works relatively well with the scene.  Once again, though, June Squibb’s Maggie is not a vocalist (And that’s fine - she’s a super cute old person), as well as this is bogged down in that weird sentimentality Memory was going for.  It’s not really good, but at least it’s entertaining.

23. Story of My Life (The Back Up Plan, 5x18)

On a list featuring the what works and doesn’t for Kurt’s performances, this one just... oy.  First of all, technically, the boys sound fine.  Their voices mesh just fine, as usual, though Blaine’s voice is better suited for these slightly melodramatic boy band numbers.  It’s a fine song to listen to in the car.  Watching the performance, though, is rough.  It’s done that way intentionally, to fit the context of the story -- and while it’s supposed to be comedic, to me it comes off as awkward and cringeworthy.  Kurt has some odd performance choices, but normally a good performer, and this makes him kind of a bumbling idiot for the sake of the story, to the point where I rarely ever watch this one.  I get what they were going for, and enjoy the song as just a song, but am not really a fan of the actual performance.

22. It’s Too Late (Jagged Little Tapestry, 6x03)

This one I definitely have some mixed feelings about.  The song is fine, albeit a little on the pop-y side, though that’s intentional for the theme of the episode.  And it’s the first time one of these songs directly commentating on the story that’s actually going on with Kurt.  On the one hand, the angst of the scene is played well, and these boys pining for each other works for this part of the story.  On the other, the vocals are a tad on the generic side (though these boys always sound great each other), and I’m still not sure I understand what was going on with the fantasy element during the middle of the song.  Still, it accomplish the feel the story needed, which is why it gets bumped up here.  

21. I Am Changing (New Directions, 5x13)

We only get two Kurtcedes duets on this show, which is a damn travesty.  But what makes it harder is this one is, well, a little one sided.  Mercedes freakin’ brings the house down with her half of the song -- clearly Amber Riley deserves all the credit she got for doing Dream Girls.  Kurt, on the other hand, sounds a little rough here.  I’m not sure if it’s because Chris’s voice changed during the show, and it actually got deeper, or if it’s due to the weird production values of season 5, but Kurt’s solo verse is a bit harsh and unrefined, and not in a good way.  Mercedes saves it and steals the show, and when the two come together they sound fantastic, but this one gets dropped a little further down because it’s just not a strong one for Kurt.  Add to that the fact that they’re trying to make Rachel and Santana be friends again, and the song is unfortunately a weaker one.

20. I Believe In A Thing Called Love (Frenemies, 5x09)

Look, I love Elliott, and I love that Adam Lambert came onto the show.  He and Chris had some great chemistry, which actually does show through this performance.  It’s fun and crazy and a bit out of Kurt’s normal repertoire, but that’s okay, because Kurt lets loose a little, and it’s really fun to watch.  No - Kurt can’t match Elliott when it comes to the heavier rock material -- this is much better suited for Lambert than it is for Colfer, and there are times when Kurt kind of gets overshadowed and out performed, but that’s fine.  We get to see Kurt pole dance - I think that’s justification enough to have it where it is on the list.

19. White Christmas (Glee, Actually, 4x10)

Believe it or not, out of the three Christmas duets Kurt and Blaine have, this is my favorite to listen to.  I love this song, and I love this arrangement.  They sound gorgeous on it as it highlights the strengths of their voices when singing together.  My biggest issue is, really, with the scene overall.  Look - it’s not easy choreographing people who aren’t used to doing routines on ice skates, and I get that.  But due to that fact, the performance ends up being a lot of shots of people who aren’t Kurt and Blaine, and that’s a shame.  The other two Christmas duets are much more in sync than this one, and this one is really being held back by the technical difficulty.  Still - I like the song, and the context that it’s in, which is why it’s as high as it is.  

18. Let it Snow (Extraordinary Merry Christmas, 3x09)

While lower than it perhaps deserves, upon watching it again, I know I’m placing it higher on the list of Klaine duets.  It’s an incredibly hard number to do with all the dance steps and vocal runs, and the two of them nail it while being in character as their characters and as the Christmas special characters.  I’m kind of in awe at the technical ability of this one, and it’s a shame the writers didn’t always play to Kurt and Blaine’s (and Chris and Darren’s) strengths.  It’s not a personal favorite of mine, nor does the song hold much weight with their story, but it’s an incredible embodiment of what makes Klaine - Klaine, and showcases how well they can work together when given really good material.  

17. You Make Me Feel So Young (New, New York, 5x14)

This is one of those songs that I go back and forth on, and really could write a dissertation on it, because I think there are a lot of elements both internal and external going on, which makes the onscreen performance... weird.  But I feel like that would get way too long for the likes of this already too long post.  So, I’ll say this.  Vocally, they sound fantastic together, which is why I think it deserves to be up there on the list.  It’s also one of the few times that we get to see genuine domestic Klaine being themselves with each other, which is also very cool.  My issues with the acting and directing of the scene are very nitpicky, and it all lines up with my growing consensus that one of the weaker elements of season 5 were the musical numbers, but if y’all want more, I’ll do another post on just this song specifically.  For now, I’ll just say that I enjoy the good things about the song, even if some of it leaves an awkward taste in my mouth.

16. Animal (Sexy, 2x15)

Animal is one of the few truly comedic performances Kurt gets to do.  Between the silly sexy faces, euphemistic foam, and overkill addition of plastic balls, it’s hard to take this one very seriously, but that is the point.  Both boys sound great on it, and it’s a lot of fun to watch -- being cringy in a good way.  I really don’t have any criticisms of it besides I just prefer the others on the list just a bit more.  But we’re getting into that territory where I think all of these songs are solidly good, and on any given day, I could rearrange the whole list.  

15. 4 Minutes (The Power of Madonna, 1x15)

The second, and original, of the Kurtcedes duets, this is the first time in the show that Kurt gets to turn his sexy on, and it’s really awesome that they give him the chance to shine in such a way.  Despite the fact that Kurt is doing the occasional weird hand gesture and choreography in this one, he and Mercedes play off each other incredibly well, and it’s a shame they never let these two really get to do anything once the juggernaut of Hummelberry came along.  No, the song isn’t the best for Kurt’s voice, but sometimes it’s the spectacle of what’s going on during the number rather than how it sounds.  

14. Love is a Battlefield (Tested, 5x16)

Showing that not all Season 5′s numbers were, well, not up to par as everything else, we’ve got this Klaine duet, which might be one of my favorite pieces of choreography and showmanship on the show.  I really don’t like the song, at all, which I know goes against the grain of a lot of you, but it’s a testament to how powerful this number is visually that I’ve ranked it so high. (It’s about anger sex guys, and more sexual than the scarcely few sexy time-ish scenes we actually got.)  The boys sound great on it, and the layered acting in it is pitch perfect.  I love this duet, even if I’m not a fan of the song.

13. Ding, Dong, The Witch is Dead (The Purple Piano Project, 3x01)

Well, there is a reason Hummelberry was what it became, and this showcases that to perfection. The song isn’t worth much story wise, but it does show just how wonderfully these two play against each other, as well as sounding great together.  This song is playful and light and the perfect showcase for what real talents they both are.  I have my issues with Hummelberry (really, I do) but I can’t deny that they’re standout performers together, and everything about this number comes together to show that off.  

12. Perfect (I Kissed a Girl, 3x07)

Look, this list is subjective.  Yes, there are a few that stand over the rest and a few that are really not that great, but most of Kurt’s duets, like his solos, are really all solid performances.  And I just happen to really love this song.  I’m not going to defend Blaine’s questionable rapping or the context this song is performed in the episode.  But what I will say is that I love what the lyrics have to say about Klaine’s relationship at the time, and the fact that they both (but especially Kurt) sound so great here.  Plus, I enjoy jamming out to this one in my car.

11. Daydream Believer (Dreams Come True, 6x13)

This just happens to be one of my favorite songs ever, and I’m so glad this got to be the last Klaine duet.  I have no issues about how well they sound together.  As cute as they are dancing with the kids, I do wish the context would have been totally different -- I wish that they were singing this to each other -- or their own child.  But I still think it’s a pretty meaningful song, and I love it, so here we are.  

10. Just Can’t Get Enough (I Do, 4x14)

I unabashedly love this song.  Sure the song is rather repetitive and is going on during other people’s plot lines, but every time I hear this one, I just want to get up and dance along with it.  The boys sound great on it, and they get to be rather flirty in the moments that the camera is actually on them.  If only the had more screen time, I probably put this one higher near the top.  

9. Somebody Loves You (Transitioning, 6x07)

A lot like Just Can’t Get Enough, this duet is flirty and adorable and I love everything about it. They sound great together and, as usual, play off each other well.  On top of that, the song itself plays nicely into the Klaine story of the moment, which I appreciate.  It’s not a perfect performance, but an incredibly enjoyable one, and that’s what matters.

8. American Boy (The Untitled Rachel Berry Project, 5x20)

Are either Kurt or Blaine suite for Rap and R&B? No, not really, but do I care? No.  As you’ve probably noticed, I love these flirty duets, this is one of the best ones.  Sure, they don’t really capture the style or tone of the original very well.  But they’re having a lot of fun out there and being adorable while doing it.  And Kurt simulates having sex.  I mean, do I really need to say more?  But really - I actually enjoy this song a lot, so there we go.

7. Popular (2009, 6x12)

This is easily the best performance of Kurt’s limited performances in season 6.  Kurt and Rachel haven’t head a duet together since Season Five’s Get Back (interesting right?) but they’re able to turn right back on the magic that was going on in the earlier seasons.  This song is near perfection -- the acting is solid, the performance is layered -- being both comedic and a commentary about the both of them, and they sound wonderful together.  This is truly a treat for the end of the series, and I’m a little sad the rest of the season didn’t put as much effort into its musical numbers.

6. Come What May (Girls and Boys on Film, 4x15)

The thing about Come What May, for me, is that it’s deeply a romantic song - and shot (intentionally) in a very movie-like way.  I love so much about this, from the staging, to the bit of flashbacks setting the tone at the beginning, to the misdirect and reveal that it’s really Kurt’s fantasy and not Blaine’s.  Vocally, there are a few weaker spots towards the beginning, but that can be overlooked when visually and lyrically there is so much wonderful things going on here.  I love when a performance can have layers to it -- and this one say so much about Kurt as a character and the head space that he’s in, while being deeply romantic without being vulgar, that it firmly takes a spot near the top of the list.  

5. Got to Get You Into My Life (Love, Love, Love, 5x01)

The thing that’s so great about good Klaine duets is their push and pull of each other.  This duet has a ton of that -- each of them playing against each other in such a flirty way.  They sound great, they look great, the number has a ton of energy, and the bright tone is a nice change from all the somberness that came along with season 4.  It’s a visual treat as well as a aural one, and nearly flawless in execution, which is why it’s ranked so high on the list.  

4. Rockstar (New, New York, 5x14)

Is this really one of Kurt’s best duets? Technically, probably not.  I don’t really care - I. Love. This. Song. Really, I listen to it all the time, and it’s just a song I never tire of.  It’s really Adam Lambert’s show, and Kurt is kind of dancing around like the littler brother of the rockstar that is Elliot ‘Starchild’ Gilbert.  And I do think Kurt and Elliot’s voices mesh rather well -- even if Kurt’s overshadowed a bit here.  But that’s all fine - because this song makes me happy for no other reason that it does, and that’s a fine reason to be near the top of the list.  

3. Baby, It’s Cold Outside (A Very Glee Christmas, 2x10)

I keep trying to think of reasons not to put this as the number one Klaine duets.  I keep looking at the list thinking that something else about one of the other duets will stand out more, and I just can’t.  This scene and this performance is damn near flawless.  I’ve already talked about this scene at length, and I really don’t have anything new to add, but here’s the thing -- this song sounds wonderful, the game of cat and mouse they play with each other is one of the best scenes on the entire show, and I can’t say enough at how brilliant and layered and amazing this scene is.  Hands down, best Klaine duet, and one of the best overall duets on the show.  

2. Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy (Duets, 2x04)

The thing is, about this duet, is that it’s iconic.  Just hands down iconic.  Not only were they able to take an old school mash-up done by Babs and Judy and make it their own, but they gave it the same amount of power and emotion the original had as well. I don’t think it’s easy to sit on a stool and make any kind of song engaging but these two are able to do it.  They sound flawless on a technically difficult song.  There’s subtly and nuance in the performance.  There’s balance and give and take. And contextually, it fits in nicely with where each of the characters are at.  On top of that, it’s a really great arrangement of these two songs in the first place.  I have nothing but good things to say about one of my favorite songs and favorite performances on the show.  And while Hummelberry has so, so many issues as a friendship -- their ability to make amazing performances together was not one of them.

1. For Good (New York, 2x22)

I went back and forth on what the order of the top three would be -- they could easily be interchangeable they’re all so good.  But here’s the thing about this one.  I feel like this one just takes an extra step up in, well, everything -- the performance level, the context, the layers of emotion woven through this song, it just hangs itself up a little higher than the rest of them.  Yes, Kurt and Rachel sound as good as they ever do -- playing off each other and meshing with each other brilliantly.  But this song is a grand musical theater piece that they pull off masterfully.

But on top of that... The weight this song has is given is higher than pretty much any other song on this list.  it’s a perfect fitting song that punctuates their paralleling journey throughout the season.  This song is a final statement and thesis of everything that became before it, and because of that, I’m ranking it as the best of Kurt’s duets.  

[spaceorphan18]

Kurt Hummel’s Tears: A Study

Because I wanted to know just how many times it actually happened - mostly because after wrapping up reading a certain long fanfic, if I have to read the phrase ‘and Kurt’s about to burst into tears’ one more time, I’m gonna lose it. 

I’m not against Kurt crying - him being emotional is a thing, and it’s good to see men be in touch with their emotional side.  But I just don’t see Kurt as fragile, and always on the way to breaking down.  So I wanted to dig in and do some research.  Am I just forgetting things? Was he really on the verge of tears always? Let’s find out. 

Season 1

Acafellas 1x03

Dude’s coming out to his newfound bff - of course that’s going to get emotiona. 

Preggers 1x04

Dude just came out to his dad - this seems a pretty normal to get emotional, too.  

The Rhodes Not Taken 1x05

Kurt’s moved by the amazingness of Kristin Chenoweth - aren’t we all? Fun fact - this is actually Chris being emotionally moved.  Kiddo just met one of his idols, of course tears. 

Wheels 1x09

Getting emotional while singing! A trend with everyone really.  This is during the whole diva-off, which is more about personal stakes than it is about dueling with Rachel. 

(I’d also like to note there is some angsty moments in both Ballad and Hairography, but nothing that lends itself to actual tears.) 

Home 1x16

Oh... Home is a heavy episode for all the crying.  I mean, he’s struggling with his relationship with his father, his crush on Finn, and just changes.  

[Btw - A House is Not a Home almost gets to tears, but not quite...]

/

Of course the epitome of all Kurt crying shots is in this episode.  Ah the angst - it’s so good and heartbreaking here.  

Laryngitis 1x18

Hey, another scene about connecting with his dad.  I’m beginning to see a theme.  

Theatricality 1x20

Your crush just rejects you but your dad finally accepts you.  That’s a whole ton of emotional stuff right there.  

Journey to Regionals 1x22

This slightly moves to the edge of tears as they sing about Glee club ending.

Episode Tally 8/22 - Home being the most cry scenes with 2-1/2 actual scenes, and a whole lot of angsty emotion all the way through.

Season 1 Observations:  Kurt’s in touch with his emotions, but really only when it effects his story directly.  It’s understandable - giving his strained relationship with his dad, his grappling with his sexuality, and having a crush on a straight guy end up in heartbreak.  Most of the times he cries he’s alone, or with someone he trusts.  He does get emotional while singing, too, but most of that doesn’t usually lead to full on crying.  He’s also deeply moved by Mercedes’s voice - but who isn’t?

Notable times he doesn’t cry: When being bulled (he gets angry), when having confrontations in general, and when other people (other than Mercedes) are singing emotionally.

Season 2

Grilled Cheesus 2x03

Kurt’s dad almost dies - so Kurt’s crying in most of the scenes.  I’d say that makes sense. 

/

/

/

Never Been Kissed 2x06

Both scenes have to do with being emotional over being physically and sexually assaulted, combined with the depression, worry for his father, and finding a place and a person who is actually listening.  

/

Furt 2x08

Karofsky’s basically threatened his life at this point, I’d probably start crying, too. 

/

His dad gets remarried and his first love is singing a song to him - it’s a happiness he always wanted - these are happy tears!

/

Just when Kurt finds a little piece of happiness - the bullying gets so extreme that Kurt needs to leave and he’s saying goodbye to people he’s gotten close to.  Goodbyes under stressful circumstances are hard. 

Original Song 2x16

His pet bird died.  C’mon.  ;)

Born This Way 2x18

The nightmare that Karofsky is over and he gets to go back to where he feels his home is at even though he’ll be leaving his boyfriend behind - and said bf is singing an angsty song.  More changes mean more emotion. 

Prom Queen 2x20

Just when he thought he was safe to be free and who he is, the entire school pranks him in a mean-hearted way.  I’d say that calls for tears. 

Funeral 2x21

Like in Rhodes Not Taken, Kurt tears up for comedic effect when Rachel sings. 

/

Kurt tears up a little during Jean’s funeral.  Death his hard, Kurt’s experienced that a lot, and he’s not afraid of those sad emotions. 

New York 2x22

Kurt’s finally realized that his dreams could come true if he really wants them to.  He’s not stuck in the dark world that is Lima.  

Episode Tally 8/21 (Probably shouldn’t count the one he’s not in). Grilled Cheesus has by far the highest count (probably of the series), followed, interestingly, but Furt. 

Season 2 Observations: A lot of Kurt’s break downs come from the depression he’s experiencing mainly from the bullying, but also still feeling like he doesn’t fit in with those around him.  Again - the crying moments happen mainly in Kurt centric episodes, and more so at the beginning of the season.  Interestingly, after he meets Blaine, with the exception of in Prom Queen, any teary-eyed scenes are more from the over flower of intense emotional moments not full on break downs, and they’re also fewer and far between.  

Notable times he doesn’t cry: Duets! This might win for an episode full of maybe breakdowns - but Kurt’s gone to a depressive state beyond crying, so he just stares sadly out into the distance.  

Any time it has to do with sex or even romance.  

When other people are singing, or even when emotional things are going on with other people.  

Season 3

Purple Piano Project 3x01

I mean, he just got his dreams dashed and his ego put in check, but compared to season 1 and 2, he’s actually rather cheery in this episode.  

I Kissed a Girl 3x07

I mean, he lost the election and nearly got expelled for something he didn’t do.  Fair. 

Michael 3x11

So he’s understandably upset after the stuff with Blaine goes down, but no actual tears. 

He does cry, happy cry, when he gets his NYADA letter though.  

Heart 3x13

I feel like this gets a half point.  He’s all teared up that Blaine isn’t around for Valentine’s day, but it doesn’t get very far. 

On My Way 3x14

This episode almost stands out because Kurt really hasn’t been crying this season, and now he’s very sad about everything that’s going on with Karofsky.  And while I feel like it’s reasonable to cry at this stuff, the crying scenes here almost feel like...exploitation? Probably because for the most part, Kurt’s big emotional crying scenes have had to do with something that’s happened to him, not with someone else.  Huh.  Interesting.

But unlike early season two where he cries though some of the episodes, there are only two real scenes here.  

/

Dance With Somebody 3x17

So, I’m going to give this episode Heart’s other half point, because Kurt... doesn’t really cry in this episode? He gets emotionally upset a few times, but with the exception of this very last scene with Blaine, Kurt doesn’t get more than a little glassy eyed. 

Goodbye 3x22

It’s graduation, and he’s leaving this place and things are changing, and that’s emotional, but his tears are for leaving behind the place, and not necessarily for everyone else.  

/

Episode Tally 5/22 [Giving a half point to both Heart and Dance With Somebody]  On My Way wins for the most tear-y eyed Kurt, and there are only two episodes of the season with full on breakdowns.  

Season 3 Observations: Kurt’s relationship with emotions and crying change.  He’s not deeply depressed the way he was in season 1 and early season 2.  He gets sad, but it isn’t as overly emotional as it was in the earlier seasons.  

Notable times he doesn’t cry:= The First Time - there’s an emotional twirl there, but no actual tears.  In fact, fighting with Blaine in general doesn’t get him to a crying place.  

When he doesn’t get into NYADA - he kinda just look sadly at the paper.  

Kurt’s still not getting emotional at other people’s issues (the one exception being Karofsky - but i’d argue that ties in with some of his own past trauma.)

Season 4

The Break Up 4x04

I mean, his boyfriend cheats on him.  Again, fair.  This is the first time that it’s a really ugly cry. 

Glease 4x06

I’ll give this one a half point.  Kurt’s trying really hard not to cry over his break up. 

Thanksgiving 4x08

After a really heavy, emotional relationship conversation.  It’s more like an emotional release than being upset over anything.  

Swan Song 4x09

Allowing himself to be emotionally caught up in the song. 

And finally getting a win after so much heartache.

Girls and Boys on Film 4x15

Interestingly, this is his first full on break down since The Break Up - and after half a season of trying hard to keep his emotions in check - he’s allowing himself to feel his pain again. 

Wonderful 4x21

Tears of happiness that his dad isn’t going to die of cancer

All or Nothing 4x22

I mean - I feel like at this point, once a season, Kurt cries for comedic effect.  This is one of those times. Only the cut out Santana’s line that made it funny.  Anyway - Kurt getting ‘emotional’ at Blaine’s song.  This gets a half point.  

Episode Tally 6/19.  No surprises that The Break Up is the most amount of crying going on.  

Season 4 Observations: Season 4 has some weird/interesting things going on in that Kurt doesn’t have a lot of screen time, and since Kurt only cries when it’s tied directly to his story, and since his story is primarily about his break up, he’s much sadder over the course of the season.  But he’s not necessarily always crying.   He is most definitely mourning his relationship - and of course tears, but it’s not the deep depression of the early seasons.  But afterwards, a lot of time is spent not dealing with his emotions and holding things back.  

Notable times he doesn’t cry: Actually leaving Lima.  Learning his dad has cancer.  Over anything to do with Rachel drama.  Still not crying over other people’s sadness.  

Season 5

Love, Love, Love 5x01

His bf just asked him to marry him.  I mean fair. 

The Quarterback 5x03

His brother died.  This gets ugly crying, too.   Interestingly, while Kurt is upset throughout this whole episode, he only really breaks down twice.  And the major break down is in the privacy of his own home.

/

Episode Tally 2/20 - The Quarterback is the only episode of the season that he full on cries.  Well then, I guess we know what season Kurt’s the least emotionally distraught.  

Season 5 Observations: I wouldn’t call this Kurt’s happiest season (they all have moments of a lot of happiness, too!) but this is by far the least amount of times overly emotional.  And while there’s a lot of in story reasons for that, I think it should be taken into account that due to the circumstances of Finn’s (and Cory’s) death, the writers steered away from sadder story lines. 

Notable times Kurt doesn’t cry - Any post-Quarterback conversations about Finn.  Any of the times he and Blaine get in arguments.  Chris didn’t write himself a crying scene. 

Season 6

Loser Like Me 6x01

Learning that it was kinda stupid to break up your boyfriend when you could have talked it out. 

/

/

Jagged Little Tapestry 6x03

Pretty much the same reason as episode 6x01

A Wedding 6x08

I mean, this gets a half point - he’s misty eyed that he gets to marry, not only at all, but the man he loves.  It’s a wedding, c’mon. 

Dreams Come True 6x13

So, Will’s singing to them all - but this is more sadness from Chris, since this is the last scene shot in the entire series.  This also gets a half point.  

Episode Tally 3/13 [Half points for A Wedding and Dreams Come True]  Loser Like Me is a ton of crying, but then Kurt kinda puts himself together and deals with it.  

Season 6 Observations: The interesting thing here is that - Kurt’s still an emotional guy, and feels things deeply, but like season 5 (?), he’s also more adult about everything by the time we get to season 6.  

Notable Times Kurt Doesn’t Cry - Any time with Blaine after he’s decided to stop feeling sorry for himself.  Dalton burning down.  Not even much angst in the flashback episode 2009. 

Series Observations: 

Final Episode Tally 32/117 - and very much front-loaded

The first season and half are by far the most overly flowing with emotion Kurt that we get.  And almost understandably so? He’s a young teenager who is suffering from a deep depression and intense emotional stress.  By the time Blaine comes along, the amount of crying Kurt does is cut in half, and when he does cry it’s for normal things - death of sibling, breakups, etc.  

At no point, though, does Kurt ever seem fragile to me.  

In fact - Kurt Hummel has no time for your emotions.   He does not get overly emotional for other people (save the one weird episode with Karofsky - On My Way, but that’s more so about his own connection to it, and the writers wanting to get Chris Colfer another Emmy nomination).  

Most of his crying, and nearly all of the actual break downs, are done privately.  

I have to wonder if at some point Chris Colfer said - please stop making me cry so much. 

[spaceorphan18]

Finding Kurt Hummel: The Purple Piano Project

Masterpost

3x01: The Purple Piano Project

Welcome to Season 3! I’ll try not to whine too much while we’re here, lol :)  

The season starts out on a relatively high note, however, making the whole thing feel a lot more promising than it ended up being.  This episode is fun and quirky and there are a lot of pianos for Kurt to drape himself on top of!! 

Future Plans

So – we start off the season much like season two – Ben Jacob Israel going around and harassing everyone about their summer vacations and future plans. 

Do you see the set up of this shot, guys?  Rachel chattering in the front while Kurt tries to be distracting in the background?  Well – get used to it, because this Hummelberry dynamic is going to drag us through the next two years, guys, lol.  No really – I enjoy Hummelberry in this episode, I do.  But we had no idea this was a set up for (I’m sure someone will argue me on this) the worst Kurt arc on the show – Getting into NYADA.  And, unfortunately, the Hummelberry dynamic (or more so the writer’s obsession with Rachel not being able to fail at anything) plays into that. 

Probably going off a rush of a summer where all they talked about was going to New York, Kurt and Rachel have all their future plans figured out.  They’re going to get a little apartment on the Lower West Side (yeah, sure), Rachel’s gonna be a big Broadway star, and Kurt’s gonna be married (legally!!!) by 30.  Yes – think about what is said here, I know Kurt has Broadway ambitions, too, but I find it funny that his dream aspirations include getting married.  

There are two key things I’d like to point about the whole marriage thing.  Kurt says by 30.  As we find in this season – not before 30 cause that is Too. Young.  But also.  Yes.  Kurt Hummel wants to get married.  And I’m pretty sure he already knows who his groom is going to be.  

But anyway, thinking about season 2, and how that started in such a dark place for Kurt, here we have the opposite – bright and shining optimism.  Oh, kiddo.  This really can only go down, can’t it. 

Purple Pianos

Kurt: Why’s the T-Rex eating the Jew?

It’s exposition dump time! As we get filled in that the Glee Club remains uncool after the Nationals debacle from last year.  Kurt gets his share of funny lines as we get filled in.  

Meanwhile – the glee club is three men down; Quinn pissed off the writers again, Lauren was fired, and Sam just couldn’t work out a contract deal.  So – Will gets the idea that placing purple pianos everywhere would inspire new people to join the club.  I’m not entirely sure how purple pianos are inspiring, but like Kurt, I’m totally on board with the whole thing.  

As seen in the background, the moment he can, he gets himself up and draped over one of the pianos. 

See – look how adorable he is on that piano!!! 

Anyway – Will bores us with another inspiration speech that means mostly nothing since no one joins glee club anyway…. 

NYADA – School for Witches

Lol – oh Kurt, you’re making the best faces in this episode so far….

First of all, let’s talk about the fact that Emma thought he and Rachel were dating (omg!), and the fact that he actually takes the pamphlet about ‘Me and My Hag’ (Lol).  Secondly, let’s talk about these sillies not doing their research on how Julliard is not a musical theater school.  At least Emma is doing the job she’s supposed to be doing in this episode! 

And then she steers them in the direction of New York Academy of Dramatic Arts.  Oh NYADA and my distaste for you begins, lol….  So, this particular school only takes 20 students a year.  Hmmm…  Looks a lot bigger than that in season 4 but whatever.  And the chances that two people from the same school and graduating year getting in? Doubtful.  But this is Glee, so here we go! 

Competitive Spirit

 It’s the first day of school, and Blaine is still a Warbler, but his resolve is crumbling because Kurt is very persistent (and flirty and adorable) in this scene. You know there’s some interesting meta floating around about this scene recently – about their competitive nature and about how Blaine really isn’t /that/ competitive, but Kurt totally is.  He doesn’t mind it at all, really, which means, in a way, that they’re on equal footing.  Ah, how that is all about to change. 

But what Kurt really wants is for Blaine to be around all the time so they can spend every minute of every day together.  Oh, Kurt.  Be careful what you wish for. But also – interestingly – they spent all the time together back when Kurt was at Dalton, and Kurt wants that little fairy tale to continue by bringing Blaine over to McKinley.  It’s obvious they talked about this at length over the summer, but I wonder what Kurt’s (more serious) arguments were for getting Blaine to come to public school. 

But anyway – the fun stuff – just how adorable and flirty these two are here! Hands might not have wandered south of the equator, but they were definitely up to stuff over the summer! 

We Got the Beat

I’ve always thought Kurt was very pretty in this scene.  

I should probably have more profound analysis.  

Well, there’s not much to say, other than Kurt’s used to being bullied by the school, and he’s not about to make himself a target by getting up and singing on the lunch tables, no matter how pretty the pianos are.  

Year 3 and Kurt’s still an awkward little dancer. <3 

This song is nice and fun and energetic.  Not really a favorite of mine, but man, what does it take to get this school into anything?  Geez! 

You know, for someone who is so particular about their clothes – I’m sure this is like the zombie apocalypse.  Poor Kurt. I love the food ray shield. 

You know, never once in all my schooling did I witness a food fight. 

Kurt is just not having it. 

Kurtcedes lives! If only to pass along exposition.  And to exchange bewildered looks as Sugar sings her god-awful song.  

You know it’s funny – I never noticed how seasons 2 and 3 (and 4 actually) openers have plotlines of – let’s open up glee club for everyone! Except not really because we’re a seclusive little bunch. 

Velma and Roxy

Small town is small after you’ve been to the big city.  But Kurt has a plan, that they’re gonna out preform all the other Ohio hopefuls so they can get a shot at their dreams.  I think, for the first time, I kinda get the purpose of this song (other than the blatant relation to Wicked and connection to season 2), but that they’re already counting in their victory against all the other hopefuls.  They’re putting their cart before the horse.  

Say what you will about Gay Hogwarts, NYADA does attract the witches….

The song itself is a little ridiculous but the performance is wonderful.  I love the choreography of this one.  And as always sound fantastic together, and this performance is no exception.  Say what you will about how Hummelberry was written – and I will say a lot over the next two seasons – Lea and Chris’s voices suit each other wonderful, and the show seems to latch on to that pretty well.  

Transfer

Not exactly a pic of Kurt, I know, but Blaine’s so frickin’ gorgeous in this scene.  And Kurt thinks so, too!! Look at that grin!  

But I’m kinda fascinated by this, now that I think of it, how Blaine’s all – check me out Kurt – in this kind of suave way.  And, oh Kurt, kind of caught up in his own drama to even notice that his boyfriend’s one outfit has changed.   

But, just, the excitement Kurt has when Blaine’s decided to transfer.  OMG! the boy is so happy.  

I love that Kurt has concerns – and they are so totally valid.  Blaine did transfer to be with Kurt, and that’s going to play a part in some of their bigger issues.  But for now, they can reveal in their happiness and not think at all about nasty, nasty break ups.  

And – getting Blaine into New Directions.  But since the only competition is Sugar, there really isn’t an issue here. 

Oh Kurt – so giddy that he’s once again getting sung to in the courtyard.  Can this year get any better?!?!  

Everything’s great util you light the piano on fire. 

Velma and Roxy II

Kurt and Rachel are so ready for this NYADA mixer! Only to find out that while at McKinley they might be special snowflakes, in the real world, they’re a dime a dozen.  I like the reality of this scene, tbh.  That you can give your 1 in a Billion speeches all you want, there’s always going to be someone else who seems like they’re more talented than you.  There are a lot of things Glee misses the mark on when it comes to college.  Or theater.  And this scene is a bit over the top.  But it does show that, hey, there are a ton of people trying to make it the same as you – and so you do have to ask yourself – do you have what it takes to compete? Or do you just walk away. 

I think now’s a good time to bring up the Glee Project.  I never watched it, tbh, so I can’t judge what kind of a show it was. But I’m not a fan of the results of the Glee Project.  And I don’t mean who won and who didn’t (Damien McGinty? Really?).  I mean that I have lots of problems with season 3.  But I think one of my biggest is that a show with a cast already overflowing now has to shoehorn these winners into the plot.  (I mean, think about how much space the show would have had without Rory)  Outside of Unique, I’m not really a fan of the characters that grew out of the Glee Project. 

That said, Lindsey Pierce was one of the winners, and her little moment to shine here seems perfect enough.  She’s a great vocalist, and I’m incredibly impressed by what she does here.  This performance is excellent.  

Anyway – going back to Kurt’s story.  It’s kinda hilarious how perfect a song choice this is – this group of kids basically stating that anything you guys can do Kurt and Rachel, we can do better.  Oh Glee with all its subtleties.  

So.  Kurt and Rachel make it back to the car and break down crying because that’s what happens when your optimistic view point gets smashed.  Poor kiddos.  

And then we get Kurt gives Rachel a pep talk v.2.0 (yes, i’ll be numbering these).  And it’s similar to the Born This Way talk – that Rachel is good enough to get in because she’s still special.  The thing, though, as much as I joke around, is that I do honestly like this scene.  Because Rachel is in Kurt’s corner, too, supporting him even though he’s down on himself for lack of extracurriculars.  The scene is a balanced one, where they both pull each other out of this dark place, and I can really do Hummelberry when this kind of thing happens. 

Gay High-five!!

You Can’t Stop the Beat

Oh, I have waited so long to screencap this.  There’s a gif out there that’s even funnier though.  

Anyway – there’s a ton crammed into this little scene.  Blaine joins glee club, which is yay!! But c’mon, Finn, you’re seriously having issues with Blaine possibly taking the spotlight when you and Rachel get all the solos? And Santana’s out for the week.  Why is she only out for one week? Who knows.  And then, finally, Kurt’s feeling ambitious and running for Student Body President, and Blaine’s super proud of him.  Can’t you tell by the still above?

But the moral of the story is you can pull all of the strings out of the purple piano but you can’t pull out it’s music.  Or, er,  something like that.  

Kurt’s feeling light and airy after that handjob.  Oh, wait, nope. 

It’s funny, I think this episode still holds up.  It’s crammed full of things, almost to a fault, but is still funny and endearing and services all the storylines it’s going to be presenting during the first third of the season.  I still really enjoy this episode even if season 3 goes mostly downward for me from here. 

It’s Season 3 people. Bam!

[spaceorphan18]

Finding Kurt Hummel: Dreams Come True

Masterpost

6x13: Dreams Come True

Wow.  Here we are.  The end of the story.  There’s something bittersweet about reaching this point.  I’ve been doing this meta series for over four years now, and it’s kind of fitting that I’ll end it around the original airing of the series finale.  I can’t believe it’s been so long.  I can’t believe I’ve made it through 121 episodes of the show.  (Okay, technically 116 - Kurt wasn’t in five of them.)   

And, I’ll be honest - I have some mixed feelings about the actual finale.  There was a lot more in the script, and a lot that I’m sad that was cut.  Not to mention, by season 6, production values were a little on the low side - and there are some glaring errors, and awkward editing, throughout the episode.  

But looking past that - it’s been a fantastic journey, and amazing to look so in-depth at a story that’s made its way firmly into my heart.  I will miss writing about Kurt Hummel (though it’s not like I’ll never write anything about him again!) but it is time to close the book on his story.  

And thank you to all of you who came with me on this journey.   Even as I let go of the story myself - I’ll always cherish it, and all the discussions and conversations and friends I’ve had and made along the way.  This has been something special - and I’m glad you’re here with me - here at the end of all things.  

So here we go... 

Final Competition

We open with our three remaining main characters.  Ah, I see what you did there, show!  And it’s time for Nationals 2015!  I’m not going to go too deeply on the time line here - because of a bunch of weird edits and costume changes, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.  

But I will deduce this -- in the 2015 time line - Kurt (and Blaine) have already been back in New York for a while, and have come home to help the group go to Nationals.  Or at least that’s how I’m explaining it in my head.  

And we get New Directions winning Nationals again.  Whoo!  I’m actually glad they didn’t make us sit through another set of songs and use this episode as a way to send of the original characters.  I do appreciate that Glee.  

I will say - one thing that I am frustrated by is this idea that McKinley gets turned into a fine arts school - and they do away with sports entirely.  **sigh** This show just never understood balance, did it.  Or the fact that you can enjoy music, have it be a good part of your life, and still do other things in your life. That is my one major gripe with the end of this show - is that it kind of takes the message too far the other way.  One reason I really liked the 2009 episode - is that it brought back the reason as to why they were there in the first place - so kids can be together in an activity that they liked despite their differences.  This episode -- to a fault -- zeroes in on the ‘arts education’ platform a little too hard - and, dare I say, to the detriment of some of the characters.  

But ah well - I shouldn’t be complaining too much about the ending here.  I mean - at least the characters do get happy endings, and this finale isn’t a travesty the same way How I Met Your Mother was.  

Last First Day

So, apparently this is the first day of Glee Club as Will says in his dialogue.  So...  Kurt and Blaine have come back for this, too, and then head off to New York - for good (the subtext says).  

The thing that gets me about this scene is that it was the last day of filming for the actors, and the last thing shot on the show.  Everyone getting teary eyed was real - because it was the last time they were all ever going to act together - and there’s something really poignant.  There’s a message some where in here from Will about moving on and moving forward, but interestingly, this is more about saying goodbye and being okay with that.  

I think adding to that is that this scene is a throwback to the end of season 1 - when the glee club listened to Will on his ukulele singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  There’s nothing that special about this scene or even this song.  But it’s such a touching moment because it’s another final one.  

And I’m glad we get a nice shot of Kurt and Blaine together, being close together, being reminded about all their times in high school - the good, the bad, and the crazy.  And it’s weird - cause they’re happy in their life, and they’ll be even happier moving forward.  But sometimes you do just need to take a step back and reflect, and be grateful that you got the chance to be a part of something special. 

Blam and Hummelberry

Alright two things I need to point out before we continue on.  

1. There’s a cute little Blam scene where Blaine and Sam effectively get to say goodbye to each other.  And it’s super sweet.  But also - Blaine let’s us know that marriage is agreeing with he and Kurt.  I’m sad we never really get to see this play out post-Wedding episode, but I’m glad it’s at least mentioned if only in passing.  But the thing is - I do think marriage would agree with them - because it is a commitment that they both are secured in making, and they don’t have the fears and insecurities they did before.  But also, because they are more grown up than they were when they were in a high school.  And yes - while I always wish we had seen more, I’m glad they at least allude to the fact that they’re living a happy life in New York.  

2. Something you may notice about this episode (okay I didn’t until I was told later) there’s no Hummelberry in it.  Crazy, right?? I mean, as much as I complained about Hummelberry over the years - it does seem weird that one of the major friendships on the show doesn’t have a final nod to it.  (And in fact - there’s a lot more Kurtcedes throughout this episode than Hummelberry.)  

Well - the reason is that the two final Hummelberry scenes were cut. The first one was supposed to be before the Blam one - where they talk about Finn, countdown their top Glee songs, and Rachel calls Blaine Kurt’s husband and Kurt gets all giddy from that (man I wish I could have seen that).  The scene is far too long to be in the episode (I still say they should have made the full script - there’s a ton cut out and more than enough for a two hour episode), but I wish it had been in there.  

The other scene takes place right before Rachel sings This Time - and isn’t much other than Kurt saying that he and Blaine are taking off for New York - but Rachel needs another moment.  Again - I see why they cut it.  Still - weird that I don’t get a final moment to dissect.  

So -- I’ll say this... it’s my own headcanon that Kurt and Rachel will always be, in a way, bff - but they become more like Kurt and Mercedes - living their own lives and doing their own things.  Sure, this entire group of kids will always be in each other’s lives, but as you grow up - you move on and meet new people - a lot of whom you just click better with.  

I do think when Hummelberry was good - it was good, and I do see the purpose of it on the show.  And while I think I’ll always resent (a little) the stuff in the middle seasons - I’ll always recognize it as a major friendship on the show.  Take a bow Hummelberry - and good night... 

Mercedes Jones Has Left The Building

So - Mercedes announces she’s going on tour and there’s a lot going right for her, so this is where she’s saying goodbye.  And, I kind of love her speech here.  Because she admits that this might be the last time she sees them for a very, very long time.  And it kind of hits the nail on the head about moving on.  

Something I do like about this episode is this idea that things change.  They can’t always stay in glee club forever - you have to grow up, you have to move on, and your life is better for it.  But you can always remember and cherish the people and memories you make along the way.  Mercedes gets it.  The rest of the cast gets it.  And so we get Mercedes singing Some Day We’ll Be Together as she makes her exit stage left.  And it’s really powerful and sad.  Because it is an ending.  

No words are said as Mercedes leaves.  No words are needed.

But that’s okay.  Not to be overly cheesy and go ultra 90s, but like the song Closing Time - Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. 

 Mr. and Mrs. Porcelain

The next stop on the Goodbye Tour is Sue.  

And they’ve actually come to thank her.  

And as crazy as it is - I’m actually really grateful that we have this little scene because it does tell us a couple of things.  First of all -- Kurt says if she hadn’t meddled (and I’m still not condoning the meddling) they’d still be apart and miserable.  This is a big thing - because for as much as Kurt tried to down play it for a while there - he was pretty miserable for a majority of season 6.  So was Blaine, for that matter.  But now they’re married and happy and heading back to New York - and this time probably will stay in New York for a long, long time.  

I also like it because throughout the entire series, there’s been a strange connection between Sue and Kurt.  No need to recap - feel free to read all the other meta - it’s actually there, lol.  But out of all the students - Sue didn’t connect with many of them - but she did with Kurt. 

This scene also gives us a moment to reflect on Kurt’s story as whole.  Sue recounts everything Kurt’s been through - coming out, bullying, growing up and finding his way, and yeah Sue’s speaking for all of us here -- because she’s reminding us the importance of Kurt’s story.  That it did mean something to a lot of people - and it gave a new generation of people a story to latch on to if they needed it.  

To me (and for me) Kurt’s story has been one of the most powerful - and that’s not to say people can’t latch on to other things.  I mean - if you really felt pull to Ryder - than you go Ryder fan!  But a lot of us were here - especially in the beginning, for Kurt’s story.  And Kurt - and his uniqueness represented so much of the audience through the years.  It’s kind of remarkable when you take a step back and think about it.  

Sue thanks him - for giving her the chance to be a part of that story - and for giving her the chance to see things in a new perspective.  It’s incredibly touching.  And Kurt himself is touched.  It’s kind of crazy when you think that it’s a moment where the creators are able to give a voice to the fans to tell a fictional character - I’m glad you existed.  

And I have to say myself - thank you Kurt Hummel.  It’s been a true pleasure documenting your life over the years... 

Time Capsule

And here we are - our final (real) Klaine scene of the series.  Do I wish there could have been something a little more? Something that held a tiny bit more weight? Sure...  

But this scene is sweet.  We get confirmation that the Box Scene happened, a run down of Kurt’s greatest hits from season 1-3, Blaine looking adoringly at his husband.  It’s a nice, quiet moment for the two of them to just remember and reflect and be happy that they’re past all of the high school shenanigans as they shut the door on their past.  

We get our final ‘I love you’, final kiss, final hug, final time hearing the Klaine theme.  And a final time for that ridiculous sweater.  

And I am currently laughing and crying right now... thank you boys, it’s been a wonderful journey... 

Back to New York

And... with that Kurt and Blaine are magically transported back to New York where they belong - still holding hands, fearlessly and forever.  

Daydream Believers

Five years later - and Kurt and Blaine are still happily married, still lovingly holding each other’s hands.  

We find out what they’ve been up to -- doing an all male showing of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?  I assume (since they are 26 at this point) that they’re still the younger couple of that play -- but it’s a hard piece about relationships, and I’m glad they decided to do perform something that would test their relationship - go boys! 

In case you are wondering what else they were up to -- according to the script -- Kurt’s won an Obie award and has his own line on QVC called Hummel Brag while Blaine is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has written St. Elmo’s Fire the Musical and Trapped in an Elevator: A Love Story.  

Now (semi-)celebrities, they’re invited to sing at the Harvey Milk school - where they’re considered inspirations.  And while I do wish this song had been sung with Blaine’s kindergarten class or two their own child, I do understand what they’re doing here.  They’re showing that a new generation of kids should feel safe being who they are and not hiding it from the world, as well as accepting the role of music (and creativity) in their lives.  It’s sweet and fun and I’ll go along with it, even if it’s not everything that I wanted. 

I do appreciate Kurt’s little throwbacks to the Single Ladies and Bad Romance performances from season 1. 

I also think Kurt and Blaine being with the kids is a nod to the fact that they are about to become dads and that they’ll probably make great dads.  

This song - though - means quiet a lot.  First of all, Daydream Believer is one of my favorite songs of all time - and I’m just thrilled at the fact that Kurt and Blaine get to sing it.  More so, this is the third to last song on the show, the final song sung by a couple, and the last Klaine duet that we get.  And there’s a lot wrapped up in that.  I mean, Kurt started out as a character not on the show - and to end with having one of the most iconic TV relationships of all time and the show full on acknowledging that by the end (I mean they are literally lying on a rainbow flag) is kind of huge.  

The lyrics are incredibly fitting, too - 

Cheer up, sleepy Jean, oh what can it mean To a daydream believer and a homecoming queen?

I mean, it’s a simple and sweet song - and I like that it shows what they are -- dreamers and believers and a special nod to Kurt being the Prom Queen.  It’s a beautiful sentiment to end on, and I’m glad this is the final Klaine duet.  

Yeah, I do wish they had sung it a little more to each other and less to the kids, but it’s fine.  They sound great together and the song holds weight to their story - being a perfect one to end on. 

This Time

I want to do a quick shout out to This Time - the song Darren Criss wrote for the finale.  It is so touching and moving, and is amazing in its way of putting into song what it’s like to be here at the end.  To cherish the feeling you had about being apart of the thing but knowing that it’s time to move on as well.  Y’all know I’m not the biggest fan of Rachel solos - but this time, it’s perfect.  

Alright - then we jump into our final little coda.  And, you know, I know that this ending is a bit much on the happily ever after quota.  But - I’m fine that they did this.  The show started in some well grounded satire - but at the end, managed to be a fairy tale for all of us who are awkward and weird and didn’t fit quite in.  I’m glad my favorite fictional characters are all right. 

This whole ending bit does seem a little rushed - but we learn that Rachel has agreed to be a surrogate for Kurt and Blaine’s child.  Fwiw - I don’t believe it’s her eggs, especially when she doesn’t seem to mention anything about co-parenting and Jesse saying he’d like to start a family of his own.  She also mentions that they’ve given up a lot of their lives for her, it’s time she gives back - and I know a lot of people said this didn’t make much sense, but you know what - I believe it.  So much of Kurt’s story was sacrificed at the Rachel-story alter, I’m totally cool with her carrying the kid for them. 

And I know that a lot of people didn’t need or want them to have children.  And that’s totally cool! I do think it makes sense for their story.  I mean, it’s about these gay kids getting the traditional love story and everything that comes with that - including marriage and children.  But also - Kurt’s story started out being about him and his relationship to his dad.  I’m glad it kind of ends full circle being a dad himself.  

While it would have been really nice if Kurt and Blaine’s last lines were to each other - and I love you at that - their last lines are in this scene and, not surprisingly, about Rachel.  Ah well...  Lol.  

However, there was a bit more to this scene that was cut out.  First of all, we learn that they’re having a daughter (yes - this is perfect to me...) 

It also has Mercedes wondering who the biological father is - basically it doesn’t matter. Blaine makes a joke about whether it comes out with a bowtie or an ascot then they’ll know.  Kurt explains the process, and here you go - the last scripted line for one Kurt Hummel: 

Kurt: We mixed the spermies together so we’ll never know.

Yup - there ya go.  We were robbed from Chris Colfer saying the word ‘spermies’.  Whatever writers, lol - I love it.  

Also - there’s a tiny moment as Rachel goes off, where Kurt bounces against Blaine.  Idk - it’s just kind of a small, cute moment for the two of them. 

There’s a line earlier in the episode where Blaine comments that Sam is right where he’s supposed to be - but it’s really the showing that the characters are right where they’re supposed to be.  Rachel wins her Tony, just like she was always going to do.  Kurt and Blaine get married and have a happy life together.  Mercedes gets and album, Artie and Tina end up together in the background.  Sue continues world domination.  And Will is, well, still Will.  

The point being, as we close on out - is that as these characters are living happy and good lives.  High school sucks, college can suck, even adulthood can suck, but for one moment in time, they were all joined together and survived it as a group.  And now, everyone is on their own path - and that’s fine.  Moving on is fine.  Change is fine.  

But since this is a story, and a story of characters we care about deeply.  This is their happily ever after.  

Kurt and Blaine might not get much -- I’ll always wish they had more - but I’m grateful for what I did get.  Because I love this perfectly imperfect story, and it’ll forever be deeply etched into my heart - even as change and move on to different things. 

Final Bow

The Klaine moment goes by too fast to still, in case you’re wondering.  

The context of this final performance is that it’s now Fall of 2020 - and the auditorium is being dedicated to Finn.  Everyone’s come back for one last final bow.  

I love I Lived as the final song.  It’s a song about life being hard and sucking and getting hurt but reflecting and saying -- well at least I lived my life to the fullest.  This, tied in with Sue’s final speech about glee club meaning something - about the arts and music and finding a place in the world meaning something, is the show’s final lesson.  And as we close out - the show wants to remind us that despite the bizarre choices made throughout the show, through the ups and the downs and the questionable editing.  

This show meant something to a lot of people - and for the characters, well, at least they lived.  

When the show was first conceived - Kurt Hummel wasn’t even a character in the script.  Eventually, he became one of the fullest - if not the most complete - character on the show.  We got to see him grow up, and come out, struggle with identity and bullying and heartbreak and Rachel Berry, and become a remarkable young man - happily married with a child of his own.

It’s an amazing, amazing story - and I can’t believe I’ve now reached the end of documenting it.  

This is the story about a boy who, with every broken bone, lived.  

Thank you, Glee.   

Thank you, Chris Colfer.

Kurt Hummel changed my life - and I’ll forever be grateful for that.  <3