Navigating the treacherous territory of super-stardom - well, at least on Broadway, headlining FUNNY GIRL - GLEE's "The Back-Up Plan" gave us a generous dose of showbiz razzle dazzle and flash, while also showing some of the ugly side. Plus, Shirley MacLaine and Darren Criss rock Janis Joplin!
Piece Of My Heart Is it worth sacrificing your ultimate dream for something even bigger and more financially beneficial? Such is the primary concern of Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) following the incredibly well-received opening night of the first Broadway revival of FUNNY GIRL, with Berry in the rapturously-received lead. Yet, could TV or film provide an even wider audience for Berry's copious commendable talents? That was the focal focus of last night's episode, penned by show stalwart Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and directed by co-creator Ian Brennan. Although, secondary storylines centered around the introduction of mega-star Shirley MacLaine, the seemingly final scenes showcasing Naya Rivera - particularly given this week's rumors of her approaching departure from the series - and the twists and turns on the road to recording artist success for Mercedes (Amber Riley) - which, as it turns out, eventually ended up involving Santana, as well. It seems a door is always left open to former players - and we can hope the same will be true for Santana. The real question of the show itself: what are we willing to do for fame? Furthermore, how much farther can we go once we have fulfilled our dreams? Rachel tested the waters with the results we saw - unexpected and uncomfortable as they were, subsequently reminding us that the true heart of the series has always been a deep-set desire to express one's love and passion for music through give-it-all performances. Well, we needed look no further than Michele's "The Rose" for that - and much, more - but the comedic subplot with the coterie of studio executives undercut the exquisite delivery; effectively and intentionally so. The highs and lows of Hollywood - emphasis on low; as in how low can one go.
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