TV Review: Glee “Britney/Brittany”

Last night, Glee aired its episode, “Britney/Brittany” and musically speaking, it is officially my favorite episode of the series.

As a humongous Britney Spears fan (understatement) since 1998 and a follower and fan of Glee from the very beginning…this episode could not have made me more excited for my Tuesday prime time TV line up.

Heather Morris aka Brittany S. Pierce made this episode epic. Round of applause for Brittany finally remembering her middle name! Funny enough, aside from this revelation, nothing else about Brittany seemed to be revealed in this episode. For an episode titled, “Britney/Brittany,” it seems quite odd that there is not a lot of character development from Brittany. But an entire episode full of Brittany one liners may make up for this factor. That amongst other things.

These renditions of Britney Spears’ music were amongst the most entertaining and unforgettable renditions that I have ever heard/seen. Heather Morris killed “I’m A Slave 4 U” and “Me Against the Music” with Naya Rivera…making Lea Michele’s “…Baby One More Time” look like a warm up performance. Morris is clearly the best female dancer of the entire Glee cast. Although I already knew that, having known that she toured with Beyonce before making it big on Glee. While those Britney numbers were fascinating fantasies…Artie singing “Stronger” was the perfect tie into his story line.

Depending on individual preference, this episode may appear to be fabulous because of the music or disappointing because of the lack of story development. There is not a lot of clarity, but as for what we do learn…viewers find out where Artie stands in his relationship with Tina now that Tina is with Mike. Viewers are introduced to Emma’s new love interest, Carl. Even though Artie tried and did not conquer to physical progress in season one, he is now a member of the football team. I’m all about physical progress but I’m not about being unrealistic. I’m also not a fan of Rachel trying to give Finn an ultimatum of her or football. But I did enjoy the scene where Quinn helped Rachel see if Finn was truly faithful to her. Kurt yelling at Mr. Schue also made me smile. He is so passionate.

Back to the music…aside from Slave, perhaps the best performance was, “Toxic” which the Glee club and Mr. Schue performed in front of the school. I’m not quite sure if schools have to approve the songs for home coming and if so, “Toxic” would be okay…but I am so glad that the Glee club performed it. In this episode, “Toxic” was both the only number performed by the Glee club and not almost identical to the Britney Spears arrangement and music video. While I was anticipating the Glee club singing more than one Britney song together, “Toxic” was a great single choice. In fact, it is the best rendition of “Toxic” that I have ever heard and I personally like to think of it now as the official “Toxic” remix. And contrary to popular opinion, I loved Mr. Schue performing with the kids.

My only fault with this episode is Jacob. I could have done without Jacob looking like he was having let’s just say “private time” while he was in the stands watching the Glee club perform “Toxic” and Jacob naked in Sue’s office. Both were quite unnecessary and just plain disturbing. Also, where was Charice? EDIT: Oh, never mind about Charice. A reader reminded me that she joined Vocal Adrenaline!

Lastly, while I was disappointed that the Britney Spears tribute episode did not end with a Britney Spears song…I enjoyed Rachel’s rendition of Paramore’s “The Only Exception.” Though for the record, Lea can’t touch Haley’s songs. Haley’s version will always be the best version no matter who tries to cover it.

As for fresh faces, I loved how Britney Spears’ cameo was incorporated into the dream sequences. I didn’t quite know what to expect and wanted more but was pleased with the end result. Mark from So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 made a cameo in the “Me Against the Music” number. It is great how Glee has taken those dancers under their wing and also how various Glee club members appeared in the background of this specific number. Also, John Stamos has a recurring role on the show this season and this was his first episode. He looked great and his character was very well written into not only Emma’s story line but the Glee world. Did anyone catch the Uncle Jesse reference about him not getting his hair messed up?

I also loved the Britney references (“Leave Brittany Alone!” and “It’s Brittany Bitch.”) and the 90’s references, one of which was Blossom. Brittany also mentioned Kesha and for the record, I’d love to see Brittany perform a song by her. It just seems so fitting.

Overall, I enjoyed this episode more than I can explain. The music was phenomenal, Heather Morris is the Britney Spears mini me that I could never be, and this episode continued to bring the comedy in every scene. And these songs will no doubt be my most played Glee songs for umm ever.

Glee airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Fox.