My heart dropped as soon as the first scene came on. Not because of anything that happens on the screen but because this is the beginning of the end and it’s so, so, so very hard to say goodbye.

Having been a fan of the show since before it aired (even starting the first Glee Podcast, Gleek Squad Podcast which had a good shelf life), I can’t believe we’re here. But I’m so happy that Fox gave Glee notice so that the show could go out with as much resolution as possible. So. Here we go…

Photo Credit: Tyler Golden/FOX

In “Loser Like Me,” Rachel (Lea Michele) returns homes to Lima to figure out what she wants to do next, after her humiliating failure as a TV actress. Upon discovering that Sue (Jane Lynch) has banished the arts at McKinley, Rachel takes it upon herself to reinstate and lead the glee club. Meanwhile, Blaine (Darren Criss), no longer in a relationship with Kurt (Chris Colfer), has moved home to coach the Warblers, while Will (Matthew Morrison) is coaching rival Vocal Adrenaline, and Sam (Chord Overstreet) is the assistant coach for the McKinley High football team.

First, I must praise everyone involved for what we see in the cold open. We open the season with Lea Michele, the star of the show which she’s been since the very beginning. She sings within the first three minutes. And and and the song is “Uninvited.” Rachel’s “failures” aside, the title of the song is so fitting to season one and what this show is all about. Outcasts. Not being enough. And so much more. I love, love, love that this show has never forgotten it’s groundwork and is showing that immediately as we dive into the premiere episode of the final season. This show has never lost its heart and the center is shining bright this week.

From the studio lot to her home in Lima, I love the conversation Rachel has with one of her dads. He says, “They say you have to lose everything before you can really find yourself.” So, yes, the TV show being cancelled and her Broadway show dilemmas may be professional failures but sometimes you have to live through what you think you want in order to find yourself and become the best person you can be. And then try again on the professional route but with a new perspective and new plan because the growing part is what matters. And that, is no failure. It’s learning how to pick yourself up when you fall, let it go, and move forward. Which makes everything about this episode so wonderfully crafted. I loved Lea’s performance of “Let It Go” at the end. Absolutely beautiful. But I’m getting ahead of myself…

After settling down at home, Rachel runs into Figgins (who also works at the coffee shop now, since his pay cut) with Blaine right before the two sit down and catch up. I love the question Rachel asks Blaine regarding his degree because those are the little details that make this show all the more real, these are the questions viewers are asking while watching, so thanks for the little world building details. It means A LOT that it’s not being fluffed over.

Anyway, I loved Lea and Darren’s performance of “Suddenly Seymour.” I admit, I wasn’t immediately won over but it quickly became clear what they were driving towards and they killed it. Blaine and the Warblers also performed, “Sing” and that was entertaining. I’ll certainly think of the Glee version now when I hear it.

“You know why America’s falling behind? Because every kid thinks they should be a rap mogul or a movie star.” – Sue

Cut to McKinley High. Bravo writers for nailing comedy and truth bombs! See the above quote in italics for the bomb. So Sue is ruling and reigning, as usual. With good intentions and so far, actions that line up with such. Aside from, you know, disbanding all of the arts programs in the school! Talk about ten steps back, Sue! And hiring a convict in the school. Ha ha ha! That was absolutely hysterical to see. This brought upon my first major laughing fit! What a riot. This is so random but I’d love to see Sue in the world of Arrested Development. Anyway…Sue has the best comedic lines of this episode but that’s no surprise. She steals the show every time. Watching Sue and Rachel go head to head this season is going to be something else!

I do want to mention that I did notice parallels between Rachel and the glee club being reinstated in this episode and Finn joining the glee club in the Pilot episode but I don’t want to go too much into that, I did think it was worth mentioning though and I love all of the throwbacks and parallels from past seasons.

As for others? Beast and Chord seem to be doing alright. I’m excited to see more of the old glee club members though of course and see what everyone is up to. Will on the other hand, seems to be putting his chin up amongst a crew that he’s pretty disconnected from. Vocal Adrenaline may be the most talented glee club but making a living as their coach aside, I don’t know. Does Will seem genuinely happy?

Speaking of Will, he’s always full of words of wisdom. I love what he says to Rachel. “It’s just a TV show, it’s not who you are. You’re not going to be defined by this failure. The future will judge you based on what you do to come back from it.” Beautiful. And that, my friends is one of the many words of wisdom we’ve heard from this show that make Glee not just another TV show but thought provoking, inspiring, and life changing show. Thank you, writers!

Last but certainly not least…Kurt seems happy in New York. Until. Until. That moment. It’s such a huge slap in the face, I can’t even tell you. I am seething for Kurt. Without spoiling anything. How dare Blaine. How dare he. It’s one thing to forgive someone but that history still remains so to throw it in Kurt’s face…wow. I’m very interested in hearing what you all think about this development after you see it!

And all of this, my friends, is just in the first hour of the two hour premiere! There’s more! Click here for my review of the second hour of the premiere “Homecoming.”

The final season of Glee kicks off with a special two-hour premiere airing TONIGHT 8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT on FOX.