"Homecoming" is the second episode of the sixth season of the American musical television series ''

Glee Glee may refer to: * Glee (music), a type of English choral music * ''Glee'' (TV series), an American musical comedy-drama TV series, and related media created by Ryan Murphy * ''Glee'' (Bran Van 3000 album) * ''Glee'' (Logan Lynn album) * Gle ...

'', and the 110th overall. The episode was written by series co-creator Ryan Murphy, directed by executive producer Bradley Buecker, and first aired on January 9, 2015 on

Fox Foxes are small-to-medium-sized omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull; upright, triangular ears; a pointed, slightly upturned snout; and a long, bushy tail ("brush"). Twelve species ...

in the United States along with the previous episode, " Loser Like Me", as a special two-hour premiere. The episode takes place in the days surrounding the

homecoming Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization to celebrate the organization's existence. It is a tradition in many high schools, colleges, and churches in the United States and Canada. United St ...

at McKinley High, as

Rachel Berry Rachel Barbra Berry is a fictional character and one of the two main protagonists, alongside Mr. Schue in the Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee''. The character is portrayed by actress Lea Michele, and appears in ''Glee'' from its pilot ep ...

(

Lea Michele Lea Michele Sarfati ( ; born August 29, 1986) is an American actress, singer, and songwriter. She began her career as a child actress on Broadway, appearing in productions of ''Les Misérables'' (1995–1996), ''Ragtime'' (1997–1999), ''Fid ...

) attempts to revive New Directions at McKinley with the help of

Kurt Hummel Kurt Elizabeth Hummel is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee''. Series creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan initially conceived of him as a fashionable gay countertenor who is routinely bullied a ...

(

Chris Colfer Christopher Paul Colfer (born May 27, 1990) is an American actor, singer, and author. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the television musical ''Glee'' (2009–2015). Colfer's portrayal of Kurt received crit ...

), but Principal Sue Sylvester (

Jane Lynch Jane Marie Lynch (born July 14, 1960) is an American actress, comedian, and singer. Known for playing starring and recurring roles in comedic television, her accolades include one Golden Globe, five Primetime Emmys and two Screen Actors Gui ...

) continues to stand in her way. Rachel decides to bring back former New Directions members in an attempt to recruit new talent. Meanwhile, the first-ever female to attend Dalton Academy attempts to break into the Warblers.

Plot

Blaine Anderson Blaine Devon Anderson is a fictional character from the American musical comedy-drama television series ''Glee (TV series), Glee''. Played by Darren Criss, Blaine was introduced in the Never Been Kissed (Glee), sixth episode of the Glee season ...

(

Darren Criss Darren Everett Criss (born February 5, 1987) is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame starring on the television series ''Glee (TV series), Glee'' (2010–2015) and received a Primetime Emmy Awards, Primetime Emmy Award and ...

), now coach of the Dalton Academy Warblers, meets the first-ever female student to attend Dalton, Jane Hayward (Samantha Marie Ware), who wants to audition to be a Warbler. Blaine,

(

), now coach of New Directions being aided by

(

), their friend

Sam Evans Sam Evans is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee''. The character is portrayed by actor Chord Overstreet, and appeared on ''Glee'' starting with the second season premiere episode entitled "Audition", first bro ...

(

Chord Overstreet Chord Paul Overstreet (born February 17, 1989) is an American actor and musician. He is best known for his role as Sam Evans on the Fox television series ''Glee'' (2009–2015). He has starred in the Apple TV+ comedy series ''Acapulco'' since 20 ...

), and

Will Schuester William Michael Schuester, often referred to as Mr. Schue, is a fictional teacher character and one of the two main protagonists from the Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee'', alongside his student Rachel Berry. He appeared in ''Glee'' fro ...

(

Matthew Morrison Matthew James Morrison (born October 30, 1978) is an American actor, dancer, and singer, best known for his role as Will Schuester on the Fox television show ''Glee'' (2009–2015). He has starred in multiple Broadway and off-Broadway produ ...

), now coach of Vocal Adrenaline, agree to not sabotage any of the other's efforts in show choir. As Rachel searches for new talent, she brings in former New Directions members Puck (

Mark Salling Mark Wayne Salling (; August 17, 1982 – January 30, 2018) was an American actor and musician known for his role as Noah "Puck" Puckerman on the television series ''Glee''. Salling studied at the Los Angeles College of Music before work ...

Quinn Fabray Quinn Fabray is a fictional character from the TV series ''Glee''. The character is portrayed by actress Dianna Agron, and has appeared in ''Glee'' from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. She is the cheerleading captain at the ...

(

Dianna Agron Dianna Elise Agron ( ; born April 30, 1986) is an American actress and singer. List of Dianna Agron performances, Her work spans screen and stage, and her accolades include a Screen Actors Guild Award and nomination for a Brit Award. Agron bega ...

Santana Lopez Santana Lopez is a fictional character from the Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee (TV series), Glee''. The character was portrayed by Naya Rivera, and appeared in ''Glee'' from its Pilot (Glee), pilot episode, first ...

(

Naya Rivera Naya Marie Rivera ( ; January 12, 1987July 8, 2020) was an American actress, singer, and model. Recognized for her work on the popular musical comedy-drama series ''Glee''. She began her career as a child actress and model, first appearing in ...

), Mercedes Jones (

Amber Riley Amber Patrice Riley (born February 15, 1986) sometimes known mononymously as Riley (stylized in all caps), is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on the Fox comedy-drama series ''Glee'' (2009 ...

), Brittany Pierce ( Heather Morris),

Artie Abrams Arthur "Artie" Abrams is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee'' portrayed as the "glue" of the glee club. The character is portrayed by actor Kevin McHale, and appeared in ''Glee'' since its pilot episode, first ...

( Kevin McHale), and Tina Cohen-Chang (

Jenna Ushkowitz Jenna Noelle Ushkowitz (; born April 28, 1986), Korean given name Min Ji (), is an American actress, singer, producer and podcast host. She is known for her performances in Broadway musicals such as ''The King and I'' and ''Waitress'' and in th ...

) for assistance. Rachel briefly meets new transfer student

Roderick Roderick, Rodrick or Roderic (Proto-Germanic , from , + , ) is a Germanic name, recorded from the 8th century onward.Förstemann, ''Altdeutsches Namenbuch'' (1856)740 Its Old High German forms are , , , , , ; in Gothic language ; in Old English ...

(Noah Guthrie) but her enthusiasm scares him away. Blaine asks Rachel to train Jane for her upcoming Warbler audition. Kurt tries to get gay football player Spencer Porter (Marshall Williams) to join but Spencer turns the offer down. Jane auditions for the Warblers and does well, but she is denied membership by the other members as they are hesitant to change their status quo. Blaine vows to fight for Jane's admittance. Santana, Quinn, Artie, and Brittany perform for the Cheerios and catch the interest of siblings Mason McCarthy and Madison McCarthy (Billy Lewis Jr. and Laura Dreyfuss) while also reuniting with former New Directions member

Kitty Wilde Kitty Wilde is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee''. The character is portrayed by actress Becca Tobin, and appeared for the first time during the first episode of the fourth season, " The New Rachel", first ...

(

Becca Tobin Rebecca Grace Tobin (born January 18, 1986) is an American actress, singer, and dancer. She is known for her role as Kitty Wilde on the Fox musical comedy-drama series ''Glee''. Early life Tobin grew up in Marietta, Georgia, the younger of two ...

), but she has no interest in re-joining New Directions and openly discourages the other Cheerios from doing so. Rachel hears a voice singing in the halls and discovers it to be Roderick. The former New Directions members convince him to audition, and he does so successfully, becoming the official first new member. Principal Sue Sylvester (

) attempts to bribe Spencer to sabotage New Directions but he refuses. Jane transfers to McKinley High and joins New Directions which infuriates Blaine, who sees this as a break of their vows not to sabotage, and he states their alliance is now over. Mason and Madison, who are karaoke champions, also join New Directions.

Production

Returning recurring characters that appear in the episode include the former New Directions members Puck (Mark Salling), Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron), Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera), Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley), Brittany Pierce (Heather Morris), Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale), and Tina Cohen-Chang (Jenna Ushkowitz), former bully Dave Karofsky ( Max Adler) as the new love interest of Blaine, and Becky Jackson (

Lauren Potter Lauren Elizabeth Potter (born May 10, 1990) is an American actress, advocate, and comedian known for her role as Becky Jackson on the FOX series ''Glee''. Potter advocates for those with disabilities through organizations including AbilityPath, ...

). Three new recurring characters were introduced: New Directions siblings Mason McCarthy and Madison McCarthy (Billy Lewis Jr. and Laura Dreyfuss), and former Dalton student and now New Directions member Jane Hayward (Samantha Marie Ware). The recently introduced character Roderick (Noah Guthrie) is now a New Directions member, while gay jock Spencer Porter (Marshall Williams) is undecided. The episode features six musical cover versions. "Viva Voce" by

The Rocketboys The Rocketboys is an indie rock band from Austin, Texas. History Formerly known as Homer Hiccolm & the Rocketboys, the band formed late 2005 in Abilene, Texas. The original line-up met while they were attending Abilene Christian University. Si ...

is briefly sung a cappella by Guthrie.

A-ha A-ha (often stylised as ''a''-h''a''; ) is a Norwegian synth-pop band formed in Oslo in 1982. Founded by Paul Waaktaar-Savoy (guitars and vocals), Magne Furuholmen (keyboards, guitars and vocals), and Morten Harket (lead vocals), the band ros ...

's "

Take On Me "Take On Me" is a song by Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha. The original version, recorded in 1984 and released in October of that year, was produced by Tony Mansfield and remixed by John Ratcliff (producer), John Ratcliff. The 1985 international ...

" is sung by McHale, Morris, Colfer, Riley, Salling, Agron, Michele, Overstreet, Rivera, and Ushkowitz. "

Tightrope Tightrope walking, also called funambulism, is the skill of walking along a thin wire or rope. It has a long tradition in various countries and is commonly associated with the circus. Other skills similar to tightrope walking include slack rope ...

" by

Janelle Monáe Janelle Monáe Robinson ( ; born December 1, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper and actress. She has received ten Grammy Award nominations, and is the recipient of a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Children's and Family Emmy Award. ...

is sung by Ware and the Warblers. "

Problem Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, a frequent part of most activities. Problems in need of solutions range from simple personal tasks (e.g. how to turn on an appliance) to complex issues in business an ...

" by

Ariana Grande Ariana Grande-Butera ( ; born June 26, 1993) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Regarded as a pop icon and an influential figure in popular music, Grande is known for her four-octave vocal range, which extends into the whistle re ...

is sung by McHale, Morris, Agron, and Rivera.

Wilson Pickett Wilson Pickett (March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was an American singer and songwriter. A major figure in the development of soul music, Pickett recorded more than 50 songs that made the US R&B charts, many of which crossed over to the '' ...

's " Mustang Sally" is sung by Guthrie, Morris, Agron, and Rivera. "

Home A home, or domicile, is a space used as a permanent or semi-permanent residence for one or more human occupants, and sometimes various companion animals. Homes provide sheltered spaces, for instance rooms, where domestic activity can be p ...

" by

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros was an American folk rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2005. The group was led by singer Alex Ebert. The band's name is based on a story Ebert wrote in his youth, about a messianic figure name ...

is sung by McHale, Morris, Colfer, Riley, Salling, Agron, Michele, Overstreet, Rivera, Ushkowitz, Guthrie, Ware, Lewis Jr., and Dreyfuss. Accompanying the music from this episode, the EP ''Glee: The Music, Homecoming'' was released on January 5, 2015.

Reception

Ratings

The episode received 2.34 million viewers and a 0.7/2 on adult 18-49, making the sixth season premiere the least watched season premiere in the show's history.

Critical response

"Homecoming" was given positive reviews by critics. Lauren Hoffman from ''

Vulture A vulture is a bird of prey that scavenges on carrion. There are 23 extant species of vulture (including condors). Old World vultures include 16 living species native to Europe, Africa, and Asia; New World vultures are restricted to Nort ...

'' said that the episode's final number "Home" was "legitimately touching, although that might just be the camaraderie and hand-holding and actual fireworks". Christopher Rogers from ''

Hollywood Life Hollywood Life is an American digital media brand launched in 2009 by magazine editor Bonnie Fuller. The site covers celebrity, fashion, beauty, women issues, and entertainment news. It also airs award shows and other pop culture events. History ...

'' said that he "totally loved the season six premiere and feel that ''Glee''s going to go out with a bang". ''

The A.V. Club ''The A.V. Club'' is an online newspaper and entertainment website featuring reviews, interviews, and other articles that examine films, music, television, books, games, and other elements of pop-culture media. ''The A.V. Club'' was created in ...

''s Brandon Nowalk said that "Homecoming" was "classic ''Glee''", and "by the end of the hour it commits to its four new characters so strongly I was as moved by the gesture as I was by the dawning realization that I actually like these new kids." Miranda Wicker from ''TV Fanatic'' expressed that she can't quit watching ''Glee''. "Once the New Directions get in your blood they're there to stay", she said.

References

External links

* {{Glee episodes 2015 American television episodes Glee season 6 episodes Television episodes written by Ryan Murphy (producer)