Hi. So this is Episode 1 of my season 4. I must admit it was hard for me to write but I finished it. It is Tina centered (Tina who? lol) because I honestly need to learn more about her and this is a good intro to her character (BTW damn shame we are 3 seasons in and don't know a damn thing about her other than she is Asian and in love with Mike.) It's written in script form so tell me if you could follow it OR if you would like it better in story form.
As I always ask please:
Read, enjoy, and review.
Leader of the Pack
[Scene opens from Tina's POV. We follow her walking down the halls of McKinley in slow motion. She opens the show with her voice over monolog]
My name is Tina. Tina Cohen-Chang to be exact, and I'm an 18 year old senior at William McKinley High, and I have been waiting for this moment since my freshman year. And that is to walk these halls as not only a senior, but as the lead female vocalist of the New Directions.
I have been in charge before, being that I was head of the GAES, Goth and Emo Society of McKinley.[Cut to a year book picture of a group of gothic kids, boys and girls who look totally aloof] That was until they decided they didn't care enough to meet any more. [Flash to Tina in Asian Camp leading an arts and craft project] My parents then placed me in Asian Camp as a way to learn more about my heritage, and gain more leadership experience. However I never quite got the handle on wrangling in a group of 8 and 9 year olds. [Cut to a scene where the kids have turned on Tina, tying her to a chair with her own art supplies].
But I knew once I got my chance to prove it I could be, I don't know, more useful in Glee club than a supporting voice. But with all of the different personalities, the biggest one being Rachel's, I kind of got pushed to the background. But not anymore! No, this year is mine and I will no longer "blend in". I will be heard. And I will do that as the lead female vocalist of thee National Show Choir Champion New Directions.
However there is one teeny weenie problem with my plan. [We pan in on Tina's face as she arrives outside of the choir room as the last bell is ringing. She has a nervous look on her face as she gazes slowly into the camera, connecting with the audience] I have no clue how to lead us to another National Title.
[Flash to show card: Black with "glee" written in white block letters]
[William walks into the choir room with pep in his step, directly to his white board. Taking a dry erase marker, as the remaining students take a seat on the familiar risers, greeting each other, he writes the words "National Champs" in large letters]
Will: Welcome back to the Show Choir National Champions!
[The room is silent, obviously not the reaction he was hopping for when he announced his greeting. Instead of excited the students look sad, and nervous]
Now, I know we have a lot of work to do this year, seeing that we are… short a few voices.
Artie: Short a few voices? That's like saying (pop culture reference). We lost… like everyone.
Rory: yeah Mr. Shue. I mean we don't have Finn to motivate us
Joe: Or Mercedes to give us soul.
Artie: or Mike to dance for us, Quinn to support, Puck to rock out, Santana's grit or Rachel to lead us [cut to Tina's face which is somewhere between green with nervousness and red with anger]. We lost everything last year. Let's face it, last year was the best we were going to be.
Will: Now that's not true. Now yes, we are missing some of our more, polished voices after graduation last year. And they will be sorely missed, but we still have some great veterans here [looks to Artie, Tina, Sam, Brittany, and Blaine]. We just need to find some undiscovered talent here, some diamonds in the rough if you will. With that we will be just as great as we were.
Blaine: [stands up and heads to the front of the room towards William] Yeah guys. We can do this, and I happily volunteer to be the lead male vocalist. Now I know I have some large shoes to fill with Finn gone, but I am up to the challenge.
Artie: Hold on miniature Magnum PI, what makes you think you would be the lead male vocalist when I have been here since this group started and you where wearing a blazer, singing show tunes at Dalton.
Blaine: [Walks towards Artie, speaking directly to him with a polite, but aggravated smile on his face] Because as you recall I was Captain of the Warblers as an underclassmen, [turning to the rest of the class, smiling proudly] an achievement that had not been done since 1958.
Artie[Rolling towards the other boy]: yeah but that counts there. Here it's about seniority, right Mr. Shue?
Sam [Standing from his seat on the risers, stepping into the fray]: Or results. Let's not forget I did help lead us to a victory [he turns to Artie] as a featured male vocalist [turning towards Blaine] over the Warblers.
Blaine and Artie: So?!
Sam: So, that means I've been in the spotlight too, and I think I deserve a shot at being the lead male vocalist.
Sugar: [Makes a cat fight noise as the three boys look at each other intensely]
Will: Guys, Guys! Calm down. Now I know there is diplomatic way we can figure this out. [He steps up to the small group]
Blaine: Yeah there is [he agrees looking at his two rivals]
Artie: you guys thinking what I am?
Sam: yep, sing off!
Artie: When?
Blaine: Two days from now. I mean I could go now, but it wouldn't be fair to you two. I have to give you guys some time to warm up.
Artie: Oh I could go now!
Will: Guys! [He looks over at Tina who is seated to the side] Look we have time to figure all of these things out, but until then, let's just all simmer down, okay?
[All three boys look at each other, but return to their seats, indicating that the disagreement was far from over.]
Will: Okay, now guys, our project this week will be [writes on the whiteboard while he says the word] Leadership, and what it means to you. Now everyone will have a chance to find a song that means being a leader to them, or inspires them to be a good leader. And in doing this, I'm hoping that we find a cohesive thread. Are we together?
[The room is silent for a moment]
Sugar: I miss Mercedes [She squeaks in a tiny voice]
Will: Come on guys we can do this [the camera cuts to Sam who pats her on the back while mouthing the words "me too" The bell rings and the scene ends]
[We cut to a scene where Will is walking into the teachers' lounge for a cup of coffee. There we find Sue Sylvester with her back turned to the camera as he is walking in.]
Will: Well, welcome back Sue, and how was your summer?
[She turns towards us to reveal a very pregnant Sue]
Well after facing the rapids in the Amazon, and failing to place in the London Olympics in duck hunting, I resigned myself to getting ready to bringing little Sue here [pats belly] into the world by reading her the works of Machiavelli and Sun Su for kids. Gotta start 'em early Will.
Will [sitting down at table with coffee in hand]: that's great Sue. [Making a worried face]
Sue: Either it's the hormones or my sheer boredom that is causing me to ask you this but what has you down Will? I can tell you're sad, if you're wondering, by the way your hair is even drooping. It's like a mood ring.
Will: It's just that the school year has just started and already the Glee club is at each other's throats. And I expected Tina, as their leader, to do something about it but she just sat there. I don't know, I just expected her to come in with a, I don't know… a pep in her step. You know, excited about the new year. But she seems… timid.
Sue: Yep, I was right, it's the hormones [Stands from the table] Okay Will I don't know who you're droning on about and frankly I attempted to care but I just can't.
Will: Well the Cheerio's seem to always be fierce leaders. I mean Quinn was amazing.
Sue: One of the best captains I ever had.
Will: And Santana had a fiery spark to her
Sue: Reminded me of myself. If I was Mexican… Or Puerto Rican… Or Dominican or whatever she was.
Will: You even have Becky who has seemed to been able to rally a group of kids
Sue: My absolute protégé.
Will: I mean what is your secret Sue? How do you find such great leaders?
Sue: Well Will, I have always found that the Lemming form of training is the best.
Will [wearing a confused face]: Lemming?
Sue: See through selective Darwinism, nature has found a way to have Lemmings find their way to water, and jump fearlessly in, to either make it to the other side, or drown, strengthening the gene pool for the Mike Phelps of the species.
[Cut to Will's face who it totally confused by her incorrect and convoluted biology lesson] Will: I don't think that's correct Sue-
Sue [ignoring his correction confidently]: When I have a new captain it throw said girl into a situation to find if she has what it takes to lead the cheerios. If she makes it she is a leader and fit to lead my Cheerios. And if she doesn't well, I toss her faster than a Kardasian in a Vegas wedding. Cause leaders aren't made Will, they are born.
Will [granting Sue a face of clarity]: You're right Sue. I should make Tina prove herself as a leader. You know put her in a situation where she'd have no choice but to lead.
Sue: Of course I'm right. Now if you will excuse me, your greasy over processed hair has risen a hunger for jerky in little Sue. [Gets up from table]
[Scene closes on Will contemplating a plan to force Tina into being a leader]
[Scene opens with the New Directions back in the choir room, seated looking anxiously at Will]
Will: Okay guys, I have come up with a way that we will determine who will be male lead vocalist.
Brittney: Speedo mud wrestling? [Pan on shot of the rest of the room looking at her confused and unsure of what to say] What? I think it would be hot.
Will: No, we will have a sing off between Blaine [cut to a smiling Blaine] Artie [show Artie nodding in agreement] and Sam [cut to Sam smiling adding a fist pump] the winner will be chosen based on their performance.
Rory: But who will choice the winner?
Blaine: Yeah I mean since Sam is now living with you, no offence, but he has a clear advantage.
Artie: Well you have soloed in a competition before, and was chosen by Mr. Shue. So obviously you have one too.
Sam: But you worked on projects with him, so you're not clear either.
Will: Guys! I'm not going to be the one who makes the decision. [Cut to the rest of the room looking confused and shocked] Tina is. [Cut to Tina who looks mortified by the plan]
Tina: Wha- What?!
Will: [Walking over to the seated girl] that's right. As lead female vocalist, I am leaving it up to you to make the decision on who you male counterpart will be. Rachel would have no problem picking one, and I think you shouldn't either.
Tina: But Mr. Shue!
Will: You can do this Tina.
[The three male hopefuls stare at Tina intensely while a panic look shows on her face as the camera fades to black]
[Scene opens on Sam, unpacking his book bag into his locker, when he spots Tina headed towards hers. He quickly closes his and makes his way to his team mate]
Sam: Hey there Tina
Tina: Hey Sam
Sam: So how was your summer?
Tina: it was good. Yours?
Sam: Mine was good. I mean I spent the last few weeks with Mercedes before she left for LA and I went home to visit my family for a while [a solemn look on his face] It's hard you know, being away from not only my family, missing my little sister and brother grow up, but also Mercedes.
Tina: Tell me about it. I was a crying wreck when Mike left and he in Chicago. I don't know what I'd do if he was as far as she is.
Sam: Yeah. I mean we're trying everything to make it work, but its hard when I live with Mr. Shue and she's clear across the country.
Tina: How is it living with Mr. Shue going by the way?
Sam: its… interesting
[Cut to scene where Sam is Skyping with Mercedes in Mr. Shue's den, all you can see is Sam's face as he smiles into his web cam]
Sam: Hey babe
Mercedes: [shown only on the picture through the laptop] Hey! I miss you
Sam: I miss you too. How is it out there?
Mercedes: It's good. Sunny most days. I miss home though, and our friends
Sam: Yeah.
Mercedes: How is it going there? You settled in yet?
Sam: Yeah, I guess I'm going to get use to living here with Shue for the year.
Mercedes: Is Mr. Shue there?
Sam: No he just stepped out. And while he's out I decided to give you a show so you won't be so home sick.
[The camera pans out to find Sam in his underwear and a guitar, as he slides on a cowboy hat.]
I know you're not in New York but that doesn't mean you can't appreciate the Lima version of the Naked Cowboy! [He begins to play his guitar. He turns towards the camera to reveal all he has on is briefs with the name MERCEDES across the butt. He wiggles it to the web camera, as we here Mercedes laughing uncontrollably.]
Will: [Walking through the door, not paying full attention] Sam I think I left my wallet- OH GOD! [He turns his head red with embarrassment from walking in on Sam]
Sam: OH MR. SHUE! [Sam shrieks as he falls over the back of the couch to hide his nudity from his teacher. The scene is clear of people and all we hear is Mercedes laughing hysterically at what has just occurred]
[Cut back to Tina and Sam in the hallway]
Sam: yeah interesting. [He gives a long off look, as if he is still traumatized by the incident]
Tina: well I'm glad you two are trying to make it work. Its hard work [she sighs as she gazes at a picture of Mike smiling] But I think you guys can make it.
Sam: Yeah I agree. But at least we have each other
Tina: [confused look on her face] What?
Sam: Yeah. See we understand what the other is going through right now, with our relationships being long distance and all. I mean Artie is still single while Blaine, well Kurt is still here in Lima so he doesn't understand what it's like to be ripped away from someone you love. [They begin to move down the hall to their respective classes] As co-leaders we can have each other's back and be there for the other to talk to. [The bell rings clearing out the hall way] Just think about okay?
[Tina watches as Sam walks down the hall to his class and the scene ends]
[The New Directions are in the choir room, settling down in their seats as Will walks to the front of the room]
Will: Okay guys, we have the first of our auditions for male lead. Artie please come up
[The room claps as Artie makes his way to the front of the room, taking Will's spot]
Artie: thanks guys. As a leader I think it's important that they be there for their group members, and not be afraid to make the tough decisions and really lead. I have directed many of you twice, not only in Westside story but also in our Christmas special, so you know my leadership style is very hands on and concerned. And that is why I should be your lead male vocalist. [He nodes to the band members in the room signifying he is ready for them to play his music]
Artie: [Sings Drive by Incubus]
Will: [At the end of the song after Artie is done] Well that was amazing Artie, and those are great qualities to possess as a leader. [Pats Artie on the back] Tina [Turns towards the girl seated in the audience, who turns her attention to him] looks like you have some things to consider.
[Tina's face drops, the pressure Will is placing on her starting to show its effects as the rest of the room applauds for Artie again and the scene ends]
[Scene opens with Tina sitting alone at a table in the Lima Bean working on something we can assume is homework]
Blaine: Working alone?
Tina: [looking up and smiles politely] Oh yeah. Working on advanced French
Blaine: [Nodding to the chair] Can I?
Tina: Yeah [nodes as she turns her focus back to her work for a brief moment]
Blaine: You know what Tina? You're really nice. But you're quiet. Focused.
Tina: [silent for a moment allowing his complement to sink in] oh thanks. I guess I always figured you learn a lot more about people by sitting quietly and listening to them.
Blaine: [leaning into Tina across the table] See I'm the same way. I like to listen to what people say. I find people will reveal their true colors if you allow them to talk. A lot of people say I'm too nice.
Tina: [placing her note book down] Yeah, like being nice or quiet is a bad thing. I like that people think that I'm nice.
Blaine: Me too. It's just that when people see how nice you are, they assume they can take advantage of your kindness.
Tina:[looking down at her hands] Yeah, like being nice means you're a pushover.
Blaine: We have a lot in common
Tina: yeah I guess we do
Blaine: that's why I think it we would be perfect as Male and Female captains. We have similar personalities and would present a united front. I mean we agree on our leadership styles and we could have us back on top with our focus. Think about it. [He stands up leaving Tina with more to consider. Scene ends]
[Scenes opens up with Sam at the front of the choir room facing the rest of his team mates]
Sam: Hi, as you guys know I'm Sam Evans. I think I'd be a great leader, because I see things differently. With my dyslexia I have to put things in a different view from the ordinary, which is a trait that I think is necessary in a leader. That and the ability to come back and stand after being knocked down. It's no secret what I've been through, being homeless, and a male exotic dancer
Artie: [under his breath] stop trying to make it sound fancy and just say you was skrippin.
Sam: But that shows I will do what is necessary to survive, that I won't just lay down when it gets hard. That I will stand. [Sings Stand by Rascal Flatts. Scene ends when the song is over]
[Scene where Tina is walking in hallway with Brittany and Sugar]
Tina: [slamming her locker] I can't take it! [Turning to Sugar and Brittany] I mean okay I get it they want to be lead vocalist and all. But how do I choose between my friends? I mean how do you tell someone you care about something like that?
Sugar: Whenever I have a big question I ask WWMJD?
[Both girls look at her confused]
Brittany: Well I've asked Lord Tubbington who he thinks should be male captain.
Tina: I'm so desperate for help I'll bite, what did he say?
Brittany: He said it's a tough decision and he was happy he didn't have to make it. Then he asked for some more cheese to go with his wine.
Sugar: I don't know why Mr. Shue is making you choose in the first place. It's not like your Rachel
Tina: [stands silently allowing Sugars words to swirl around her head. She perks up finally seeing why the task has been placed on her shoulders] THAT'S IT! He wants me to be like her! Sugar you're right!
Sugar: see WWMJD always works. [She smiles happy she was helpful even if by accident]
[Scene opens and we find Will seated at his desk, working on something when we hear a knock on the door]
Will:[looking up] Come in
Tina: [walking into the office] We need to talk
Will: I was just-
Tina: No I mean I need to talk and you need to listen. I know what you're trying to do.
Will: Tina what do you-
Tina: Trying to make me Rachel? You don't think I can do this do you? Be female lead?
Will: [looks down and sad that he was caught] I'm not trying to make you Rachel. It's just that when the guys were fighting you didn't step in at all. I just want to make sure you have that leadership spark that she had.
Tina: But here's the thing, I'm NOT Rachel. I'm Tina! I handle confrontation differently than her.
Will: Tina I know that. But a leader knows that not everyone will be happy with all decisions. When Rachel was here she would-
Tina: I am not RACHEL! And you know what I just wish you would give me a chance to show that I can do this, instead of counting me out already before I could even start. [Storms out of the small office leaving Will shocked. Walks out in the hallway and sings Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson Scene ends]
[Scene starts with Will walking into the office of Emma looking like a sad puppy]
Will: Hey Emma
Emma: Hello Will
Will: you got a minute?
Emma: I have time before my extreme Pica case.
Will: Pica?
Emma: yeah. This week he's obsessed with eating pens, oh that reminds me [takes all writing utensils off of her desk, locking them with a key in a nearby cabinet] so what do you need Will?
Will: It's Tina. [He huffs while taking a seat across from the large eyed red head] She's upset with me and I'm not sure why.
Emma: Well that doesn't sound like Tina. It seems like when pushed she can be very verbal to what's upsetting her.
Will: Well I guess it's me. I came up with a way to sort of push her to step up. But-
Emma: it back fired? [Asking in a sympathetic tone]
Will: I mean she's just so quiet. I mean she didn't say one word while the guys were arguing over who would be male lead. It was just so… different with Rachel. I mean she would greet me at the start of the year with a list of solo's she wanted to sing. And show theme's she wanted to try. It was-
Emma: Easier having her around
Will: yeah. I mean she was there to-
Emma: Pick up some of the slack?
Will: Exactly- What? [Confused by Emma's truth bomb. Sitting up towards her] Emma no-
Emma: Let's be honest Will, it was more like you had a co-worker. Major decisions were easier because Rachel was quick to put in her decision with yours. You had someone there to take some of the pressure off of you. And now you don't [she shrugged sitting back in her chair]
Will: No! Emma-
Emma: Rachel was your crutch. She took a lot of the heat and for that you rewarded her with solos and free reign of the club. You're not worried about Tina's leadership ability Will. You're worried about yours.
Will: [Stands up out raged by her words] No. Now yes, Rachel was a strong lead but I did do a lot for this team!
Emma: [Standing, afraid she has offended Will] I'm not saying you didn't, I'm just-
Will: You know what, it was wrong of me to come to you with this. [Turns and leaves]
[Scene closes out with Will looking worried that Emma could be right as he leaves her office]
[Scene opens on Tina in the library seated at the table.]
Artie: Hey Tina can we talk?
Tina: [looking up and smiling] Sure what's up?
Artie: [rolling closer to Tina] I just want to talk. You know I never did apologize.
Tina: [Looking confused] For what?
Artie: For our break up.
Tina: Artie, that was three years ago.
Artie: I know. But there is always time to apologize. I was… an idiot back then. And I'm happy you and I have been able to remain close friends. Our friendship is very important to me, you know
Tina: It is to me too. And it's okay Artie. I've moved on, and we are still friends.
Artie: Good, I'm glad, because I wouldn't want any, bad feelings, to weigh on your judgment. I mean I've matured a lot since we were together, and I don't… I pay better attention now. I just hope you see the new me.
Tina: I do Artie. I do [She looks down at her hands on the table, and the scene ends]
[Scene opens on Blaine in front of the choir room]
Blaine: I've been through a lot. I've switched schools three times in the past four years, I've been bullied, pushed around. But no matter the situation, I have fought and proven that I am a leader. I'm fearless, and want to instill that in everyone I lead. [Nodes and sings Uprising by Muse. The scene ends on a nervous Tina]
Joe: So who wins? [All of the boys stand in front of Tina waiting expectantly]
Sugar: Yeah Tina?
Tina: I-I need more time [nervously]
Artie: Well how much more time do you need woman?
Rory: Rachel would have picked the winner right after that song [jokingly]
[A panicked Tina looks over at Shue and the rest of her expecting classmates. She stands and storms out of the class room. The camera zooms in on a remorseful Will then fades to black]
[Will storms into Emma's office]
Will: You were right.
Emma: [looks up startled, from her desk. Sitting across from a male student who noticeably has a blue mouth] Will! [Turns back to student] John we will meet again in two day. And remember pens are to write with, not eat.
[Student nods and stands, before patting Will on the back, and snatches a pen from Emma's desk, before running out off the office]
Emma: John! [Huffs defeated] Oh dear. Will-
Will: I'm sorry I ran out of here earlier
Emma: No, I'm sorry. I should have told you with more tact.
Will: No I needed to hear it the way you put it. I needed that honesty. Thank you.
Emma: [smiles cocking her head to the side] What made you change your mind?
Will: It was today. We had our last performance in our male lead sing off. The way they all turned to Tina, and stared at her, begging her for the answer. Looking at her all I could think about was, how I was lucky I wasn't her in that moment. [Sitting down in the chair across from Emma] I mean how did we get to Nationals and win last year?
Emma: [Standing and walking next to Will placing a sympathetic hand on his shoulder] Will, you are a good, strong leader. I have seen you inspire these kids, and make them want to do more with their lives. Yes, you have been flawed, but we all are. But what makes us great is when we realize our flaws, how we work to correct them. And I believe you have the ability to be a great man.
Will: Do you really think I have it in me?
Emma: I do, because leaders aren't born Will, they are made through trial and error.
[Will wonders into the auditorium alone to think about his flaws and to sing Superman by Five for Fighting]
[Scene opens on Tina sitting alone in the choir room, writing furiously. Will walks in after watching her work for a moment.]
Will: What are you working on?
Tina: [looks up surprised, then looks back down aggravated] Working on a list of pros and cons of each guy. I know it's not inventive but it's effective.
Will: [Pulling a chair up next to Tina] Look I know I've put a lot on your shoulders and-
Tina: don't worry, I can handle it. I know you expect a lot, and I knew I had big shoes to fill when Rachel left. It's okay. I won't let you down.
Will: No, no its not. [Tina looks up shocked by his admission] You know, when she was here, Rachel gave me migraines. She would honestly e-mail me through the summer with ideals, with tips and pointers [laughs]. But I never noticed how much I grew to depend on her [looks down] and in doing so I learned to not have faith in anyone else, even myself. [Looks up at Tina who looks confused] Look Tina, I know it seems like I don't believe in you, but I do. It's myself I'm worried about.
Tina: Mr. Shue-
Will: No, I owe you this apology Tina. Because I think… I think you have it in you to be a great leader. And how you've handled this pressure, I have a lot to learn from you.
Tina: Thank you Mr. Shue. And I think that I have a lot to learn but I think we can learn together [smiling hopefully]
Will: I'd like that Tina. I really would.
[They join hands, as a pact to give each other a chance.]
[The scene opens with Tina and Will walking into a noisy choir room together smiling]
Will: Hey guys, Tina has an announcement.
Tina: Thanks Mr. Shue. [Turning to the other students] I came up with who I want as my male lead vocal co-captain. [All of the students still stone still waiting to see who the winner is] I've thought it over, and I feel this decision is the best to father our chances to become National Champions again. So I choose [the camera cuts to Sam, then Blaine, and finally Artie all looking nervous in anticipation of her announcement] Blaine.
Blaine: Yes! [the other two look disappointed.]
Tina: And [Over the celebration and disappointment] Sam
[the room now looks confused by both boys being called]
Tina: and Artie.
Joe: Wait what? You call three names.
Rory: Yeah, Mr. Shue so nobody wins?
Will: No all three are going to be co-male lead.
Tina: See, I sat down and though about what made each one a great leader. Blaine [the camera zooms in on him looking up at Tina] you've been here before. You've proven that you can lead as a lead male vocalist. I mean you where a part of what made the Warberler so great. And Sam, [closes in Sam] I mean you have a never say die attitude. You are a fighter, and passionate, which we need to pump us up and keep us focused. And Artie [Close up on Artie] I mean you are the foundation of the New Direction male voice. You know this group and have taken time to learn our strength and direct to sow them. You know where everyone fits in and how to set up people where they all shine. I need all of you to help guide me, to challenge me, to lead with me.
[The room is quite with a great appreciation of her words]
Blaine: [Standing up] I for one… would be honored to lead with you. [Speaking to Tina] and you guys[ turning to Sam and Artie]
Sam: [standing and smiling] me too [slapping hands with Blaine and nodding towards Tina]
Artie: [silently rolls to the front with a very stern face]… Let's go national champions! [Smiling widely]
[The group agrees with whoop and hollers, excited and ready to take on a new year breaks into Bon Jovi We Weren't Born to Follow.]