Well, guys, the wait is finally over. After an eternity of working on Season Five, the newest edition of the Starring Universe is here. I'm incredibly excited to continue the writing of this amazing story and I'm even more excited to see and hear your thoughts. Let's do this.
If you haven't read Season Five yet, then I would recommend doing so, because otherwise you will be EXTREMELY lost.
Welcome to Season Six, Starring Cory Monteith!
Episode 6x01: New New Directions
Synopsis: One year after the conclusion of Season Five, Starring Cory Monteith, Finn (Cory Monteith) returns to William McKinley High to reboot the New Directions, with the help of Rachel (Lea Michele). The two are surprised to see how much has changed with Sue (Jane Lynch) as principal. That's not all that's changed; Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) and Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) are now in charge of Vocal Adrenaline and the Warblers. With friends now pitted against each other, this is sure to be an interesting year in Lima, Ohio!
A year has passed since Rachel Berry's debut on Funny Girl, and a lot had changed since then. Too many things, to count. I, the narrator, could come right out and tell you everything that happened between the end of Season Five, Starring Cory Monteith and the beginning of Season Six, but that wouldn't be fun, now, would it? You'll just have to wait and see what happens.
In Lima, Ohio, William Schuester was preparing for another day in his first few weeks at Carmel High School. After the disbanding of the William McKinley High School glee club, the New Directions, his former coworker Sue Sylvester pulled some strings and got him an interview over at Carmel. They were home to the New Directions biggest rival, Vocal Adrenaline. He was a bit hesitant after years of feuding with that school, but the truth is that it was a great opportunity, and without the arts at McKinley, he needed a creative outlet. He recalled his own words to his student Finn Hudson; with every loss comes an even greater win. He might've lost the New Directions, but there were bigger things at stake now. He had a family to protect, to provide for.
As he practiced his own choreography in the mirror, he heard a faint giggle near him. He turned to see his son, Daniel Schuester, sitting in his playpen next to him. Will chuckled and walked over. "Thoughts?" He asked his infant son. Will's wife, Emma Pillsbury, gave birth a few days after Funny Girl opened. Thank God he made it home in time for that. Ever since, this little bundle of joy had been the light of his life. "Come on, Danny, pay attention," Will said as his son began playing with his toys in the playpen. "You're the only person I trust to show this stuff to."
He began pushing the playpen around, making Daniel laugh as he went around in circles. "You see, Vocal Adrenaline is not like the New Directions. They're all about precision and big dance ensembles. Perfection. I can't rely on my old tricks if I want to win sectionals, which means no waiting until the last minute, no Mercedes to park and bark... and no Journey." That last part hurt. He parked the playpen, sighed, and grabbed his coat.
"What I need to know is if I'm crazy for considering having the entire team do a synchronized backflip!" He continued, rolling over the couch and making Daniel giggle as he did so. "Why do I worry about anything when I get to come home and see that face every night?" He asked, giving his son a kiss on the forehead, before making his way out the door.
"Daddy's gotta go to work."
{The scene cuts to Mr. Schue heading to work, which is cut together with Finn waking up in his parents house, pulling himself together and heading to McKinley for the first time since the season five episode, "New Directions."
[Mr. Schue]
Spending my vacation in the summer sun
Gettin' lots of action and a lots of fun
Scorin' like a bandit 'til the bubble burst
Suddenly it got to be September first
Woe, is me, all summer long, I was happy and free
Save my soul, the board of education took away my parole
[Mr. Schue and Finn]
I gotta go back, back, back to school again
You won't find me 'til the clock strikes three
I'm gonna be there 'til then
I gotta go back, back, back to school again
Whoa, whoa, I gotta go back to school again
[Finn]
Geometry and history is just a pain
Biology and chemistry destroys my brain
Well, don't they know that I deserve a better fate?
I'm really much too young to matriculate
Well, mama please, your child's come down with a fatal disease
Mama said, "Come on you lazy bum now get your butt out of bed
[Mr. Schue and Finn]
You gotta go back, back, back to school again"
It's bye-bye fun, get your homework done
You better be in by ten
I gotta go back, back, back to school again
Whoa, whoa, I gotta go back to school again
I gotta go back, back, back to school again
You won't find me 'til the clock strikes three
I'm gonna be there 'til then
I gotta go back, back, back to school again
Whoa, whoa, I gotta go back to school again
Finn Hudson graduated from William McKinley High School just a little over two years ago, and had last stepped foot in the school just a little over a year ago, but almost everything was just how he remembered it. It still smelled sort of like french fries, the lockers still had that boring shade of beige. Basically everything was just how he had left it. The only thing he needed to salvage was the New Directions. He knew there was a new regime at McKinley, and he knew the New Directions would be shut down after their 2013 Nationals loss, but the administration here bluffed so many times, he figured getting things back to the status quo would be a slam dunk.
"Finn!"
One of his greatest students was Marley Rose. She started off as your typical wallflower, but blossomed into one of the most talented members of the New Directions in its history. Yes, up there with Rachel and Mercedes Jones! He never really did a ranking, but Marley would definitely be top ten. Maybe top five. She certainly was one of the most talented members of the second generation. Her songwriting helped give the New Directions a Regionals victory that year; she was awesome, and she and Finn always got along really well. He was really happy to see her running up to him with a bright, bubbly smile.
"Marley, hey!" Finn said, giving her a big hug.
"How are you?" She squealed. "What are you doing here? How is school? How are you and Rachel? How is Funny Girl? How is Kurt-"
"Okay, okay, slow down," Finn replied, chuckling himself. "Everything is great. I'm pretty much done with school! I just need an internship to get me the diploma, and boom, I can become an official teacher."
"Well, where are you going to intern?" Marley asked, swaying back and forth. "I hear Mr. Schuester is over at Carmel now. You could probably do your internship there."
"I was sort of hoping to do it here and bring back the New Directions."
Marley stopped dead in her tracks, staring at Finn like he said Voldemort or something. "Uh, I don't really know if that's possible."
"Why not?" Finn replied. "New Directions is like a cockroach. You can't get rid of them, and they're gross, but sort of essential."
She took a heavy sigh. "Well, good luck with the new principal."
"If I'm able to get us back on the map, would you-"
"Of course I would!" Marley practically jumped up and down. "But, that's a big if. I should probably get to class, but it was great seeing you, Finn."
"Yeah, you too."
Marley began to head in the other direction, as Finn found his legs taking him to the principal's office. When he was in high school, he found himself in there talking with Principal Figgins many times. It was like muscle memory going back there. As he walked in, he quickly realized that things were quite different in this school, after all. The woman at the front desk was not Figgins's long tenured receptionist Donna, but was a white woman with cornrows, tattoo sleeves and an orange jumpsuit. She sort of looked like R. Kelly if he swapped genders with his own victims. He quickly noticed the chain tied around her leg and the desk, which startled him, but he kept his calm demeanor.
"Can I help you?" The clear felon asked.
"I'm hear to speak with Coach Sylvester," Finn replied.
"It's okay, Janet, let him in... and that's Principal Sylvester to you."
Not even giving Finn the respect to look at him as they spoke, Sue Sylvester continued to work on paperwork. "Janet is part of the free labor arrangement I have with the Ohio Department of Corrections," she explained. "She's a convicted counterfeiter." She clicked her pen shut and finally looked over across her desk.
"Love, uh, what you've done to the place..." Finn said awkwardly.
"Why, thank you, Freddie Prinze Jr.," she replied with a smirk. "Ohio's winningest cheerleading coach is now Ohio's winningest principal. Test scores are up, body mass indexes are down... sort of wish we had those regulations in place when you went here. How'd I do it, you might ask?"
"I didn't-"
"The Sue Sylvester Three Point Plan," she continued, ignoring him. "One, a complete dietary overhaul. Protein shakes, raw kale. Number two, mandatory random weigh-ins and body shaming." She glanced up, noticing a larger student walking by her office with glasses and large, Beats by Dre headphones on. "Guess this one slipped through the cracks." She whistled and Janet stood up, rushing over to a closet and grabbing three, large rottweilers before following the kid down the hall. Finn blinked before turning back to Sue, who confirmed, "Step three is occasionally releasing hounds."
"Is that safe?" Finn asked, constantly leaning out of his chair to see if the dogs had harmed anyone.
"My crowning achievement, however, is getting rid of your precious glee club," Sue continued, ignoring him once more as she began sharpening a pencil. "I've successfully transformed this place into a beehive of learning. It doesn't hurt that Will Schuester is at Carmel now, either. I get nothing but blissful night sleeps nowadays."
"Well, that's sort of what I wanted to talk to you about," Finn said cautiously, still very scared of the threat of a hound ripping the flesh off his foot. "The glee club."
"I just said there is no glee club," Sue reiterated. "In fact, I've exterminated all of the arts programs in this school."
"Sue, you can't deprive these kids education on music and theater!"
"Oh, I can, and I did," she barked.
"Sue, before glee club, I had no idea what I wanted to do with myself. I-I was a mediocre quarterback on a mediocre football team. The arts helped me find myself, focus up, and graduate with straight B's. It helped me find my passion of teaching," Finn argued. "I want to help kids, that were in my shoes, find their passions too. Please let me do so."
"Well, that was quite the argument," Sue said, placing the pencil on her desk. "Counterpoint. If you were one of the best the arts had to offer at this school, that means the arts don't have much to offer, do they? Unless we want to see awkwardly shaped men with beer bellies literally shoot themselves in the foot, disgrace their countries and come back home to mommy to help high schoolers discover showtunes and cheesy 80s rock. There is no glee club at this school, and there will never be a glee club at this school as long as I'm in charge. But I take pity on you, Finn Hudson. You were a mediocre quarterback, now, this is true. But the vultures of so-called 'creativity' swooped in and picked your meaty bones for days until they made it through the first layer of your fat, eventually transforming you into the butch leader of their friendship alliance. You could've been teaching physical education in Matthews, North Carolina with season tickets to the Panthers by now, but you were steered off the path. I told you that I thought you'd be an amazing teacher but, I can't currently afford you screwing up my school's test scores with your happy-go-lucky approach to life, so I'm going to do you a favor and let you join Coach Beiste's coaching staff on the football team. Now, get the hell out of my office, before I sic a convicted felon onto you."
He hadn't heard a Sue Sylvester monologue in quite some time, and it felt just as bad as he remembered it. It sucked. The more time he spent in McKinley, the more he realized that there were some negatives about some things staying the same. Frustrated, he stood up and walked out of her office. What now?
If he was sticking with his theme of revisiting his old life, he knew what his next step had to be. He'd go talk to Mr. Schue. He'd know what to do.
{The scene cuts to Finn walking into the Carmel High auditorium, as he watched their Vocal Adrenaline rehearsal, with Mr. Schue in the center of the room observing}
[Clint]
Have you seen her, so fine and pretty?
Fooled me with her style and ease
And I feel her from across the room
Yes, it's love in the third degree
[Clint and Harmony] (Clint)
Ooh, baby, baby
Won't ya turn your head my way
Ooh, baby, baby
Well, don't skip romance 'cause you're old enough to
Dance the night away (oh, baby)
Dance, dance, dance the night away
[Harmony]
A live wire, barely a beginner
But just watch that lady go
She's on fire, 'cause dancin' gets her higher
Than anything else she knows
[Clint and Harmony]
Ooh, baby, baby
Won't ya turn your head my way
Ooh, baby, baby
Well, don't skip romance 'cause you're old enough to
[Vocal Adrenaline]
Dance, dance, dance the night away
Oh-oh, yeah
While Finn didn't recognize the male frontman, he almost immediately knew who the girl was; that was Harmony! The Gerber Baby! Right away, he could see what Mr. Schue was going for here. Sure, he'd have to change his formula up just a bit from the New Directions, but it was evident that this guy and Harmony were what he wanted to be the Finn and Rachel figures. Their chemistry on stage was palpable. It was a great performance!
Mr. Schue sure thought so, too. He began to clap and then stood up. "Alright! Great job, guys, it's getting better." They all began to walk off stage; Finn noticed Harmony and the male lead, Clint, walking in opposite directions, not even giving each other an acknowledgment after the performance. Maybe their chemistry was just on stage, I guess. Awkwardly, Mr. Schue continued speaking into the god-mic. "My office door is always open if any of you have any problems, so..."
They were all business, no pleasure. He hadn't connected with the Vocal Adrenaline kids like he had with the New Directions, but he had hopes that they'd get there eventually. As he grabbed his briefcase and began to make his way out of the auditorium, he noticed Finn in the audience immediately. "Hey, buddy!" He called, his mood instantly changing. "What brings you to my neck of the woods?"
Finn walked down to meet him, giving him a hug in the aisle. "Well, it wasn't exactly to spy on your rehearsal, but that number was incredible! Did you recruit the Gerber Baby?"
Mr. Schue shook his head. "Actually, no. She was transferring out of her school in Defiance and wanted Vocal Adrenaline on her resume. Best of the best, I guess. She's really itching to get into NYADA."
"Does she talk about it as much as Rachel and Kurt did?"
"Actually, I just read her file. Doesn't seem like these kids are big talkers," Mr. Schue replied, patting Finn's back. "But, look at where I am! I'm coaching the most famous glee club in the world."
"I definitely have mixed emotions there," Finn said in a joking manner, but all good jokes contain a hint of truth.
Mr. Schue picked up on that. "I wanted to keep coaching. McKinley doesn't have a glee club anymore."
All jokes were out the window now, as Finn pressed harder. "That never stopped you before..."
"I don't have much fight left in me, Finn," he responded. "I've got a child. Carmel pays five times more than what McKinley did. This is a good thing. Who am I to say no to a good thing?" He walked off stage and Finn followed, as he poured himself a cup of coffee. He offered it to Finn, who declined.
"I guess that's what I wanted to talk to you about," Finn spoke. "The glee club, I mean. New Directions. I tried to talk to Sue about it and she basically just called me fat, and then offered me an assistant coaching job on the football team instead. I don't know what to do. I was sort of hoping I'd be able to get some advice?"
Mr. Schue chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee. "Have you ever seen a guy shoot a bow and arrow?"
"Totally! Yeah, I watched Arrow and The Avengers."
"Okay, great!" Mr. Schue laughed a little harder, taking a seat as Finn sat beside him. "The power is created by the bending of the bow, right? the more the bow bends, the more potential energy is created. Life's challenges just the bending of the bow. Think about it. The bigger the challenge, the more the bow bends, the more potential you create."
"Yeah, well, fighting Sue for the glee club is a big challenge," Finn chuckled. "Like hiking Mount Everest without any hiking gear."
"That's my point, Finn. You've got your purpose; find the arrow that you're gonna put in that bow!"
Finn had no idea how he was going to get past Sue Sylvester. This seemed like an impossible task, one too difficult even for the biggest, strongest bow and arrow. "If things fail can I just do my internship here with you?"
"Yes, but I have a feeling things will work out just fine for you," Mr. Schue chuckled. "I've got to head to my next class, but, keep me posted, okay? You still stopping by Emma and I's for dinner this weekend?"
Finn nodded, giving Mr. Schue another hug before walking out of the auditorium. Suddenly, as he headed back to his car, a lightbulb went off in his head. Despite the fact that Sue ruled McKinley with an iron fist, even she had a boss. He had battled with Sue Sylvester before, but he was a kid then. He wasn't scared of her anymore.
Later that day, Finn found himself in the office building of Lima Public Schools, walking into a meeting with the superintendent, Bob Harris. He couldn't quite figure it out, but the superintendent looked very familiar. He was pretty sure he had seen him on television before. He binged Breaking Bad around this time last year, did he look like one of their characters?
Nah, that couldn't be it.
Finn and Superintendent Harris got right into talking shop. "Look," Finn said. "I know you've been through this with Sue Sylvester, but she's wrong. Depriving a student an education in the arts, it's-"
Superintendent Harris put a hand up, as Finn concluded his speaking. "I agree. I think the arts are extremely important. In fact, my own nephew wants to be a performer. However, the principals are in charge of the schools."
Finn hesitated before answering. "Aren't you in charge of the principals?"
Finn had a point, which Superintendent Harris knew was correct, but he pivoted his reasonings. "Even if I wanted to go over Sue Sylvester's head and reinstate the glee club, it would be impossible at this point. The budget has already been set for the year, and there is no money for any new programs."
Money is tight. At the end of the day, this was business, and it always was going to come down to the bottom line. Finn shot for the stars and aimed for the moon, and unfortunately he missed. He sighed gently and stood up, prepared to thank the superintendent for his time, however his chances weren't dead just yet. He heard a very familiar voice echo through the doorway. "What if I gave the money?"
His head whipped over, as did Superintendent Harris's, as they saw Rachel Berry, standing in the entrance. An excited Finn jumped out of his seat and rushed over to his girlfriend, giving her a big hug and a kiss. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm home!" She squealed in Finn's arms. Remembering where they were, Finn quickly put her down as Rachel walked over to introduce herself to the superintendent. "Superintendent Harris, I am-"
"Oh, I know who you are, Rachel," he stood up, shaking her hand. "My nephew, Myron, is a huge fan." Finn mentally remembered earlier in the conversation about how Myron wanted to be a performer; it looked like that, paired with his fandom of Rachel Berry, might be Finn's ace in the hole. Harris continued, "So what brings you home to Lima?"
"Well, I'm sure you're aware that Funny Girl closed its curtains a few months ago... and I thought it was a good time to come home, see my family, my boyfriend Finn..." She nodded over to Finn, who waved. "Anyway, I hear he's trying to bring back the arts to McKinley. I have some money to spare. It's not much, but I'd be willing to donate it if it meant bringing back the glee club."
Finn stood up and joined Rachel's side. "Yeah, and you wouldn't have to pay me to run it, because I'd be willing to do it for credit! I need an internship in order to graduate from the University of Lima and get my teaching degree."
Superintendent Harris looked at the two, a slight twinkle in his eye. He walked away from them and stared out the window briefly. "You know, I have to admit, I wouldn't mind seeing Sue Sylvester taken down a peg. Sure, grades are up, but I'm not sure about the caning. I have a sneaking suspicion that she's angling for my job."
Without hesitation, Finn agreed. "Totally. Would not surprise me." Rachel nodded in agreement.
Superintendent Harris clapped his hands together. "Alright, you've got a deal, but I have two conditions. One, since Rachel is funding this project, she needs to help you run it, Finn."
The two looked at each other and couldn't contain their excitement. The two of them, back together again and running the glee club, the very organization that brought them together in the first place? That was practically ideal! "Okay!" They said in unison.
"Second, Rachel, I want you to perform at my Myron's Bar Mitzvah."
Rachel was slightly less enthused about this part of the deal, but what the hell. "O-okay!"
After speaking with the superintendent, Finn and Rachel decided to grab dinner at Breadstix, for old time's sake. The two sat in their booth, each with a glass of wine, as they cheered to each other and to their impending victory over Sue. It almost felt too good to be true. "God, I am so excited for these breadsticks," Rachel said, after taking a sip of her wine. "They're like crack. I can't believe I haven't been to Breadstix since Valentines Day during our senior year. Remember when Blaine and everyone performed Love Shack?" She paused, before reaching over and taking her boyfriend's hand. "Have you spoken to Blaine at all since the school year started?"
Finn took her hand, but snorted at the thought of speaking to Blaine. "Why would I?"
"Well, he is the captain of the Warblers now... might be good to check in on him, see if he has any coaching advice." Rachel replied carefully.
"You know why I won't do that," Finn replied. "Besides, the Warblers are going to be our competition at Sectionals." He let go of her hand as their breadsticks arrived. He changed the subject, to avoid getting angry. "So, why are you really home? I know you swooped in and saved the day with the superintendent, but, I thought you would've booked your next show by now." He paused again, thinking. "What about school?"
"Finn, you know I've been struggling with booking shows since Funny Girl ended," Rachel whispered. It was true; despite the fact that Funny Girl was a smash with critics and fans alike, nobody would touch Rachel with a ten-foot-pole. Rachel assumed that moving forward she would be typecast for another Fanny-like role. Granted, it hadn't been that long since the show closed, but you know what they say about New York. Things move quickly. "I remember the feeling I had towards the end of our run, like I knew this was a dream that was ending soon..."
{The scene cuts to a flashback montage of Rachel both performing in Funny Girl, and then the closing/shutdown of the show. It also shows her in multiple failed auditions for other Broadway performances, before eventually making her way back to Lima. She sings an acoustic version of Avicii's "Wake Me Up" in the process}
Feeling my way through the darkness
Guided by a beating heart
I can't tell where the journey will end
But I know where to start
They tell me I'm too young to understand
They say I'm caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes
Well that's fine by me
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost
Wish that I could stay forever this young
Not afraid to close my eyes
Life's a game made for everyone
And love is a prize
So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn't know I was lost
So wake me up
After the conclusion of the Wake Me Up flashback, we cut back to Rachel, who took a sip of her coffee once again. "I think it's time I face it, Finn. I might be a one-hit wonder."
"Hey, don't say that," he insisted. "You are the most talented person I've ever met. The theater gods would probably consider it a crime if you never got work again. Remember the time it took for you to get Funny Girl in the first place? You've got to be patient."
"It's just, like... I've tasted it once and I need to get back on stage again, you know?" She asked. "I can't even be in New York without that feeling, that's why I came home. I'm hoping I can mentally reset and come back stronger."
"Well, that's a great idea," Finn replied. "But what about school? You've gotta have something to fall back on."
She didn't respond.
"Rachel. You are gonna continue with school, right?"
"I've already starred in a Broadway production, why do I need it?"
He shook his head. "No, no, no. You can't give up on school! We just finished talking about Broadway and not getting work. If you're not going to be performing, you might as well continue to pursue your degree and have that in your back pocket. You'd be stupid not to." Finn got out of his chair and came over to Rachel, kneeling before her. "Here's what you'll do. Isn't this the semester you need an internship? Doesn't NYADA encourage you to find that education outside of the city?" She nodded. "If you're going to be running this glee club with me, you may as well do what I'm doing and get college credit."
Rachel pondered his idea, before smiling and shaking her head. "I'm scared, Finn. What do I do if this doesn't work out? School or NYADA?"
"Don't be. You always land on your feet, and this is just to hold you over until then. You've got this, especially when you've got me by your side."
She kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you. I love you."
"I love you too, babe."
"Come on, let's go! My grandma's got one leg, and she can run faster than that! GO!"
The next day, Finn decided to take Sue up on her offer and start assistant coaching for the McKinley High School Titans. He knew he and Rachel had the glee club reinstated, but Sue didn't know that, and one of the only people in the school that had the balls to stand up to Sue was Coach Shannon Beiste. Coach Beiste was also a great friend and supporter of the arts and the New Directions, one of Finn's high school mentors, and an overall badass. He knew that under her veil of protection, there wasn't a damn thing Sue could do to him.
It also gave him a great opportunity to gather some recruits, both old and new. At the water cooler, Finn was able to approach his old student, Ryder Lynn. Ryder was one of the first kids that Finn recruited to the glee club on his own, back when they did Grease. When Ryder quit the glee club after an incident with Wade "Unique" Adams, Finn convinced him to rejoin. He and Ryder had a good relationship, one that even went beyond glee and music. As Finn and Ryder chatted on the sideline, Finn motioned to the field. "You guys look solid this year," Finn spoke. "Did you guys get Ed Martin in here recruiting kids?"
Ryder chuckled. "Close enough. Sue spent the off-season recruiting players from all over the state. She actually bought an apartment complex and moved all the families into it. I think it's legal..." he shrugged and took a sip from his water bottle. "So, glee club. It's officially back?"
"Yeah, in full swing," Finn said excitedly. "I'm hoping to have one of my original recruits back in the huddle with me?"
"You know it, man. No need to convince me."
Over on the field, a receiver caught the ball for what looked like a million yards, but in actuality was probably about 65. Still, incredibly impressive. Finn would've loved to have him on his fantasy football team. As he stood up and walked off to the side he took his helmet off, to reveal another familiar face to Finn. In fact, it was the next person he was looking to talk to.
"Jake!" Finn waved.
Jake Puckerman glanced over at him, almost in disbelief that he was there. He scoffed, tossing his helmet back on his head and rushing back out onto the field for practice. "Come on, if salmon had legs, we'd have it for dinner, not breakfast!" Coach Beiste shouted, seemingly at Jake.
"I didn't even know Jake played football," Finn said, confused by his attitude, as he looked over to Ryder.
"Yeah, he joined up this year. We figured his quickness from basketball would transfer over on routes." Ryder took another sip of his water. "That guy might be a bit difficult to convince to rejoin glee."
One of Ryder's other teammates walked over to the water cooler, interrupting the conversation before Finn was able to pick Ryder's brain about Jake. Overhearing the mention of the glee club, he gave Ryder a weird look. It was the same look Finn had gotten from Noah Puckerman all those years ago. "Jesus, Lynn, can you stop acting like a Hummel and get back out there?"
Finn instantly got offended, turning to the kid and stepping towards him. "Hey!" He said, voice getting deeper. "That's my brother you're talking about. We worked really hard to make sure bullies like you don't use words like that."
"Don't worry, Finn. Spencer is totally gay."
The unfamiliar face to Finn, Spencer Porter, looked him up and down disapprovingly. "I'm kind of a postmodern gay teen," he responded, tossing his trash down at Finn's feet. "Positive representation of gays in the mass media has given me the confidence I need to be myself which, turns out, is kind of an arrogant jerk." He looked at Ryder and then back at Finn, laughing again, before joining the guys out in the huddle.
Finn was sort of in disbelief, not realizing the disrespect he'd be facing. He was a McKinley legend just a year ago, and now he was chopped liver? What the hell is going on here? He tried to shake it off, turning back to Ryder. "Same place, same time for glee club. You remember, don't you?"
Ryder nodded, putting his helmet back on his head. "I'll be there, Finn. See ya." He rushed back out into the huddle, joining Spencer, Jake and the other football guys.
Finn took a deep breath, slightly relieved that he had at least two members of the glee club now (Ryder and Marley), but you needed twelve members to qualify for competition. Sectionals wasn't that far off, and he had a feeling that based on his interactions with Jake and Spencer, he might have a tough time with recruiting. He hoped Rachel was having better luck.
As it turned out, Rachel was not scouring the halls looking for new New Directions. She was actually over at Dalton Academy, going to visit her dear friend Blaine Anderson. A lot had changed in Blaine's life since we last saw him at the end of Season Five, so much so that he was apprehensive when he saw Rachel walk into his office.
"Rachel, hey!" He said in a surprised tone, getting up to give her a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, you know, I was in the neighborhood," she said sweetly, before shrugging her shoulders and admitting the truth. "Okay, fine. You're looking at one of the new coaches of the New Directions."
Blaine's jaw dropped. "Wait, what?"
She nodded with a smirk. "Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry, co-captains turned co-coaches."
Blaine's excitement sort of faded at the mention of Finn. "That... that is awesome. Good for you two."
"Thank you," she said, putting her hands behind her back. "Listen, I know we haven't talked in a while, but I figure we're going to be seeing a lot of each other leading up to Sectionals, so I just wanted to mend fences. I know you and Kurt broke up, and I know Finn's stance here, but I want you to know that we're still friends no matter what."
Blaine and Kurt Hummel did indeed break up. It was rough, but now was not the time to bring up old wounds. "Thanks Rachel, I appreciate that. Another story for another time. I assume you're here on business?"
"Guilty," she said with a giggle. "I wanted to check out the Warblers, if you didn't mind."
"Sure!" Blaine's attitude changed, eyes lighting up as he took Rachel's hand and led her down the hall. "I'm actually late for rehearsal as it is. Just don't steal any of my choreo, alright?"
She giggled, walking down the hall with him, before thinking for a bit of the logistics here. How was he the coach of the Warblers? She didn't even think they had one to begin with. "Don't you need a college degree for this?" She asked, considering the boat she and Finn were in.
"I'm not a real teacher or anything," Blaine replied. "The faculty advisor got Ebola or something, so, timing was perfect." The way Rachel understood, he was a glorified volunteer, which was totally fine. She also assumed he had pull as an alumni. He took a deep breath before opening the doors. "I know we are competition now, but Rachel Berry is a show choir genius. I appreciate any notes you can provide."
{The musical number begins as Rachel and Blaine walk into the Warblers' choir room, with Blaine eventually joining in on singing with the lead Warbler, Skylar, and the rest of the team}
[Skylar]
It's late in the evening
Glass on the side
I've been sat with you
For most of the night
Ignoring everybody here
We wish they would disappear
So maybe we could get down now
I don't wanna know
If you're getting ahead of the program
I want you to be mine, lady
To hold your body close
Take another step into the no-man's land
For the longest time, lady
[Skylar and the Warblers]
I need you darling
Come on, set the tone
If you feel you're falling
Won't you let me know
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
If you love me
Come on, get involved
Feel it rushing through you
From your head to toe
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
[Blaine]
Sing
[The Warblers]
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Can you feel it?
[Blaine] (The Warblers)
All the guys in here don't even wanna dance
(Can you feel it?)
All that I can hear is music from the back
(Can you feel it?)
Found you hiding here so won't you take my hand, darling
[Blaine and the Warblers]
Before the beat kicks in again
[Blaine]
Can you feel it?
Ooh, ooh, oh
Can you feel it?
No, no, no, no, oh
[Blaine and Skylar]
If you love me
Come on, get involved
Feel it rushing through you
From your head to toe
Oh, oh, uh-oh
Oh, oh, uh-oh
[Blaine]
Sing
As the number concluded and Rachel applauded, Blaine caught his breath and adjusted his bowtie. "So, any thoughts?"
"Oh my Gosh," Rachel kicked her feet in excitement. "First of all, you are way past the maximum age to be dancing and singing with these guys. Second of all, that was incredible." She got up and hugged Blaine.
He laughed and hugged her back as the Warblers clapped. "Thanks Rach," he said as they pulled away from the hug. "Sectionals is going to be fun, huh?"
She nodded with confidence. "I think so, Blaine Warbler."
Later that day, after Rachel watched the Warblers practice and Finn finished up with football, the two met back up in the halls at McKinley, before connecting with members of the AV club and transforming the computer lab back into the old choir room, just as they remembered it to be. They sort of just threw all of the computers and desks and stuff out on the side of the road. Sue could figure that part out, if the items remained.
Finn pushed the piano in by himself, as Rachel sat atop with her legs folded, while the other AV club members brought in the other things they needed. "Thank you, guys," Finn said.
"We know that in the past, the glee club and the AV club have had friendly relations, and we plan to keep that intact!" Rachel said, hopping off of the piano gently once Finn put it in place.
Finn added, "We promise to remember your names, too!"
As the AV club departed, the teaching couple stood by the whiteboard together and looked around the room, soaking in all the old memories and preparing for the new ones that they were about to make. Whether this little project was the path to a career like Finn, or a placeholder for Rachel until she was able to bounce back onto Broadway, they both fully intended to give it their all, and most importantly, they both fully intended to do it together as a team. Lucky for them, they already had a few pieces of the puzzle already. Marley and Ryder walked in, right on cue, as the clock struck 3:15 PM. They were followed closely by another former glee club member, Wade "Unique" Adams. Unique was a member of Vocal Adrenaline when Finn and Rachel were seniors in high school, but she transferred to McKinley after they graduated. She was one of Finn's star pupils, and despite her ups and downs throughout the school year, made it out alive.
"Unique!" Rachel gasped, rushing over to give her a hug. She then gave a quick hug to both Ryder and Marley, the latter of the two not realizing she would be apart of this reboot.
Unique pulled away and walked over to Finn, giving him a tight hug as well. "Welcome back, Papa Bear," Unique said as she hugged him.
"Great to see you," Finn replied with a smile. "And great to have you back!"
"Well, when Miss Marley told me you were back in town I knew what was next. And it's time for Unique to slay down the competition!"
"I hate to be that guy," Ryder said, his backpack slung over one shoulder. "But don't we need twelve people to compete? I mean, we only have the three of us."
"Well, you know, Rome wasn't built in a day," Rachel replied, walking over to Finn and wrapping her arms around his. "We'll be ready to go before Sectionals."
Finn nodded in agreement. "Rachel will be running glee club with me this year," he explained, recognizing their collective confusion. "She's going to be a valuable asset." The three smiled and nodded their heads before Finn continued. "I know what happened last time we were all in this room. It's your senior year, and if I can help it, you'll be going out on top. We're going to be National Champions once again!"
Finn's pep talk was interrupted by a THUD. The five of their heads turned to see a protein shake, splattered across the floor, and a puzzled Sue Sylvester standing in the doorway. She walked in, recognizing the room around her, as her eyes narrowed and focused onto Finn and Rachel. "What is this?"
"We're bringing back the glee club," Rachel said definitively, crossing her arms. "Finn went over your head and got express written consent from the superintendent, and there's nothing you can do to stop us."
Sue didn't even bat an eye. "The superintendent gave you permission to demolish a state-of-the-art computer lab to make room for a glee club," she stated, attempting to clarify.
"He may have been unaware that this was a computer lab," Finn said sheepishly.
Sue's eyes darted towards Finn. "And I assume you will be running this glee club?"
"Don't worry," he started. "Rachel and I are doing this together, and we're doing this for credit, so no money coming out of your pocket."
"I have to admit," she began. "I am a bit surprised at the speed with which one of the glee club's more promising graduates tucked her tail between her legs and slinked back to high school." She motioned to Rachel, who rolled her eyes. However, Sue was not finished. "But I am even more surprised with you," she continued, pointing at Finn, "You crossed a line. In a moment of weakness, I offered you a favor by giving you a position on the football team, and you do this." She took a deep breath. "You two have just entered Sue Sylvester's Thunderdome. I will show you no mercy, give you no quarter, and my battle with Will Schuester will look like two adorable little baby pandas play wrestling in comparison to what I am going to release on both of you. You will beg for death, but it will not come." She continued her monologue as she picked up a pencil sharpener, emptying it out onto the floor as she spoke. "Your national nightmares have just begun." She tossed the sharpener on the floor, before staring down Marley, Ryder and Unique, and then tossing not only the sheet music all over the floor, but throwing their trash everywhere, too.
The five of them, after processing everything that just happened, began to clean up. "I sure didn't miss that," Marley said, breaking the ice.
They collectively laughed until they cleaned the room fully, back to the way they found it. Finn and Rachel stood at the front of the room as Marley, Ryder and Unique all took a seat in the chairs across from them. Finn cleared his throat and spoke up. "Look, it's not going to be easy, but like I said, we are going to ensure you walk away from McKinley at the end of the year as champions, and the road to success was never easy." He looked to Rachel and nodded, as she walked around and passed out sheet music to the three of them.
"All right, guys. Let's get started!"
Later that evening, once the school had cleared out, there was one last thing Finn needed to do; claim Mr. Schue's old office as their own. Rachel decided to spend the night visiting her dads, so they agreed to get her side of the office situated in the morning before school. He walked in and took a deep breath, taking it all in, before getting things all situated. He hung his framed McKinley Titans jersey on the wall behind him, put up pictures of his time in the glee club on the cork board, the Almighty Treble Clef logo. Lastly, he put up a framed photo of he and Rachel. He took a seat and just smiled, happy to be here he was, laying a foundation for himself.
"Ahem."
Finn looked up as he saw Mr. Schue standing in the doorway, his hands in his pockets. He looked around the room himself, sort of sad to see his office transformed, but happy to see it in good hands. "I always thought you'd take this place over one day."
"Prophecy fulfilled, right?" Finn replied.
"Not until you get past me and the Warblers," Mr. Schue joked, before walking over to the desk.
"Don't bet against me, Mr. Schue!"
"I never and I never will!" He said firmly before a chuckle. "I wanted to bring you something," he added, digging into his pocket and handing Finn a piece of paper that was all too familiar to them both.
Priority #1: Help The Kids.
Finn cackled as he saw the paper, taking it and really observing it. "I guess I should start blackmailing kids now, huh?" They joked, sure, but that piece of paper was more than just ironic symbolism of how Finn joined the New Directions all those years ago. It was the goal, the purpose, the mission of being a teacher. Finn didn't really understand when he graduated McKinley, but it was now clear as day.
Mr. Schue just laughed, not wanting to correct Finn as he, too, knew what it meant. More importantly, he knew Finn knew what it meant. "I think it should go right here," he suggested, tapping the part of the board where he had it. Finn nodded in agreement, taking a thumbtack and sticking it up. He looked down at Finn, flashing a brief smile, before heading out the door. "I think you're gonna like it here."
Finn watched him go, before saying to himself, "Me too."
{The scene cuts to the next day as Finn and Rachel continue to set up the office. Later, they are joined by Ryder, Marley and Unique as they finish setting up the choir room. Sue is shown watching with anger. Finn and Rachel sing not only about themselves and their relationship, but the New Directions as well.}
[Finn]
Looking in your eyes I see a paradise
This world that I've found is too good to be true
Standing here beside you, want so much to give you
This love in my heart that I'm feeling for you
[Rachel]
Let 'em say we're crazy, I don't care about that
Put your hand in my hand baby, don't ever look back
Let the world around us just fall apart
Baby, we can make it if we're heart to heart
[Finn and Rachel]
And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us
Nothing's gonna stop us now
[Finn]
Take it to the good times, see you through the bad times
Whatever it takes, here's what I'm gonna do
[Rachel]
Let the world around us just fall apart
Baby, we can make it if we're heart to heart
[Finn and Rachel]
And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us
Nothing's gonna stop us
[Finn]
Ooh, all that I need is you
[Rachel]
All that I ever need
And all that I want to do
[Finn and Rachel]
Is hold you forever, ever and ever
[Finn, Marley, Ryder and Unique] (Rachel)
And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us
(Nothing's gonna stop us)
And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
(Woah)
Nothing's gonna stop us now
(Nothing's gonna stop us now)
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us
(I know)
And we can build this thing together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now
(Hey baby, nothing's gonna stop us)
And if this world runs out of lovers
We'll still have each other
Nothing's gonna stop us
[Finn and Rachel]
Nothing's gonna stop us now
glee
Season Six, Starring Cory Monteith
STARRING
Matthew Morrison as William Schuester
Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson
Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose
Jacy King as Janet
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester
Noah Guthrie as Roderick Meeks
Max George as Clint
Lindsay Pierce as Harmony
Christopher Cousins as Superintendent Bob Harris
Lea Michele as Rachel Berry
Dot-Marie Jones as Shannon Beiste
Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn
Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman
Marshall Williams as Spencer Porter
Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson
Myko Olivier as Skylar
Alex Newell as Wade "Unique" Adams
SONG(S) PERFORMED:
The Four Tops - Back to School Again: Performed by William Schuester and Finn Hudson
Van Halen - Dance The Night Away: Performed by Clint and Harmony with Vocal Adrenaline
Avicci - Wake Me Up: Performed by Rachel Berry
Ed Sheeran - Sing: Performed by Blaine Anderson and Skylar with the Warblers
Starship - Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now: Performed by Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry with Marley Rose, Ryder Lynn and Wade "Unique" Adams