RECAP: New Directions Do Fresh Songs at Regionals

Glee heads to Regionals this week and the battle rages right from the start, as the show's hottest addition, Blaine, kicks off the episode with a rocking rendition of "Misery". Kurt's not impressed, and Blaine calls him out for being jealous. Kurt just turns it back on him and says the Warblers feels more like a platform for Blaine's personal success.

Back at McKinley, Quinn resolves to drive Finn and Rachel apart, because she needs to woo him in order to become prom queen. She decides to “befriend” Rachel in order to drive a wedge between them.

Listen to the songs from this episode of Glee now

Meanwhile, the Warblers' bird that was entrusted to Kurt dies, so he sings the Beatles’ "Blackbird" in memory of Pavarotti, their feathered friend. Interestingly, all the Warblers are wearing their typical "Harry Potter style blazers in this scene, while Kurt's all decked out in black. It fits the song, but perhaps we're seeing a bit of foreshadowing here? My money is on Kurt defecting back to New Directions by season's end.

Will tells the group that they can't cover "Sing," by My Chemical Romance, because they've been served a Cease and Desist" order. Of course, Sue is behind it (Surprise!) and is trying to sabotage New Directions’ chances at Regionals. With empty space now in their setlist, Rachel again suggests doing an original song, and Quinn jumps on board immediately. This doesn't fly with Santana, so everyone ends up getting the chance to write their own song for regionals.

Blaine is moved by Kurt’s rendition of “Blackbird,” and suggests a duet with him for Regionals. Meanwhile, the Gleeks get into their original songs, which prove to be mostly strange songs with bizarre lyrics. Santana delivers a song for Sam called "Troutymouth," which basically is a tune about how his Southern lips pucker up like trout and mackerel. Next Puck gives up a tune, which of course is to his crush, Lauren Zizes. "It's called Big Ass," he announces, waiting a beat before he finishes, "Heart." Humorous lyrics aside, the song is a searing rock shuffle, pulling influences from Brian Setzer’s "Stray Cat Shuffle."

Quinn talks to Finn about campaigning for prom king and queen, and they agree to start up in earnest once Regionals are over, even though the delicate Rachel will be hurt if she discovers their motives.

In preparing for their duet, Blaine suggests that he and Kurt sing "Candles" by Hey Monday, but Kurt is more interested in knowing why he chose him for his duet partner. Blaine opens up and admits that he’s fallen for Kurt. The two men share a passionate kiss, and Kurt finally gets what he wants.

Mercedes sings "Hell to the No" for the group, and it's the first number that sounds remotely like a real song. They all love it, but Will says it's not really Regionals material. He encourages them to use their painful scenarios, most of which are caused by Sue, to come up with a song.

Rachel asks Quinn if she's with Finn, and she admits they’ve been dating. The two have a heated encounter, and Rachel says she won't give up on her ex-boyfriend. Quinn tells her to come to her senses and that she'll ultimately end up with Finn. Rachel is distraught, and ends up using her anguish to begin penning lyrics for her own ode to heartbreak.

Finally, the Regionals get underway, and we find Kathy Griffin making her guest appearance as a tea party politician on the judges' panel. Sue Sylvester’s group Aural Intensity gets things started, singing a ska tune with the refrain "Jesus is a Friend of Mine." Next, the Warblers take stage, and Kurt and Blaine pair up for "Candles." For some reason, the duet doesn't mesh that well. Without hesitation, Blaine dives right into "Raise Your Glass." The crowd goes wild, and the Warblers all of a sudden look like the frontrunners.

Next, Rachel kicks off New Directions’ turn on stage, and delivers her original song "Get It Right." She's finally shaken off the goofy lyrics and subject matter, and created a true piece of music. Off in the wings, Finn is stunned by Rachel's accomplishment. The crowd is won over too, and they're equally impressed by New Directions' next original tune, "Loser Like Me." The judges bicker about who the best team is, but luckily, New Directions win, and Sue promptly decks the announcer of the bad news. Serious anger management issues.

Meanwhile, Kurt and Blaine aren't upset about losing, since they "won" each other. The Gleeks finally have a trophy to show for their efforts, and in a rare show of compassion, they vote Rachel the club's MVP.

NEXT WEEK: Spring episodes of Glee are teased... Will Mercedes go full diva? Is the romance between Will and Holly bona fide? And what's Sue Sylvester got planned? Sounds like the producers will keep us guessing, as the next new episode of Glee won't air until sometime in April.

Justin Starling (@CitadelNow) for Citadel Digital © 2011

Image: Adam Rose / FOX