Samcedes Episode Analysis: 2.15 Sexy
by Akilah
Mercedes: She's barely in this one.
After Holly Holiday tries to give a condom demonstration by using a cucumber, Mercedes and Finn think they can get STDs from the vegetable. "I had cucumber on my salad at lunch." Mercedes says. This scene is mostly for laughs, but it also shows how innocent Mercedes is.
When Ms. Holiday visits the choir room Mercedes, embarrassed, shrinks into her seat and says, "Oh, no. Its the salad lady."
Sam: Sam's new girlfriend is cheating on him with her best female friend. Its pretty obvious that Santana is in love with Britney based on the girls performance of "Landslide," but he doesn't seem to notice, maybe because he doesn't care enough.
"Its pretty cool that our girlfriends are such good friends right," Sam says to Artie. "I wish you and I were that close." Its funny because he doesn't get it. Artie even knows something is going on. He gives Sam the side-eye. Again, this is partly due to Sam's inability to "read" certain situations.
When Santana approaches Brittany about starting a real relationship with her, Brittany tells her she can't because she's with Artie. Santana responds, "he's just a stupid boy." This reveals how Santana feels about Sam. He's just a "stupid boy," whom she can use as a beard and sexual object. He's nothing more to her than that. Sam may not be aware of the extent that he's being used, but I doubt he cares. He's also using Santana.
Samcedes: There's really nothing to say here. They both were background this episode, each getting about one or two lines. I can't think of anything.
Showing posts with label santana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label santana. Show all posts
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Samcedes Episode Analysis: 2.13 Comeback (Part 1)
Samcedes Episodes Analysis: 2.13 Comeback (Part 1)
by Akilah
Sam: Mr. Scheuster writes "Regressar," on the board in the beginning of the episode. He says that it means to "come back." In this episode Sam tries to make a "comeback" into Quinn's heart. But what Mr. Schuester fails to point out is that "regressar" also means to regress. Sam's attempt to maintain Quinn's interests leads him to regress and undermine some of the character growth he has achieved thus far. This regression will put him into a new relationship that is an even more cynical version of the relationship he has with Quinn. But as the old adage goes, sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back. Let's look at Sam in 2.13.
Sam sees Quinn in the hallway and greets her with a kiss on the cheek. "I want to confirm our date on Friday at Color Me Mine," he says. Quinn stares at him in disbelief, "Wait, you were serious about that," she says. "It's painting coasters time," Sam says. Quinn looks at him like shes seeing him for the first time. Its as if she doesn't even know him or why shes dating him.
"So, we good for Friday?" Sam says. Quinn gives a reluctant "yeah." "I think so, I mean, I don't think I have anything else to do." Showing that she's not really interested in spending time with Sam. He's not enough to hold her attention any longer. She walks away with a fictitious smile, masking her disinterest in him.
Sam has a voice over and says "things have been weird ever since Quinn got Mono. People keep telling me that she must have kissed Finn, but I believe her when she told me what really happened." We then see Quinn and Sam sitting at the piano side by side, neither one looking at the other. Sam looks angry and is staring straight ahead. Quinn is looking out into the distance as she tells him her version of events. "I didn't kiss Finn, Sam. I saved his life." We see the story Quinn has fabricated. Finn is at his kissing booth and chokes on a gumball. Quinn comes to the rescue and sucks the ball out of his mouth.
"I totally almost choked on a gumball once," Sam says. Its sad to see how sincere he is. He desperately wants to believe her. He chooses to see the best in Quinn. We see Quinn's reaction and at first she looks guilty, like she knows she shouldn't be playing games with someone so earnest. Especially someone who really cares about her and sees the best in her. But then she laughs. She clearly thinks Sam is a joke.
"I just get the feeling that I'm losing her. I can't let that happen." We see Quinn greet Finn and she looks genuinely interested and happy to see him. Its a contrast to the way she greeted Sam earlier in the episode. Sam watches the whole thing, but he still isn't ready to admit what's happening. "Quinn's the best thing that happened to me since I got to this school." Sam doesn't say that Quinn is the best thing that ever happened to him because she isn't. He frames his relationship with her within the frame of "this school." The whole romance has been predicated on fulfilling certain social roles within Mckinely. Without the school, they have no frame and no relationship. Quinn has already given up her role as head cheerleader so Sam, as her popular football player boyfriend, has to give up his role as her leading man.
Sam knows that Quinn no longer has interest in him as he is, so he decides to become someone else. He picks a new role to play and this time its Justin Beiber. Sam performs "Baby," in the choir room. He says its an anthem and "sums up our generation." Really, "Baby" is Sam's anthem about Quinn. He sings acoustically with the guitar.
"I know you love me, I know you care/ Just shout whenever and I'll be there/ You want my love, you want my heart, and we will never ever be apart."
At this verse, Quinn looks disinterested. She rolls her eyes at Sam. Perhaps because these lyrics are not reflective of how she really feels about him. Her facial expressions read "no," as she looks at him. Sam then drops the guitar and the beat picks up.
"Are we an item, girl quit playing/ We're just friends, what are you saying/ Say there's another and look right in my eyes/ My first love broke my heart for the first time/ And I was like baby, no."
Quinn responds positively at this point. We can interpret this positive response as representative of the relevancy of the lyrics in this verse. This verse is much more reflective of what is actually going on in the Sam/Quinn relationship than the verse before, when Quinn responded negatively.
"For you I would have done whatever, and I just can't believe we ain't together/ I wanna play it cool but I'm losing you/ And I'll buy you anything, I'll buy you any ring/ Please stay, baby fix me/ And just shake me down until you wake me from this bad dream/ I'm going down, down, down/ I can't believe my first love won't be around/ I thought you'd always be mine, I'm gone."
The song sums up the Quinn/Sam relationship quite well. It is their theme song. Quinn was Sam's "first love" (or the closest thing he had to love at this point) who broke his heart "for the first time." He knows that he's "losing her" but isn't quite ready to believe it yet.
Finn and Sam have a confrontation in the locker room. Finn says that "Justin Bieber sucks," and is for 12 year olds. Sam tells him that he shouldn't be "picking up on other guys girlfriends." Finn takes a jab at Sam, "I didn't kiss your girlfriend. She saved my life." Sam is definitely being made a fool of and everyone knows it.
Finn sits next to Quinn in the choir room and assumes that she'll go out with him on Friday. Quinn tells him that she hasn't decided what shes doing yet. Apparently the two have talked about going out before. She was planning to go behind Sam's back again. But now that Sam has taken on this new persona, she has renewed interest in him.
Sam and some of the new members of the Justin Bieber Experience sing "Someone To Love," These are Sam's lyrics:
"For you I'd run a thousand miles, just to get where you are/ I just need somebody to love/ I don't need too much/ I don't need nothing else/ I promise girl I swear, I just need somebody to love."
Sam is someone who needs love and loves being in love. Love is an essential part of his existence. Sam is not someone who wants to be alone. He is proud to say out loud that he needs love. He's pretty much the opposite of our favorite diva, in this regard.
After watching the performance Quinn tells Finn that she can't do Friday. She then tells Sam that she'll be there for their date at Color Me Mine. Santana then approaches him. "So, how's everything going between you and Quinn," Santana asks. "Fine," Sam replies. Santana, always blunt, always able to "read" people and situations says, "No they're not."
Later, Quinn tells Finn that she chooses Sam. "Because of the Justin Bieber Experience?" Finn knows Quinn. She tells him that Sam is an artist, then flirtatiously whispers in his ear, "It really turns me on." If Quinn was ready to move on from Finn then she wouldn't still be flirting with him. Quinn is a girl who wants to maintain power. She doesn't want to let go of Sam and she doesn't want to let go of Finn either. Quinn wants to win, and by having both boys, she feels she can't lose.
At the library Sam shows Santana his James Earl Jones impressions. She gives him a backhanded compliment then tells him that his impressions reveal that he's actually a dork. She hit Sam at the jugular. He knows that he's a dork but tries so hard to hide it. He looks quite sad about Santana's statements, which is just what she wants.
"Which is where I come in. I hereby offer my services as a mistress." Sam tells her that he's dating Quinn. "News just in. She cheated on you." Sam denies it. "Look, I know you're dumber than a bag of wet hair," again, Santana harps on Sam's insecurities. She's very effective in her manipulation of him. She knows that she can get him to do what she want by focusing on the things he feels bad about.
"You know in your heart that she's lying. That gumball story was insane. You're choosing to believe it so you can still be with her." Santana may be a manipulative bitch, but shes honest when she wants to be and can read people like a book. Sam desperately needs to learn how to "read" people in order to become aware of their ulterior motives. This is one valuable thing that Santana will teach him in their miserable and fraudulent relationship.
Santana sweetens the deal, she offers sex and the chance "to show that pastry bag Finn that he can't mess with Sam Evans [...] because you have some buzz at this school." Santana KO's with a one-two punch. She hit on two things that drive Sam, his quest for popularity and the ability to beat Finn at something. But remember, when Sam lets those two things motivate him, he usually ends up in trouble. "Think about it," Santana says.
At the end of the episode Quinn asks Sam if she could borrow one of his shirts for their date. "We're not going to Color Me Mine, and I'm not your boyfriend," Sam says. Quinn is shocked, "Why." Sam turns to her and looks her in the face, "Because you can't look me in the eye right now and tell me that you didn't make out with Finn." Say what you will about Santana, but shes good for something. "I... I want to be with you Sam," Quinn says.
"Forget it okay. No harm no foul." Sam gives up Quinn pretty easily once he's willing to see the truth. He then speaks Navi but remembers that Santana told him not to speak it anymore. Again, Sam is choosing to be with a girl who wants to repress him, and he's going along with it in the name of popularity. This is a "regression" of his character.
Sam walks away from Quinn and the girl is left standing alone in the hall. She tried so hard to win, but ended up losing anyway. Its quite sad for Quinn more than it is for Sam. Having Sam in her life was never really about Sam, it was always about Quinn having control and winning her game. But she lost, again.
"I thought you'd always be mine. I'm gone," plays in the background. The Quinn/Sam union has officially ended.
by Akilah
Sam: Mr. Scheuster writes "Regressar," on the board in the beginning of the episode. He says that it means to "come back." In this episode Sam tries to make a "comeback" into Quinn's heart. But what Mr. Schuester fails to point out is that "regressar" also means to regress. Sam's attempt to maintain Quinn's interests leads him to regress and undermine some of the character growth he has achieved thus far. This regression will put him into a new relationship that is an even more cynical version of the relationship he has with Quinn. But as the old adage goes, sometimes we take one step forward and two steps back. Let's look at Sam in 2.13.
Sam sees Quinn in the hallway and greets her with a kiss on the cheek. "I want to confirm our date on Friday at Color Me Mine," he says. Quinn stares at him in disbelief, "Wait, you were serious about that," she says. "It's painting coasters time," Sam says. Quinn looks at him like shes seeing him for the first time. Its as if she doesn't even know him or why shes dating him.
"So, we good for Friday?" Sam says. Quinn gives a reluctant "yeah." "I think so, I mean, I don't think I have anything else to do." Showing that she's not really interested in spending time with Sam. He's not enough to hold her attention any longer. She walks away with a fictitious smile, masking her disinterest in him.
Sam has a voice over and says "things have been weird ever since Quinn got Mono. People keep telling me that she must have kissed Finn, but I believe her when she told me what really happened." We then see Quinn and Sam sitting at the piano side by side, neither one looking at the other. Sam looks angry and is staring straight ahead. Quinn is looking out into the distance as she tells him her version of events. "I didn't kiss Finn, Sam. I saved his life." We see the story Quinn has fabricated. Finn is at his kissing booth and chokes on a gumball. Quinn comes to the rescue and sucks the ball out of his mouth.
"I totally almost choked on a gumball once," Sam says. Its sad to see how sincere he is. He desperately wants to believe her. He chooses to see the best in Quinn. We see Quinn's reaction and at first she looks guilty, like she knows she shouldn't be playing games with someone so earnest. Especially someone who really cares about her and sees the best in her. But then she laughs. She clearly thinks Sam is a joke.
"I just get the feeling that I'm losing her. I can't let that happen." We see Quinn greet Finn and she looks genuinely interested and happy to see him. Its a contrast to the way she greeted Sam earlier in the episode. Sam watches the whole thing, but he still isn't ready to admit what's happening. "Quinn's the best thing that happened to me since I got to this school." Sam doesn't say that Quinn is the best thing that ever happened to him because she isn't. He frames his relationship with her within the frame of "this school." The whole romance has been predicated on fulfilling certain social roles within Mckinely. Without the school, they have no frame and no relationship. Quinn has already given up her role as head cheerleader so Sam, as her popular football player boyfriend, has to give up his role as her leading man.
Sam knows that Quinn no longer has interest in him as he is, so he decides to become someone else. He picks a new role to play and this time its Justin Beiber. Sam performs "Baby," in the choir room. He says its an anthem and "sums up our generation." Really, "Baby" is Sam's anthem about Quinn. He sings acoustically with the guitar.
"I know you love me, I know you care/ Just shout whenever and I'll be there/ You want my love, you want my heart, and we will never ever be apart."
At this verse, Quinn looks disinterested. She rolls her eyes at Sam. Perhaps because these lyrics are not reflective of how she really feels about him. Her facial expressions read "no," as she looks at him. Sam then drops the guitar and the beat picks up.
"Are we an item, girl quit playing/ We're just friends, what are you saying/ Say there's another and look right in my eyes/ My first love broke my heart for the first time/ And I was like baby, no."
Quinn responds positively at this point. We can interpret this positive response as representative of the relevancy of the lyrics in this verse. This verse is much more reflective of what is actually going on in the Sam/Quinn relationship than the verse before, when Quinn responded negatively.
"For you I would have done whatever, and I just can't believe we ain't together/ I wanna play it cool but I'm losing you/ And I'll buy you anything, I'll buy you any ring/ Please stay, baby fix me/ And just shake me down until you wake me from this bad dream/ I'm going down, down, down/ I can't believe my first love won't be around/ I thought you'd always be mine, I'm gone."
The song sums up the Quinn/Sam relationship quite well. It is their theme song. Quinn was Sam's "first love" (or the closest thing he had to love at this point) who broke his heart "for the first time." He knows that he's "losing her" but isn't quite ready to believe it yet.
Finn and Sam have a confrontation in the locker room. Finn says that "Justin Bieber sucks," and is for 12 year olds. Sam tells him that he shouldn't be "picking up on other guys girlfriends." Finn takes a jab at Sam, "I didn't kiss your girlfriend. She saved my life." Sam is definitely being made a fool of and everyone knows it.
Finn sits next to Quinn in the choir room and assumes that she'll go out with him on Friday. Quinn tells him that she hasn't decided what shes doing yet. Apparently the two have talked about going out before. She was planning to go behind Sam's back again. But now that Sam has taken on this new persona, she has renewed interest in him.
Sam and some of the new members of the Justin Bieber Experience sing "Someone To Love," These are Sam's lyrics:
"For you I'd run a thousand miles, just to get where you are/ I just need somebody to love/ I don't need too much/ I don't need nothing else/ I promise girl I swear, I just need somebody to love."
Sam is someone who needs love and loves being in love. Love is an essential part of his existence. Sam is not someone who wants to be alone. He is proud to say out loud that he needs love. He's pretty much the opposite of our favorite diva, in this regard.
After watching the performance Quinn tells Finn that she can't do Friday. She then tells Sam that she'll be there for their date at Color Me Mine. Santana then approaches him. "So, how's everything going between you and Quinn," Santana asks. "Fine," Sam replies. Santana, always blunt, always able to "read" people and situations says, "No they're not."
Later, Quinn tells Finn that she chooses Sam. "Because of the Justin Bieber Experience?" Finn knows Quinn. She tells him that Sam is an artist, then flirtatiously whispers in his ear, "It really turns me on." If Quinn was ready to move on from Finn then she wouldn't still be flirting with him. Quinn is a girl who wants to maintain power. She doesn't want to let go of Sam and she doesn't want to let go of Finn either. Quinn wants to win, and by having both boys, she feels she can't lose.
At the library Sam shows Santana his James Earl Jones impressions. She gives him a backhanded compliment then tells him that his impressions reveal that he's actually a dork. She hit Sam at the jugular. He knows that he's a dork but tries so hard to hide it. He looks quite sad about Santana's statements, which is just what she wants.
"Which is where I come in. I hereby offer my services as a mistress." Sam tells her that he's dating Quinn. "News just in. She cheated on you." Sam denies it. "Look, I know you're dumber than a bag of wet hair," again, Santana harps on Sam's insecurities. She's very effective in her manipulation of him. She knows that she can get him to do what she want by focusing on the things he feels bad about.
"You know in your heart that she's lying. That gumball story was insane. You're choosing to believe it so you can still be with her." Santana may be a manipulative bitch, but shes honest when she wants to be and can read people like a book. Sam desperately needs to learn how to "read" people in order to become aware of their ulterior motives. This is one valuable thing that Santana will teach him in their miserable and fraudulent relationship.
Santana sweetens the deal, she offers sex and the chance "to show that pastry bag Finn that he can't mess with Sam Evans [...] because you have some buzz at this school." Santana KO's with a one-two punch. She hit on two things that drive Sam, his quest for popularity and the ability to beat Finn at something. But remember, when Sam lets those two things motivate him, he usually ends up in trouble. "Think about it," Santana says.
At the end of the episode Quinn asks Sam if she could borrow one of his shirts for their date. "We're not going to Color Me Mine, and I'm not your boyfriend," Sam says. Quinn is shocked, "Why." Sam turns to her and looks her in the face, "Because you can't look me in the eye right now and tell me that you didn't make out with Finn." Say what you will about Santana, but shes good for something. "I... I want to be with you Sam," Quinn says.
"Forget it okay. No harm no foul." Sam gives up Quinn pretty easily once he's willing to see the truth. He then speaks Navi but remembers that Santana told him not to speak it anymore. Again, Sam is choosing to be with a girl who wants to repress him, and he's going along with it in the name of popularity. This is a "regression" of his character.
Sam walks away from Quinn and the girl is left standing alone in the hall. She tried so hard to win, but ended up losing anyway. Its quite sad for Quinn more than it is for Sam. Having Sam in her life was never really about Sam, it was always about Quinn having control and winning her game. But she lost, again.
"I thought you'd always be mine. I'm gone," plays in the background. The Quinn/Sam union has officially ended.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Samcedes Episode Analysis: 2.07 The Substitute
Samcedes Episode Analysis: 2.07 The Substitute
by Akilah
Mercedes: Kurt is livid as he tells Mercedes about Rachel taking over the glee club since Mr. Schue has been absent. Mercedes tries to comfort him, "We'll forget all about it tonight while bowling." Mercedes confidence that they'll "forget about it" indicates that they usually forget about their problems when they hang out together. They are each other's comfort and companionship. Except this time, Kurt has other plans. "I can't, Blaine asked me to hang out." Mercedes is disappointed, she has been "looking forward to it all week." Hanging out with Kurt was suppose to be the best thing about her week. I imagine when she's with him he helps her "forget all about," the crappy things going on in her life, whether those things be ND, school or anything else.
Mercedes asks Kurt if he and Blaine are secretly dating which Kurt denies. "It's just nice to have someone to talk to," he says. Mercedes pauses and her facial expression changes. She looks insulted. "What is that suppose to mean," she asks. Mercedes has always been his confidant, and he's always been hers, but now it sounds as if hes saying that he can't talk to her. "It means someone like me," he says. These two are not communicating like they use to. Mercedes just isn't enough for Kurt any more, and when they do talk, sometimes their words are misconstrued. Kurt says that he wants to communicate with someone who understands him, who is also gay, but Mercedes only hears rejection.
Its another day and Mercedes is going over her plans for their shopping trip. Again, Kurt has other plans. "Oh, I forgot," he says. He forgot to communicate with her that he and Blaine were going to see Rent at the community theatre. "Blaine got us tickets." Mercedes is confused, "Us, as in all of us?" Kurt tells her no, that Blaine could only get two tickets. Once again, Mercedes plans with Kurt have been canceled because of Blaine. Blaine is taking away Mercedes best friend.
Mercedes goes to dinner with Kurt and Blaine who are putting her to sleep with their conversation about gay issues. Blaine takes notice that Mercedes is not interested in the topics they are discussing so he suggests talking about things that interests her. Mercedes perks up, but Kurt suddenly takes over the conversation again, and its back to things that Mercedes doesn't care about.
This is when the communication between Mercedes and Kurt really gets bad. Shes listening to him talk to Blaine but all she can hear is "gay, gay, gay, gay, gay..." She and Kurt no longer speak the same language. Communication between these two has completely fallen apart.
Mercedes is hurt and angry, but she won't admit this to herself. One thing about Mercedes is that she has a lot of pride. She can't handle being vulnerable or allow people to think that she needs them. She has so many walls up that its hard for her to even know what's really going on in her heart. Being a person who is prideful and afraid of being vulnerable, shes a master of deflection. So Mercedes deflects her hurt and loneliness and anger onto tater tots.
I doubt Mercedes was crazy about tater tots before Kurt started dissing her. The tater tots seem to symbolize Mercedes relationship with Kurt. As soon as Kurt cancels their plans and tells her that he can't talk to her the way he can talk to Blaine, Mercedes sees tots and focuses on them. She'd rather not think about what's happening between her Kurt. She doesn't want to deal with the pain of losing him so she turns her attention to something else. When Kurt rejects her for the second time, Mercedes goes to get tots but they are suddenly snatched away by Santana and the other Cheerios via Sue Sylvester. Sue has banned tots from the school. Mercedes tots are gone and there is nothing that she can do about. She can't make the tots come back, just like she can't bring back the old comfortable relationship she had with Kurt. Kurt is being snatched away from her, just like the tots.
Mercedes rather have people think shes angry and obsessed with food than allow them to see her as vulnerable and in need love and companionship. She rebels against the tots ban, starting a protest in the cafeteria, then barging into Sue's office to beg for her tots. Its no use. Tots are gone forever.
Mercedes may not be able to admit her feelings to herself or anyone else, but Kurt can see right through her. He says that he knows she's been lonely and jealous of his relationship with Blaine. He then tells her that he's gotten her a gift. He set her up on a date with Anthony Rashad, a cute black football player. She questions why Kurt picked him. "No reason," Kurt says. "So it doesn't have to do with the fact that he's one of 5 black guys at this school?" Kurt denies it, but its obvious that his race was the main factor is why he picked Anthony. Mercedes is suspicious of Kurt. She doesn't trust him with this aspect of her life.
"I can't take this anymore," Mercedes says. Kurt assumes shes talking about being single and lonely. "Trust me Mercedes, love is just around the corner." Mercedes claims that she wasn't talking about that but about tots. This is a lie. Mercedes was talking about being single and lonely, she just can't admit that to herself or to anyone else.
In the last scene between Kurt and Mercedes, Mercedes is going on about tots, shes even snuck some into the school. Kurt then gets real with her. "You have to stop this," he says. "You're substituting food for love. And most importantly, you're substituting me for a boyfriend." Its harsh. Its true what he says, but its also unfair. Up until recently Kurt was perfectly fine with playing substitute boyfriend/girlfriend with Mercedes, and he'll do it again in 2.08. What makes it worse is that Kurt now has someone else, but Mercedes is more alone then ever.
Kurt offers her reassurance. "You will find somebody, Mercedes," he says. Mercedes is quiet as she listens to him and doesn't reveal too much in her body language or facial expressions. She's closed off from him. "You're right," she says while wearing a small smile. "I gotta go." She walks away but Kurt asks where shes going. She says shes going to check out that Rashad kid, but we never see Rashad again. As she walks off, she looks like shes willing herself not to cry. She gives Kurt a little wave and mouths bye. Kurt watches her as she walks down the hall. Its a sad moment and feels more like a break-up scene than two friends having a spat. I think this was the point where Mercedes feelings for Kurt started to change. He may have been honest with her but he hurt her feelings, and the relationship she had with Kurt was suppose to keep her from getting hurt in the first place. Mercedes got dumped by her substitute boyfriend. Things have changed between Kurtcedes. We won't see these two alone together anymore. From now on there is always at least a third party present when they interact.
I want to talk about the mash-up at the end of the episode, "Singing in The Rain" and "Umbrella." The final song in every episode of Glee speaks to one of the themes of the episode. This mash-up speaks about dedication and loyalty in love and friendship, but also about being ready to let go and move on. Its sung by Mr. Schue and Holly Holiday, but its really a conversation between Kurt and Mercedes. "Singing in the Rain," represents Kurt. In 2.04, when Kurt was going to duet with Sam, he mentioned male duets like the ones seen in "Singing in the rain." "Umbrella" represents Mercedes. Let's look at the lyrics.
Singing in the Rain: "I'm singing in the rain, what a glorious feeling, I'm happy again, I'm laughing at clouds, so dark up above, the sun's in my heart, and I'm ready for love."
Kurt has been going through a lot lately. His father had a brush with death, he's been getting bullied and harrassed by Karofsky, and he's been lonely. He meets Blaine and suddenly he's "happy again." He's found a boy just like him who he can talk to, who takes away his loneliness, and whom he can possibly fall in love with. Blaine is the "sun" in his heart, that the song talks about. He's "ready for love," and that makes everything else endurable. Despite the tough things in his life, "the rain," he can still sing and dance in it. There are still "clouds" and its "dark up above" but he's happy. He stands right in the middle of the rain and knows that everything is ok. He doesn't want or need an "Umbrella," because he's perfectly fine in the rain. He's ready to face the world head on.
Umbrella: "You have my heart, we'll never be worlds apart, with you I'll always share, these fancy things can never come in between, you're part of my entity here for eternity, when the world has dealt its cards, together we'll mend your heart, you can stand under my umbrella."
Mercedes is guarded, but when she lets someone in she really shows them love and compassion. She took in Quinn when Quinn needed a home, and she tried hard to reach Kurt when his father was in a coma. Mercedes love is like an Umbrella. The relationship she has with Kurt is an "umbrella" because its suppose to keep them both from getting hurt. This "umbrella" protects them from the rain of disappointments and hard times in their lives. Mercedes was not ready to let go of Kurt in this episode, he has her "heart," she'll "always share" with him, and he's part of her "entity here for eternity." Mercedes wants to stay under the umbrella with him, but he doesn't want it anymore. Kurt is "singing in the rain" he doesn't want or need an umbrella because he has the "sun" in his heart and he's "ready for love."
Sam: He's barely in this episode. He's even missing from one of the choir room scenes. I've got nothing.
Samcedes: When Rachel takes over Glee club and asks ND which song they would like her to perform for Sectionals, Santana jumps out of her chair ready to attack her. To the left and right of her are seated Sam and Mercedes. When she jumps up, they both grab her and pull her back. Samcedes working together as one. These two are the only characters besides Brittany who know how to handle Santana.
During the mash-up of "Singing in the Rain/Umbrella," Mercedes and Sam are dance partners. They share an "umbrella." Kurt may not want to share Mercedes umbrella anymore but Sam does. At least that's what we see visually in the performance. Really, they look good together and so comfortable while performing.
Kurt tells Mercedes several times in the episode that she'll be finding love soon. This is foreshadowing for Samcedes. The narrative is letting us know that Mercedes will be getting a love interest, but who that would be was still unknown.
by Akilah
Mercedes: Kurt is livid as he tells Mercedes about Rachel taking over the glee club since Mr. Schue has been absent. Mercedes tries to comfort him, "We'll forget all about it tonight while bowling." Mercedes confidence that they'll "forget about it" indicates that they usually forget about their problems when they hang out together. They are each other's comfort and companionship. Except this time, Kurt has other plans. "I can't, Blaine asked me to hang out." Mercedes is disappointed, she has been "looking forward to it all week." Hanging out with Kurt was suppose to be the best thing about her week. I imagine when she's with him he helps her "forget all about," the crappy things going on in her life, whether those things be ND, school or anything else.
Mercedes asks Kurt if he and Blaine are secretly dating which Kurt denies. "It's just nice to have someone to talk to," he says. Mercedes pauses and her facial expression changes. She looks insulted. "What is that suppose to mean," she asks. Mercedes has always been his confidant, and he's always been hers, but now it sounds as if hes saying that he can't talk to her. "It means someone like me," he says. These two are not communicating like they use to. Mercedes just isn't enough for Kurt any more, and when they do talk, sometimes their words are misconstrued. Kurt says that he wants to communicate with someone who understands him, who is also gay, but Mercedes only hears rejection.
Its another day and Mercedes is going over her plans for their shopping trip. Again, Kurt has other plans. "Oh, I forgot," he says. He forgot to communicate with her that he and Blaine were going to see Rent at the community theatre. "Blaine got us tickets." Mercedes is confused, "Us, as in all of us?" Kurt tells her no, that Blaine could only get two tickets. Once again, Mercedes plans with Kurt have been canceled because of Blaine. Blaine is taking away Mercedes best friend.
Mercedes goes to dinner with Kurt and Blaine who are putting her to sleep with their conversation about gay issues. Blaine takes notice that Mercedes is not interested in the topics they are discussing so he suggests talking about things that interests her. Mercedes perks up, but Kurt suddenly takes over the conversation again, and its back to things that Mercedes doesn't care about.
This is when the communication between Mercedes and Kurt really gets bad. Shes listening to him talk to Blaine but all she can hear is "gay, gay, gay, gay, gay..." She and Kurt no longer speak the same language. Communication between these two has completely fallen apart.
Mercedes is hurt and angry, but she won't admit this to herself. One thing about Mercedes is that she has a lot of pride. She can't handle being vulnerable or allow people to think that she needs them. She has so many walls up that its hard for her to even know what's really going on in her heart. Being a person who is prideful and afraid of being vulnerable, shes a master of deflection. So Mercedes deflects her hurt and loneliness and anger onto tater tots.
I doubt Mercedes was crazy about tater tots before Kurt started dissing her. The tater tots seem to symbolize Mercedes relationship with Kurt. As soon as Kurt cancels their plans and tells her that he can't talk to her the way he can talk to Blaine, Mercedes sees tots and focuses on them. She'd rather not think about what's happening between her Kurt. She doesn't want to deal with the pain of losing him so she turns her attention to something else. When Kurt rejects her for the second time, Mercedes goes to get tots but they are suddenly snatched away by Santana and the other Cheerios via Sue Sylvester. Sue has banned tots from the school. Mercedes tots are gone and there is nothing that she can do about. She can't make the tots come back, just like she can't bring back the old comfortable relationship she had with Kurt. Kurt is being snatched away from her, just like the tots.
Mercedes rather have people think shes angry and obsessed with food than allow them to see her as vulnerable and in need love and companionship. She rebels against the tots ban, starting a protest in the cafeteria, then barging into Sue's office to beg for her tots. Its no use. Tots are gone forever.
Mercedes may not be able to admit her feelings to herself or anyone else, but Kurt can see right through her. He says that he knows she's been lonely and jealous of his relationship with Blaine. He then tells her that he's gotten her a gift. He set her up on a date with Anthony Rashad, a cute black football player. She questions why Kurt picked him. "No reason," Kurt says. "So it doesn't have to do with the fact that he's one of 5 black guys at this school?" Kurt denies it, but its obvious that his race was the main factor is why he picked Anthony. Mercedes is suspicious of Kurt. She doesn't trust him with this aspect of her life.
"I can't take this anymore," Mercedes says. Kurt assumes shes talking about being single and lonely. "Trust me Mercedes, love is just around the corner." Mercedes claims that she wasn't talking about that but about tots. This is a lie. Mercedes was talking about being single and lonely, she just can't admit that to herself or to anyone else.
In the last scene between Kurt and Mercedes, Mercedes is going on about tots, shes even snuck some into the school. Kurt then gets real with her. "You have to stop this," he says. "You're substituting food for love. And most importantly, you're substituting me for a boyfriend." Its harsh. Its true what he says, but its also unfair. Up until recently Kurt was perfectly fine with playing substitute boyfriend/girlfriend with Mercedes, and he'll do it again in 2.08. What makes it worse is that Kurt now has someone else, but Mercedes is more alone then ever.
Kurt offers her reassurance. "You will find somebody, Mercedes," he says. Mercedes is quiet as she listens to him and doesn't reveal too much in her body language or facial expressions. She's closed off from him. "You're right," she says while wearing a small smile. "I gotta go." She walks away but Kurt asks where shes going. She says shes going to check out that Rashad kid, but we never see Rashad again. As she walks off, she looks like shes willing herself not to cry. She gives Kurt a little wave and mouths bye. Kurt watches her as she walks down the hall. Its a sad moment and feels more like a break-up scene than two friends having a spat. I think this was the point where Mercedes feelings for Kurt started to change. He may have been honest with her but he hurt her feelings, and the relationship she had with Kurt was suppose to keep her from getting hurt in the first place. Mercedes got dumped by her substitute boyfriend. Things have changed between Kurtcedes. We won't see these two alone together anymore. From now on there is always at least a third party present when they interact.
I want to talk about the mash-up at the end of the episode, "Singing in The Rain" and "Umbrella." The final song in every episode of Glee speaks to one of the themes of the episode. This mash-up speaks about dedication and loyalty in love and friendship, but also about being ready to let go and move on. Its sung by Mr. Schue and Holly Holiday, but its really a conversation between Kurt and Mercedes. "Singing in the Rain," represents Kurt. In 2.04, when Kurt was going to duet with Sam, he mentioned male duets like the ones seen in "Singing in the rain." "Umbrella" represents Mercedes. Let's look at the lyrics.
Singing in the Rain: "I'm singing in the rain, what a glorious feeling, I'm happy again, I'm laughing at clouds, so dark up above, the sun's in my heart, and I'm ready for love."
Kurt has been going through a lot lately. His father had a brush with death, he's been getting bullied and harrassed by Karofsky, and he's been lonely. He meets Blaine and suddenly he's "happy again." He's found a boy just like him who he can talk to, who takes away his loneliness, and whom he can possibly fall in love with. Blaine is the "sun" in his heart, that the song talks about. He's "ready for love," and that makes everything else endurable. Despite the tough things in his life, "the rain," he can still sing and dance in it. There are still "clouds" and its "dark up above" but he's happy. He stands right in the middle of the rain and knows that everything is ok. He doesn't want or need an "Umbrella," because he's perfectly fine in the rain. He's ready to face the world head on.
Umbrella: "You have my heart, we'll never be worlds apart, with you I'll always share, these fancy things can never come in between, you're part of my entity here for eternity, when the world has dealt its cards, together we'll mend your heart, you can stand under my umbrella."
Mercedes is guarded, but when she lets someone in she really shows them love and compassion. She took in Quinn when Quinn needed a home, and she tried hard to reach Kurt when his father was in a coma. Mercedes love is like an Umbrella. The relationship she has with Kurt is an "umbrella" because its suppose to keep them both from getting hurt. This "umbrella" protects them from the rain of disappointments and hard times in their lives. Mercedes was not ready to let go of Kurt in this episode, he has her "heart," she'll "always share" with him, and he's part of her "entity here for eternity." Mercedes wants to stay under the umbrella with him, but he doesn't want it anymore. Kurt is "singing in the rain" he doesn't want or need an umbrella because he has the "sun" in his heart and he's "ready for love."
Sam: He's barely in this episode. He's even missing from one of the choir room scenes. I've got nothing.
Samcedes: When Rachel takes over Glee club and asks ND which song they would like her to perform for Sectionals, Santana jumps out of her chair ready to attack her. To the left and right of her are seated Sam and Mercedes. When she jumps up, they both grab her and pull her back. Samcedes working together as one. These two are the only characters besides Brittany who know how to handle Santana.
During the mash-up of "Singing in the Rain/Umbrella," Mercedes and Sam are dance partners. They share an "umbrella." Kurt may not want to share Mercedes umbrella anymore but Sam does. At least that's what we see visually in the performance. Really, they look good together and so comfortable while performing.
Kurt tells Mercedes several times in the episode that she'll be finding love soon. This is foreshadowing for Samcedes. The narrative is letting us know that Mercedes will be getting a love interest, but who that would be was still unknown.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Samcedes Episode Analysis: 2.05 The Rocky Horror Glee Show (Part 2)
Samcedes Episode Analysis: The Rocky Horror Glee Show 2.05 (Part 2)
by Akilah
Sam: Sam doesn't know what the role of the "creature" is and Quinn defines it for him. "He's a cute blond like you, you'll be perfect for the part," she says. Santana, who is a Cheerio like Quinn, adds "You better start working on those abs." Sam is surrounded by pretty popular girls who are flirting with him and focusing on his good looks. Sam, wanting to impress them, plays along. "Are you kidding me, you can cut glass with these babies," he says. He continues to brag, "I don't have a problem showing off my body."
In the locker room he works out with Finn and Artie and discusses his strick diet. He says that if he skips gym or eats a hotdog, he hates his self for a few days. Its an extremely unhealthy body image to have. Finn questions him on it and Sam responds that if he "wants to be popular and win Quinn for good," then he "has to look the part." This statement shows that Sam is playing a role. He doesn't quite know who he is yet and he's allowing other people to direct him in the play called high school. But the statement also shows that Sam is motivated by popularity, so much so that he's willing to push his body to extremes in order to meet unrealistic expectations of his body. He thinks everything is based on his looks, including his relationship with Quinn. Its quite sad.
Sam may have talked a good game about being comfortable showing off his body, but when its time to get on stage in his little shorts, he's completely insecure. Later, back in the locker room with Finn (his proxy) who is also having body image issues, he lifts the weight off Finn's shoulders both literally and figuratively (Finn was bench pressing, and Sam helped to remove the weight above him). Sam reveals that he also has body image issues. Finn tells Sam that he's perfect, but Sam doesn't agree. Sam then tells Finn to "just be you, and the sexy will flow through."
Why can't Sam take his own advice? Perhaps because he can only recieve validation from others. He's not his own man yet, he still looks to others for guidance and direction, and what people think matters way more than what he thinks. He looks at his perfect abdomin in the mirror and sees fat that clearly isn't there. Maybe this has to do with the symbolic dyslexia. There's a disconnect between what's acutally there, and what he percieves to be there.
Its clear in this episode that Sam is very insecure and is using his body to compensate for his lack of self confidence and sense of identity. Sam is operating on a shallow level. He's shallow with his self, focusing on the physical because he doesn't really know his true (deeper) self yet. He's shallow in his relationships, believeing that the main way to win Quinn is through his body and good looks. He's shallow with other people, not in a malicious way, but in the way that he can't see what's underneath the facade they present to him. Sam is unable to "read" or see beyond the surface of his self or other people. But he is only at the beginning of an incredible arc of character growth.
Samcedes: When Quinn tells Sam that he's cute like Rocky and Santana makes a comment about his abs, Mercedes, who is only sitting one seat away, shakes her head and scrunches up her face in disgust. The conversation is so shallow that its repulsive. Mercedes is anything but shallow, and can't stand to see it in other people. I think its safe to say that she didn't think much of Sam at this point. She probably just saw him as another pretty popular kid, lacking substance. But who can blame her? Sam is playing the role convincingly. Its no wonder she didn't take notice of him until he was mature enough to leave the popularity game behind.
I don't have much commentary about Mercedes and Sam playing Frank and Rocky because I haven't seen the movie. But I do know that Frank created Rocky to be his lover. Perhaps it suggest that Sam is Mercedes perfect man. Unfortunately, the two never interact in the ND production, at least not in what was shown.
by Akilah
Sam: Sam doesn't know what the role of the "creature" is and Quinn defines it for him. "He's a cute blond like you, you'll be perfect for the part," she says. Santana, who is a Cheerio like Quinn, adds "You better start working on those abs." Sam is surrounded by pretty popular girls who are flirting with him and focusing on his good looks. Sam, wanting to impress them, plays along. "Are you kidding me, you can cut glass with these babies," he says. He continues to brag, "I don't have a problem showing off my body."
In the locker room he works out with Finn and Artie and discusses his strick diet. He says that if he skips gym or eats a hotdog, he hates his self for a few days. Its an extremely unhealthy body image to have. Finn questions him on it and Sam responds that if he "wants to be popular and win Quinn for good," then he "has to look the part." This statement shows that Sam is playing a role. He doesn't quite know who he is yet and he's allowing other people to direct him in the play called high school. But the statement also shows that Sam is motivated by popularity, so much so that he's willing to push his body to extremes in order to meet unrealistic expectations of his body. He thinks everything is based on his looks, including his relationship with Quinn. Its quite sad.
Sam may have talked a good game about being comfortable showing off his body, but when its time to get on stage in his little shorts, he's completely insecure. Later, back in the locker room with Finn (his proxy) who is also having body image issues, he lifts the weight off Finn's shoulders both literally and figuratively (Finn was bench pressing, and Sam helped to remove the weight above him). Sam reveals that he also has body image issues. Finn tells Sam that he's perfect, but Sam doesn't agree. Sam then tells Finn to "just be you, and the sexy will flow through."
Why can't Sam take his own advice? Perhaps because he can only recieve validation from others. He's not his own man yet, he still looks to others for guidance and direction, and what people think matters way more than what he thinks. He looks at his perfect abdomin in the mirror and sees fat that clearly isn't there. Maybe this has to do with the symbolic dyslexia. There's a disconnect between what's acutally there, and what he percieves to be there.
Its clear in this episode that Sam is very insecure and is using his body to compensate for his lack of self confidence and sense of identity. Sam is operating on a shallow level. He's shallow with his self, focusing on the physical because he doesn't really know his true (deeper) self yet. He's shallow in his relationships, believeing that the main way to win Quinn is through his body and good looks. He's shallow with other people, not in a malicious way, but in the way that he can't see what's underneath the facade they present to him. Sam is unable to "read" or see beyond the surface of his self or other people. But he is only at the beginning of an incredible arc of character growth.
Samcedes: When Quinn tells Sam that he's cute like Rocky and Santana makes a comment about his abs, Mercedes, who is only sitting one seat away, shakes her head and scrunches up her face in disgust. The conversation is so shallow that its repulsive. Mercedes is anything but shallow, and can't stand to see it in other people. I think its safe to say that she didn't think much of Sam at this point. She probably just saw him as another pretty popular kid, lacking substance. But who can blame her? Sam is playing the role convincingly. Its no wonder she didn't take notice of him until he was mature enough to leave the popularity game behind.
I don't have much commentary about Mercedes and Sam playing Frank and Rocky because I haven't seen the movie. But I do know that Frank created Rocky to be his lover. Perhaps it suggest that Sam is Mercedes perfect man. Unfortunately, the two never interact in the ND production, at least not in what was shown.
Samcedes Episode Analysis: 2.05 The Rocky Horror Glee Show (part 1)
Samcedes Episode Analysis: 2.05 The Rocky Horror Glee Show
by Akilah
Mercedes: "That's part of the arts," Mr. Schuester says. "Doing things people say you can't do, for the sake of self expression." Mercedes takes this message to heart.
The episode begins with Mr. Schuester assigning roles for each ND member to play in the school musical, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." There are no auditions. Mr. Schue just dumps people into roles that he thinks will "fit" them. Artie plays the guy in the wheelchair. Sam is the sexy blond "creature," Rocky. And Schue wants Kurt to play Frank-n-Furter, the "sweet" transvestite. Kurt refuses. He doesn't want to be stereotyped.
The only people in the cast who pick their roles are Rachel and Finn. Rachel volunteers herself and Finn to play Janet and Brad. Mr. Schue immediately agrees, going along with the status-quo. There are five girls left in ND but only 2 roles. He tells the girls that they will have to double up on Magneta and Columbia. Rachel thinks its a fine idea, since she doesn't have to share her staring role with anyone. "It will preserve your voices," she says as she turns around and looks at Mercedes. Mercedes body language looks defeated and depressed. "I want to preserve you in a jar, in my basement," she says. Its a harsh statement but it shows Mercedes growing resentment towards Rachel and the leadership of ND. Mercedes is tired of being over looked.
The other girls laugh at Rachel's expense, especially Quinn, who is sitting between Mercedes and her new boyfriend Sam Evans. Her chair is much closer to Sam's then it is to Mercedes, symbolizing the distance growing in their relationship as she pursues her quest for popularity and power. Quinn's relationship with Sam is an extension of this.
When the role of Frank opens up, Mercedes jumps at the opportunity. She asks Mr. Schue, meekly, if she could have the part. Mercedes explains to him that shes always dreamed of having a starring role in a musical. She quotes "Rocky Horror," "don't just dream about it, be about it." So she takes initiative and opens herself up to possible rejection because she wants it so badly. Wanting the role of Maria did not come out of thin air in 3.03.
Mr. Schue is shocked that Mercedes wants that role. He doesn't say anything. Its clear that she is not his idea of Frank-N-Furter. He just doesn't see it. He doesn't reject her, nor does he give her the role. Its Sue Sylvester who tells Mercedes "yes."
When Mercedes gets on stage and plays Frank-N-Furter, she is full of confidence and strength. She's wearing a risque outfit and is comfortable with her body. "I'll look sexy in that outfit," she says when giving reasons for wanting to play Frank. And she does. Her security and confidence in her body is juxtaposed to Sam and Finn's insecurity. Sam talked a good game about wanting to show off his abs, but when it comes time to perform, he's more than uncomfortable. Its an interesting contrast that transgresses expectations. Sam is a muscular, blond male athlete with a socially deemed "perfect" body. Yet, he's insecure in it. Mercedes is an "overweight" black woman who is very comfortable in her own skin, and doesn't have a problem showing it off on stage.
Speaking of transgressive, Mercedes is playing a transvestite, an individual who appropriates and takes on attributes of the opposite gender in a socially unacceptable manner. By playing Frank, Mercedes transgresses the role of transvestite. She isn't male, she isn't white, and she isn't thin. She's not at all what Will Schuester imagined for this role. But he is the one who said that the arts are about "doing things people say you can't do for the sake of self expression." Well, Mercedes is doing it.
On the theme of transgressive, Mercedes' Frank is terrifying to Rachel and Finn's Janet and Brad. Mercedes is powerful, confident and strong. Rachel and Finn's Janet and Brad react in an exaggerated version of their real reactions to Mercedes and Santana's "Rive Deep, Mountain High" performance. Mercedes is frightening as Santana and Brittney stand behind her, flanked on either side of her, participating in the seduction and eventual submission of Rachel and Finn's Janet and Brad. Hello, TroubleTones!
Speaking of Santana and Mercedes, its clear in this episode that the two girls, who may not be friends yet, are much more comfortable around each other than before. When Dr. Carl comes to audition for the role of Eddy, he says he doesn't want to play Frank-N-Furter because he would feel uncomfortable grinding up on kids. Santana raises her hand and wears a cheeky expression. Mercedes rolls her eyes and doesn't hesitate to pull the other girl's hand down. Santana does not protest. I don't know any other character, besides Brittany, who could come into Santana's personal space and shut her down before she has an opportunity to insult someone or embarrass herself. They may not be friends, but they understand each other and have developed a mutual respect.
by Akilah
Mercedes: "That's part of the arts," Mr. Schuester says. "Doing things people say you can't do, for the sake of self expression." Mercedes takes this message to heart.
The episode begins with Mr. Schuester assigning roles for each ND member to play in the school musical, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." There are no auditions. Mr. Schue just dumps people into roles that he thinks will "fit" them. Artie plays the guy in the wheelchair. Sam is the sexy blond "creature," Rocky. And Schue wants Kurt to play Frank-n-Furter, the "sweet" transvestite. Kurt refuses. He doesn't want to be stereotyped.
The only people in the cast who pick their roles are Rachel and Finn. Rachel volunteers herself and Finn to play Janet and Brad. Mr. Schue immediately agrees, going along with the status-quo. There are five girls left in ND but only 2 roles. He tells the girls that they will have to double up on Magneta and Columbia. Rachel thinks its a fine idea, since she doesn't have to share her staring role with anyone. "It will preserve your voices," she says as she turns around and looks at Mercedes. Mercedes body language looks defeated and depressed. "I want to preserve you in a jar, in my basement," she says. Its a harsh statement but it shows Mercedes growing resentment towards Rachel and the leadership of ND. Mercedes is tired of being over looked.
The other girls laugh at Rachel's expense, especially Quinn, who is sitting between Mercedes and her new boyfriend Sam Evans. Her chair is much closer to Sam's then it is to Mercedes, symbolizing the distance growing in their relationship as she pursues her quest for popularity and power. Quinn's relationship with Sam is an extension of this.
When the role of Frank opens up, Mercedes jumps at the opportunity. She asks Mr. Schue, meekly, if she could have the part. Mercedes explains to him that shes always dreamed of having a starring role in a musical. She quotes "Rocky Horror," "don't just dream about it, be about it." So she takes initiative and opens herself up to possible rejection because she wants it so badly. Wanting the role of Maria did not come out of thin air in 3.03.
Mr. Schue is shocked that Mercedes wants that role. He doesn't say anything. Its clear that she is not his idea of Frank-N-Furter. He just doesn't see it. He doesn't reject her, nor does he give her the role. Its Sue Sylvester who tells Mercedes "yes."
When Mercedes gets on stage and plays Frank-N-Furter, she is full of confidence and strength. She's wearing a risque outfit and is comfortable with her body. "I'll look sexy in that outfit," she says when giving reasons for wanting to play Frank. And she does. Her security and confidence in her body is juxtaposed to Sam and Finn's insecurity. Sam talked a good game about wanting to show off his abs, but when it comes time to perform, he's more than uncomfortable. Its an interesting contrast that transgresses expectations. Sam is a muscular, blond male athlete with a socially deemed "perfect" body. Yet, he's insecure in it. Mercedes is an "overweight" black woman who is very comfortable in her own skin, and doesn't have a problem showing it off on stage.
Speaking of transgressive, Mercedes is playing a transvestite, an individual who appropriates and takes on attributes of the opposite gender in a socially unacceptable manner. By playing Frank, Mercedes transgresses the role of transvestite. She isn't male, she isn't white, and she isn't thin. She's not at all what Will Schuester imagined for this role. But he is the one who said that the arts are about "doing things people say you can't do for the sake of self expression." Well, Mercedes is doing it.
On the theme of transgressive, Mercedes' Frank is terrifying to Rachel and Finn's Janet and Brad. Mercedes is powerful, confident and strong. Rachel and Finn's Janet and Brad react in an exaggerated version of their real reactions to Mercedes and Santana's "Rive Deep, Mountain High" performance. Mercedes is frightening as Santana and Brittney stand behind her, flanked on either side of her, participating in the seduction and eventual submission of Rachel and Finn's Janet and Brad. Hello, TroubleTones!
Speaking of Santana and Mercedes, its clear in this episode that the two girls, who may not be friends yet, are much more comfortable around each other than before. When Dr. Carl comes to audition for the role of Eddy, he says he doesn't want to play Frank-N-Furter because he would feel uncomfortable grinding up on kids. Santana raises her hand and wears a cheeky expression. Mercedes rolls her eyes and doesn't hesitate to pull the other girl's hand down. Santana does not protest. I don't know any other character, besides Brittany, who could come into Santana's personal space and shut her down before she has an opportunity to insult someone or embarrass herself. They may not be friends, but they understand each other and have developed a mutual respect.
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