I don't wanna see the spectacle that is Michael, I want to be the spectacle that is Michael.
Welcome to the first of three tribute episodes this season, the first being the long overdue tribute to Michael Jackson, the first such tribute to a deceased artist. Tied into this is the moral of taking the high road and moving on to your future. Santana and Quinn helpfully tell us this, actively demonstrating it by not damaging all the men they encounter.
Next Time: ¿Qué sucede cuando un personaje es llamado con un rasgo dudoso que ha estado con él desde el comienzo de la serie? Además, vivimos La Vida Loca.note .
Songs (all by Michael Jackson, with noted additions):
- Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' performed by Blaine with New Directions
- Bad performed by the Warblers and New Directions
- Scream by Michael and Janet Jackson, performed by Artie and Mike
- Never Can Say Goodbye by The Jackson 5, performed by Quinn
- Human Nature (BoyzIIMen version), performed by Mercedes and Sam
- Ben performed by Finn, Kurt, and Rachel
- Smooth Criminal performed by Santana and Sebastian with 2Cellos
- I Just Can't Stop Loving You (feat. Siedah Garrett), performed by Finn and Rachel
- Black or White, performed by New Directions
Tropes:
- Actor Allusion: Naya Rivera has performed with 2Cellos often, the "cello guys" she gets to stay for her song with Sebastian.
- Adults Are Useless: Will, the Dalton staff (last season it was sold on being a much better school that enforces its Zero-Tolerance policies, but this apparently changed when Klaine left).
- Dawson Casting: Whilst the kids are mostly passable, Dianna Agron putting on an elegant ball gown with her hair up for "Never Can Say Goodbye" makes it very clear that she was out of high school a while ago.
- Fanfic Fuel: As you'd expect, the "Smooth Criminal" scene led to many and sundry fics usually involving Sebtana engaging in some gender-be-damned hate sex.
- Moonwalk Dance: Mike pulls it off and Blaine gives it a very good go.
