Nevermind, we’re back in New York for a bit of Rachel – hi Rachel! – who is recounting a horror movie level encounter with “The Black Swans” who, instead of stabbing her during a massive hallucination, insult her clothes, call her Lena Dunham (isn’t that a compliment?) and generally take over for the episode-absent Cassandra July. Poor Rachel. At least she has Kurt, who points out that Rachel feels the same because she looks the same (see? Vogue is the perfect place for him!) and its high time she celebrates the New Rachel in New York City with a New Look.
Kids, don’t try this at home. But if you are in a television series where people break into song randomly, go for it.
Makeover time, guys. And it’s free because Kurt has the key to the Vogue Couture Room!
Disclaimer: If you are a real life person with a key to the Vogue Couture Room, do not follow in Kurt’s footsteps! I mean, seriously folks. I once knew a guy who got fired for stealing toner. Imagine what they’d do if you touched a belt that was made out of angel tears and cost four million dollars? Just saying.
Fortunately for us, it’s the middle of the night in television land and Kurt steals Rachel into the Vogue Vault. Things are going swimmingly for about ten seconds, but that’s when the doors open and boom! It’s Kurt’s boss Isabelle and two exceedingly large security guards! Yikes.
Fortunately Isabelle is won over by Kurt’s terrified ramble of wanting to use Rachel as his model and film and makeover and eek and well, he had her at “makeover”.
Cue the episode’s only mashup, an adorable blend of “The Way You Look Tonight” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” – the latter a nod to SJP’s Broadway turn in Annie. As Kurt, Rachel and Isabelle harmonize and soft shoe, the full power of a Vogue makeover is released, with Rachel the center of a Cinderella-esque turn from small town girl to big city beauty.
Maybe a little much for dance class…
Or rather, Rachel Berry is now Lea Michelle.
Kurt videotaped the entire charming escapade, and now – back in Bushwick – is sharing the results with his boyfriend Blaine via yet another Skype date. Feeling aflutter with success, Kurt’s all happy chatter and breezy joy – he’s in his element, things are going his way and the move to New York has never felt like a better one. Of course, in his happy place, he fails to remember Blaine is running for class president and doesn’t feel much like discussing bow tie choices…
Ow.
Blaine’s face falls and you can almost hear the actual audio of his heart breaking as all those fears of last season come to fruition. Good acting is all over this scene – Kurt’s non-malicious forgetfulness, Blaine’s quiet pain. These two aren’t always given a lot to do but they make so much out of every single moment.
