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Child Star is the ninth episode of Glee's sixth season and the one hundred and seventeenth episode overall. It aired on February 27, 2015.
This episode is written by Ned Martel and directed by Michael Hitchcock.
Sue still harbors an unrequited crush on the school district's Superintendent, and gives his thirteen-year-old nephew – the precocious, demanding, and surprisingly talented Myron Muskovitz – free reign to avail himself off of New Directions' auditorium and talent as he prepares an elaborate musical performance for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Will and Rachel seize the opportunity in the hopes it will help the glee clubbers bond in preparation for Sectionals. Despite their obvious differences, gleeks Roderick and Spencer discover they have something in common: they each need the other's help to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. While the doughy Roderick is in desperate straits trying to measure up to the rigorous physical standards Sue demands of her students, Spencer is equally desperate to catch the eye of Roderick's bookish lab partner, who seems utterly unimpressed with the gay jock. The two strike an unlikely alliance, but they make minimal progress in their tasks until fate intervenes and an act of faith takes center stage. Meanwhile, Mason grows increasingly frustrated when his attempts to flirt with Jane are constantly being thwarted by his dominant and controlling twin sister, Madison, forcing him to finally stand up for himself, with unexpected results.
Plot[]
Sue stands on the bleachers, shouting "sloppy babies" to the boys of McKinley, through her megaphone, as the boys do their fitness test. She calls out, saying how she expects them to pass the test. Spencer and Roderick are shown doing sit-ups, Roderick barely doing them. Spencer sits in front of a boy, helping him, as he does his sit-up, while Roderick continues to struggle. She tells them how consuming her own twin in her mother's uterus was hard. As the boys get ready to climb the rope, she tells them that she'll not leave the room unless at least 3 of them pass out, or vomit. Spencer successfully reaches the top, the boy watching him, as Sue continues, saying all of them will reach the top, or else that person will not graduate. As Roderick begins to climb the rope, Sue tells all of them to gather and watch. He tries to climb, yet fails, and lands on the ground, as everyone (but Spencer, Sheldon, and Sue) laugh. Sue tells him that he's a disgrace, but Sheldon tells her that he should rest. Sue replies sarcastically that they should reward him for his failure, comparing it to how China is colonizing Mars, while America has type 2 diabetes. She tells him to do it again.
In the hallway, Roderick walks through them. Spencer comes up to him, saying they have a problem. Roderick asks what it is. Spencer states that Roderick can't climb a rope, do a simple push-up, or even do simple choreography. Roderick asks if he can help him, if he's so concerned, saying he'll try. Spencer states how he's not trying, as Roderick walks in. He sees Roderick sitting next to the guy he was staring at in the fitness test. Spencer decides to walk in and begins to speak in a happy tone to Roderick, about how he has to pick up sheet music after class. Roderick, confused, stays silent. Spencer, deliberating now noticing Alistair (the boy), starts talking to him. Spencer informs him that they're in the glee club, calling Roderick "Hot Rod," saying that he's his personal trainer, to which he shows his muscles. Alistair states that he's forgotten something, and goes to get it. Roderick questions Spencer on what he just did, laughing at his flirting technique, as Spencer looks worried.
Superintendent Harris walks into the halls of McKinley as Sue informs him about how, since she became principal, the test scores have gone up, introducing her drone to him, as it flies by. The superintendent tells her that she keeps surprising him, to which she talks to him. She then asks him for a favor of getting a "Principal Award," telling him that it will make her job resumé better. He then asks her if she's leaving, to which Sue tells him to never believe everything Becky Jackson tweets. She gives him a letter of recommendation for him to sign, but he states he'll need to read it first, to which Sue looks slightly disappointed. He tells her that he also has a favor, where she puts a fake face of happiness on.
In the auditorium, Sue stands with a child next to her, with the glee club (and Rachel and Will) gathered. She introduces the child as the Superintendent's nephew, Myron. She continues, saying that he's going to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah (Rachel looking happy), explaining what it is. Myron states he's performing for them, and tells him it's just a rehearsal. He begins to perform Lose My Breath, wearing a suit of white and gold underneath, as female dancers in gold dance around him, in perfect sync. Everyone watching is either surprised at what he's doing, Sue looking horrifically surprised; Kitty, Spencer, and Roderick laughing slightly and dancing along, Will clapping his hands. At the end of the song, everyone applauds him, Rachel saying it was amazing. He thanks her, saying he's a fan of hers. He then states he needs it to be perfect, asking him how he can improve. Kitty suggests his dancers could smile a bit more, everyone else agreeing. He states that he's already told them that, firing them, sending them off stage, and asking to speak with the adults. Sue then whispers to Rachel, saying she should do anything he says. Myron states how he wants to perform in the auditorium (saying this to Rachel, Will, and Sue). Sue agrees. Myron states he wants the glee club to help and is willing to pay for them to perform. Will states that it's against the rules. Myron then states they'll get performing experience. He sees one of the dancers still there, sending her away rudely. Rachel begins to tell him that they can't, but Sue interrupts, saying that they accept.
In the hallway, Mason comes up to Jane at her locker. They walk together, Jane telling him she got a C in her math test. Mason states that when he has a bad day, he goes to Breadstix. Jane asks if it is good and tells him that her mother believes it is infested with cockroaches. Mason reassures her that they have fumigated it and asks her if she wants to go. Then Madison comes, linking arms with Mason and asking where they're eating. When Jane says Breadstix, Madison says they've talked about how they're on a specific diet, and they walk away, Jane standing there.
In the boys' locker room, Mason walks in, thanking Roderick and Spencer for coming. Mason begins to explain his situation with Jane. Spencer then tries to go away, saying that women are mysterious people. Mason tells him to stay and states how he wants to take Jane on a date, but his sister is not letting him. Spencer then asks jokingly (at first) if they're dating. Mason explains how they didn't have it easy when they grew up. Their parents were more performers than parents, and so Madison took on the role of being a second mom, being always there for him, every second. Mason asks them for help, by distracting her with a date. Spencer states he can't, because he's gay. Roderick says no. Spencer sits and begins to work out, as Mason begs them to help. Spencer states that he should tell his sister to back off. He then tells Roderick that he's meeting him in the gym, to help with his fitness, and in exchange, getting a date with Alistair. Mason then questions how it became about them.
In the staff room, Will and Rachel sit. Rachel states ideas, wanting a bit of Broadway in the performance. Will questions if the kids like Broadway. Rachel then explains that they're great and energetic, but quiet. Will unconsciously asks if she's always talking, to which Rachel agrees. He tries to take back what he said, meaning that the bar mitzvah will band them together, telling her that they should make the choices themselves.
In the choir room, Rachel and Will walk in with the members seated, saying they have exciting news. She explains that Myron has decided to have them perform at his bar mitzvah, leaving the kids surprised. Spencer states she wants them to sing at a spoiled rich kids' birthday party, but Rachel repeats that it is a bar mitzvah. Will states they should be more excited. Kitty then states if they're actually going to sing, or will an alumni walk through the door (again). Rachel states it's all about them, Will explains that the bar mitzvah will help them with Sectionals. Rachel and Will ask them to pair up, and choose good songs to perform. Mason looks at Jane and begins to head toward her, but Madison steps in front of him, stating that it's the perfect opportunity for them, and asking him to brainstorm with her.
The following day, in the staff room, Sheldon eats with a big appetite, as Rachel, Sam, and Will are engrossed by this. Sheldon states that the best thing about being a dude is not just eating chicken for lunch, but when he licks his lips, he can taste it all day. Everyone looks mildly disgusted. Sue stands near the coffee machine, pouring coffee onto the floor. Will asks if she's doing okay, to which she replies that she hasn't slept for 3 days. She tries to put her coffee cup down on the table, yet it falls and breaks. Sam asks what's going on, to which Sue replies that she's become a slave to Myron. In flashbacks, she tries to give ideas for his bar mitzvah. Myron states angrily that he wants it to be fresh, not unoriginal, and wants it to be about him, asking Janet (the jail secretary) to get him his espresso. Every night, Sue reads to him so he can read his bit for his bar mitzvah, so he doesn't have to memorize it himself. Will tells her it has to stop. She states it will once they all perform with her. Surprised, they ask if he wants them. Sue states that he blew his budget on getting new dancers. Sheldon states that he understands that they want everyone else, but he wonders why he's chosen. Sue states that since she's doing it, Sheldon also has to do it so she doesn't look like a fool. Sam states he's in.
Mason approaches Jane in the crowded hallway and suggests doing a duet together. Jane informs him that she's already paired with Roderick. Mason asks if Roderick is taking her for pizza and wonders if Madison is aware. He states they won't tell Madison and says he's a badass. Jane agrees and mentions that he's also a cheerleader. Mason tries to bring up what people say about cheerleaders, but Jane doesn't respond. Jane suggests that if they let everyone know they're switching partners, they'll be fine for the duet. She walks away smiling, and Mason also smiles.
While in the gym, Spencer tells Roderick to focus as he tries to climb up the rope. Spencer tells him to use his feet, advising him to stop being a wuss. Roderick falls, and Spencer criticizes his effort as pathetic. He tells him that this drill sergeant crap isn't helping him at all and that he's been taunted and teased about this kind of thing his entire life. Spencer claims that when the guys on the football team work out, it's both messy and painful. However, Roderick points out that he's not on the football team. Spencer agrees by retorting that he's fat and lazy. In response, Roderick says that the reason why Alistair doesn't want to get close to him is because he's a dick. He walks away as Spencer tries to call him back.
In the cafeteria, Mason approaches Roderick and informs him that they will be switching partners. He then goes to Madison and explains the same thing. Madison mentions that he has already sung a duet with Jane. Mason expresses his desire to do it again. However, Madison declines, stating that he doesn't want to do it because she has beautiful legs and believes no one would be looking at his own legs. She also mentions that she has huge hair that she loves to toss around. Mason responds by saying that it's insane and that he just wants to sing with her and maybe ask her out. Madison tells him no. Mason states it's not her decision and tells her to stop being so controlling. Upset, Madison shouts that she won't be controlling as everyone, including Jane, watches. As she leaves, Jane goes up to him, saying that it would be easier if they stuck to their old duet partners.
In the hallway, Spencer sees Alistair. He walks up to him, but Alistair, who is reading, walks away. Spencer then begins to sing Friday I'm In Love, watching Alistair in different places, and performing the song in the choir room. Mason and Madison share annoyed glances. Spencer finishes the song, and everyone applauds him. Rachel then comments that they wouldn't expect a love song from him. Will says that it was great, but not suitable for the bar mitzvah. He then says he's looking for a new combination, suggesting him with Jane and Roderick. Spencer states that he'll do it with Jane, but not with a quitter like Roderick, to which they begin to fight, Roderick once again calling Spencer a dick. Rachel looks horrified by this.
The next day, the auditorium is decorated for Myron's bar mitzvah. Myron is introduced to the audience, Superintendent Harris clapping happily. Myron states he has a great set of entertainers and a few boring bits. He then introduces the New Directions, beginning with Mason. Mason sings I Want To Break Free, with the girls in the audience jumping up and down. He directs the song to Jane and Mason while performing. The girls in the audience run up to him, awed by him. At the end of the song, Mason goes to hug Jane. She praises him.
In the choir room, Madison walks into Mason putting his clothes back, wearing a bedazzled set. Mason states that he already knows what she's going to say, but she replies he doesn't. They sit, and Madison states how his performance was really moving, reminding her of how gifted he is and how crazy she has become (to which he contradicts). She continues, saying that she was feeling jealous that another woman had come into his life. But she states that now she's relieved that he doesn't need her anymore and that he might have never actually needed her. Mason cuts her off, saying that he'll always need her, but he needs a bit more room for other people. She talks about how she's used to taking care of him, feeling she had to. Mason tells her that he's a better person because of her. She states the same thing about him. They hug. Madison then states that Jane is a stage hog, to which they both laugh.
Roderick begins to climb up. He reaches up and makes the rope come loose. Everyone rushes to Myron, except for Spencer. Amazed, Roderick states that he can't believe he did that, but Spencer asserts that even in emergencies, babies can lift cars. Myron comes out, saying he thinks he's pooped his pants and that he can't go on like this. Sue asks Kitty to get butt wipes and get gummy bears. Rachel tells Myron they'll stall the audience and tells Jane and Spencer to get ready. Spencer then states he wants Roderick as well. On stage, Jane, Spencer, and Roderick perform Uptown Funk, everyone dancing along, Superintendent Harris, especially getting into the music. Some of the audience members go on stage and dance along with them until the other members of the New Directions come on stage. At the end of the performance, everyone claps for them.
In the dance room, Will is choreographing Rachel, Sam, Sheldon, and Sue. Sue attempts to leave, but Will encourages her, saying she's almost got it. Sue asks him to stop talking and tells him she doesn't care about what he's doing, questioning why he's still at the school. Will explains that she asked him to help, and Rachel reminds her that she asked all of them to help. Sue tells her to shut up and then asks Will why the others think highly of him when he's done nothing for them except make it worse. She continues, saying she secured a good job for him at Carmel, but he destroyed it in minutes, coming back with his "reach for the stars" attitude. Will then calls her Susie Q, explaining that it is Superintendent Harris' fault and that she should go after him, but she's not because she still has a crush on him. He tells her that she's losing her mind. Sam and Sheldon attempt to guide her away, but when he starts choreographing again, Sue jumps him, and they start fighting. Superintendent Harris walks in, asking if there's anything wrong. Sue and Will state it's part of their rehearsal. Reassured, he tells them it's showtime.
In the choir room, Alistair sits playing the ukulele as Spencer walks in. Spencer questions if he's here because of him. Alistair replies that Roderick told him about the bar mitzvah and insists he shouldn't miss it because he was performing. He states that Roderick was right. Caught off guard, Spencer asks him if he was watching, to which Alistair replies that he was. He states that he's got some moves and apologizes for ignoring him, feeling bad after his first impression of him. He states that Roderick told him about how he helped him with things. Alistair states that on the inside, he seems sweet underneath his macho personality. He then compliments Spencer's body. Spencer then asks him to join the glee club. Alistair states that he's not much of a loser, to which Spencer tells him that he's taking it as a yes. When Alistair tries to talk again, Spencer leans in and kisses him.
On stage, Sam instructs everyone to take their places while Will and Sue talk. Sue states that her plan is about to begin, and Will responds by saying it will start when he trips her up on stage in front of the 13-year-olds. Sue challenges him, saying he wouldn't dare, but Will insists that he would. Rachel then begins to sing Break Free (with the word "MYRON" in the background), and everyone else joins her on stage. Myron comes on stage with his stage pod, and the audience screams happily. As the song ends, ribbons fall all around the place, Spencer and Mason lifting Myron on their shoulders.
The following day, Roderick walks up to Spencer (at his locker), asking for protein supplements he should take. Spencer tells him he should take organic food instead, saying he'll thank him for it later. Roderick tells Spencer that he's started working out and eating better, but still sneaks a bit more junk food, to which they both laugh. Roderick thanked him for supporting him through it all. Spencer then says to him that he has to run. Roderick, sarcastically, says he's heard that he's been hanging out with someone (referring to Alistair). Spencer says that they're officially going out and that he's the first guy who makes him really nervous. He continues, saying he really likes him, and hopes he doesn't screw it up, to which Roderick agrees.
In the choir room office, Will and Rachel are discussing something when Myron and Sue walk in. Rachel asks if they were there to thank them for his bar mitzvah, but Sue states that Myron is a new student at McKinley who wants to join the club. Myron screams that Sue's not his mother, saying he can say it himself, and asks her for his inhaler, kicking her. He runs into the choir room, Rachel screaming at him not to touch the piano. Will asks how it's possible, saying he's 13 years old. Sue states that she told Superintendent Harris, but he ignored her and made his old middle school get a petition to state that Myron is extremely talented and needs to go to high school. Will then states that they got a new member who's also part of the Superintendent's family, to which Sue looks annoyed. Sue states that this is just the first battle to end all wars, saying she does not retreat but reload. Will then asks if she'll jump on him again, to which she states she may or may not. She leaves, pushing students around. In voiceover mode, she says she became the principal to become the best in the state, become one of the greatest principals, and ride off on one of the most endangered rhinos on the planet. Instead, she's back to the start, trying to destroy the glee club again. At night, she goes to her hurt locker, stating to herself that she'll spend the last few weeks of her working life doing that, and it may kill her, but she'll be the last one standing. If they bury her, everyone in the glee club will be buried with her.
In the hallway, Kitty talks to Myron (who is standing on a stool). He places the stool in his locker and states that he'll never forget that she lent her underwear for the performance, handing her money. Kitty, not caring where the money came from, states she does deserve it. Myron states that if she sticks with him, she'll never go hungry, giving her more money and expecting a kiss. Kitty, saying no, states that he should keep the cash coming because she'll be his friend in glee club, as he needs one. They walk away as Myron continues to flirt with Kitty.
In the choir room office, Will sits as Rachel states that the glee club has changed for the better since Alistair and Myron joined. Will tells her that some kids will disappear while others will touch their lives, and it's best to make a difference. Rachel says that he made a difference in her life, to which he responds the same sentiment. Will states that she has evolved into an intelligent person and is happy to work with her, which she agrees with. They hug as the New Directions begin singing Cool Kids, with Jane and Mason taking the lead, followed by Madison and Roderick, and the rest of the group joining in. They all dance together, and as the song ends, they join together. Will and Rachel applaud them.
Songs[]
Song Title | Original Artist | Performer(s) |
---|---|---|
Lose My Breath | Destiny's Child | Myron Muskovitz with Backup Dancers |
Friday I'm In Love | The Cure | Spencer Porter with New Directions |
I Want to Break Free | Queen | Mason McCarthy |
Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars | New Directions |
Break Free | Ariana Grande feat. Zedd | Myron Muskovitz, Rachel Berry, Sam Evans, Sheldon Beiste, Sue Sylvester, Will Schuester, and New Directions |
Cool Kids | Echosmith | New Directions |
- The songs from this episode are accompanied by Glee: The Music, Child Star.
Guest Cast[]
Guest Stars[]
- Becca Tobin as Kitty Wilde
- J.J. Totah as Myron Muskovitz
- Finneas O'Connell as Alistair
- Christopher Cousins as Superintendent Bob Harris
- Noah Guthrie as Roderick Meeks
- Samantha Marie Ware as Jane Hayward
- Marshall Williams as Spencer Porter
- Billy Lewis Jr. as Mason McCarthy
- Laura Dreyfuss as Madison McCarthy
Absent Cast Members[]
- Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel
- Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson
- Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams
- Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones
Trivia[]
- This episode was viewed by 1.69 million people, the second lowest number of viewers in Glee history.
- This is the eighth episode where every member of New Directions sings a solo line, the others being Pilot, Britney 2.0, Tina in the Sky with Diamonds, A Katy or A Gaga, The End of Twerk, Homecoming and The Hurt Locker, Part Two.
- First appearances of Myron and Alistair.
- This is the seventh and final episode of the series where all the main characters present in the episode sing, the first being The Power of Madonna, the second being New New York the third being The Back-Up Plan, the fourth being Old Dog, New Tricks, the fifth being The Untitled Rachel Berry Project and the sixth being What the World Needs Now.
- Coincidentally Rachel appears in all these episodes.
- This is the first and only episode of the season to not feature Darren Criss and Chris Colfer.
- This is the first episode Blaine has been absent from since Season Three, The Spanish Teacher, 59 episodes ago.
- This is the first episode Kurt has been absent from since Season Four, Shooting Star, 32 episodes ago.
- This is the first episode both Blaine and Kurt have been absent from at the same time since Season Two, Comeback, 81 episodes ago.
- This is the first 9th episode of a season to not feature Rachel singing a duet.