Season Five of Glee aired between September 26, 2013 and May 13, 2014. The first 8 episodes aired on Thursdays at 9PM EST before moving back to Tuesdays at 8PM EST for the remainder of the season. The premiere was originally set for September 19, but was postponed for a week due to Cory Monteith's death.
The season saw Glee celebrating its landmark 100th episode in a two-part special event. The episodes aired on March 18 and March 25, 2014, respectively.
For the season, Melissa Benoist, Jacob Artist, Becca Tobin, Blake Jenner, and Alex Newell were promoted to series regulars, as their characters were only recurring in Season Four. Amber Riley, Heather Morris, Mark Salling, and Harry Shum Jr. were reduced to recurring guest stars after previously being in the main cast.
Due to Cory Monteith's passing, the show saw his character's death in the third episode of the season, which displayed a tribute to the late actor and character alike. Subsequent episodes also dealt with his death in different ways.
Following Monteith's death, production of Glee was halted for three weeks. Consequently, the season has only 20 episodes, instead of 22, like the previous seasons.
Cast
Main Cast
- Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel (20/20)
- Darren Criss as Blaine Anderson (20/20)
- Lea Michele as Rachel Berry (20/20)
- Chord Overstreet as Sam Evans (19/20) (episodes 1-17, 19-20)
- Kevin McHale as Artie Abrams (18/20) (episodes 1-16, 19-20)
- Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez (15/20) (episodes 1-4, 6-13, 17-19)
- Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester (14/20) (episodes 1-13, 17)
- Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester (14/20) (episodes 1-13, 17)
- Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina Cohen-Chang (14/20) (episodes 1-13, 17)
- Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman (13/20) (episodes 1-13)
- Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose (13/20) (episodes 1-13)
- Blake Jenner as Ryder Lynn (13/20) (episodes 1-13)
- Alex Newell as Unique Adams (13/20) (episodes 1-13)
- Becca Tobin as Kitty Wilde (13/20) (episodes 1-13)
Recurring Cast
Special Guest Stars
- Peter Facinelli as Rupert Campion (4/20) (episodes 1-2, 5, 9)
- Demi Lovato as Dani (4/20) (episodes 2, 4, 7, 10)
- Shirley MacLaine as June Dolloway (2/20) (episodes 18, 20)
- Kristin Chenoweth as April Rhodes (2/20) (episodes 12-13)
- Ioan Gruffudd as Paolo San Pablo (2/20) (episodes 1, 5)
- Gwyneth Paltrow as Holly Holliday (2/20) (episodes 12-13)
- Tyra Banks as Bichette (1/20) (episode 6)
- Jackée as herself (1/20) (episode 11)
- Marlee Matlin as herself (1/20) (episode 11)
- Joanna Rohrback as herself (1/20) (episode 11)
- Whoopi Goldberg as Carmen Tibideaux (1/20) (episode 15)
- Chris Parnell as Mario (1/20) (episode 17)
- June Squibb as Maggie Banks (1/20) (episode 19)
- Tim Conway as Marty Rogers (1/20) (episode 19)
- Billy Dee Williams as Andy Collins (1/20) (episode 19)
Guest Stars
- Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones (12/20) (episodes 1, 3, 11-20)
- Lauren Potter as Becky Jackson (11/20) (episodes 4-13, 17)
- Erinn Westbrook as Bree (7/20) (episodes 1-7)
- Adam Lambert as Elliott Gilbert (5/20) (episodes 4, 7, 9-10, 14)
- Iqbal Theba as Mr. Figgins (5/20) (episodes 1-3, 7, 9)
- Michael Lerner as Sidney Greene (4/20) (episodes 14-15, 17-18)
- Dot-Marie Jones as Shannon Beiste (4/20) (episodes 3, 8-10)
- Mike O'Malley as Burt Hummel (4/20) (episodes 1, 3, 11, 15)
- Christopher Cousins as Superintendent Bob Harris (3/20) (episodes 1, 5, 7)
- NeNe Leakes as Roz Washington (3/20) (episodes 1-2, 11)
- Mark Salling as Noah Puckerman (3/20) (episodes 3, 12-13)
- Heather Morris as Brittany Pierce (3/20) (episodes 12-13, 20)
- Harry Shum Jr. as Mike Chang (3/20) (episodes 3, 12-13)
- Dianna Agron as Quinn Fabray (2/20) (episodes 12-13)
- Earlene Davis as Andrea Carmichael (2/20) (episodes 5, 17)
- Bill A. Jones as Rod Remington (2/20) (episodes 5, 17)
- Jayma Mays as Emma Pillsbury (2/20) (episodes 3, 10)
- Christopher Curry as Gunther (2/20) (episodes 1-2)
- Phoebe Strole as Penny Owen (2/20) (episodes 2, 4)
- Romy Rosemont as Carole Hudson-Hummel (2/20) (episodes 3, 11)
- Max Adler as David Karofsky (1/20) (episode 17)
- Chace Crawford as Biff McIntosh (1/20) (episode 12)
- Grant Gustin as Sebastian Smythe (1/20) (episode 1)
- Trisha Rae Stahl as Millie Rose (1/20) (episode 6)
- Josh Sussman as Jacob Ben Israel (1/20) (episode 17)
Co-Stars
- Brad Ellis as Brad (7/20) (episodes 3-5, 7, 11-13)
- Ryan Heinke as Brett Bukowski (5/20) (episodes 2, 4-5, 7-8)
- Pamela Chan as Dottie Kazatori (2/20) (episodes 2-3)
Episodes
| Image | Title | Original Airdate | U.S. Viewers (in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. "Love, Love, Love" | September 26, 2013 | 5.06
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: The New Directions are back in action and take on their biggest assignment yet: The Beatles! As Will enlists the kids to pay homage to the classic song catalog from the Fab Four, Blaine and Kurt attempt to answer questions about their future together. Meanwhile, Rachel's New York ambitions take an unexpected turn and Santana is on the ready to assist her. Back at McKinley, Artie, and Kitty's bond strengthens, Sue's scheming has got her the role of the Interim Principal and Blaine attempts to solve Tina's loneliness. Singles: "Yesterday" (Rachel), "Drive My Car" (Artie and Kitty with New Directions), "Got to Get You Into My Life" (Blaine and Kurt), "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" (Artie and Kitty), "Help!" (Blaine and Sam with Haverbrook Deaf Choir, New Directions, Vocal Adrenaline, and The Warblers), "A Hard Day's Night" (Rachel and Santana with Spotlight Diner workers), "I Saw Her Standing There" (Blaine, Jake, Ryder, and Sam), "All You Need Is Love" (Blaine with Haverbrook Deaf Choir, New Directions, Vocal Adrenaline, and The Warblers) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
2. "Tina in the Sky with Diamonds" | October 3, 2013 | 4.42
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Tina in the Sky with Diamonds is the second episode of Glee's fifth season and the ninetieth episode overall. It premiered on October 3, 2013. In the second part of The Beatles tribute, The Junior-Senior Brundle Prom is just around the corner and Tina is more than prepared to receive the title of the Prom Queen. However, Bree has plans to push Tina aside and humiliate her, attempting to bring Kitty into the case, who is torn between siding with the New Directions or the Cheerios. While Tina is unaware of Bree's scheme, she is focused on Prom Queen, rejecting to go to the Prom with Sam, who now has an eye on college sophomore school nurse, Penny. Meanwhile in New York, Santana bonds with her fellow co-worker, Dani (portrayed by special guest star Demi Lovato) and Kurt attempts to bring Rachel's mojo back as Rachel wonders whether she'll get her dream Broadway role. The episode is written and directed by Ian Brennan. Plot  Revolution The New Directions continues their two-week assignment covering The Beatles. Tina is nominated for prom queen at the new combined all-grades prom and is determined to win, dumping Sam who she had previously accepted as her prom date to capitalize on the potential votes of the wallflowers without dates, and belitting her assistant and campaign manager, Dottie. Although she is also nominated, Kitty decides to support Tina. Upon learning of this, Bree tries to persuade Kitty, a fellow cheerio, into campaigning for herself instead of Tina, because there have been too "many Glee kids winning prom-queen" already. Since Kitty isn't fond of this plan, Bree decides to campaign for Kitty on her own and ropes Dottie into a scheme to humiliate Tina at prom. She and the other Cheerio's approach Dottie who says that she really does dislike Tina sometimes. Bree then offers her a spot on the Cheerio's which she quickly accepts. In the choir room Tina starts singing Revolution but the bell cuts her off, much to her annoyance.   Here Comes the Sun At NYADA, Kurt performs Get Back to cheer up Rachel, who is depressed by her disappointing "chemistry" audition for Funny Girl. At the diner where Rachel and Santana work, one of their co-workers, Dani, is interested in Santana; the interest is mutual, though scary for Santana, and Rachel gives her a pep talk before making herself scarce at the end of an overnight shift. Dani and Santana start to talk then about the dawn and perform Here Comes the Sun and, after walking through the city, they share a kiss.   Something Sue hires med student Penny Owen to become McKinley High's nurse, and Sam develops a crush on her. Sue orders all of New Direction to get polio shots but Sam is scared of needles. He sings Something. When Sue decides to fire Penny for incompetence, Sam overcomes his fear of needles and allows Penny to give him a meningitis shot in his butt. He later praises her to Sue, who reverses her decision.   Hey Jude At prom all the couples are seen taking pictures together. Marley, Ryder, Jake, and Unique perform Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Afterwards, Sue announces Tina and Stoner Brett as prom queen and prom king. Kitty is on stage with Tina and notices Dottie holding onto a rope. She follows the rope up the ceiling and realizes there is a bucket there. On Bree's command, Dottie reluctantly drops a bucket of red slushie onto Tina in the style of Carrie while she's on stage, and she exits in tears and completely humiliated. The New Directions follow her to the choir room, where they sing Hey Jude and encourage Tina to face the crowd and go back. Kitty gives Tina her prom-dress and together they clean her up. She does so, receiving her much-awaited standing ovation.   Let It Be After Kurt tells Rachel and Santana he's started working at Spotlight Diner, Rachel is surprised at the diner by Mr. Campion, the Funny Girl director, who tells her she has been cast as Fanny, and she hugs her friends very happy. In Lima, cheerleading Coach Roz informs Sue that Bree is behind the prank and demands that she is punished. Sue instead promotes Bree to captain of the Cheerios and encourages her to torment the New Directions as much as she can, in order to toughen them up in preparations for Nationals. Rachel, Kurt, Santana, and Dani perform Let It Be in celebration of Rachel's achievements, while the New Directions does the same song in honor of Tina. Songs
Unreleased Songs
Guest CastSpecial Guest StarsGuest Stars
Co-StarsUncredited
Trivia
Deleted Scenes
Mistakes
Cultural References
Quotes
Gallery
Singles: "Get Back" (Kurt and Rachel), "Something" (Sam), "Here Comes the Sun" (Dani and Santana), "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (Jake, Marley, Ryder, and Unique), "Hey Jude" (New Directions), "Let It Be" (Kurt, New Directions, Rachel, and Santana) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
3. "The Quarterback" | October 10, 2013 | 7.39
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: In the wake of Finn's sudden death, old friends return to McKinley to grieve in the only way they know - by singing. Kurt, Burt and Carole sort out Finn's belongings; Sue, Santana and Puck seek guidance as their anger and pain over Finn's death frustrates them; Will and Shannon assist in helping everybody else grieve, but Emma realises that Will isn't allowing himself time to cry and Rachel makes a return to McKinley, presenting the Glee Club with something meaningful. Singles: "Seasons of Love" (Kurt, Mercedes, Mike, Puck, Santana, and Tina with New Directions), "I'll Stand by You" (Mercedes with New Directions), "Fire and Rain" (Artie and Sam with New Directions), "If I Die Young" (Santana with New Directions), "No Surrender" (Puck), "Make You Feel My Love" (Rachel) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
4. "A Katy or A Gaga" | November 7, 2013 | 4.01
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Nationals is in four weeks and Mr. Schue just got the secret setlist of the New Directions' competition at Nationals. One of the show choirs, Throat Explosion, proves to be a threat, and so, Will gives the Glee Club an assignment: Katy Perry or Lady Gaga. The Katys will sing Gaga songs while the Gagas will sing Katy songs. Given the assignment, Sam is eager to use it to improve the chances of him and Penny getting together, Marley struggles to become a Gaga and impress Jake and Sue and Bree have bad plans, involving the Glee Club. In New York, Kurt's Madonna Cover band is in development as one stunning performer, Elliott (portrayed by guest-star Adam Lambert), auditions, causing Kurt to become conflicted. Singles: "Marry the Night" (Elliott), "Applause" (Artie, Blaine, Marley, Ryder, and Sam), "Wide Awake" (Kitty, Jake, Tina, and Unique), "Roar" (New Directions and Pamela Lansbury) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
5. "The End of Twerk" | November 14, 2013 | 4.22
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: After the New Directions watch Blaine's scandalous twerking video, Will is inspired by it and introduces a new assignment: Twerk. Just as the Glee Club gets into it, Sue is already on her way to ending twerk at McKinley, igniting the war between her and Will one step further. Furthermore, at McKinley, tension and drama arises as Unique continues to be harassed and bullied as she enters the boy's bathroom and Jake and Bree's affair is finally revealed to Marley. In New York, rebellion is in the air after Rachel takes a risk with Funny Girl and convinces Kurt to get tattoos, however, for both Kurt and Rachel, rebellion often comes with a risk. Singles: "You Are Woman, I Am Man" (Paolo and Rachel), "Blurred Lines" (Bree, New Directions, and Will), "If I Were a Boy" (Unique), "Wrecking Ball" (Marley), "On Our Way" (New Directions) Absent: Naya Rivera | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
6. "Movin' Out" | November 21, 2013 | 4.09
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Graduation is coming soon and Sue begins an annual Careers Fair for students to explore careers and dreams to pursue. However, there isn't anything supporting the Arts and Theatre and Will assigns the Glee Club with Billy Joel music, a person who struggled as an artist but managed to pursue his dreams and become a well-known star. At McKinley, Artie attempts to help Becky take a chance at college against Sue's decision to keep her at McKinley and Jake's attitude after Marley dumped him worsens, with Ryder deciding to interfere. Blaine and Sam depart to New York for a week to prepare for their careers: Blaine's audition forNYADA and Sam's interview for his scholarship at Hunter. However, due to Sam's lack of passion for college, Rachel assists in Sam's career in male-modelling and Blaine has a change of heart to what he wants to do in the future. Singles: "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)" (Blaine and Sam), "Piano Man" (Blaine with Diner Patrons), "My Life" (Jake), "Honesty" (Artie), "An Innocent Man" (Ryder), "Just the Way You Are" (Blaine, Kurt, Rachel, Sam, and Santana), "You May Be Right" (Will and New Directions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
7. "Puppet Master" | November 28, 2013 | 2.84
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Blaine becomes incredibly controlling when the time comes for the Glee Club to brainstorm ideas for the upcoming National Championships. When he decides to ask Kurt for more advice, Kurt calls him a "Puppet Master," forcing Blaine to become even more controlling and furious. Back in New York, Kurt has trouble, being a puppet master himself as he attempts to find a venue for Pamela Lansbury's first gig, which his other bandmates aren't too keen about. At McKinley, Jake gets a shocker from Bree and Sue struggles with her femininity. Singles: "Into the Groove" (Pamela Lansbury), "You're My Best Friend" (Blaine with New Directions and Will), "Nasty/Rhythm Nation" (Bree, Jake, and Marley with Cheerios), "Cheek to Cheek" (Sue and Will), "The Fox" (New Directions and Pamela Lansbury) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
8. "Previously Unaired Christmas" | December 5, 2013 | 3.29
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Some edits are made to a never-before-aired Christmas episode that was kept hidden by FOX, which can now be shown. In an alternate universe to Glee, Actually, the Glee Club in Lima celebrates Christmas but also have to prepare for the 50th Annual Christmas Decoration competition, which Becky, Sam, and Tina are all eager to win. The Glee Club (who also have taken the role of The Christmas Club) also have to prepare a living Nativity Scene, and Marley, Tina, and Unique are all eager to play the role of Mary. Despite Kitty secretly wanting the role, she doesn't audition, leaving Marley and the Glee Club to organize the Nativity. In New York, Santana joins Kurt and Rachel for a New York Christmas and Rachel reveals that she's landed them a part-time job as Christmas elves in a Santa Land Mall, which doesn't go as planned. Singles: "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)" (Kurt, Rachel, and Santana), "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" (Will and New Directions), "Mary's Little Boy Child" (Marley, Tina, Unique), "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" (Kurt, Rachel, and Santana with Cody), "Love Child" (Unique with Marley and Tina), "Away in a Manger" (Kurt, New Directions, Rachel, and Santana) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
9. "Frenemies" | February 25, 2014 | 2.99
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Artie and Tina compete against each other for the spot of Senior Class Valedictorian, and also for a solo at Nationals, which strains their friendship. In New York, Kurt begins to believe that Elliott is out to take control of Pamela Lansbury. Rachel gets a shock when Santana tries out for her understudy, which causes a feud between the two roommates. Singles: "Whenever I Call You Friend" (Artie and Tina with New Directions), "Brave" (Rachel and Santana), "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" (Artie and Tina with New Directions and Will), "Don't Rain on My Parade" (Santana), "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" (Kurt and Elliott), "Every Breath You Take" (Rachel and Santana), "Breakaway" (Artie, Blaine, and Tina with New Directions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
10. "Trio" | March 4, 2014 | 2.68
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Rachel and Santana continue to feud over their roles in Funny Girl, much to the despair of Kurt and the other members of Pamela Lansbury. Meanwhile, Tina, Blaine and Sam make the most of their last days before graduation and Will and Emma keenly maintain their efforts to have a child. Singles: "Jumpin' Jumpin'" (Blaine, Sam, and Tina), "Barracuda" (Elliott and Rachel), "Don’t You (Forget About Me)" (Blaine, Sam, and Tina), "Danny’s Song" (Emma and Will), "Gloria" (Elliott, Rachel, and Santana), "The Happening" (Dani, Elliott, and Kurt), "Hold On" (Artie, Blaine, One Three Hill, Rachel, Sam, Santana and Tina) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
11. "City of Angels" | March 11, 2014 | 2.30
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: The Glee Club travels to Los Angeles for Nationals, where they devote their performance in honor of Finn. They meet their biggest rivals; Throat Explosion. Listening to Will's advice, Sam steps up and becomes the leader. However, his own contagious optimism is threatened when he loses a good luck charm. Meanwhile, Burt and Carole look forward to sharing the Nationals experience with Finn's friends. When Ryder finds out that Marley has given up on songwriting and is leaving the Glee Club after the competition, he and Jake get help from Mercedes to change her mind. Singles: "I Love LA" (New Directions and Will), "Vacation" (The Amazonians), "Mr. Roboto/Counting Stars" (Jean Baptiste with Throat Explosion), "More Than a Feeling" (Blaine and Tina with New Directions), "America" (Artie, Kitty, Sam, and Unique with New Directions), "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (Artie, Blaine, Sam, and Tina with New Directions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
12. "100" | March 18, 2014 | 2.80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: After the defeat at Nationals and the consequently imminent break up of the glee club by Principal Sue, the alumni return to McKinley to share stories and to celebrate what the last 100 lessons have meant to them. Among the returnees are the dueling divas Rachel and Mercedes, who, in spite of the fact that they are making progress in their own industries, seem determined to revive an old feud. A new and improved Puck, recently inducted into the military, intends to impress Quinn, his old girlfriend and mother of his daughter - he receives an unwanted surprise in the process. The MIT student and newfound mathematical genius Brittany believes that she has permanently lost her creative streak, and the Broadway bad girl and alcoholic April Rhodes may have a solution for the doomed glee club, but not if Sue has anything to say about it. Singles: "Raise Your Glass" (April and Will with Alumni and New Directions), "Toxic" (Brittany, Quinn, and Santana), "Defying Gravity" (Mercedes, Rachel, and Kurt), "Valerie" (Brittany and Santana with Alumni and New Directions), "Keep Holding On" (Puck with Alumni and New Directions except Quinn), "Happy" (Holly with Alumni, April, New Directions, and Will) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
13. "New Directions" | March 25, 2014 | 2.68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: The alumni and current students say their last goodbyes to the Glee Club. Holly and April remain determined to save the New Directions, but meet fierce resistance from Sue. Meanwhile, the seniors prepare for graduation, although Tina is still unsure of her direction in the world. With Kurt and Mercedes' help, Rachel and Santana mend old differences, while both Puck and Quinn and Brittany and Santana prepare for new lives with each other. Will struggles to bid farewell to the club he loves. Singles: "I Am Changing" (Kurt and Mercedes), "Party All the Time" (Holly with Alumni, New Directions, and Will), "Loser Like Me" (Artie, Blaine, Sam, and Tina), "Be Okay" (Rachel and Santana), "Just Give Me a Reason" (Quinn and Puck), "Don't Stop Believin'" (Alumni, New Directions, and Will) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
14. "New New York" | April 1, 2014 | 2.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Blaine, Sam and Artie move to New York after graduation, and all struggle to adapt to life in the Big Apple. Kurt and Blaine find that living in such close proximity to each other causes unwanted friction between them, and Elliott is forced to step in. Artie is once again taken advantage of due to his disability, and Sam is lacking in motivation, much to Blaine's frustration. Meanwhile, Rachel happily benefits from her major role in Funny Girl, but learns an important lesson in the process. An unexpected arrival draws them all back together. Singles: "Downtown" (Artie, Blaine, Kurt, Rachel, and Sam), "You Make Me Feel So Young" (Blaine and Kurt), "Best Day of My Life" (Blaine and Sam), "Rockstar" (Elliott and Kurt), "Don't Sleep in the Subway" (Artie and Rachel), "People" (Rachel) Absent: Jacob Artist, Melissa Benoist, Blake Jenner, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Naya Rivera, Becca Tobin, Jenna Ushkowitz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
15. "Bash" | April 8, 2014 | 2.78 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: While the NYADA students prepare assignments for the mid-winter critique, Rachel struggles to cope with the combined pressure of her Funny Girl role and her dramatic studies, while Kurt deals with a gay bashing incident. Rachel makes a drastic decision about her future following a confrontation with Madame Tibideaux over her poor effort in classes, and an argument between her and Kurt has unforeseen consequences. Meanwhile, Mercedes begins to question whether her interracial relationship with Sam will harm her Music career. Singles: "No One Is Alone" (Blaine, Kurt, and Rachel), "You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman" (Mercedes), "Broadway Baby" (Rachel and Blaine), "Not While I'm Around" (Blaine with Mercedes (album), Rachel (album), and Sam (album)), "Colorblind" (Mercedes), "I'm Still Here" (Kurt) Absent: Jacob Artist, Melissa Benoist, Blake Jenner, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Naya Rivera, Becca Tobin, Jenna Ushkowitz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
16. "Tested" | April 15, 2014 | 2.44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Blaine discovers his newfound love of cronuts has the side-effect of weight gain - the "Freshman Fifteen.” Combined with witnessing a more self-confident Kurt rapidly rising at NYADA, Blaine begins to suffer a crisis in confidence. As Artie enjoys a success with the ladies at Film School, he is quick to avail himself of all opportunities presented him. However, he soon discovers that his Casanova ways comes with a price. As roommates Mercedes and Sam explore being a couple, she confesses that she is still a virgin and is not sure when she will be ready for them to make love for the first time. Singles: "Addicted to Love" (Artie), "I Want to Know What Love Is" (Mercedes), "Love Is a Battlefield" (Blaine and Kurt), and "Let's Wait Awhile" (Artie and Mercedes) Absent: Jacob Artist, Melissa Benoist, Blake Jenner, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Naya Rivera, Becca Tobin, Jenna Ushkowitz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
17. "Opening Night" | April 22, 2014 | 2.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Rachel suffers a crisis of confidence as the date of her opening night on Broadway rapidly approaches. Despite the housemates best attempts to return her to her usual self, the situation is not helped by the arrival of Sue, who has grudgingly accompanied Will to New York to watch the performance. Unexpectedly, Sue finds love, and Will's life changes forever. Meanwhile, Rachel is forced to face the music, and live her lifelong dream for the very first time. Singles: "Lovefool" (Rachel with Santana and Tina), "NYC" (Sue and Will), "I'm the Greatest Star" (Rachel), "Who Are You Now" (Rachel and Sue), "Pumpin Blood" (Rachel with Blaine, Kurt, Mercedes, and Santana) Absent: Jacob Artist, Melissa Benoist, Blake Jenner, Kevin McHale, Alex Newell, Becca Tobin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
18. "The Back-Up Plan" | April 29, 2014 | 2.41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Rachel is presented with a unique opportunity and takes a risk that could either take her career to the next level or kill it entirely. Meanwhile, Mercedes asks for Santana’s help finding a “new sound” for her latest single, and a wealthy New York socialite takes Blaine under her wing. Singles: "Wake Me Up" (Rachel), "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (Mercedes and Santana), "Story of My Life" (Blaine and Kurt), "Piece of My Heart" (Blaine and June), "The Rose" (Rachel) Absent: Jacob Artist, Melissa Benoist, Blake Jenner, Jane Lynch, Kevin McHale, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Chord Overstreet, Becca Tobin, Jenna Ushkowitz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
19. "Old Dog, New Tricks" | May 6, 2014 | 2.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Santana attempts to help Rachel perform damage control on her flagging public image, with mixed success. Kurt tries to help a home for retired Broadway performers with their production of Peter Pan, but is upset by the lack of concern that his friends show. To prove he is responsible, Sam adopts a dog - despite Mercedes’s objections. Singles: "I Melt with You" (Rachel, Mercedes, and Sam), "Memory" (Kurt and Maggie), "Werewolves of London" (Artie and Sam), "Lucky Star" (Kurt and Maggie), "Take Me Home Tonight" (Artie, Blaine, Kurt, Maggie, Mercedes, Rachel, Sam and Santana) Absent: Jacob Artist, Melissa Benoist, Blake Jenner, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Becca Tobin, Jenna Ushkowitz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
20. "The Untitled Rachel Berry Project" | May 13, 2014 | 1.87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Plot: Rachel meets a famous television writer whose eccentric personality catches her and her friends off guard. Meanwhile, Sam and Mercedes deal with the pressure of commitment as their careers take off, and the time has finally come for Blaine’s big showcase with June Dolloway at NYADA. Singles: "Shakin' My Head" (Mercedes), "All of Me" (Blaine), "Girls on Film" (Sam with Charlie), "Glitter in the Air" (Rachel), "No Time at All" (Blaine and June), "American Boy" (Blaine and Kurt), "Pompeii" (Artie, Blaine, Brittany, Kurt, Mercedes, Rachel, and Sam) Absent: Jacob Artist, Melissa Benoist, Blake Jenner, Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Naya Rivera, Becca Tobin, Jenna Ushkowitz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Major events
- Blaine and Kurt get back together and engaged and overcome obstacles in their relationship, such as living together in New York and Blaine's work-relationship with June Dolloway.
- Artie and Kitty start a relationship and eventually break up.
- Tina becomes Prom Queen 2013.
- Sue becomes Principal at McKinley, while Figgins is demoted to Janitor.
- Rachel is cast as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of "Funny Girl".
- Santana becomes Rachel's understudy and their consequent feud and reconciliation.
- Rachel drops out of NYADA to focus on her Broadway career.
- Rachel leaves Broadway to pursue a career in television.
- Finn's death and its consequences to the New Directions, Will, and McKinley alumni for the remainder of the series.
- Kurt creates his first cover band, Pamela Lansbury, but due to lack of success and the feud between Santana and Rachel, he creates a new one: One Three Hill.
- Marley and Jake's relationship and eventual break-up after Jake's affair with Bree.
- The loss at the 2013 Nationals and the subsequent disbandment of the New Directions.
- Brittany and Santana get back together.
- Puck and Quinn become a couple.
- The graduation of several characters: Blaine, Sam, Brittany, Tina, Becky, and Artie
- Tina's struggle to find a college.
- Her acceptance to Brown University
- Blaine, Sam, Artie, and Mercedes move to New York.
- Sam and Mercedes' relationship and eventual breakup.
- Sam's work as a model and quitting his modeling career to go back to Lima.
- Mercedes leaves New York to go on a mall tour with Brittany and Santana.
Trivia
- This is the first shortened season (20 episodes). Previous seasons had 22 episodes.
- Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, and Lea Michele are the only three cast members to appear in every episode this season.
- Kevin McHale (Artie Abrams) is absent for the first time in the series in Opening Night.
- With his absence, there is no actor who has been present in every episode.
- Kurt and Blaine have their respective last solos in this season.
- Mercedes had more solos as a recurring character this season (with a total of six solos) than when she was a regular character last season (only one solo).
- Naya Rivera (Santana Lopez-Pierce) wore a black wig in later episodes of the season as she dyed her real hair blonde, which was not seen until Old Dog, New Tricks.
- This is the only season where:
- Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones) is not a series regular.
- Jacob Artist (Jake Puckerman), Melissa Benoist (Marley Rose), Alex Newell (Unique Adams), Blake Jenner (Ryder Lynn), and Becca Tobin (Kitty Wilde) are series regulars.
- Tina did not have any released solo.
- They released more albums (3) and EPs (11) than any other season.
- Glee has the least amount of mash-ups with only two.
- This is also the first season to not include a Madonna mash-up.
- This is also the first season to not feature a mash-up competition.
- There are less than two competition episodes in a season, with City of Angels being the only episode in which the Glee Club competes in all the season (in this case at Nationals).
- This is also the only season in which there is no Sectionals competition.
- There are no scenes set on the Gymnasium during the whole season.
- They do not cover a song from Chicago. The previous ones all consisted of exactly one Chicago number: Mr. Cellophane, Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag, Cell Block Tango and All That Jazz. Mr. Cellophane was reprised in the season six episode 2009.
- Santana has blonde hair.
- This is the last season:
- Naya Rivera and Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina Cohen-Chang) are series regulars.
- Kurt has a released solo.
- Blaine, Jake, Marley, Ryder, Sam, and Unique appear as New Directions members.
- Melissa Benoist appears.
Albums
Gallery
Videos
Glee Season 5 FOX Fall Preview HD