GLEE-Cap: New York

This is it, Gleeks! After two years of hard work, New Directions is taking on Nationals - and in the Big Apple, of all places.  Those little town blues are melting away, and New Directions is hoping that New York, New York will make their dreams come true.

The New Directions are ready to take New York by storm, but Mr. Schuester confines them to their rooms to write the two original songs for Nationals. With the kids confined to their room, Will goes to check out the theater where April's show is playing. However, after Brittany performs a song entitled "My Cup", Quinn suggests they let New York write the songs for them, leading them out of their rooms into the city where dreams come true.  The kids take to the streets with a mash-up of "I Love New York" by Madonna and "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra.

Will explores the theater and gets himself back in tune with his inner performer and loving the feeling of being on stage, performing "Own the Night". The boys convince Finn to ask Rachel out on a date, which leads to Rachel meeting her idol, Patti LuPone at Sardi's, and a romantic stroll (with the boys of New Directions playing street musicians and singing "Bella Notte" from Lady and The Tramp). However, the date goes sour when Finn goes in for the kiss, but Rachel rejects it and leaves.  

Kurt wakes Rachel and begins their own two person adventure - beginning with "Breakfast at Tiffany's" where they discuss their futures - both agreeing they have plans to come to New York after graduation, while Kurt has discussed this with Blaine (who is very much on board) - Rachel isn't sure Finn would ever follow her.  However, Kurt knows exactly where to go to make Rachel realize New York is her love - The Gershwin, home to Wicked. Rachel and Kurt perform an emotional duet of "For Good" (from Wicked) - realizing their friendship and destiny are strong. Quinn attempts to sabotage the Glee Club's chances by reporting Kurt and Rachel's disappearing act, but Santana and Brittany stop her - suggesting a haircut to improve her confidence.

The day of preliminaries comes as Will and Dustin square off prior to the competition, but Will is more than willing to let the performances do the talking. The first group up, an all girl choir, performs "Yeah" by Usher, while Rachel finds Sunshine in the bathroom, whose about to give up, but Rachel gives her a boost of confidence. Sunshine (with Vocal Adrenaline behind her) performs "As Long as you're Here", an original piece.

Prior to taking the stage, Finn confronts Rachel about where they stand, but Rachel isn't ready to talk about it. But, all the emotions come to a head as Finn and Rachel perform the original song, "Pretending" and share "a Superman sized kiss" (Finn's words). The audience (which now includes a curious Jesse) is stunned, but the New Directions plow on with "Light up the World", their second original piece. However, the performances go on deaf ear - New Directions doesn't place.

Kurt recounts to Blaine what happened after not placing - how Santana lost it on Rachel and the plane ride back was silent. Blaine finally says those three little words (I love you), which Kurt (very much) reciprocates. Meanwhile, Sam and Mercedes have begun dating, Emma and Will look closer than ever, Brittany and Santana share an embrace, and Finn and Rachel reunite. The Glee Club holds their final meeting of the year, with hopes high and love all around.

That's it, Gleeks. What a season it has been. And, it has truly been an honor to be the one to recap the adventures of the McKinley High New Directions for you. Will I return? We'll see. But, until then - Don't stop believin. See you in September, Gleeks!