The last episode of Glee is called “Dreams Come True”. Airing on March 20, 2015, it provided a poignant and carefully crafted conclusion to the musical series, reflecting on the characters’ past, present, and future aspirations.
A Fitting Finale: “Dreams Come True” Explained
“Dreams Come True” wasn’t just a title; it was a mission statement for the episode itself. The story unfolded in two distinct parts: one segment focusing on the Glee club members five years into the future, showcasing their individual paths and successes (or struggles), and another segment flashing back to 2009, offering a glimpse into the formation of the original New Directions.
This dual narrative allowed viewers to experience both the realization (or modification) of the characters’ dreams and the foundation upon which those dreams were built. We witnessed the fruition of ambitions sown in the hallways of McKinley High and felt the bittersweet pang of how life diverges from even the most carefully laid plans.
The episode was deliberately structured to provide closure, addressing lingering questions and unresolved storylines. It served as a love letter to the fans, offering a glimpse into the “what ifs” and “what will bes” that had captivated audiences for six seasons. The callbacks to earlier episodes, particularly the pilot, were deliberate and emotionally resonant, reinforcing the themes of friendship, acceptance, and the transformative power of music. The overarching message was clear: dreams, while not always realized in the way envisioned, are always worth pursuing.
Unraveling the Episode’s Impact: A Look at Key Moments
The episode wasn’t without its controversies. Some viewers found the flash-forward structure jarring, while others questioned the realism of certain characters’ trajectories. However, the overwhelming consensus was that “Dreams Come True” provided a satisfying and emotionally cathartic ending to the series.
Significant moments included:
- Rachel Berry’s Tony Award win: A validation of her lifelong ambition and a testament to her unwavering dedication to performing.
- Kurt and Blaine’s burgeoning family: Demonstrating their commitment to building a life together and expanding their horizons.
- Sue Sylvester’s transformation: Evolving from the antagonistic coach to a champion of the arts and a more compassionate individual.
- The final Glee club performance: A poignant reminder of the power of music and the enduring bonds forged within the New Directions.
- The dedication of the McKinley High auditorium to Finn Hudson: A touching tribute to the character and the actor, Cory Monteith, who tragically passed away during the show’s run.
These moments, among others, contributed to the episode’s emotional impact and solidified its place in Glee history.
Deeper Dive: Frequently Asked Questions About the Glee Finale
Here’s a deeper dive into some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Glee series finale:
H3 What specific songs were performed in “Dreams Come True”?
The episode featured several songs, including:
- “I Lived” by OneRepublic
- “Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
- “Someday We’ll Be Together” by Diana Ross & The Supremes
- “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA
- “This Time” by Lea Michele (Original Song)
These musical selections were carefully chosen to reflect the themes of the episode and to provide a fitting soundtrack to the characters’ emotional journeys.
H3 What happened to each of the original Glee club members in the future?
- Rachel Berry: Wins a Tony Award and eventually becomes a surrogate for Kurt and Blaine.
- Kurt Hummel: Becomes a successful Broadway performer with Blaine and starts a family.
- Blaine Anderson: Also becomes a successful Broadway performer with Kurt and starts a family.
- Artie Abrams: Becomes a successful film director.
- Tina Cohen-Chang: Stars in Artie’s film.
- Mercedes Jones: Opens for Beyoncé and continues to pursue her music career.
- Sam Evans: Becomes the coach of the New Directions at McKinley High, following in Finn’s footsteps.
H3 Why was the show cancelled after six seasons?
Multiple factors contributed to the show’s cancellation, including declining ratings, creative fatigue, and the tragic death of Cory Monteith, which significantly impacted the storyline and the morale of the cast and crew.
H3 How did Cory Monteith’s death impact the series finale?
While Finn Hudson’s absence was felt throughout the series, “Dreams Come True” directly addressed his legacy by dedicating the McKinley High auditorium in his name. This served as a poignant tribute to both the character and the actor, allowing viewers to grieve and celebrate his contributions to the show.
H3 Was there an alternative ending planned for Glee?
Yes, before Cory Monteith’s passing, the original plan was for Rachel Berry to ultimately end up with Finn Hudson. His death necessitated a significant rewrite of the final season and the finale.
H3 How did Sue Sylvester’s character arc conclude in the finale?
Sue Sylvester, after a turbulent journey, becomes Vice President of the United States and surprisingly softens, showing genuine support for the arts and the Glee club. This transformation highlighted the themes of redemption and the capacity for change.
H3 Why did some viewers criticize the flash-forward structure of the episode?
Some viewers found the flash-forward jarring and felt it detracted from the emotional impact of the present-day storylines. Others felt that the characters’ future trajectories were unrealistic or unsatisfying.
H3 Did any original cast members not appear in the finale?
While the majority of the original cast appeared in “Dreams Come True,” some recurring characters or guest stars were not included, often due to scheduling conflicts or storyline considerations.
H3 What was the significance of Rachel singing “This Time” in the finale?
“This Time” was an original song written by Lea Michele specifically for the finale. The lyrics reflect Rachel’s journey, her regrets, and her hopes for the future, making it a deeply personal and emotional performance.
H3 Where can I watch “Dreams Come True” and the rest of Glee?
Glee is available for streaming on platforms such as Disney+ and Hulu. You can also purchase episodes or seasons through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
H3 How can I learn more about the making of “Dreams Come True” and the final season of Glee?
Numerous interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and articles discussing the making of the final season are available online. Searching for “Glee Season 6 Behind the Scenes” or “Glee Finale Interviews” will provide a wealth of information.
H3 What is the overall legacy of Glee in popular culture?
Glee left a significant mark on popular culture by promoting inclusivity, celebrating individuality, and highlighting the importance of the arts in education. It helped to normalize conversations about LGBTQ+ issues and inspired countless individuals to embrace their own unique talents and passions. Its catchy music and relatable characters continue to resonate with audiences today, solidifying its place as a beloved and influential television series. The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, inspiring a generation to find their voice and embrace their “glee.”