Glee: The Final Season

Ryan Murphy's upbeat high-school musical series started out spectacularly, drawing both critical raves and a large viewing audience, but it quickly flamed out, and the last three years saw dwindling viewership. This abbreviated 2015 sixth and final season tries to recapture some of the early magic, mixing the old with the new while also reverting to the original setting of Lima, OH. The basic plotline concerns the return of Rachel (Lea Michele) following her misadventures in New York City, and her reestablishment of McKinley High's New Directions glee club after its dissolution due to budget cuts. The narrative arc allows for the introduction of some young singers (all likable and talented kids), but they play second fiddle not only to Rachel and other graduates returning to town either permanently or for short stays, but also to both Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch), the school principal, who resumes her campaign to shut the club down, and her nemesis, former club advisor Will (Matthew Morrison), who's moved on—but not for good. The nostalgia factor is further increased by treating one episode as an extended flashback to the first season, and by repeated allusions to the late Finn Hudson (Cory Monteith, who died ion 2013). Naturally, there are some sprightly musical numbers, colorful weddings, and welcome guest stars (among them Carol Burnett and Jonathan Groff). Extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes and a musical jukebox option. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)