Ep 18. Shooting Star

In season 4 episode 18 of Glee titled "Shooting Star," the members of New Directions are caught off guard when their school goes into a lockdown due to a possible threat. As they wait for more information, tensions rise and emotions run high.

The episode begins with the glee club rehearsing for their upcoming competition. However, their practice is interrupted when Principal Figgins announces a code red lockdown. The students quickly rush to find a hiding place, with some taking shelter in the choir room.

As they wait for updates, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense. Fear and anxiety run rampant as the students struggle to process the situation. Emma, the school counselor, tries to calm the students by leading them in breathing exercises and offering words of encouragement. However, her efforts are mostly in vain as panic takes hold.

Meanwhile, Coach Beiste barricades herself in the locker room with her gun, suspecting that the threat may be real. Sue Sylvester, the cheerleading coach, also takes it upon herself to investigate the situation and ensure the safety of her students.

The episode takes a deeper turn when a gunshot is heard inside the school. The episode then shifts focus to Rachel, who is in New York City and begins to worry about Finn, who she knows is still in the school. She frantically attempts to contact him, but cannot get through.

As the lockdown continues, the students begin to reflect on their lives and relationships. Some, like Brittany and Sam, share their regrets and insecurities with each other. Others, like Marley and Jake, open up about their fears and hopes for the future.

The episode is punctuated by various emotional moments, as characters confront their own mortality and the fragility of life. In one scene, Artie leads the group in a rendition of "Say," a song about the power of words and the importance of expressing oneself. The scene is poignant and moving, with the lyrics taking on new depth in the context of the situation.

As the lockdown finally lifts, the students emerge from their hiding places, shaken but relieved to be alive. The episode ends with a powerful scene featuring Mercedes, who sings a haunting rendition of "I Will Always Love You" as the camera pans over the empty halls of the school.

Overall, "Shooting Star" is a chilling and emotional episode that explores the impact of gun violence on students and teachers alike. It is a departure from the usual musical-centric format of Glee, but the gravity of the subject matter is handled with care and nuance. The episode serves as a reminder of the harsh realities facing schools and communities across the country, and highlights the need for action to prevent tragedies like this from occurring.