Screen captures of “Dream On” ©20th Century Fox
Who knew Neil Patrick Harris could hit the high notes in “Dream On”? I didn’t and I’m a huge fan of “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog” (in which Harris does indeed demonstrate that he can sing). Basically he killed in his portrayal of Bryan Ryan from the school board (and Will’s past show choir nemesis in some scenes featuring NPH in a mullet) in “Glee’s” most recent episode directed by none other than Joss Whedon.
Whedon has only directed a single episode of one other show (“The Office”), and that episode was likewise amazing and comically had a bat and suspected vampire in the storyline. Whedon’s experience with the musical episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the above mentioned sing-along blog must’ve prepared him for directing an episode of this unique show. This was apparent in the main musical number “The Safety Dance,” which featured clean and brilliant choreography from many dancing extras. I suspect Whedon slipped right into this role without a hitch, just as Harris did. The episode reeked of Joss. The dark realism, the pain, the humor. Though he didn’t write it, he still left his unique mark on this episode, and any Whedon fan would’ve recognized his direction. I hope this isn’t the last “Glee” episode from Whedon.
For a detailed account of Whedon’s experience directing “Glee,” see this interview. Watch the most recent episodes of “Glee” here. You may also want to check out “Behind the Glee.”
“The Safety Dance” was definitely the highlight of that episode for me. Good job, Joss!