There’s really only one word to describe last night’s episode of Glee:

Heavy. So much to digest.

For those of you have been following the show since it’s start, you recognize that Glee is much more than an hour-long musical romp. Tackling hard topics like homophobia, suicide and overcoming disabilities have played an equal part in making the show an important part of TV history. Episodes like last night’s Choke are what really define Ryan Murphy and Co.’s creation … and we were really quite struck by the direction the creators chose to go in last night with three fan favorite characters.

How they will come back from this episode … we just don’t know.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD FROM AN IMPORTANT EPISODE OF GLEE. WE REALLY URGE OUR GLEE READERS TO GO WATCH THE EPISODE FIRST BEFORE READING THIS RECAP.

You’ve heard us say it before and believe us when we promise that we will never stop saying this – violence is never the answer.

On last night’s Glee, viewers were shocked to learn NeNe Leakes to give her the strength to walk away from the situation. It was gut-wrenching to watch as the Beiste bared her soul and fears about being alone to her loved ones, but it was worse to ultimately watch her return to her abusive relationship, even after knowing she had all the support in the world to leave it. We can only hope that in the coming final episodes of the season, Beiste finds the strength to walk away. There should be no more tears shed over that man.

Speaking of tears, we challenge anyone and everyone to show us a better crier on TV than Lea Michele. It’s like she’s a friggin’ machine with the waterworks. She turns it on like no one we’ve ever seen … and she had a lot to cry about last night. At the top of the episode, Rachel was so sure of herself and her talent that she assured her gentle viewers via her voice over that her NYADA audition would cause the sun to envy her. Instead, when it came time to belt out Barbra like only she can, Rachel choked and seemingly lost her chance at ever achieving her Broadway dreams. And do you know who doesn’t give a shiz about that? Miz Whoopi Goldberg! (Talk about ice, ice baby! She was damn cold!) Kurt, on the other hand, killed his audition with flair and gold pants and was pretty much handed his acceptance letter on the spot. Needless to say, Rachel’s future is far more unknown now than her fiancée’s ever was.

But if Rachel is forced to stick around Lima for the rest of her life, at least she won’t be alone. As many fans predicted, it turns out the Puck is in danger of not graduating and may actually have to repeat his senior year for a second third time! His bros stage a “brovention” to help him study for the test that will decide his fate, but in the end, not even Rex Harrington could save Noah from flunking his exam. Without a passing grade in this class, Puck will have no choice but to repeat his last year of high school again.

Like we said … heavy!

But if we’re being honest, this is the kind of Glee episode we like to share with people who don’t appreciate it. Yes, it is musical and yes, on occasion it borders on the ridiculous. But at it’s core, this show has heart and the kind of influence that most others never achieve … and it’s because of moments like this; moments where it takes on the responsibility to tackle tough topics and present them honestly to all their viewers.

Here endth the recap.

Next week … Prom-asaurus! Rawr!

A Few Side Notes:

A. Hope you were watching what was happening, Andy Cohen … because you so got a shout out from NeNe Leakes last night.
B. Ten points to the Gleek that can name the episode where Brittany, Tina and Mercedes wore the same gold dresses as they did while singing Boy Next Door with Kurt.
C. Did Darren Criss’ shirt really have to stay on while he was boxing?
D. More Phantom! More Chicago! When are we doing Hedwig?!