Re: 5x16 "Tested" Watch & Discussion thread

[Ireth]

“Kurt doesn’t want to let his own confidence erode Blaine’s. Oh Kurt baby, that’s not how this works. I get why you think that, but you should never have to shield your own light so another person can shine.”

—	Dana Piccoli, The Backlot

This is a lovely pointer from her. Kurt tends to fend off his own needs for others more than use the selfish route. I don't think he's done that since S2.

And I can't understand why someones...well you know who I mean, can say all the time that Kurt is selfish and doesn't give back. Sure he isn't buying jewelry, bells and whistles for the people who he loves but surely that is not the only version of showing love?

Not just that, jewellery, bells and whistles are meaningless if there's no genuine, loving thought behind them (read: Blaine and his engagement ring).

Glad to see so many media sites, some of which used to seem very Klaine-shippy, are calling Klaine toxic.

[fantastica]

taht EW article is right. klaine has irreconcilable differences. this type of thing happen in hetero relationships too (especially between 2 of big age and financial disparities). a man who needs to feel superior is likely be that way forever, and usually worse as he ages. "love" is a fleeting feeling and we all know it cannot sustain a troubled relationship for long.

i actually had a similar relationship many years ago. i met this guy during the worst time of my life, so he was there to "save" me. once I rebounded he became really difficult, nit-picking everything i wear, say, do and any male i speak to. a harmless remark was intepreted as "insensitive". i could not win. the relationship became really toxic and we went our separate ways. thank god! since then i stayed away from men who were insecure in anyway. often the way they deal w/ insecurity is to bring you down any which way they can.

so, i hope the writers are being sensible enough to break up this toxic couple. there will be someone who is right for blaine, but that guy always has to play second fiddle to him. that guy is definitely not kurt. if the show forces klaine to marry, it would actually set a very bad example for young gay people (as well as straight ones). gay or not, relationship issues are the same. what we all need is healthy, balanced relationship in which both partners are mature and level-headed.

[Divalicious]

I finally watched the episode.  I didn't even bother with the Samcedes thing, to me, after all the girls they've paired Sam with he is only interesting if he is not dating.  I just can't get beyond every girl being his one true love.

I did enjoy the fight scene choreography, it was fun to see Kurt looking all sexy and fierce.  Man, he would be one gorgeous elf, or gorgeous period-piece warrior.  Baby face, but killer muscles, dead before you know it, like the rest of us   

I think I enjoyed this episode more because Rachel wasn't in it much.  I've found her stories a snooze for a long time now, and am just done.  I don't hate her, I am just bored, bored, bored with her never ending ability to continue to make the same mistake.  Of course, Kurt makes the same mistake of forgiving every single damn person who treats him like crap.  But it is impossible for Kurt to be boring, to me.

I agree with all the people who've written that Kurt shouldn't have to hide his light to make someone else feel better.  Kurt cannot change anyone else, anymore than someone can change him, so what Kurt does doesn't change anything for that person, just makes it easier for them to not do anything to improve their own damn lives.  Blaine needs to grow up period, and little kids shouldn't get married.  It has nothing to do with physical age, just emotional age.  Blaine is significantly younger than his years, and Kurt is significantly older.  They've had different lives, one of privilege, and one of earning every single damn thing.  Kurt sees everyone's point of view, and Blaine can really only see his own, like a child.  He doesn't see that who Kurt is doesn't change him, he has to be the change himself.  By eating right, by trying hard.   He has a fantastic example of what can happen even for the disenfranchised right in front of him.  

From spoilers it seems Blaine is going to continue on his taking the easy way, and hopefully both him and Rachel will reap the rewards of their behavior.  Sometimes they have to hit rock bottom before they can really take a look around and evaluate things, and neither have ever really been close to the bottom before.  People wrap them in feathers and tip toe around them, when they aren't polishing the silver platter that delivers the universe to their feet.  I would love to see both of them try to get through life without the security and strength of Kurt in their lives.  They both don't know how great they have it.

I don't like they made Artie such a player, when he did seem genuinely fond of Kitty.  Part of it is to show that even the least likely can get an STD with unsafe practices, but it felt like more they didn't want Blaine to have an actual serious consequence of his infidelity occur, or to put a roadblock on Samcedes.  If Mercedes wants to wait until marriage that would be one wedding that would never happen if she knew Sam had an STD.  

I don't know how much Kurt will be in next year, but it will save my DVR, because I am totally uninvested in anything not Kurt related.  Knowing he might not be in an episode would give me the ability to simply hit delete and save myself the aggravation.  Despite what people are reading from Ryan focusing on other characters, and listing Kurt only as part of Klaine, I think he will be on it the majority of the time.  If there is one thing Kurt fans have proven that we haven't abandoned ship even with season 4, he doesn't need to pander, because he knows Kurt's fans are not just flighty teenagers, but those who fight in their own lives, instead of being handed things.  He knows we aren't going anywhere, because Kurt is worthy of us sticking around.  The rest of them have teenybopper fans who need to have their hands held and their panties unbunched.  We are so very much cooler than that. 

[ChrisColfersLightning]

Do anyone know the Itune Ratings for this episode?

[Buenos]

It's mind boggling that he's won the PCA award for best actor in comedy 2 years running with so little SL and screentime....It's almost as if at this point those awards are a double edged sword, IE the message  RIB receives is that Kurt's popularity is "foolproof" so they can afford to double down trying to make other actors on the show successful.

[brisallie]

@Buenos, isn't irony they try to push Darren and Chord, but is Chris the one who gets winning awards such as PCA?



I do wonder the same. How this boy goes from cute to sexy?

[Divalicious]

I think the tank top had something to do with it.

[Buenos]

I think the tank top had something to do with it.

Hell yea, those guns were on full display.

[ColferInspired]

“
Later, Blaine admits to Kurt that he doesn’t like how the “balance has shifted” between them. He feels insecure now that Kurt doesn’t need to be protected by him and he feels like he is ‘losing for the first time’ in their relationship. This is not a good moment for Blaine. What he’s saying - that Kurt is meant to be the weak and ignored one - is actually really offensive, and yet he’s the one whining, playing the victim and demanding to be catered for.

Kurt reassures Blaine that he will always love him and that if he’s struggling, he needs to be honest. It all ends well, but we can’t be the only ones feeling like this couple just don’t work anymore?
”

—	digital spy (http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/s57/glee/recaps/a565068/glee-whos-got-an-std-and-whos-getting-buff-in-new-episode-tested.html)

[ChrisColfersLightning]

Do anyone know how I can see the itunes ratings?

[ColferInspired]

Do anyone know how I can see the itunes ratings?

Sorry, but I wish I could help you.

Someone should put them up soon.

Sometimes it is Marie (Glofindel), that puts them up or someone else.

[ChrisColfersLightning]

Thanks for answering!

[Buenos]

It's amazing when seeing the comments in different parts of the net  how one fundamental thing gets overlooked by a subgroup of fans.

Yes, I would agree that both boys don't communicate well.

Yes, Kurt can be passive aggressive, even if he was justifiably pissed off about the porn he shouldn't have claimed he wasn't and refuse to talk about it..

Yes, he can turn inward and aloof towards Blaine...

However,

The fundamental fact of the episode was that Kurt hadn't done anything wrong to start Blaine on another spiral of insecurity..
, Blaine saw Kurt more confident, with a better body and popular at school and that in and of itself triggered everything else....So while Kurt may have not been a mind reader to see it, how the fuck was it Kurt's fault that Blaine was feeling so inadequate compared to him simply because Kurt was more confident and secure at NYADA?

You can argue once Blaine's problems erupted Kurt could have been more sympathetic and talked more  (though even that might be a stretch) but once again, it was Blaine drawing away initially (No sex, shades of "Dance with Somebody").  This time it was worse because the episode clearly showed that Kurt wasn't neglecting Blaine in any way shape or form.

Yet to hear the Norweigan Woods and Obrigado panties of this world, the onus was all on Kurt.   I mean , seriously.

[ColferInspired]

As someone said, Kurt still would have had a fractured skull as it does take months to heal, and here was Blaine attacking him in combat class. If he had hit Kurt in the head, Kurt would have ended up in the hospital again.

Now we know he did not mean any of the song he sang to Kurt in the hospital.   

Now I really want Kurt to knock the a*hole out.  

And this is why more Klainers are jumping ship.

[coxfire]

I read so many comments stating that Chris wasn't acting as if Kurt loved Blaine when they had that final talk, I wonder if these people know what being in a RL means

Just because Blaine finally confessed his insecurities doesn't mean Kurt has to turn into a mushy lovey dovey mess in the end

Blaine just told him he would prefer Kurt to be weak so that he Blaine could play Mr Knight in shining armor, that he only recognized Kurt as being attractive recently, and, to top that, he played the insecure card again. Kurt had to REMIND him they were EQUALS for fuck sake!

IT is the third time now he explains his behaviour by his insecurity. The first time in DWS did personnally bug me, but I could eventually understand why some found it endearing (i found IT hypocritical, but let it some leeway). Kurt reassured him they'd be OK

The second time, he unilateraly decided he lost Kurt and cheated on him, without even trying to talk about it, and went all Woobie-woe-is-me. Kurt finally relented and got back with his sorry ass during this egregious engagement crapfest

Now, he once again gets all insecure and Kurt has to once more hold his hand and tell him it is OK? How long Will he have to do that, how many times will he have to repeat it? It is like carrying a burden, and I get that Kurt is fed up with it

So sorry not sorry, but Chris picturing Kurt still distant in this last hug is not only realistic but very well portrayed.

[Buenos]

So sorry not sorry, but Chris picturing Kurt still distant in this last hug is not only realistic but very well portrayed.

Exactly.

How is a character suppose to react when his fiance says he prefers the balance where he's the strong one and his partner is the weaker one who needs protection. WTF? Yet people are questioning Chris "acting choices" when the SL creates Blaine in such an unflattering light?

Kurt's reaction makes a lot of sense, and thank God for Chris good acting to keep it real.

[Georgette888]

So sorry not sorry, but Chris picturing Kurt still distant in this last hug is not only realistic but very well portrayed.

Exactly.  

How is a character suppose to react when his fiance says he prefers the balance where he's the strong one and his partner is the weaker one who needs protection. WTF?   Yet people are questioning Chris "acting choices" when the SL creates Blaine in such an unflattering light?

Kurt's reaction makes a lot of sense, and thank God for Chris good acting to keep it real.

They don't want real. They want 'fairy tale'. They don't seem to realise that, I'm sure, this is what Chris cannot stand: the pressure for the show to retreat to schmoop in every circumstance.

You know when Chris said that his acting was said to be too good in his Disney Channel auditions? Well, it is too good for Glee too. These 'fans' don't want light, shade, subtlety; they want "I love you" and sheep eyes in a Pepto-Bismol glow.

[brisallie]

As for that last hug, for me it seemed like Kurt was weary. Probably he's weary to have this discussions over and over, because it seems lately they have been through this ups and downs situations more frequently than before. Or he...how do I say it? I don't think he has stopped loving Blaine, but I'm unsure if there's the same passion he used to feel. Part of me still think he wants things to work out, but apparently roles has been reversed, and now he's the one who has to protect blaine and though we know Kurt is someone who cares about people, I don't know how he actually feel about this.

[Lottie2303]

Let's be real, in any other TV show Klaine would be on the way of Splitville. But this is Glee.

Blaine is victim of writers trying to write the most perfect character, and failing badly. Especially because the cast around Blaine always supports and acknowledges him. In the process, Kurt is belittled, neglected and dismissed. Kurt, who is the biggest surprise and standout star from Glee and really represents a minority and is a idol for many. By Blaine being written as the "most perfect human being", they have the exact opposite effect and a large segment of the audience starts to resent him instead.

From what I have seen, Chris did an amazing acting job. His performance in Love is Battlefield really was great. Especially the fencing at the end was amazing. I wish we would see more of that.

[Buenos]

Even in "Moving Out" Kurt has to help an overwhelmed and scared Blaine overcome his fears/insecurities of auditioning for NYADA ,so that naturally Blaine can "kill" the NYADA audition.   

Yet despite that, and even being able to get into Kurt's classes Blaine seems to be bitching more because Kurt is finding success. Say what? It makes one think that Blaine was fine supporting Kurt in the past secure in the knowledge that to the outside word he was the alpha gay male and the one with the most wins.

The writers set up this dichotomy and while they deconstruct the "teenage dream" persona of Blaine they still build it up on the other hand (upcoming "The back up Plan" spoilers).

Kurt , OTOH, is having the outside world now starting to appreciate his qualities and gifts. He's attractively "masculine" with his guns and perceived bravery (facing up to bashing bullies) and NYADA "gets" his Broadway persona. NGL, I don't like Kurt feeling inadequate in Chris' written episode, but in the context of what they have Rachel, Mercedes, Santana and (apparenty) Blaine achieving with tangible results, who can blame him?

[Jellyrolls]

Kurt has every right to be distant or concerned about the relationship. How could he not be after that conversation? And on top of the fact that he found out that his boyfriend reached a point where he preferred looking at men on an adult website instead of sharing intimacy with him. Do people really think Kurt should be acting with happy tears of relief after Blaine told him he wanted to be the lesser half of the relationship?

Honestly, the whole frat boi website scene was interesting when you think about it when you think about it in the scheme of the Klaine relationship. When Kurt saw it, his initial reaction was shock that Blaine was going to that site (what is this website?). Then he quickly told Blaine he wasn't snooping (just like Blaine said wasn't snooping when he saw the text messages from Chandler on the phone). Kurt wanted to know how often Blaine visited the site, but quickly said it wasn't his business what Blaine did on his computer (perhaps Kurt didn't want to be overbearing about it--in some ways, it was Kurt trying to show that he trusts Blaine). Of course, Kurt quickly left after that without talking about it. Lack of communication has been a big thing between Klaine from the start (and lack of communication is usually what winds up killing relationships). Though, I don't blame Kurt for not wanting to discuss it in a room full of their classmates.

Kurt should definitely be concerned their future together based on the events in this episode. It's a bad sign if someone wants you to be the lesser person, and it's a bad sign if your partner is choosing porn over physical intimacy with you.

Do these people who think Chris acted poorly in this scene think that Blaine's behavior was OK? Do they think it's OK for Blaine to choose porn over intimacy, and trying to "fatten" up Kurt?

[Catt24]

So sorry not sorry, but Chris picturing Kurt still distant in this last hug is not only realistic but very well portrayed.

Exactly.  

How is a character suppose to react when his fiance says he prefers the balance where he's the strong one and his partner is the weaker one who needs protection. WTF?   Yet people are questioning Chris "acting choices" when the SL creates Blaine in such an unflattering light?

Kurt's reaction makes a lot of sense, and thank God for Chris good acting to keep it real.

What da f***ity f***k!!  Some of these Blarren stans have been drinking so much of their own Kool Aid. Who in their ever loving sane mind would be lovey dove after your partner states that they prefer you to be  the weak and inferior one in a relationship?  Seriously! It's the same set of stans that would prefer Kurt (and to a lesser extent,  Chris) to be some sort of Tyler Oakely, dreamy, doey eye worshipping zombie meanwhile Blaine could do whatever and whoever he wants just as long as Kurt wears an  apron and is on his knees servicing their God.

I'm just taken aback that Klaine/Blaine has been touted as this "great" relationship when they're toxic for one another. Blaine is truly mentally disturbed.  Kurt's fault outside of the fact that he doesn't communicate readily, is that he's not going to constantly coddle Blaine every five minutes from his codependency issues. Gosh, how I wish Chris could get off this sinking ship already.

[brisallie]

@Lottie, you're right. Btw Splitville sounds funny.

I'd love to be in the writers mind to know what the hell is on their minds. I've even read comments from some klainers saying they don't mind if klaine split at this moment, because as things has been lately, probably it will be the best for both (mainly for Kurt). Or at least to keep them away for a awhile until they solve their own issues, grown up as a person, blaine seeks for help, and then if they're ready, get married. Personally I prefer that Kurt gets someone new, someone who truly deserves him, and don't see him as a menace.

[Jellyrolls]

So sorry not sorry, but Chris picturing Kurt still distant in this last hug is not only realistic but very well portrayed.

Exactly.  

How is a character suppose to react when his fiance says he prefers the balance where he's the strong one and his partner is the weaker one who needs protection. WTF?   Yet people are questioning Chris "acting choices" when the SL creates Blaine in such an unflattering light?

Kurt's reaction makes a lot of sense, and thank God for Chris good acting to keep it real.

What da f***ity f***k!!  Some of these Blarren stans have been drinking so much of their own Kool Aid. Who in their ever loving sane mind would be lovey dove after your partner states that they prefer you to be  the weak and inferior one in a relationship?  Seriously! It's the same set of stans that would prefer Kurt (and to a lesser extent,  Chris) to be some sort of Tyler Oakely, dreamy, doey eye worshipping zombie meanwhile Blaine could do whatever and whoever he wants just as long as Kurt wears an  apron and is on his knees servicing their God.

I'm just taken aback that Klaine/Blaine has been touted as this "great" relationship when they're toxic for one another. Blaine is truly mentally disturbed.  Kurt's fault outside of the fact that he doesn't communicate readily, is that he's not going to constantly coddle Blaine every five minutes from his codependency issues. Gosh, how I wish Chris could get off this sinking ship already.

Hi Catt! Good to see you again!

Klaine is as toxic as you can be without getting physically violent! Blaine is definitely crazy. I honestly can't find one redeeming quality in him anymore.

[coxfire]

I think these people don't see how Blaine's attitude here is just like the one some men develop when their wife/partner earns more money than them, and can't stand them not having to rely on them to live.

I wonder if those fangirls would still talk the same if they only saw that. Blaine can try to woobify himself as much as he wants, his attitude is belitteling and selfish as hell. Try to make heart eyes at your partner once you realize that, and then we'll see if Chris' acting wasn't spot on.

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