(UPDATED) This Week on Glee: A Kiss Is Just a Kiss?

I mentioned in my last recap that this week marks the return of Charice and the first of a series of appearances by Gwyneth Paltrow on Glee.  Unfortunately, I was mistaken... Gwyneth debuts next episode, while Charice's next appearance is still a mystery. 

But it doesn't matter.  I still enjoyed this episode immensely because Puck is back!  And he and the rest of the boys are in fine form indeed!

(You just know the episode is going to be a good one when Sam appears topless within the first five seconds...it's a clause in this contract, I tell 'ya!)

Even though it's a boys vs. girls set up (similar to last season's episode 6), the boys are clearly the center of this episode with Puck and Kurt getting the most screentime (and character development, thank god).   The episode is titled "Never Been Kissed" in reference to two characters, which I won't identify so I won't spoil those who haven't seen the episode yet.  There's a whole lotta kissing in this episode, but one kiss actually made my jaw drop in genuine shock (well played, Glee writers.  I did NOT see that coming!)

Since this recap is late as usual, I'll just go straight to the things I loved:

• I'll say it again...Puck is back!  He's one of my favorite characters and I'm just glad they added a layer to his character, for once.
• Both mash-ups were enjoyable, but Darren Criss' interpretation of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream actually made me like that song.  Brilliant.
• Speaking of Darren Criss, is his character the Kurt love interest the writers have been hinting at?  I hope so, because Darren Criss is a keeper! (and he's half-Filipino!)
• “You can’t punch the gay out of me anymore than I can punch the ignoramus out of you.” - sometimes the best lines on this show aren't the funny lines, but the meaningful ones 

This was not a Rachel-centric episode so I found it difficult to focus on her clothing. Here's what I have so far:

The doggie sweater and checkered skirt are both from Milly NY.  They're cute pieces, but in my opinion overpriced for US$220 (sweater) and US$180 (skirt), respectively.

The only other outfit that has been identified on the web is this dress that Rachel wore in the final scene, when the boys were singing to the girls:



Dress by H&M, US$39.99



(NEW! 11/21/10)  This cute polka dot sweater dress is from Marc by Marc Jacobs:

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Celie' Sweater Dress, US$360

Next week:  This time it's real - Gwyneth will guest star as a substitute teacher, and will sing two songs (one with Will, another with Rachel).  Darren Criss is appearing again...yay!  But where oh where is Charice?

Acknowledgments:  Identification of Milly outfit courtesy of What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?  Identification of H&M dress from here.  All screencaps from the episode from here.