New Directions goes to Los Angeles to compete at Nationals, dedicating their performance to their late co-director Finn Hudson. They also take along his mother Carole Hudson-Hummel (Romy Rosemont) and stepfather Burt Hummel (Mike O'Malley) to see them compete. Former member Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley), who now lives in Los Angeles, also attends.
Next Time: The Milestone Celebration 100th Episode, featuring cameos and returns a plenty, as well as the resolution to a plot line that should've never happened.
Songs:
- "I Love LA" by Randy Newman, performed by Will and New Directions
- "Vacation" by The Go-Go's, performed by The Amazonians
- "Mr Roboto" by Styx, performed by Jean Baptiste and Throat Explosion
- "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic, performed by Jean Baptiste and Throat Explosion
- "More Than A Feeling" by Boston, performed by Blaine and Tina with New Directions
- "America" by Neil Diamond, performed by Artie, Sam, Kitty, and Unique with New Directions
- "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'' by U2, performed by Artie, Blaine, Sam, and Tina (as New Directions)
Tropes:
- Ascended Extra: This episode marks the first time Tina has ever had more than two duets or solos in a season. She's been a member of the main cast since day one.
- The Bad Guy Wins: At this point, Sue finally won the battle, and the war, as New Directions is done for good.
- The Cameo: Amber Riley as Mercedes Jones.
- Casting Gag: This is the only Nationals competition that Jesse hasn't been in, but he's helpfully replaced by his actor's Spring Awakening understudy/Georg — who is another musical rival turned love interest called Jesse. Tina and Nurse Penny were also the understudies to Rachel in Spring Awakening.
- Double-Meaning Title: Los Angeles is the city of angels, and they also take Finn with them to be an angel. Possibly also a Shout-Out to either the film or the musical of the same name, though In Name Only.
- Foreshadowing: Kitty and Unique are the only new kids deemed important/meaningful enough to get solos. They will be the only two who are seen again after 100/101.
- Rousing Speech: Carole, oh my, Carole!
- Stock Footage: A mix of previously seen shots as well as unseen footage is used, the stock shots marking the first appearances of Quinn and Brittany this series and some of the new shots featuring Cory as Finn. This meant that Cory Monteith was necessarily given an acting credit for the episode.
- The Woobie: Carole. In-Universe, the New Directions kids in the eyes of the show choir blogs.
