Always Someone Better

To read the script for this episode, go to Always Someone Better.

Always Someone Better is the 8th episode of Season 1 of Glee: NDNG. The script was released on the 2nd of March, 2022.

Parent-teacher conference day is fast approaching, and with it, a performance from the New Directions, but they have bigger problems on their hands. Beth has decided that to reach her full potential, she needs a mentor, Blue and September prepare for what may be the biggest moment of their lives so far, and most of the club struggle with typical teenage feelings of inferiority.

This episode continues the plot of Franky and Reuben's strained relationship and introduces a new conflict in Blue and September's relationship that may soon reappear, and a surprising new friendship.

## Plot

We open on the club (minus the Cheerios) crowded outside Isabel's office singing Fill My Little World, led by Blue and Franky. In an instrumental break, the three Cheerios emerge, announcing that Isabel's war against the club is over and they can be a part of both. Delighted, the club continue until Reuben catches them. All stop enjoying themselves, especially Franky, Viola and Aubri. Reuben is distinctly unimpressed, and Beth begins to justify it until she's interrupted by Winstanley, who claims it was a Music assignment and catches Reuben out when he tries to 'undermine his authority'. As Reuben walks away in defeat, the club finish the song, mocking him behind his back, joined by Winstanley.

In the teacher's lounge, Winstanley finishes explaining the situation to the others. He knows he shouldn't have done it, and he feels bad for Franky, who he points out was the first to follow him, so things can't be going well. But he enjoyed it regardless and doesn't regret encouraging him to defy his father. When Reuben enters, all hastily stop discussing it, but Winstanley quietly sings the chorus of Fill My Little World again, attracting a glare. Reuben goes to sit with Isabel, the thought of an alliance between them horrifying the others. As the conversation continues, Winstanley is surprised to find Shawn teasing the same as the others. Shawn explains that he had some help finding his confidence (obviously from James). Then the subject turns to the conference. Both Winstanley and Shawn have a sense of trepidation, but they agree to go as long as the other does. Franky enters in search of Reuben, and things are stiff and awkward. Reuben is displeased to find out that the New Directions are performing at the conference, but he doesn't try and stop Franky, to his confusion.

In rehearsal, it becomes clear that some of the club members are less than excited too, namely Ophelia and Danny. Danny is already planning ways to keep Schuester away from the conference, but he does reluctantly admit he doesn't want to miss the performance. Blue calls the boys up to sing Obviously to September, and Aubri watches Liam dance with Damien, unrestrainedly happy. Through the whole performance, September seems more nervous than anything else, though she's still delighted. When it's over, Liam doesn't waste a moment in returning to Aubri, as if nothing happened. Magnolia immediately starts arguing with Logan, though he's unclear on why. It soon transpires that it's because he didn't look at her. She then claims he was looking at Beth instead, and she starts mixing her stories up, confusing him even further, and nothing he says can calm her down. By the time they're done, the whole club's watching.

When the club finally take a break, Aubri and Viola stay in the choir room. Everyone else leaves, but Ophelia turns back, which makes them both back off, and they go even further when she closes the door. Both are surprised that she's staying, and even more surprised that she doesn't hate them, despite never giving her reason to. Ophelia says they know nothing about her, but she won't let Viola apologise. Ophelia goes on a rant about their tendencies to fade into the background, and is annoyed when neither fight back. They have no sense of self-worth. Ophelia's almost sympathetic for the briefest moment, then she starts looking for a song to prove that they're as good as anyone else in the club, They sing Candy Store, receiving a standing ovation, an admission that they've been underestimated, and an offer of solos at the parent-teacher conference. Viola and Aubri are terrified, but Ophelia, though surprised herself, accepts on their behalf. The rehearsal continues, with Beth talking to the club, and Ophelia's back to her usual self.

As Beth walks down the halls, her inner monologue explains that she spent some time thinking after the events of the previous episode, and come to the conclusion that she needs a mentor. And she knows exactly who it should be. Winstanley! He's completely unbothered by her sudden entrance, caring more about the fact that it's his lunch hour. The moment he finds out she needs a favour, he's apprehensive. He expresses concern for her, just for a moment, which is again due to the events of the previous episode. Beth brushes him off. Winstanley only grows more apprehensive when he finds out what the favour actually is. He immediately refuses, as he tries to keep as much distance from his students as possible, effectively so that both parties can focus on their work. Beth changes tack, threatening to beg on her knees. She insists that she needs a mentor, as she's 'deeply, deeply flawed', and proceeds to list her flaws until she gets through to him. Still, he wonders if extra training is a good idea at that point in her life, as she might just burn herself to the ground, but Beth has good reasons. Eventually, she says that despite his act, she knows he cares about his students. He can't deny it, so with great reluctance, he agrees to help her, provided she'll keep herself healthy. Immediately after she's gone, he clearly wonders what he's just got himself into.

September's approached by Blue as she's putting books in her locker. he teases her for 'avoiding him', but she assures him she wouldn't. He gives her a blue slushy, and they talk about the thing they plan on doing, without directly saying what it is. September wants to let it happen whenever it happens, but Blue wants it to be before the conference. September's startled, though she says she doesn't mind. They tease each other for a while, until Blue realises the conversation's losing focus. But September changes the topic again, saying that her parents have been acting strangely every time the conference is mentioned, and according to Beth, Shelby's been the same. She can't work out why, unconvinced when Blue says it could be coincidence. They go to get lunch, and all is forgotten.

In the cafeteria, Ophelia watches rehearsal footage that's mostly just Beth being showered with praise. In her exasperation, she puts her phone away, only to find a group of Cheerios doing the same in real life. She begins Suddenly I See. Beth joins, secretly watching Ophelia. With Ophelia's permission, Tobias goes to sit with Misty and Sky, who are watching videos of ballet dancers while Misty sings. As the song goes on, we see Ricky in the locker room, looking between the mirror, the other guys and a sports magazine. Back in the cafeteria, comments are made about Ophelia's eating. In defiance, she leaves, though she throws her burger away once she's out of sight, whispering that her mother doesn't need to know she had it.

After school, September's getting ready for the performance, in her room, while Blue plays guitar on her bed. He pleads with her to stop getting ready and come and sit with him. She tries to avoid it, but eventually relents. He sings Can't Help Falling in Love. They start kissing, close to going further, until September says stop. She finally admits that she isn't ready to have sex. Blue doesn't want to wait any longer, and he's not entirely convinced she wants to sleep with him at all. He storms out.

In the choir room, Tobias is alone for once when Sky comes in for an extra rehearsal. They start dancing, Sky hesitant until he gives up altogether, though still insisting it's nothing. Eventually, he admits he can't hear the music. Tobias immediately turns it up for him, but Sky still doesn't seem certain. Tobias asks what's going on, and Sky confesses how frustrating his existence can be, and how he's been conditioned to hate asking for any adjustments to the point where he's just stopped. In return, Tobias tells him about an injury that nearly stopped him from dancing, as he had tried to push through it for so long. He was helped by good friends and a good teacher. The talk seems to help Sky, and they continue rehearsing.

At the parent-teacher conference, Liam makes it very clear that he doesn't want to be there, until he receives some silent reassurance from Ivan. Liam's parents soon find that his grades in Math haven't improved at all. He tries to stop Shawn from mentioning the tutoring, to no avail, and says that he won't do it. His mother asks to meet the tutor, and to Liam's surprise, it's Damien. His parents are charmed and insist that Liam attends. Meanwhile, Shelby is acting cagy, to Beth and Quentin's confusion. Beth drags her to meet Winstanley, and they immediately hit it off, though his change in attitude makes Beth suspicious. Across the room, Ophelia's parents express their disappointment in her grades and 'slacking off' in cheer. She sings Pretty Hurts, and runs away from them.

Winstanley and Shelby remain deep in conversation, boring Beth so much that she walks away. They flirt until Winstanley sees Reuben leaving and goes after him (during which Shelby leaves him her number). He taunts Reuben a little, knowing he's leaving because the performance is about to begin. He thinks he owes it to Franky to stay and listen to him sing. Finally, he snaps, but Reuben remains unchanged. They only stop arguing when Franky comes to look for Winstanley.

Backstage, there's a spark between Sky and Viola as she pins his costume. Beth redoes September's makeup, not even stopping when Blue arrives, wanting to talk to her alone. He apologises and agrees to wait for her. Franky asks Winstanley what he was talking to Reuben about, and wonders if he'll stay. Winstanley confesses that it's unlikely, but says he'll come around eventually. Meanwhile, Ophelia's pacing the floor, having lost her confidence. Tobias immediately reassures her. After a quick show circle, it's time for the performance. Led by Ophelia, Aubri and Viola, the club sing Counting Stars.