Pot O' Gold, Part 1 of 3: The Plotted

Episode Synopsis: Sue gets the musical cancelled, but then Burt uncancels it and announces he's running against Sue. Quinn's trying to get her baby back, so she plants incriminating evidence around Shelby's house and calls CPS. Puck has a change of heart and removes it all, then kisses Shelby because he thinks this is the mid-90s and he's on Dawson's Creek. Mercedes is leading a mass-defection from New Directions, starting with Santana and Britney (who are dating, btw). Britney thinks that the new Irish kid is a leprechaun, until Finn calls her an idiot - a move that, along with a leprechaun wish from Santana, ultimately leads to her defection to the Trouble Tones. And that's what you missed on Glee!

I have absolutely no idea how many days this show covered. If we're going by logic, only a couple days. If we're going by costume changes, it was about a week and a half.

The worst offender of rampant costume changes was Quinn.

This is not one of Quinn's better moments, fashion-wise or character-wise. The top is cute and makes her waist look tiny, but the flare at the bottom and the big skirt make her look pear-shaped, which she is decidedly not. Her babysitting dress is a decided improvement.

It's a little Von Trapp, but Quinn uses her wardrobe to play dress-up. This is her "I'm totally a nurturing mother figure" dress.

Such an adorable dress. If only we'd seen it for more than 45 seconds. She plots in a classroom in this dress, then changes into a different outfit for the "Last Friday Night" number.

This might be my favorite of Quinn's outfit. The graphic skirt's so cute, the hair is sassy, and I like the fact that there's no lace or florals happening here. But, as always with Quinn these days, there's a catch: her footwear.

Wedge oxfords, Quinn? Why? Why not a cute nude wedge? Why do you insist on wearing heavy, clunky shoes? I guess we should be grateful that she's not wearing the dreaded lumberjack boots anymore, but when an outfit is this cute, it's a shame to ruin it with poor footwear.

And then we're back to the florals and pastels. Not terrible, but not inspired either. I've also cropped this shot to spare you from seeing the clunky shoes again, which are even more offensive with this dress.

Her partner in crime Puck doesn't make many fashion choices that are noteworthy, but he's definitely sporting some bad idea jeans throughout the episode. Even before he kisses Shelby, he's making questionable choices - most notably with his trademark mohawk.

When did his mohawk become a comb-over?

And worse, when did it become a mullet? Oh Puck, how far you've fallen. From resident badass to Quinn's whipped accomplice. What did Lauren do to you?

Apparently, leaving New Directions has given Mercedes plenty of time to go shopping.

In case you haven't picked up on her full diva-ness, check out the lioness necklace.

I'm happy to see her out of the technicolor hoodies and into something a little more not hideous.

I'd love to see her in more tops like this or the purple one. It's time to let her move past the off the shoulder graphic tees and into something a little more worthy of a woman with a voice like hers.

Or we can just put her in vests made of carpeting. That works too.

With all these costume changes, I'm very disappointed that Britney and Santana are back in their Cheerios uniforms. Can you imagine all the hats Britney would wear? Unfortunately, the only costume change we get from them is into another costume.

Granted, it's a pretty great costume, but I do mourn for all the street clothes we could have seen. I love how well this costume looks on all three girls, even with their different body types. I have to ask, though: how does Shelby get a costume budget like this?

I bet you've been on the edge of your seat, waiting for your first glimpse of a real leprechaun. Here you go.

In case you missed the fact that he's Irish, he's going to wear nothing but green all episode.

Oh, and he wears suspenders.

Yeah, this is a kid just desperate to fit in.

It's worth noting that the guys who torment him aren't much better.

Ponytail and the mullet twins are pretty tragic (and, for that matter, straight from an 80s movie). What happened to our truly fearsome bullies from last season?

They were vanquished by the one known only as Porcelain.

Kurt's wearing a lot of hats this episode, having taken a turn for the equestrian this season. I love the little detailing on this lapel - if there's one thing that you can always count on Kurt to bring, it's an attention to detail and accessories.

I am not as much a fan of this shirt with what appears to be a built in neckerchief. It's just a little too narrow and wimpy. If you're going to go with a scarf, go big or go home.

Yeah. Like this.

I love this shot so much. Finn's wearing what is probably his nicest polo, while Kurt is wearing a shirt covered in horsies, because that's what you wear to Breadstix if you're the sartorial equivalent of the honey badger. He'll wear a shirt covered in ponies. Kurt Hummel don't care.

Pot O' Gold Part 2 of 3: The Plotless

Since most of this episode was spent with CPS misadventures, political intrigue, and little green men, many of our Gleeks fell by the wayside. Most notably, of course, was Ms. Rachel Berry, former star of the show.

I am loving her vintage dresses this year. The shapes are perfect for her, and they seem more feminine and less twee than all the florals and lace that Quinn wear.

Rachel also has way more wardrobe diversity this year. Even though here she's wearing another vintage dress, this one has mod influences with that graphic stripe. So very flattering, and I appreciate that Puck has attributed the short sleeves to Global Warming - makes me less concerned Rachel will contract frostbite.

But, because she is Rachel Berry and she just can't help herself, her last outfit is a total miss. I will leave it at this: I am pretty sure Elaine wore this dress - with the white ankle socks - in an early episode of Seinfeld.

Ditching the Dalton uniform was the worst thing that could happen to Blaine, as far as I'm concerned. Why? Because it has revealed his deep, dark secret:

Blaine is either a well-preserved 87 year old man, or he's a total hipster. Tight, poorly-fitted pants? Check. Ironic woven fedora? Check. Tight white prepster sweater? Check. This could be found in Silverlake or at the bocci courts in Boca Raton.

Same with this plaid, short-sleeved shirt. His guns, however, would decidedly not be found in Boa. If we can't get Mike's abs, at least we've got Blaine's biceps.

While most of them men on this show have issues unbuttoning their shirts too low, Blaine's just the opposite. How can these guys not find a happy medium? There is such thing as tasteful unbuttoning.

I do love this shot of Blaine and Tina. It looks like a still from a Mod Squad remake. For the record, producers: I would totally watch a buddy action comedy featuring these two actors.

Since she's right there, let's deal with Tina. Her wardrobe has definitely moved in the right direction, but there's still a lot of room for improvement. Take, for example, the reverse-Wednesday Addams dress above, complete with dark striped knee socks. It's not awful, it's just not great.

More damning, however, is the dress she wears earlier in the episode.

What muumuu abomination is this? It's horrible. It's unflattering. It's ugly as sin. Why would she do this to herself? And why, once she'd put on this awful dress, did she think that the perfect compliment would be knee-high athletic socks? Truth is, happy though she may seem, I think Tina's gone off the rails.

Case in point: her hair. She has brassy blonde tips, her hair looks overprocessed, and she's curled it within an inch of its life. This is not the hair of a person making good life decisions.

Quinn and her side-eye agree.

Poor Mike. It has to be tough when even your abs can't make your girlfriend stop sobbing. Nice polo, though.

I haven't even bothered to screencap Finn, but can't stop capping Mike despite the fact that they're both wearing polos or plaid shirts over tees. The difference is, it looks like Mike chose to wear that shirt and tee, whereas with Finn, it looks like they were the first things he found on the floor that morning.

Plus, the man wears yellow pants effortlessly. You have to love a guy who can do that.

Oh, and Artie was there, too.

Pot O' Gold, Part 3 of 3: The Adults

The adults don't exactly bring their fashion A-game this episode. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, the only adult who really brought it was ... are you ready?

Seriously. This man knows how to put a look together. Sure, it seems as if he's just wearing a lot of tweed, but 1) it's really hard to coordinate tweeds and 2) he's wearing an awesome tie.

Honestly, this might be outfit of the episode as far as I'm concerned. "Maybe it's just a fluke," you might think. Well, Principal Figgins sees your challenge and raises you ...

Bam. Checked jacket, brown plaid sweater vest, and a brownish-red tie. These are levels of pattern-mixing achieved only by the truly fashionable. Chuck Bass would approve.

If only his teachers would pick up some of that flair. Shelby's wardrobe has been underwhelming (and poorly lit), and Will hasn't changed his look in three years.

Ooh. A blue oxford with a coordinating (and ugly) blue plaid tie. I'm getting chills. Perhaps Will should spend less time being indignant when in Figgins' office, and more time asking for style tips. I mean, really, Will?

You're going to wrap up the episode in a denim tuxedo? Come on, it's like you're not even trying anymore.

Trying for perhaps the first time, however, is Burt.

Sure, he can't be bothered to sit upright, but that's part of his charm! I'm particularly a fan of the Blue Steel look he's working. Elect him and he will build a Center for Children Who Can't Read Good. His opponent Sue had better step up her game.

This episode featured multiple track suit wardrobe changes, but I've only selected a few - her standard reds just don't thrill me. These, however ...

Sue, observing her newest opponent, wears a youthful baby blue.

Sue celebrates her triumph over musical theater with a regal purple.

Sue ups the stakes at Breadstix in this saucy purple and green number. Love it.

We transition from the aged members of the cast to the youngest, with the absolutely adorable Beth.

I mean, come on. She is freaking darling. I just want to dress her up and tickle her and squish her cheeks. This is the cutest baby ever.

She's also particularly well-dressed, which brings up a larger issue: I have decided that Shelby is a sociopath at best, pure evil at worst. Going with this whole "I gave up my baby" story that they've switched to (rather than Shelby being a paid egg donor): Shelby turns her daughter over to her new dads without ever confirming that they have any sense of style, leaving her to grow up wearing sweaters with animals on them. Given how well Beth is dressed, this is downright neglectful.

Then, Shelby then comes into town 15 years later, finds Rachel by manipulating her with a fake boyfriend, connects with her then skips town - with a new baby to love more - only to return to town with no warning, so she can coach a rival glee club at Rachel's school, and potentially dash her daughter's hopes of ever winning Nationals. Oh, and she hooks up with her daughter's cougar-loving ex.

Evil. Pure evil. With excellent taste in baby clothes.

Mini-Recap: Pot o' Gold

Here's what you missed on Glee: a wee Irishman is after Brittany's lucky charms and doing it under the guise of being a leprachaun who grants her three wishes. Santana is after those same lucky charms and wavers between being insecure over her relationship with Brittany S. Pierce and being a straight up bitch to everyone else. And tricks her lady love into quitting New Directions to join the Troubletones. Shelby may be the better coach, because she whipped those ladies into shape and they are going to be trouble for New Directions. Meanwhile, Kurt's dad sticks it to Sue by coming up with the funding for the musical (thank jeebus, because none of us needed Rachel to whine about that) and by running against her as a write in candidate. Anyone want to put money on how quickly Will "Campaign Manager" Schuester screws that one up? Meanwhile, in a subplot that doesn't really go anywhere, Quinn tries to sabotage Shelby as a mom to get her baby back (that is some aces parenting Quinn), which somehow drives Puck to get hot for teacher. And that's what you missed on Glee. 

Song of the Night: I'm going to give it to the Irish pomadour over there for singing "It Ain't Easy Bein' Green." I had no idea that song was about Irish nationalism.  

Brittany Bon Mots: How do I decide? It's between "Last week when we took a bath together, wasn't that a date?" and "That sour patch kids are just gummy bears that turned to drugs?" 

How Sue Sees It: "I will Temple of Doom my fist through your chest and pull out your still-beating artificial heart." 

Melodramatic Rachel Unexplained and slightly ridiculous Solo: I'm still not sure why Blaine broke out into "Last Friday Night". Not saying it was bad, just saying it was weird. Is it because he's in the Katy Perry video with Artie? Are we sure this couldn't have been fit in more naturally? 

Outfit of the Week: Pompadour wins it again! If only because the wee man had to wear green the entire episode to remind us he's Irish and we should feel bad for him (not about being Irish, but about some of those shirts they made him wear). Actually, I'm giving best outfits to the nautical costumes for the Troubletones rehearsal (I love me some nautical). Or Kurt's blouse that possibly had ponies on it and was accessorized by a bitchface. That's always a winner in my books.

Tracksuit count: 3

Tune in Friday when staff editor Amanda gives us the full recap.