GLEE: "The Rhodes Not Taken"

Last night’s “Glee,” arguably its strongest episode to date, boasts Kristin Chenoweth, Queen and finally, musical- theater pieces.

Chenoweth, fresh off her Emmy win, is a real treat as April Rhodes, the boozy high- school dropout and former glee club member who never made it on “the Broadway.”

“The Rhodes Not Taken,” episode five, opens with the glee club somewhat in shambles without the talented and slightly abrasive Rachel, Lea Michele.

This is where April comes in. She joins the glee club as Mr. Schuester’s recruit to be “New Directions’” female star, although she is met with resistance from the club’s members.

The kids do not like the idea of an older person joining, but Chenoweth proves, as she pointed out to the club: “Talent doesn’t age, sweetheart.”

Her sing off against Rachel of “Maybe this Time” from the Broadway classic “Cabaret” is one of “Glee’s” finest moments. It pits seasoned stage performer Chenoweth (“Wicked," “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," “The Apple Tree”) against one of Broadway’s most promising young talents, Michele (“Spring Awakening”). While Michele holds her own, the veteran Chenoweth proves more engaging. To watch click here.

In her efforts to win over the glee club members, April resorts to providing alcohol, giving shoplifting lessons and implied orgies in the locker room all to Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True.”

In addition to Chenoweth, the episode gives Finn, the football star turned stage star, some edge. He leads Rachel on in an attempt to get her to return to “New Directions.” This endeavor ends with him receiving a deserved slap once Rachel is told that Finn has knocked-up cheerleader Quinn.

Still sans Rachel, the group is forced to go on with a noticeably intoxicated April appropriately and perfectly performing “Last Name,” a song about drinking just a bit too much. Watch here.

Despite receiving a standing ovation, both April and Mr. Schuester come to the realization that “New Directions” is supposed to be about the kids. When April is around, she steals the spotlight.

April’s story wraps up a bit too neatly and quickly, but it presents the perfect opportunity for Rachel’s inevitable return after she finds landing the lead in the school’s production of “Cabaret” to be a disaster.

Back where she belongs, Rachel, with Finn, leads the group in an infectious rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” This is the first number to recapture the energy and excitement of the pilot’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” Click here to watch "Somebody to Love".

With more performances like this, the better than ever “New Directions” might actually stand a chance at regionals.

“Glee” airs Wednesdays on Fox at 9 p.m.