The Substitute (Glee)

"The Substitute" is the seventh episode of the second season of the musical television series Glee. It originally aired on Fox in the United States on November 9, 2010. The episode revolves around the Glee Club's reaction to their teacher Will Schuester's illness and subsequent replacement by substitute teacher Holly Holliday, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Holly's unconventional teaching methods, which emphasize creativity and fun over structured learning, are initially met with resistance but eventually embraced by the students.

The episode also features storylines involving Will's fear of being replaced and his attempts to recover quickly, as well as Sue Sylvester's efforts to sabotage Holly's attempts to improve the school. Songs performed in "The Substitute" include covers of "Forget You" (also known as "Fuck You"), "Make 'Em Laugh," "Conjunction Junction," and "Now I Can't Stop Loving You." The episode received generally positive reviews, with particular praise directed at Paltrow's performance and the episode's musical numbers. It explored themes of illness, creativity, and the value of different teaching styles.