Probably five years—and it’s still going. What’s great about Mike and Tina’s storyline is that the show itself has so much drama, so it’s nice for viewers to see a functional couple that have issues but are able to clear them up. It’s a life lesson. Some people like the relationship drama, but there are also some people who beg for stability in relationships. I think it’s good for America and the world to see that a healthy relationship is possible.

After watching the four-way awkward-off among Rachel, Finn, Kurt, and Blaine, I discovered that your face can stick like that. Not only do none of the couples from “The Break Up” even hint at reconciliation, but they all dig their heels in harder. Finn sees Rachel crying over Brody, Kurt reiterates the broken trust between him and Blaine, and Santana tries to do the mature thing and resists getting back together with Brittany. These scenes are essential considering the habit of television in general—and Glee in particular—to renege on plot developments, especially breakups. “The Break Up” is stronger than a backstage reunion. But Mike isn’t giving up on Tina, who gets the still rare opportunity to have the spotlight for a few minutes, so maybe love is not dead.