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‘Perfect Harmony’: High notes from episode 7 ‘Rivalry Week’

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PERFECT HARMONY -- "Rivalry Week" Episode 107 -- Pictured: Bradley Whitford as Arthur Cochran -- (Photo by: Justin Lubin/NBC)
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It’s all about comparing “notes” this week on Perfect Harmony.

The choir members face several rivals on this week’s episode of Perfect Harmony. The Second First choir is goaded into performing at the Church of Perpetual Praise whose choir recently won the choral competition – again. Arthur invites a new member to join the choir, but Ginny is not pleased. Dwayne faces the family that has dismissed him. Finally, Reverend Jax is confronted with jealousy over the amenities at the other church.

Let’s take a closer look at this week’e episode of Perfect Harmony.

Undercover

The Second First choir members see a commercial for the Church of Perpetual Praise (CPP) and are reminded how that choir has dominated the choral competitions for so long. They decide to scope out the rival choir by attending service there. The choir attempts to go unnoticed by all wearing camouflage hats, except Arthur who has a personal disdain for both camouflage and tie-dye patterns.

Magnus of the much larger church spots Arthur in the congregation and suggests that Second First perform at CPP next week. Arthur has unresolved anger towards Magnus who would not allow Arthur’s late wife Jean to be buried there. Arthur’s choir begs him not to take the bait, but he still agrees to perform at CPP next Sunday. That’s only a week to prepare!

Getting personal

Dwayne’s family still attends CPP while he has moved to the Second First Church of the Cumberlands. Dwayne’s family no longer associates with Dwayne after he became a pacifist and vegetarian. When Dwayne sees his father and two sisters at the large church, they tell him they will not come next week to watch him perform.

Arthur is feeling the pressure of next week’s performance. He decides to go for a younger looking haircut from Kimmy Bell, Ginny’s longtime nemesis. Kimmy has opened a salon right next to Adams’ diner where Ginny is moving up the management chain. Arthur gets a sample of Ginny’s singing voice and is blown away with her talent. He invites her to join the Second First choir.

Kimmy is always trying to “one up” Ginny. She even brings biscuits, a specialty that Ginny is known for, to the choir practice. Ginny becomes unhinged when Kimmy joins the choir and takes Ginny’s solo. She almost serves Kimmy toilet water before Arthur stops her. Ginny explains the root of her anger towards Kimmy saying Kimmy gave her the nickname “Ginnorreah” when she returned home from camp one summer. Arthur says Ginny cannot prove it was Kimmy that started the nickname (and subsequent rumors). Ginny is hurt that Arthur is not more sympathetic to her situation.

Meanwhile, Reverend Jax struggles with jealousy over the fancy kiosk at CPP that allows you to order coffee and much more. The reverend assembles a makeshift kiosk at Second First using an old television, PC and speakers on a cafeteria cart. He plans to use it as a prayer hotline. but sadly it does not function.

True colors

Arthur goes back to Kimmy’s salon for some hair color. He brings up the obvious rivalry between Ginny and Kimmy. Kimmy says it can’t be a real rivalry comparing herself to University of Kentucky and Ginny to Eastern Kentucky. She reveals that she gave Ginny the nickname in their youth. Seeing Kimmy’s “true colors”, Arthur dismisses her from the choir. Kimmy responds by dying Arthur’s hair pink.

Wayne convinces Dwayne to confront his family about them refusing to come hear him sing. Dwayne talks to one of his sisters and demands that they attend the service. Arthur arrives to practice with his pink hair and announces the cancellation of the performance. Wayne says they cannot cancel because Dwayne needs to stand up to his family and suggests that Dwayne perform a solo.

Solidarity

The choir agrees to continue with the performance. Arthur is greeted with laughter as he steps on stage with his pink hair. Then steps out the choir with each member donning pink in their hair as well.

Dwayne begins his solo performance of Titanium (by David Guetta) with a rousing backup from his fellow choir members. The congregation is moved to give a standing ovation. Even Dwayne’s sisters and father ultimately stand and clap for him.

Reverend Jax gives a final word saying, “Second First Church. We’re weird, we can’t afford a commercial, but we’d love to have you.” Mic drop. (Yes, Reverend Jax literally drops the mic.)

Side “notes”:

  • Kimmy’s salon replaces the “PJ’s Beepers and Corded Phones” store. Adams notes that PJ held out as long as he could.
  • Magnus snarkily compares Arthur to “the grandpa from the movie Up“
  • Wayne is still scared of Dwayne’s sisters who used to beat him up. He flinches when one of the sisters speaks to him.
  • Arthur says his pink hair makes him look like “the worst-tasting Starburst“.
  • Arthur #Scarfwatch is 7 for 7 episodes.

Perfect Harmony airs on NBC Thursday nights at 8:30/7:30 c. Use hashtag #PerfectHarmony to engage with fellow fans on social media.

Revisit highlights from last week’s episode here.

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