The school musical West Side Story is readied for performance, with Artie as lead director. Finn meets with a football recruiter, whom Coach Beiste gains as an admirer. Kurt and Blaine reach a new, physical stage in their relationship, as do Rachel and Finn in theirs.

In a special episode celebrating the music of Michael Jackson, the rivalry between New Directions and the Warblers intensifies en route to Regionals. Meanwhile, Kurt and Rachel receive news regarding their admissions process at NYADA, and things continue to heat up between Sam and Mercedes.

Things heat up as the New Directions go head-to-head with the Dalton Academy Warblers at Regionals.

A love triangle heats up among Marley, Jake and Ryder, and Blaine has a run-in with the Warblers.