Glee's 7 Best And 7 Worst Episodes Ranked

Season 5, Episode 16, "Tested," sees "Glee" attempt to raise awareness of sexually transmitted diseases. Its lackluster reception comes from its poor handling of this sensitive issue. The boys all get tested for STDs, and Artie finds out that he does indeed have one. Though he's hesitant to reveal the truth, he does the right thing and alerts the girls he's been with. Sadly, instead of treating him compassionately, most people — including all of his friends — shame him. Elsewhere, similarly intense topics are being handled ineptly. Mercedes tells Sam she wants to remain a virgin until marriage, which causes a rift in their relationship, while Blaine and Kurt struggle with diet culture. 

Though "Tested" attempts to treat its subjects with kindness, it trips over its own feet by directly shaming Artie, Mercedes, and Blaine in a variety of ways. "Glee" just can't resist going for the laziest jokes, even when it undermines the message it's trying to send. What results is extremely awkward, rough to get through, and badly paced.