Hanks has become such a reliable dramatic performer over the years that a good performance from him is hardly a surprise; needless to say, there are no shocks
here, and his
trademark everyman
quality makes him an instantly likable and relatable lead.
Mostly everyone else shows their own distinctly appealing energy, style, and presence as performers, from Amber Riley's (Mercedes Jones) easy - going demeanor pleasantly tempering her
trademark rafter - raising, earth - shattering vocals; to Heather Morris (Brittany S. Pierce) and Harry Shum Jr.'s (Mike Chang) sultry and smooth dance moves; to pop - superstar - sensation - in - waiting Naya Rivera's (Santana Lopez) soulful rasp and overwhelming star
quality (her blistering duet with Riley, «River Deep, Mountain High,» is even more the electrifying highlight
here than it was this past season).