After the sudden and tragic death of Glee actor Cory Monteith, the creators and writers are now faced with the difficult task of writing his character out of the show.
It seems increasingly likely that the death of Monteith will extend to the death of his character, Finn Hudson, on the show. This death will no doubt have an immense impact on almost all of the characters on the show, as well as the close knit cast.
As a long time fan, while this is still difficult to contemplate, this is how I would like the writers to approach the death of Finn Hudson.
1. Bring everybody back
This seems like a given, but I hope the entire cast return to honour the immense impact Cory and his character have had on the other characters, the fans and his fellow actors. Finn’s character has had significant impacts on many of the other characters on the show, and I think that it is important that each of these relationships is honoured. For me, the five relationships that deserve special time are Rachel (of course), Kurt, Carol/Burt, Will and Sue or maybe Quinn.
2. Dedication
Episode 5×03 will obviously be dedicated to Cory – perhaps including the logo made by fans and recently tweeted by show co-creator Ryan Murphy picturing Finn’s silhouette in the Glee logo. The creators could also dedicate the rest of the season to Cory by keeping him in the credits shown at the beginning of every episode.
3. Lea
Glee has always had a habit of blurring the lines between the show and reality – with Ryan Murphy’s inclination to take inspiration for storylines from the actor’s real experiences but there is none greater than the real-life relationship between Cory Monteith and Lea Michele. This episode will be incredibly difficult for the entire cast to film – but I feel that making Lea comfortable should be the number one priority. Especially because Finn’s death is probably going to have the greatest impact on her character, Rachel.
4. Use his voice
There are many recorded songs by the Glee Cast members that have been cut from the show. It would be a very nice way to incorporate Monteith’s work into the tribute episode without having to completely flashback to old performances. The songs that come to mind are the recordings last year that were released on the graduation album – ‘Not the End’ and ‘Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)’ which both seem spookily appropriate.
5. Re-arrangements, Reprises & Character Moments
Personally, I think the best way that this episode could be approached is through music with minimal dialogue and addressing each of the important of relationships in Finn’s life. I think a beautiful way to incorporate this would be to reprise some of Finn’s memorial performances – as they have done previously with classics like ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and ‘Teenage Dream.’ Imagine Rachel singing a slowed down, sombre version of ‘You’re the One That I Want,’ the first song they ever sung together, or a reprise of ‘Faithfully,’ their first competition duet. Or Kurt singing ‘Just the Way You Are’ back to Finn three years after he sung it to him. Or Will singing another cover of Finn’s first solo ‘Can’t Fight This Feeling.’ While these would be intensely emotional, they would also provide a way for the audience to simultaneously grieve for Finn and celebrate Cory’s contribution to the show.
6. Please, Please, Please don’t make it about drugs…
Please…
7. Portrait
The image of Lillian Adler has iconically hung in the choir room for every episode of Glee – providing inspiration to all of the members inside it – basically defining the entire premise of the show. “By its very definition, Glee is about opening yourself up to joy.” There would be something very poetic and fitting about hanging a dedication to Finn (and by extension, Cory) next to it for the remainder of the show. Which Finn quote do you think sums up his contribution to the show?
8. Donate
Cory was very passionate about his charitable causes. I believe that it would be incredibly moving and fitting if all of the money that is made selling the songs sung in this extremely emotional episode was donated to the causes closest to Cory’s heart.
And perhaps one last dancing joke…
How would you like the writers to pay tribute to Finn and Cory? Which songs would you like to see to celebrate their contribution to Glee?
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