"What Tomorrow Brings": The Continuation of "Glee" Without Cory Monteith

Serena Hope Hohenstein ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Writer
In the days since Cory Monteith’s passing, fans of Glee have showed their love and support by posting on social media, creating and participating in a Twitter moment of silence, and even holding a candlelight vigil. It’s clear that the sad happening has peoples’ stomachs in knots. These fans aren’t only grieving for Cory, but for his castmates, as well, especially Lea Michele. There was even a hashtag titled #PrayForLea that celebrities and fans alike used in their tweets. This outpouring of love makes it clear that Gleeks truly embody the meaning of the show.
Glee was scheduled to begin production on season 5 either later this month, or early August. At this point it is unknown whether or not they will stay on schedule, but there would be no surprise if they suspended production and the premiere until the cast and crew are somewhat at peace. Of course, the writers are going to need time to rethink the course of the next season and how to continue without Cory. Plenty of shows have had to deal with this dilemma, some even mid-season, but there aren’t many choices. Actually, there’s only about two: Either the character decides to leave to pursue something else, or they die. Considering where Finn’s storyline ended in Season 4, it seems like it will be a tricky situation.
Finn was finally figuring out his life. He was going to college, reuniting with Will, and becoming a true mentor for the new glee kids. In Cory’s final episode, Finn had decided to become a teacher. That’s where his story ended. So, how can the character not be present anymore?
Because the character didn’t have a cliffhanger, the show may have an easier time creating a plausible exit for the beloved Finn. Some ideas from previous shows with actor deaths include the character dying in the first episode back, the character going on a trip of some sort and passing away while gone, or using computer “trickery” to end a characters story line in whatever way the show sees fit.
Currently in Glee, the death of a main character seems completely unrealistic. They may decide to have Finn focus on his teaching certificate off-screen while characters continue to talk about him and what he’s up to until the show finds a fitting end. This would give the production team time to write a compelling story without being rushed in this sad time.
Via social media, fans have been requesting to see the premiere of season 5 be dedicated to Cory. Wishes include the cast breaking the fourth wall to discuss what Cory meant to them, Cory’s best moments in flashbacks, montage, or full episode, and overall, closure. Unfortunately, until the premiere of season 5 airs, many fans will not feel the sense of closure they are craving. And they may have to wait even a little longer, so as to give the Glee family time to process. Until then, fans can reminisce by re-watching favorite episodes and listening to favorite songs, as many of us at Emertainment Monthly are.
If you’re interested in giving to one of Cory’s most treasured charities in his name, please visit the Glee Facebook page to learn more.
From all of us here at Emertainment Monthly, our hearts are with all who loved, looked up to, and simply enjoyed the presence of the late Cory Monteith.
“Rachel: You named a star after me?
Finn: No, I thought about that, but then I named it Finn Hudson. Because there’s already a star named Rachel Berry. And she’s right here on earth, and she’s brighter than any of those stars up there. So I just wanted to make sure that whenever she feels lonely she can look up in the sky, and no matter where I am, she can know that I’m looking down on her.”