As fans of the popular television series “Glee” know, the show is filled with memorable characters, touching storylines, and unforgettable musical performances. One character that stands out is Finn Hudson, a pivotal character who left a lasting impact on the fans. However, the character’s tragic demise left viewers with a burning question that lingers even today: How did Finn die in Glee?
This article aims to explore the circumstances surrounding Finn’s death, its impact on the show, and the real-life tragedy behind it.
Who was Finn Hudson?
Finn Hudson, portrayed by Cory Monteith, was introduced in the first episode of “Glee” as a popular high school quarterback. An unlikely member of the New Directions, the school’s glee club, Finn navigated numerous personal and interpersonal challenges throughout the series.
The Real-life Tragedy: Cory Monteith’s Untimely Death
The unexpected demise of Cory Monteith on July 13, 2013, shocked fans worldwide. The cause of death was a lethal combination of heroin and alcohol. The actor’s struggle with substance abuse was well-documented, and his passing marked a tragic end to his battle.
How Glee Handled Finn’s Death
Following Monteith’s passing, the creators of “Glee” faced the daunting task of addressing Finn’s absence in the show. The solution they chose was to honor the actor and his character through a special tribute episode, titled “The Quarterback.”
“The Quarterback” – A Tribute to Finn and Cory
The third episode of Glee’s fifth season, “The Quarterback,” served as a tribute to both Finn and Cory. The episode opens with the news of Finn’s death and focuses on the characters dealing with their grief. The cause of Finn’s death was not revealed in the episode, creating a respectful distance between the character’s death and the real-life tragedy.
The Aftermath of Finn’s Death
The loss of Finn Hudson, both in the show and in real life, had a profound impact. Fans worldwide mourned for the beloved character and the actor who had brought him to life. The tribute episode was a heartfelt farewell that allowed fans, cast members, and the show’s creators to say goodbye.
The Legacy of Finn Hudson
Despite his untimely death, Finn Hudson’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of “Glee” fans. The character’s kindness, resilience, and determination made him a role model for many viewers. His storylines, which dealt with complex issues such as teen pregnancy, bullying, and self-acceptance, left a lasting impact.
The Impact of Cory Monteith’s Death on Glee
Cory Monteith’s death undeniably had a significant impact on “Glee.” With the loss of one of its main characters, the show had to adapt and continue without him. The ratings for Glee declined following Monteith’s death, and the series ended two seasons later.
Finn Hudson’s Intended Storyline
Before Monteith’s untimely death, the writers of “Glee” had planned a different storyline for Finn Hudson in the fifth season. However, with Monteith’s passing, these plans were inevitably scrapped.
The Cast’s Reaction to Cory Monteith’s Death
Cory Monteith’s passing deeply affected the cast and crew of “Glee.” Many of them attended Monteith’s funeral and have spoken about how difficult it was to continue filming the show after his death.
The Enduring Question: How Did Finn Die in Glee?
Despite the show’s tribute to Finn Hudson and star Cory Monteith, one question remains unanswered: How did Finn die in Glee? The show chose not to reveal the cause of Finn’s death, instead focusing on the characters’ grief and the celebration of Finn’s life. This decision allowed the show to respect Monteith’s memory while addressing the reality of his absence.
Conclusion
The death of Finn Hudson in Glee was a significant moment in television history, marked by the heartbreak of losing a beloved character and the real life tragedy of actor Cory Monteith’s death. The show’s handling of Finn’s death, through the memorial episode, was a fitting farewell to both the character and the actor. While the question of how Finn died in Glee remains unanswered, the character’s legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.
FAQs
Why didn’t they reveal how Finn died on Glee?
The show’s creators opted not to disclose the specific cause of Finn’s death out of respect for Cory Monteith and his family. This decision allowed them to focus on honoring Finn’s memory and the impact he had on the other characters’ lives.
What would have been Finn’s storyline if Cory Monteith hadn’t died?
It’s impossible to say for sure, but Finn Hudson was a central character in the series, and it’s likely that his story would have continued to evolve and impact the other characters in significant ways.
Did Cory Monteith’s death affect Glee’s ratings?
Yes, the show’s ratings declined after the actor’s death.
Did the cast of Glee attend Cory Monteith’s funeral?
Yes, several cast members attended Monteith’s funeral to pay their respects. Glee creator Ryan Murphy attended the funeral, as well as his girlfriend, Lea Michele.
Was it difficult for the cast to film the tribute episode for Cory Monteith?
Yes, the cast members have spoken about the emotional challenges they faced while filming the tribute episode for Cory Monteith.
Did the show ever mention Finn’s character after the tribute episode?
No, after the tribute episode, the show did not recast Finn’s character or mention him again.
How did Cory Monteith’s death impact the future of Glee?
Cory Monteith’s death had a significant impact on the show. It resulted in the loss of a major character and affected the direction of the show’s storyline.
Did Finn Hudson’s death have a real-life connection to Cory Monteith’s passing?
Yes, Finn’s death was written into the show as a tribute to star Cory Monteith, who portrayed Finn and died of a drug overdose in real life. Glee creator Ryan Murphy wanted to make sure the show paid a tribute to the fan favorite character.