GLEE S05E03 THE QUARTERBACK WATCH PARTY

They should give some credit to Rent and that 525,600 minutes song is based on people losing so many people. Imagine half of your friends dying, that was the reality for some people and everyone knew at least a few people who passed from AIDS. I don't think it should've been used for Finn's character. He was not an advocate, he was passive supporter.

crazy that its been 10 years! he is still missed

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

I'm not sure if you ever went back and looked at the plaque, or if anyone has answered your question yet about Finn's quote... but the quote says "The show must go all all over the place... or something", which is what he told his friends in the green room during the Night of Neglect, back in season 2. Of course, what he really meant was "the show must go on". Honestly, one of my favorite Finn moments. He was such a leader at heart, but such a clueless dork at the same time lol. In my opinion, it was a great choice to use that quote. Instead of walking by and looking at the plaque in sadness, I like to think it gave the characters (and cast) a reason to smile in his memory. RIP Cory... it's been 10 years and your loss is still felt by so many. ❤️‍🩹

Tyler Asberry

This episode breaks me every time. I remember when it aired, I stopped watching Glee for quite a while after this episode, I just couldn't imagine it without Cory. That is Maya's genuine reaction and breakdown. It wasn't in character and they kept it in because it was so raw. Also Naya was found a few days after her disappearance on Cory's anniversary, the cast said Cory brought her back to them. It's so sad that we lost these amazing souls. Breaking my heart watching this again 💔

Leanne W

Those tears simply mean he brought you a lot of JOY in your life

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

It’s now July 13th, 2023, the 10th anniversary of Cory‘s passing. I skipped a couple episodes just to watch this one today. Watching for the third time…never get’s easier. You just feel the pain all of the actors had. 🕊️❤️ I always start crying in the first song. 😭💔

Lena

I’m watching this episode for the first time ever on the 10th anniversary of Cory’s death. I had only ever watched the musical clips on YouTube up to this point and Naya’s song/breakdown was always the very best way to sum up how losing him as a character/actor felt. I had never liked the character of Finn upon my first watch of the series but always loved how Cory’s personality shown through all of the interviews and behind the scenes footage, I have now grown to love the character upon my many rewatches of the series. I was 13 years old when I found out he died, in the middle of a church service and none of my family could understand why I was crying. I had camp the next day on the Yale campus and I had a little “funeral” for him with a couple of my friends who also liked Glee where I buried a picture of him at the base of the biggest tree I could find. This was my first time feeling such a deep sadness for someone’s death and it’s not something I’ll ever forget.

Asela Shabazz

aw sorry :(

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

I just came to see Audrey's reaction after the episode. I hated this episode when it came out and I can't get myself to watch it again. They made this episode way too soon after Cory's death and none of them were in any place to create a cohesive tribute to him.

Kristina

you can always message me if youre having issues

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

yes click the link

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

The grewling schedules they had. I could imagine it would push most people to find ways to "escape" at times

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

This may be a crazy thought but I do think Puck/Mark saying “how can I go on doing the right thing without him pointing me in the right direction” (paraphrased) was too real. I think the reason Mark’s problem got bad and he was arrested was because Cory passed and Mark went over the edge. They were best friends in real life and I’m sure they tried to help each other. It’s hard watching Mark in Glee knowing who he actually was. I wish things were different. For Cory, for Mark and for Naya. It’s just so awful and heartbreaking.

Audrey Lee Strohm

Same. I have a son and Carol’s monologue gets me SOBBING. It’s so beautifully written.

Audrey Lee Strohm

This episode was so hard to watch. 😭 How about when they were filming it. I can't watch this without crying. I cry every time when I watch this. Santana singing "If I die young" hits so different nowadays because Naya died young too. 😭 And Lea 💚 She was together with Cory when he passed away. This must been so hard to film for her.

Moona

Hi ! I really understand how to watch the video. Should i click on the link ?

El Moaaraj

perfect combo

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

I agree that the scene in the bedroom was the most heartbreaking scene. The mom showed her pain so raw.

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

Thats very true! I didnt think about the writers grieving too

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

Thank you so much for posting this. These heartfelt words of reaching out offering help to others are the reason this group is so special to me <3

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

Many of them are on my list now that ive seen the episode and theres no spoilers

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

HOOORAY!!! Celebrate the time with your mom. Hold her close and remember her as deeply as you can. Youve been given a second chance <3

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

Yea it seemed out of left field

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

I am so sorry for your loss and what a terrible connection to deal with at a young age. You are a strong person <3

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

The feeling is mutual <3

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

oh thats cool!

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

Yea I do like that the focus was on the OG cast

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

is that on glee?

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

It's alergies I swear Boss

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

yea he always seemed like just a big sweet teddy bear

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

It's my husbands favorite quote

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

I am honored to be able to create this space for you <3

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

Someimtes when someone dies the reaction can be to grasp to every ounce of control in your own life

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

we made it through <3

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

oh it really was H. WOh!

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

YOURE THE BESTEST!!!

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

You could tell they all loved him so much

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

Its on the upcoming list :)

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

The scene where Kurt, Carol and Burt are packing to Finns room always gets to me. I can be strong through most of this episode but that scene always breaks my heart

Teri

I'm late to the party and I don't know if anyone already mentioned it (at least I didn't find any comment about it lol) but Seasons of Love was originally on s3 of glee (idk why they cut it off tho). There is a soundtrack that Cory was also put on and singing, and I think that and the vibes this song brings were the reasons of it being actually the beginning of the ep. Youtube link of Seasons of Love including Cory's vocals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQQLsIgfpFE

Marek Barwinek

what hurts the most is in the early glee days cory talked about his addiction openly and how he overcame it. i’m sure he was an inspiration for so many people young and old to try and get help, he was sober for so so so long so it stings even more that he lost his fight because he was fighting so hard but he unfortunately relapsed and lost his fight

fry

yeah i did, still cant find the welcome post

Agam

Oh, no :( here we go

yasna gonzalez sanchez

Did you try the steps above?

Audrey McDonald ( Songs From A Suitcase)

I think Mr. Shue were saying those things "to puck" but he actually meant it for himself

Leticia Schmitt

im having troubles finding the welcome post for the password

Agam

Gods, I haven't been able to watch this episode all the way through since the first time I saw it . . . still can't. And listening to Naya singing "If I Die Young" hits even harder now.

Beeba Smith

Like others, I haven’t watched this episode since it originally aired. It was tough to watch. Of all the actors that I’ve enjoyed watching and heard they died throughout my life, for whatever reason this one hit a little different. I can’t even explain it. I feel like when Cory died, so did Glee.

dville

At the end of the episode when it first aired, I remember Sue coming on with a public service announcement about drug addiction and where to find help. So I guess they cut that out.

dville

I actually held out crying until Mercedes’s song, I usually break during seasons of love. It was so raw and emotional for everyone because they shot like a month or so after his passing. Then took like a few months hiatus until starting production again.

Zach Davis

Gosh I remember finding out that Cory had died, it was just as surreal as Emma described in this episode. This one is always such a tough one to watch, but such a testament to Finn’s - and Cory’s - impact on this world, it just breaks my heart. One thing that always gets me is the way they treat Puck in this episode. His line “you have a whole room to remember him by, I have nothing” really gets me, he and Finn were best friends and for better or worse Puck loved him, and the way everyone (except coach Beiste) just talks down to him hurts, he must have been grieving so damn hard, and for Mr Schue to blame him for the jacket and then take it himself, I still can’t forgive him.

Laura

PLEASE DO A REACTION TO AMBER "ILL STAND BY YOU" ONE OF HER BEST PERFORMANCES ON GLEE

Cory Orsborn

I think Mark's death is sad for two reasons. 1. His family and friends (including his former co-stars) and 2. The victims of Mark's crimes and their families, because they never got real justice.

Heida

Pretty sure Lea was just crying too much for them to use a live recording. Naya didn't even manage to finish hers without running off screaming and crying.

Heida

Correction: It WAS scripted but not until the end of the song.

Heida

https://youtu.be/PmOgluqeVts The song of Chord's that Audrey mentioned reacting to

Jay Johnston

All the other castmastes and Ryan Murthy needed Naya to take control of this episode because she was the only one strong enought also her breakdown was not scripted the way it was showcased its was supposed to be at the end.

Luke Dennis

The most heart wrenching scene for me in this episode is the family scene with Carole, Burt and Kurt. I usually manage till this scene. The moment Carole starts talking I can't hold it in any longer. Second place is definitely Naya though. It was already sad at the time the episode was released but now it just breaks my heart even more. And I agreee it would have been nice to hear Lea sing this live. I've been priviledged enough to her sing it in Brighton a few years ago. Small arena, but 100% without microphones and Darren playing the guitar. It was breathtaking!

Pauline

"The show must go... all over the place... or something" &#10084;

Pauline

Interesting fact.. The part where santana runs off screaming was unscripted. The actress genuinely couldn't make it through the song, and that's why the other actors approached her, to try and comfort her. They just ended up keeping the clip in the final cut.

Jasmine

I'm in full PMS mode so my hormones are all over the place but I can't put this off, so tissue box at the ready and let's dive into it.

Pauline

They were amazing.✌🏼🥺 My deepest condolences 💐 to you and your family. There are just no words. 😐 It’s such a complicated 🪢 situation (losing people is awful).😣 I hope you have an amazing system of support ✊🏼 and love surrounding you.😎🎊✌🏼

Koko

Weenie🐾 is adorable.😍 She’s like I just can’t,😒 lol🤣 but I’m beside you.✌🏼This episode.🥺❤️ The songs,👌🏼 but I missed Quinn and Brittany.👭🏼 Lea and Cory were still together.👫🏻 The plaque quote read, “The show must go…all over the place…or something”(it’s from his speech🎤).✌🏼😁 The ending though, no.👎🏼 Cory Monteith passed from mixture drug toxicity (H and Alc mix). Mark Salling is Noah Puckerman, Puck. Poem, yes.👌🏼⭐️ Naya, Amber, Lea, powerful.💥👌🏼🥺Thank you for all you said.❤️✌🏼🥹 ¡Me gusta, me encanta!❤️👀🎉

Koko

Putting off watching this by reading the comments. I want to watch it, because I’d like to know what Audrey thinks, but it’s just so sad. I don’t even remember anything that happens in this episode of Glee, because it’s the only one I’ve only ever watched once, ten years ago, but I remember that it absolutely crushed me. Still, here I go I guess…

Heather Dyson

This episode always hits hard. I've lost a child and Romy Rosemont (Carol) and Mike O'Malley (Burt) are AMAZING portraying grieving parents. I've also lost a close friend to an OD. That's always a tough loss. Grieving comes differently for everyone. I thought they did a wonderful job showing all the different emotions the cast and characters went through.

Steph Stephens

Chord Overstreet singing about Cory. https://youtu.be/SVvuwF3R4aA

Steph Stephens

This was only the 4th time ive watched this episode, but i havent watched it since 2020. I've had 3 family member pass in that time and everything just hit so much harder this time

Tahlia

What Rachel says about how she thought life was going to go was how the writers had roughly planned on ending the show until Cory passed then they had to change the ending. All reactions are raw and real no proper script

megan vickers

the songs... Mercedes and Santana were so raw in their voices and interpretation.. Rachel was literally shaking and had tears on her shirt during her performance.. everyone reacting... it's too much for me :(((

leslie martin

i'm just gonna add one thing that NO ONE ever mentions, and since i'm a Rachel fan, i'm going to say it. PLEASE, for the future, take into consideration that she's 18, and she just lost the love of her life. I'm not gonna spoil anything, but i'm just gonna ask you to not forget about that. Bc i've seen the show with other reactors, and even glee fans forget that, yes Cory died in real life and that's hard to think about Finn and plot lines, BUT in Rachel Berry's world, Finn died. and it's not gonna be addressed a lot bc of course what happened in real life is WAY more important and sad, and in Lea Michele's world it's worse, so acting grief all the time is annoying, and escaping with Rachel is better. but i'm asking you kindly and hopefully you'll see this, be gentle on her, bc people always forget to take her feelings into consideration (bc she's an annoying diva okayyy) :)

leslie martin

spoiler alert, i cried as soon as i heard the first notes of "seasons of love", as per usual... 10 years, and this episode never gets easier to watch... as far as the episode itself, i think it was beautiful. and to be honest, if Lea, Cory's parents and the ones closest to him were okay with this episode, then i'm also okay with it. I think it was a beautiful hommage, and i'm really happy that they never talked about how he died, bc the world knew what happened in real life, and we don't need to make a storyline out of this. Cory's death was everywhere, and the cast grieving was all over tv. I remember the cast showing up at the teen choice awards just a few weeks after he died, and even Lea making a surprise appearance... I think they were all VERY pressured to grief publicly. I remember paps were everywhere, even in front of Kate Hudson's house, where Lea went to live at the time (she offered her house so she didn't have to come back to her and Cory's home, which tragically, Lea did the same for Becca Tobin, Kitty's actress, when she lost her boyfriend around the end of glee), Dianna was on a press tour and tearing up on tv bc they asked her questions, Chord was on tour and performed song for Cory like 2 weeks after he dies, more got dumb questions asked in interviews... and that's why everything was done super quickly : accepting teen choice award, interviews, coming back to film, quaterback episode... bc it was the "big topic" back in the day, and everyone was asking if glee was going to come back, if Lea was going to quit... Looking back, i know most of them say right now that it was the worse idea to come back so quick (i know Ryan, Kevin, Jenna said it), but as they said, back then you didn't really have any healthy work ethics, mental health talk and most certainly, no other cast got through what they did.. a super close cast, losing their lead on set, and leader off set, to such circonstance, just a few weeks before coming back to shooting your new season. and if Lea was ready to come back, to get out of her head, then why would the other ones say no? (not healthy but seems right) as far as Cory's death, i saw you asked some questions over the last episode and in the comments too, and if they knew... Yes, the cast knew he had drugs problems. and then, the world knew about it at the end of s4 when he went to rehab. the cast has always protected his private life, and not a lot was said about his abuses. I think the most that was said was that yes, they knew, and they tried to help. Naya said that she felt a lot of regret about his death, she also admitted that Lea was doing a lot of good to him and we can maybe guess that she was the one getting him to rehab. then the other people that talked about his drug problems are honestly just people that are trying to get clout, and that weren't as close as they say with Cory. anyway, what i loved and still love the most about the glee cast is that they've been through so much UPS together, being unknowns, getting to star in the biggest show on tv, going on world tours, selling more album than rockstars, and also through HELL, losing cast members, grieving in public, horrible work ethics, all those rumors (most are false btw), and some messy relationships lol... but a bit like art imitating life, they're in this together and they know to respect each other's boundaries, and grieves... that's why the REAL and ORIGINAL glee cast wasn't apart of that dumb documentary that came out a few months ago, that's why they're not in the media always talking about Cory, Naya or Mark. and i'm sure that's why after that much "drama" and time, they still have each other's back.

leslie martin

Thank you for giving us the space to have a good cry and not feel alone and feel connected to you. Lea was on tour a few months ago where she talked about this episode and sang Make you feel my love live. Ryan let her pick the song she wanted to sing. I know it's not the same since it's been a long time but I loved listening to it live and hearing what she had to say. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20WsT0UGSgE Naya’s performance and talent are otherworldly, I still listen to her songs from Glee on my playlist and even though it’s been almost 3 years, it never hurt less. She’s deeply missed and I’m forever thankful for the example she set to help many of us accept themselves. We’re so lucky we got to witness her talent and I know I’ll hold on to her forever. ✨

Samir

Some of the scenes in this are kind of weird and awkward, but I just think about how hard it must have been to film, I think every tear shed in there was real, for Cory.

Sophie R

Every part of this episode upsets me, but Nayas song is haunting considering how she died, and Leas scenes are just plain heartbreaking. I’ve watched glee so many times I’ve lost count and this episode still makes me cry every time. I remember the first time I watched glee, I was in a really dark place mentally, pretty much as far as you can go without (I don’t even want to say it). When I saw this episode, and Sue was talking about no lesson, no happy ending, I realised actually, she’s wrong. There is a lesson. I can learn from this. I can think about the fact that I may only have a limited number of days, so I should try to enjoy them - obviously it wasn’t that simple, but I really wanted to turn everything around and start again, and try to be happier with myself.

Sophie R

I love that you incorporated Marianne Williamsons quote into this episode. Such a power episode

Marisa Hill

I remember when Cory died, I was shocked and saddened of course, but it didn’t hit me like really translate into genuine grief until Season 5 started and I had to face my favorite show without him. I was dreading and anticipating this episode like everyone else, and when it aired I started watching it until Amber started her song, and then I had to leave the room to go sob for like 20 minutes. I couldn’t even come back to it for a few hours because it really hit me. Not that Finn was gone because it was known before the season started that the show would not try to pretend Finn was still alive, but because the beautiful light that was Cory was really truly gone from the world. This episode was really more like a public grieving session I felt like, and you saw it as well. But it was a catharsis for them and for the fans. Then when Naya disappeared and no one was sure if she was alive or just missing and in trouble, I remember obsessing over news and praying for her to be found one way or the other because the not knowing was so terrible. And then on Cory’s Angel Day (the anniversary of his death) she was found. I’m not a religious person but you will never convince me that Cory didn’t do that. He helped make sure Naya could rest in peace and give her family and Glee family the closure they needed.

Jennifer Adame

I know there are sooooo many comments but today I was re-listening to Jenna (Tina) and Kevin’s (artie) podcast when Ryan Murphy was a guest and hearing them all talk about this episode was truly eye opening. I highly recommend listening to it Atleast the last 30 mins of his part 2 ep. It may help you understand the thought process. Crazy how TODAY was the day I went back and listened. I think about Cory a lot. He made such an impression on me as a kid. He seemed like just the gentlest giant w the biggest heart. He was so talented and deserved a long happy and successful life. However I think we all feel so blessed to have so many memories of him on film. We got to see him grow and become such a star.

Liv Heskett

Now I've already seen this episode on my own so I don't know why I thought it would be a good idea to watch this reaction on my work break knowing I'd have to go right back to work afterwards. I am a mess. Such a heartbreaking episode. I can't imagine what it would have been like for them to film this.

Kenithea Hodges

First of all, love that poem! Second, I do agree that the Beiste/Puck dialogue wasn’t as strong, but I still enjoy the scene. What I don’t like is Emma’s reaction to Tina. Don’t like that they still made a selfish Tina joke but also there is nothing wrong with worrying how someone’s death will effect you. Also you’re right about Schue, but grief does things to people that they won’t normally do. Some fact about this episode: Chris was originally supposed to sing Stand By You but couldn’t get through it, so he gave it to Amber. Blaine didn’t have a big part because Darren requested not to be super involved. Heather is missing because she just had her baby, and Dianna isn’t there because she was busy filming a movie and couldn’t or didn’t want to fit it into her schedule. (Many fans believe that it’s because Ryan and Lea didn’t invite her, but that isn’t true.) Most of the scenes were filmed in 1 take. The ending that Rachel talked about to Schue was the og ending that Ryan Murphy had in mind since the show begin. Very sweet sounding, but not the most practical as the characters/show developed. Lea didn’t have the strength to do much, so she was only in 3 scenes which were filmed first, and she chose her song. It’s still the only glee episode she has not seen. It makes me cry even more now because of Naya. Also Marks death isn’t as sad to the fans because he was convinced of child pornography possession. Overall, think of the episode/mourning approach as the cast for Cory, and not so much the character’s for Finn.

Selma Jabr

i know Mark did wrong but his friendship with cory was real they were best frineds in real life and you can see the loss and pain that he felt same with all the cast and leas omg heartbreaking.... would still love to see your reaction to leas song if you say so which she wrote shortly after corys death

megan vickers

this is the one i have been waiting for...... this was non scripted ep all the emotions are real

megan vickers

This episode is super emotional, only scenes i didn't like was Tina/Emma and Beiste/Puck scenes mainly because of Marks acting (which were real emotions) but unfortunately didn't translate that well on screen. Also really appreciated how the main focus were all the OG cast who new Finn/Cory the most except Darren who asked specifically not to have any dialogue or be focused on as it was too emotional for him.

Gigi

The Glee logo with the silhouette of Finn in it was actually fan art that someone on the show saw, and got permission to use for the show.

Cory Stanish

Correction: It WAS planned but not until the end of the song.

Heida

Lea chose for the show to continue. Ryan left the decision to her, if you believe what he says.

Cassie Gleek

I can honestly say, I have never rewatched this episode after the first airing, but I definitely cried just as hard this time as I did the first time. 😭😭💔💔

Karlee Liner

My daughter and I watched this video on YouTube after Cory's death of he and Naya together it just showed how close they where https://youtu.be/QHGaDoMiSuA

ANDREW VELAZQUEZ

I was dreading this episode but I told myself I would watch it with you Audrey. I watched this episode about 10 years ago sobbing all through it. This time it was easier to watch because I love the music in it and watch the videos quite a lot. I serious have no idea how Lea made it through 2 episodes and then this one. My uncle met Cory in a grocery store and he said he truly was the nicest guy. It’s so sad to lose someone who everyone loves and I can only imagine what that cast went through grieving with the world. Drugs and addiction really do take away people who should be in the world. I don’t like that the newer cast was sidelined. They knew Finn as a teacher and looked up to him.

Georgia Beauchemin

For information, the plan that Rachel said she had about coming back home after Broadway was the original planned ending for the show up until this moment when it became impossible for obvious reasons.

Clara Gros-Louis

Thank you Audrey for the poem at the end. I have been watching all of your glee watch party and just wanted to say you are such a special soul. I am sure I can speak for a lot of us when I say we appreciate you so much and are so grateful for you.

Maryanne Miraaney

Yep, still makes me cry! 2013 was a rough year for me personally, just a few months before Cory passed, my uncle died of a heroin overdose…March 1, 2013. None of us knew he was using again and I was heartbroken that he died alone and suffering. Glee was my comfort show and I watched it all the time, when I felt anxious, depressed, nervous etc. I loooved Cory and I thought his relationship with Lea was the cutest thing. On the night he died I was actually watching Glee in my apartment with my boyfriend trying to get him into it when my mom called and told me Cory died. I was a WRECK. I didn’t know him personally but felt like I had lost a friend. I stayed in bed all weekend and my boyfriend fed me chocolate. Thinking back on it now, I feel like I was transferring some of the grief I felt for my uncle onto this actor that I never actually knew. I felt horrible for Lea, who was so young and alone with paparazzi parked outside her house waiting for her to come out. Kate Hudson actually allowed her and her family to meet up and stay at her own house because it was more secluded. When this episode aired, I cried all the way through it. I have NO idea how any of them got through any scenes they filmed, especially Lea and Naya, who stepped up to be the lead because Lea just couldn’t. She ran to the bathroom to cry in between filming and has never seen this episode. Every line she said was what she said to Ryan during different meetings they had after he passed. Fun fact - I have the memorial logo from this episode as a car decal, my mom made it for me 🥰 RIP Cory, can’t believe it’s been 10 years.

JustAlyssa87

OMG!OMG! it's finally here!.water works I'm ready crying1 was listening to the podcast of Kevin & Jenna today and they where talking about NAYA, Cory, and Mark and their lose ..so right now is super sad and heavy. Audrey thank you for doing this for us!!

Linda

The saddest part of this episode was the fact that nayas breakdown during if I die young was actually her reaction it wasn’t planned and the other cast members didn’t know how to react

Jay Lock

The story Rachel told about her leaving Broadway and coming back to Lima to settle down with Finn was the original ending that the show writers were planning use before Cory died. A couple of years after Glee ended Lea and Darren went on tour together and their closing number was Make You Feel My Love. They performed it without microphones and music provided by Darren's acoustic guitar.

Wayne Joy

That was rough. I literally cried from beginning to end. It’s so hard to see them all in their true grief. The looks in their eyes especially Naya. Did you know that they filmed this episode 3 weeks after he died just like Kurt says in the intro.

Aleshia Bernal

Lea Michelle’s performance wrecked me 😭

Chantal Soto

i know this is WILDLY off topic but i honestly think ryan murphy HATED Jenna because in an episode like THIS why would you give Tina a scene like that??? sue i could see but TINA???

malaki

I feel like her scenes are the ones that get me the hardest. That whole scene in the bedroom really as it's such a real thing that people go through all the time after a loved one passes. What to do with the stuff, when is the right time to deal with it, etc. And especially when it's a child. Something you never expect to have to deal with and never should have to. It just absolutely guts me.

Jennifer Lawrence

The one thing that always made me mad about this episode on the streaming services was that they reput in the end credit music on them. From what I heard when it first aired it was silent on the end credits but when they put it on streaming services the put the music back, no idea why but it makes me so mad.

Gigi

Yeah, I feel like it was how he delivered the lines that made it awkward. The pacing seemed... Off.

Jennifer Lawrence

Today was already a hard day so I went into the episode already pretty emotional. But while watching I got the text that my mom made it through the 5 hour surgery. You're right about the lesson thing, though, as something that has been on my mind a lot the last few years. Especially with covid and then my mom's cancer diagnosis. You never know when you could lose someone and what will be your last words to them, last interaction, etc. Cancer already took someone from me years ago who was younger than me. I'd known him since he was in highschool and was like a brother. I always think to myself that it's so wrong for someone to die young. My brother, who was his best friend recently got married and it still breaks my heart that he couldn't be there as my brother was the best man at his wedding. There's just so much in life that's out of your control. But, you can control your own actions. Like what Kurt said to Santana about being kind.

Jennifer Lawrence

Those scenes with Puck felt awkward because Mark is just a terrible actor. I don’t think it was as noticeable in the early seasons but season 4 onwards, just bad.

Tiffany

The writers really did Jenna dirty this season. And I'm sure Jenna hated that scene as well, but was probably grieving too much to speak up against it. I know she's talked about it a little bit on her and Kevin's podcast.

mightstill

this episode will never not make me cry no matter how many times i see it, and especially seeing the cast’s real tears and pain and any time they show a picture of cory it gets me. he deserved to be here with us today, and naya too. it’s so heartbreaking. what always gets me is rachel and mr schue’s conversation especially because lea said it was verbatim her actual conversation with ryan murphy and that makes it hurt 10x more.

fry

Can please react to full versions of the songs from this episode?

Jillian Davis

Carole's breakdown broke me. It always stood out to me too, that Darren didn't say a single word in the whole episode and only sang during the opening number.

Cassie Gleek

I agree with you on the scene in the locker room. I think the awkwardness had less to do with the script and more to do with the fact that the acting skill of Mark Salling (the actor who played Puck) was not as high as everyone else on the show. I think his performance just didn't give Dot Marie Jones (Coach Beiste) much to work off of so her side of the scene wasn't as good as she normally is either. That being said, I'm guessing that trying to give a good performance when you're that wrecked with grief is just about impossible.

Kathy Hutchinson

Not just this year, actually next month.

Lucario Stormblade007

I don't think this episode ever gets easier to watch- from watching it the first time it aired I was in tears- and nothing changed tonight watching it. I can't believe this year marks the 10th anniversary.

HeatherB

This episode was such a train wreck, emotionally. I even came armed with a box of tissues, and still went through half of it. As someone already mentioned it, the plaque read, “The show must go… all over the place, or something.” He had said it in season 2, episode 17. https://youtu.be/LT07T931g68 Watching Naya break down in “If I die young” was especially difficult, considering that all 3 of the actors that passed did just that, (Cory at the age of 31, Naya at the age of 33, and Mark at the age of 35). Even if nobody else says it; if you need help, please, do not hesitate to reach out for it. With this being Pride Month, a lot of people are struggling with their feelings for other people, or haven’t even revealed that side of themselves to the ones they love, for fear of rejection, retaliation, or something else. That’s ok, if you don’t feel comfortable or safe coming out, you don’t have to. All I would ask, is that you are true to yourself first, before anyone or anything else. As a wise person once said, “if you can’t love yourself, how the hell can you love someone else?”

Lucario Stormblade007

From the very first note of "Seasons of Love", I started tearing up. And then every time I'd calmed and my tears stopped, something else would make them come right back. As for how each character reacted... I don't blame anyone anything. Grief is a very personal, weird thing. Everyone experiences and processes it differently, and there is no wrong way. That is what a certified grief counselor would say - there is no wrong way to grieve. And idk, maybe the writing wasn't great it spots, but hey, the writers were grieving too. They definitely came back and did this episode way too early for everyone's sake.

mightstill

I've been dreading this. I've only watched the entire episode in full twice. It was so hard watching it for the first time but I feel like it helped me "accept" that he was gone. I genuinely felt like a friend had died. It's been almost 10 years but I'm still so sad when I think about it. Of course Rachel and Santana's scenes are some of the saddest, but the scene that really breaks me is Kurt, Burt and Carole in Finn's room. Especially Carole's line: "You have to keep on being a parent, even though you don't get to have a child anymore." I know it's not really acting but Romy Rosemont is incredible in that scene. The scenes with Puck and Beiste were heartbreaking too and I don't agree that it was "off". Other good lines are Kurt's "Shame is a wasted emotion" and Sue's "It's just so pointless, all that potential...", which is both so true (at least in that context). I think what Sue meant is that a young and gifted person like Finn dying is such a waste of what could have been, not that his life (or any life) was pointless. At least that's how I took it. I actually think it made sense for Sue to react the way she did. What didn't make sense was Tina, but then again, nothing since S3 has made sense about Tina. Some people were weirded out by Will taking the jacket because he was so attached to his former student, but considering how he had acted prior to his death I think it made perfect sense. I think he felt a tremendous amount of guilt for losing so much time with Finn because he was acting like a child after the Emma kiss. Say what you want about Will, but he genuinely cared about these kids. I do agree it was pretty shitty to Puck though. As people probably told you when you reacted to the performance, Naya's breakdown was scripted but much later (at the end of the performance). Also, considering how she died, the lyrics "Sink me in the river at dawn" take on a whole new meaning. And Puck and the tree... if you know that Mark hung himself from a tree. Creepy. The fantasy Rachel describes to Shue was how the show was supposed to end. I get why you'd question if she would leave Broadway for him and come back to Lima, but... let's just wait and see what happens. Finn's cause of death was deliberately not mentioned because, much like Kurt, they wanted to focus on how he lived and not how he died. There were mixed opinions on that but I personally think it was the right call. It wasn't really necessary for the plot anyway. However, Kurt's line is pretty much identical to what Carol said when she told Finn that his father died of an overdose. I haven't seen any confirmation but apparently an early draft had Finn dying of a drug overdose. Also, while Quinn was very missed, Dianna has shut down the rumours that Ryan didn't want her back for the episode. Pretty sure it was because she was filming a movie (The Family with Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Tommy Lee Jones). And Heather obviously wasn't there because of her pregnancy. Interesting fact: The title card, which has Finn/Cory in the Glee logo, was made by a fan. And the quote on the plaque is "The show must go...all over the place...or something" which is an actual Finn quote from S2E17 "A Night of Neglect". Sidenote: I would love it if you reacted to Glee and Lea winning at the Teen Choice Awards, which was held just a few weeks after Cory's death. Kevin, Jenna and Amber made speeches, as did Lea, who made a surprise appearance. There was not a dry eye in the house. https://youtu.be/ogsw2gfpGhY

Heida

the actual quote was "the show's gotta go all over the place or something" from night of neglect but I can't exactly blame them for messing it up a bit

Nicole M

Ohhh lord here we go💔 the most difficult episode to rewatch but always a pleasure to honor Cory by seeing how his Glee family honored him. This is definitely when the show lost its soul. Cuz it has some episodes with heart from here on, but the soul is gone…

Manfred

I’m only halfway through the first song and I’m already crying. GODDD. The first time I watched this episode I cried nonstop, just 45 minutes of tears 😭

🍭

Such a difficult episode to rewatch. All of the emotions are so raw and real it’s hard not to let the tears flow. This episode was shot backwards, which is why I think the beginning was so much more impactful than the end. They were all apprehensive about this episode and Lea came in and shot her song and scenes as a way to give them encouragement to finish the rest of the episode. They have said that they could pretty much only do one take of each scene because there was so much emotion coming through the actors and most of it wasn’t them acting, it was them living their grief. You can tell that the grief is real because we see the actors comforting each other in the background and you can see who are actually really close in real life. The scene with Carol, Burt, and Kurt never fails to hit me hard. Romy Rosemont is a phenomenal actress and she has said that she really did feel like a mom to all these cast members. I imagine the deaths of the three hit her pretty hard, but especially Cory since he played her son. I like that they had the OG cast members take the lead on the songs for this episode since they were the ones who spent the most time with Cory. It’s too bad that Heather and Dianna couldn’t join them for the episode. I would have liked to have seen them be with the rest of the cast (Heather had just given birth and Dianna was not available due to filming or some other commitment that she couldn’t get out of). Darren has said that he asked them not to focus on him at all during background shots because he was super emotional the whole time. Even Amber in the scenes that they shot first (ones where she was wearing a hat) was having so much trouble holding it together. Naya was at the forefront of this episode because of her close relationship with Cory offscreen, which surprised a lot of people because their characters were at odds with each other in the beginning. Naya stepped in and took on a bunch of emotional scenes and we really got to see how amazing an actor she is and a consummate professional. Her singing “If I Die Young” always broke my heart because you could see how much emotion went into it with regard to Cory, but hearing it now after she’s passed and how haunting those lyrics are knowing what happens to her makes it even more emotionally gut wrenching for me. Her breakdown was scripted, however it was meant to happen after she finished the song. You can see the worry on Matthew Morrison and Harry Shum’s faces because they knew that she was losing her composure and they are the ones to approach her because they were really close to her in real life. She still made the scene work though by screaming and running out so that they didn’t have to try and reshoot that scene. Santana confronting Sue was amazing. I’m glad they had her do it because Santana was on the road to becoming another Sue before she started to realize that she could be different and be better. I wish they would have broken character for Sue for just this episode so that we could see that vulnerability and that it could send a better message. Naya just continues to amaze me with her talent and how well she infuses her emotion into her acting and how strongly she connects with the audience on that. It’s something that all her costars continually remember and talk about whenever they pay tribute to her. That talent was on display all throughout this episode. Mike O’Malley, who plays Burt, even wrote her a note thanking her for leading them and keeping them together throughout this episode. Also, I love Kurt and Santana’s friendship, they have such a nice bond and they support each other so well on the show. I love that he gave her the jacket after their scene and stood up for her when it was stolen. I hate that Mr. Schue did both Puck and Santana wrong in those scenes when he knew that he stole it. I’m sure he had plenty of other things to remember Finn by. The plaque said, “The show must go…all over the place…or something” It was a quote from Finn in the first season. And Rachel talking about how she would come back after achieving her dreams and saying to Finn, “I’m home” Is the way that Ryan Murphy originally wanted the series to end. Thank you for reading that poem by Marianne Williamson at the end. I have that up in my office and refer my clients to it when they struggle with letting themselves be seen. When we stand up and let ourselves shine it’s such an amazing accomplishment because the forces that try to keep us down are so strong that we deserve to celebrate when we can overcome those things and we can use our awesomeness to inspire others and make this world a much better place.

Gemma Rivera

GOOD SWEET BADY JESUES LAWWWD im NOT READY AT ALL i may have to wait cause ill be crying myself to sleep with this oneee

simon

OMG …

Rafael Gunji

I just said the exact same thing! No matter how many times I rewatch the series, I am never ready for this episode.

Breanne S

Alrighty, lemme get a drink, my blanky, and a box of tissues.

Annie Willow

Yeah before I noticed I wondered why she was so happy to start the episode, lol. Definitely a mislink

Jennifer Lawrence

I AM NOT READY

Jarah Bethany

why is this showing me season 5 episode 1?........someone boo boo ed :)

marc michaud

This episode is definitely the hardest episode of Glee to watch because it is clear the cast wasn't acting. Much of what was shot for the episode was done in one take because the cast had a hard time shooting this episode. This episode is even harder to watch now because of Naya's passing, her bigger role in this episode because of her real life friendship with Cory, and the song she sings in this episode ("If I Die Young" was a great cover but definitely hard to listen to now). Lea's performance is hard to watch knowing her and Cory were together at the time of his death. The one thing about this episode I would've changed is Tina's scene with Emma. This episode was a great tribute for Cory/Finn but the one thing that is out of place is Tina's scene. Every time I've watched this episode since it originally aired I skip over Tina's scene. If I was Jenna I would've been mad and uncomfortable if I saw what she had to say as Tina in the script for this episode.

Morgan

Yes

Jennifer Lawrence

Is anyone’s else’s showing season 5 episode 1 instead?!?!

Meredith Hatley

I haven't started it but this is going WRECK me. It wrecked me the first time I watched it, it'll wreck me again.

Megan Christina

OMGG YESS LET ME GET MY FOOD AND TISSUES

anthony