The Glee series introduced a plethora of memorable characters who went through extraordinary development throughout the course of the show. One such character was Finn Hudson, played by Cory Monteith. Finn was the quintessential all-American boy, a football star with a heart of gold who stumbles into the world of show choirs. Over the first four seasons, we witnessed Finn's journey from an initially hesitant participant in the Glee club to a strong and committed leader.

His journey made him a central figure in many of the series' primary story arcs. Finn's storyline was characterized by discovering his true identity outside football, navigating his relationships with his girlfriend Rachel Berry (played by Lea Michele) and other club members, and struggling with his future prospects after high school. His character was universally loved for his simplicity, genuineness, and infectious charm.

2. Cory Monteith's Death

In a tragic turn of events that shocked fans worldwide, Cory Monteith, the actor portraying Finn, was found dead in his hotel room on July 13, 2013, due to a deadly combination of heroin and alcohol. His untimely death at the age of 31 came as a profound shock, leaving fans and co-stars emotionally devastated.

The cast and creators of Glee, who had become a family during their time together, mourned the loss of Monteith. The show also faced the massive challenge of addressing his sudden death in a way that respected both Monteith and the character he portrayed. Monteith's actual cause of death was never explicitly addressed in the show.

3. The Tribute Episode 'The Quarterback'

Glee acknowledged Cory Monteith's death in the third episode of season five, titled 'The Quarterback.' The storyline focused on the sudden death of Finn Hudson, mirroring Monteith's real-life demise. It represented Finn's death without giving explicit details about how he passed away.

The episode started with Kurt Hummel (played by Chris Colfer) narrating that everyone knew Finn, and his death was sudden and shocking. Throughout the episode, various characters expressed their grief and remembered their times with Finn. The omission of the cause of Finn's death is particularly noteworthy, as it enabled the episode to focus on the characters' grief, reflecting the real-life sorrow of the cast members.

4. Reaction from Fans and Critics

Given its sensitive and heartbreaking subject matter, 'The Quarterback' received widespread acclaim from critics and viewers. The episode was lauded for its raw and emotional depiction of grief, with particularly high praise directed at performances by Lea Michele and Chris Colfer.

Fans appreciated the tasteful handling of Monteith's death and praised the show for declining to exploit his death. On various social media platforms and fan forums such as Reddit and Tumblr, fans expressed their condolences and shared their favourite Finn moments. Many appreciated how the episode served as a fitting tribute to both Finn Hudson and Cory Monteith.

5. Legacy of Finn Hudson

Despite his untimely demise, Finn Hudson's character had a lasting influence on the remaining seasons of Glee. His influence was evident in the actions and decisions of his fellow characters, specifically those of his girlfriend, Rachel Berry, who carried on her dream of becoming a Broadway star in his memory.

Furthermore, nods to Finn’s legacy were made throughout the series, like Rachel's decision to get Finn's 'Quarterback' tattoo or his photo displayed prominently in the classroom. Even within the final moments of Glee's last episode, 'Dreams Come True', Finn was remembered and honoured, ensuring his character's legacy remains intact, despite his absence in these later seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Finn Hudson die in Glee?

In the show Glee, the death of Finn Hudson is reflected as his real-life actor Cory Monteith's death. Nevertheless, the series decided not to disclose the cause, choosing instead to focus on the grief of the characters and celebrate Finn's life.

2. Did the cast of Glee know about Cory Monteith's death?

Yes. The entire cast was shattered by Monteith's death, and the production took a break to allow the crew and cast members to mourn and process their grief.

3. What episode of Glee did Finn die?

The third episode of the fifth season, titled 'The Quarterback', dealt with the death of Finn Hudson.

References

1. Stack, Tim (October 11, 2013). "'Glee' says goodbye to Finn: What did you think?". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 14, 2013.

2. 'Glee and Cory Monteith Tribute Episode: 'The Show Has to Go On.'News. Retrieved November 15, 2016.

3. Raftery, Liz (October 10, 2013). 'Glee' Recap: 'The Quarterback' pays tribute to Cory Monteith. TV Guide. Retrieved March 25, 2017.

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