Glee Sings Farewell to “The Quarterback”

Credit: Glee/Fox

This week, Glee said farewell to Finn Hudson (played by the late Cory Monteith) in
“The Quarterback”.

In this tearful tribute, the past and current members of the New Directions Glee Club came together for a special memorial in honour and remembrance of their dearly departed friend, and they expressed their immense feelings the best way they could – through song.

The episode begins with a stirring group performance of “Seasons of Love” from RENT, which sets the tone for how the characters (and its cast) chooses to remember both Finn and Cory – not by the circumstances of how he died, but by the love he gave during his time with them. Under the guidance of Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison), the group is invited to share performances in honour of Finn, and it is Mercedes Jones (Amber Riley) who begins by covering The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You” (one of Finn/Cory’s signature solos from Season 1) as a nod to his legacy as a devoted leader and friend. Artie Abrams (Kevin McHale) and Sam Evans (Chord Overstreet) duet to James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” in a lament on their fallen young friend with so much promise and potential – in this moment, you remember that these characters are just teenagers and you realize how difficult it must be for them to cope with the thought of never seeing their pal again. Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera) sings The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” as she struggles with the shame and guilt of leaving her true feelings about Finn unsaid in the wake of his sudden passing. Puck (Mark Salling) sings to his best friend (and personal quarterback) on Bruce Springsteen’s “No Surrender“, reminiscing on their brotherly friendship and trying hard to find the strength to move forward. Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) dedicates a devastatingly emotional rendition (of the Adele version of Bob Dylan’s) “Make You Feel My Love” to her duet partner, friend, lover, and soulmate. Lea herself chose this song, which held significant meaning for her relationship with Cory.

Without a doubt, these were some of the most challenging performances this cast will have ever had to endure, because not only did the actors have to show their characters’ grief, but their own as well. With vulnerability and heart, the Glee cast delivered beautiful tributes for Finn Hudson and Cory Monteith, capturing the spirits of both a beloved character and an incredible man.

While a song may not bring a loved one back, music helps keep their memory alive and begin the process of healing.

“The show must go… all over the place… or something.” – Finn Hudson (1994-2013)

Songs from “The Quarterback” can be purchased through iTunes. All proceeds will go to Project Limelight, a performing arts program for the kids and youth of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, and an organization very close to Cory’s heart.