The ‘Glee’ Cory Monteith/Finn Hudson Tribute Episode Has Started Production

Over the past few weeks we’ve been hearing a lot of news about the upcoming tribute episode to Cory Monteith on the new season of Glee. Initially, writers on the show were gearing up to create a script that would use Cory‘s character Finn to actually deal directly with the issue of addiction, but creator Ryan Murphy later had a change of heart. He decided, instead, to create a tribute episode that would be more celebratory of Finn‘s life than anything. The final script has been written and the Glee cast has started production on the episode. Click inside to hear what sources are saying about this important moment.

E! has the story:

“Gut-wrenching” and “so, so good.”

We’ve talked to sources who have read the script for Glee’s Cory Monteith tribute episode, which is scheduled to begin production today in Los Angeles, and by all accounts, it does not disappoint.

“You will cry from beginning to end,” says one insider.

“I cried as I read it, on every page,” says another.

No spoilers here, but we can tell you that the episode takes place in Lima, Ohio, and centers around the death of Cory’s character Finn Hudson. As promised, it is not revealed how Finn died, but the episode starts off with the news of his death and then moves on to focus on all the characters remembering and mourning him, and celebrating his life.

We are told that Lea Michele (Rachel) does not appear in the episode until the final act. Her presence is limited but incredibly powerful. And yes, she does sing.

We can also tell you that Santana (Naya Rivera) has a great, memorable part in the episode…

“Just read Cory Monteith memorial episode,” Jane Lynch tweeted on Wednesday. “Most beautiful thing. Thank you, @MrRPMurphy @BFalchuk Ian Brennan.”

Glee creator Ryan Murphy previously revealed he felt it best not to include Finn’s cause of death in Cory’s tribute episode.

“At one point, we were going to have his character die after an accidental drug overdose—that was something we had considered,” he said. “But we have decided that we’re not going to have him pass from that.”

It sounds like fans will be both moved and pleased with this tribute to Cory. I can’t imagine what it will be like to sit through it, but I expect it to be a difficult, and necessary experience. I also thought it made a lot of sense to have Lea‘s character have a little less screen time; it sounds like they are really trying to be sensitive to everyone’s needs here.

The new season of Glee will premiere September 26 on Fox.