FOX head, Kevin Reilly addressed the sudden death of Glee star, Cory Monteith at today’s FOX executive session at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Beverly Hills.
Entertainment Tonight reports that the Cory tribute will be a blend of fiction, and documentary, with the cast members participating in PSAs directed at the audience. Cory’s drug abuse will be dealt with explicitly. Also, iTunes proceeds from the show will be used to start a foundation in Cory’s memory.
“The third episode will write Finn out of the show. That episode will deal directly with the incidents involved with Cory’s passing and the drug abuse in particular,” he said, but would not confirm that Finn dies of a drug overdose.
“Ryan [Murphy] will shoot some PSA’s with the cast, who will speak directly to the audience.” Additionally, all the proceeds from the music in that episode will go to forming a foundation in Monteith’s memory.
Reilly would neither confirm nor deny that the episode will make use of never-before-seen footage and/or outtakes of Cory. “It’s a possibility,” he said.
I’m guessing the episode will shift back and forth between the Glee world and the real world. I doubt that Finn will pass from a drug overdose, because that would be totally out of character (Yeah. I know. This is Glee. But still.) But the episode will feature outreach and resources for viewers who may be struggling with addiction.
For instance, interspersed throughout the Glee episode that dealt with teen suicide and bullying, twere PSAs from the Trevor Project. The show has gone down this road before.
About Cory’s co-star and real life girlfriend, Lea Michele, Reilly reportedly said, “Lea Michele has just been an extraordinary human being and a pillar of strength in this.”
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