The set of "Glee" has been uncharacteristically somber as the cast and crew film the Finn Hudson tribute episode, which is really a tribute to Cory Monteith, the late actor who played Finn. Co-star Kevin McHale said that it was "hard to get through" the tribute for Monteith, and that it was an "extremely emotional" shoot.
McHale, who plays Artie Abrams on the show, told TVLine that although there was "no 'right' way to do it," he said he was impressed by the episode's script.
"There are so many incredibly well written and powerful scenes," McHale said.
McHale also pointed out that there is one scene in particular that is especially moving. "When [the cast] got the script, we were all reading it together and we were like, 'Did you get to that one scene.' And when you see it everyone will know what that one scene is," McHale revealed.
McHale said that the characters will have varied reactions to Finn's death, and that some of the reactions may surprise viewers. McHale said that some cast members "are having to play reactions that they obviously would not feel in real-life, and that's a weird thing to play. Because you want people to know how you actually feel. But [Ryan Murphy & Co. are staying true to] the characters, and that's the smart thing to do."
Some characters will be in denial about the sudden death, which McHale says is an emotion that none of the cast members are currently feeling.
"Some people aren't dealing with the loss of Finn, and it's a difficult thing because in real life none of us were like that," McHale said. "We were all very much dealing with it."
Monteith, who played the football star-turned-Glee clubber Finn, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room due to a heroin and alcohol overdose on July 13. The world, and especially the cast of 'Glee' was shocked and devastated upon learning of Monteith's untimely death. Monteith was 31.
It was been particularly devastating for Lea Michele, Monteith's real-life and on-screen girlfriend. Michele has handled the tragic death with remarkable strength, delving right back into work on the set of "Glee," which she says is like "home." Michele was seen wearing a "Finn" necklace on set for the tribute, similar to the "Cory" necklace that she often wears as a testament to her late boyfriend.
Michele will only appear at the end of the memorial episode to sing a heartfelt song.
The episode will be called "The Quarterback," referencing Finn's position on the McKinley High Football team.
Some recurring characters who have been absent from the show will also return to take part in the heart wrenching farewell tribute. Dot Marie-Jones, who plays Coach Beiste, will be returning for the episode. Marie-Jones said earlier this year that she wasn't sure how often she will appear in the upcoming season, but she will return to say goodbye to the beloved cast member. Romy Rosemont, who plays Carole Hudson-Hummel, Finn's mother, will return for the tribute.
The first two episodes before the memorial episode will be a two-part Beatles tribute. The episodes will feature the characters singing a medley of classic songs from the iconic British band.
"Glee" premieres on Thursday, September 26 on Fox. The Finn/Monteith tribute episode will air on October 10.