‘Glee’ season 5 spoilers: Fox boss talks Cory Monteith’s tribute, PSAs to air

While at the TCA summer press tour today, “Glee” was of course a hot topic for Fox head Kevin Reilly. The successful show is in the process of going through something very difficult in the death of Cory Monteith, and there are of course a number of questions that come with that. For example, is there any way to really balance out the tragedy with hope for some of the characters, and for the passing to be done tastefully on the show so it does not feel like a simple plot point?

Based on what we are hearing, Reilly and everyone at the show are taking care to make this episode poignant for the show, but also very important for everyone watching at home. Reilly suggested that show creator Ryan Murphy and cast members will take part in anti-drug public service announcements that air throughout the hour. (Monteith died from a mixture of heroin and alcohol in his system.)

Reilly also did not possibly rule out the show using some old footage of Monteith’s Finn to bridge the gap between the start of the season and this tribute episode airing on Thursday, October 10. This is something that “Dallas” did earlier this year to create a scene for Larry Hagman’s J.R. Ewing using clips that were recorded, but never made it onto a past broadcast. From a personal standpoint, this is something we would only want to see if necessarily for the show and done in a tasteful fashion. Otherwise, you run the risk of it coming across extraordinarily odd.

“Glee” will be starting production very soon on season 5, and we will have more on this episode and some of the lighter hours ahead soon. Meanwhile, you can read more about who the show is planning to cast for the season by visiting the story over at the link here.

Photo: Fox