In a candid interview over the weekend, “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy told E! that the producers, cast, and crew are looking to star Lea Michele for decisions about the show after the death of co-star Cory Monteith.
Monteith was found dead on July 13, 2013 of a drug and alcohol overdose after a long struggle with addiction. He was Lea Michele’s boyfriend.
In the heartfelt interview, Murphy said that “Glee” will return to Fox on Sept. 26 (one week later than the original air date) for just three episodes to deal with the death of Monteith’s character, Finn. After that, the show will go on hiatus until further decisions are made about how to handle the situation.
Michele’s decision, according to Murphy, was, in part, so that everyone could grieve together. He said that grief counselors will be brought to the set to help. Read the entire interview.
This seems smart. First, the 3-episode bridge will give the cast and crew a chance to grieve together. Second, I’m glad Ryan Murphy isn’t just pushing through a “show must go on” thing (not that he would), because bringing Lea into it shows that they’re really a family who loves and is looking out for each other.
Also, I’ve been thinking that addiction is such a scary beast. Here’s a guy who LOOKS healthy, looks like he’s on top of the world, looks like all is fine, and yet, underneath it all is this horrible demon. He doesn’t look like a drug addict, you know? It just goes to show that whatever you see on the outside, there may be something completely different underneath the facade.
Melanie Votaw, do you think the show will go on eventually? Any insights there? It seems to me they could rejigger things and take it in a new direction…
I have to agree with my pal Roger Friedman of showbiz411 when he says he doesn’t care what statement Ryan Murphy has issued. There are contracts. He’s going to do what makes a sound business decision. If the show is taped out maybe he’ll go with that. Otherwise, if there’s still money to be made and a contract, they will keep going.
Right, and aside from the legalities of the contracts and such, a whole bunch of people would be out of work. It’s an ensemble show, so they have to think about everyone involved.
Yes, and as he mentioned in his interview, Lea was thinking about that. No matter how you slice it, some people are going to be out of work for a few months. I’m not sure how all the Union contracts work in that regard.
I don’t think anyone knows. The ratings will be good for those 3 shows, but I’m not sure they’ll be an indication of what to expect ratings-wise when it comes back later without Cory. If Lea decides not to return, I think they’ll cancel, based on what Murphy said in the interview.
If Lea decides not to continue, I don’t think they’ll have a show, though, and no network is going to air something that isn’t going to fly.
This is all so very sad! It is a powerful reminder of the widespread and devastating consequences of addiction.