Ryan Murphy Regrets 'Glee' Cory Monteith Tribute Episode

Graeme O'Neil reacts to "Glee" co-creator Ryan Murphy saying he regrets doing the season 5 episode, "The Quarterback", which paid tribute to Cory Monteith after his passing.

[@lonellfletcher]

Of all the Glee Episodes, The Quarterback is not one Murphy should regret.

[@carinalindberg7377]

Agreed, the fans needed the opportunity to grieve with the cast.

[@emfishr]

Well he needed to consider where everyone who knew him was in their grieving process and the fans don’t really matter in that situation. Sure we were fans, but we didn’t really know him. I would’ve been ok with it ending.

[@jeffreywillstewart]

@@emfishr it was about high school. We knew it would end soon. Finn and Puck were not freshmen.

[@emfishr]

@@jeffreywillstewart That’s not my point and you know that.

[@torimitchell5210]

It’s one of the best episodes I think

[@mollysimpson680]

The quarterback episode was a freaking prophecy in and of itself Naya Rivera singing if I die young. The whole sink me in the river at Dawn, I still cry. Puck saying that he would be in jail or dead or both… and the Mark tried convicted and dead…. It was eerie it was spot on it was terrifying. It also reminded us all that life is far to short.

[@meganarchibald1490]

Damn I didn't even think about this. Wow.

[@psychandtheology]

I wish it hadn't been so prophetic. Hope Naya got her satin. 😢

[@dianeandrzejak2221]

If you watch the Quarterback, they show Puck & Santana at the end of the song & also it was drug related to get Finn to join the Glee Club. I can’t remember what episode it was but Puck acted like he was hanging himself also, I’ve noticed a lot of similarities between the show & real life. It’s kind of scary!

[@devinxoxo8350]

@@dianeandrzejak2221 also the fact that the big reveal was Finn’s dad actually died of a drug overdose and they hid that from him and when he proposes to Rachel (his real life fiancé) he says that he is scared every day of becoming his father.

[@christopherlee8989]

Yeah my wife and I started watching it recently and knowing where they all end up there are a lot of references to Noah puckerman's character being a pedophile who's going to end up in prison and not make it very long.....

[@kikiiza3379]

The Quarterback episode was really well done. I appreciate Naya even more now. Her character was well written and well acted. It's disturbing how Glee inspired? The Girl from Plainville killer. And it's so creepy theres all these deaths of the main Glee cast. Someone has to do a documentary about that one day.

[@JettRaveKid]

There is a documentary now on HBO Max. It's called the " Price of Glee" and it's all about the deaths of glee and other stuff

[@JoMaldy]

How do you appreciate naya even more now … she literally also passed dude.

[@michellesmith9744]

Hands down my favorite episode. Sad and intense, yes, but beautifully done. I commend the team on allowing the audience to be a part of their grief, their love, and tribute to their friend. Naya’s performance, Lea’s song and Matthew’s scene at the end hit me in the heart every time. Ryan Murphy shouldn’t regret this episode.

[@cassandralong6120]

I completely agree 👏🌹🌹🌹🌹. I think it helped everyone process what happened and honored Cory's life in such a beautiful way. Cory will live forever in the hearts and memory of every person who watches that episode because it is so impactful.

[@erinthompson388]

Have you watch Supernatural season 1 episode 2 The Big episode Cory, Jared and Jensen made. where Gary and his friends were camping and playing game boy. Cory's timeline ended on earth July 13th of 2013.

[@jinakaye]

“The Quarterback” is probably one of the best episodes from the series, mainly because the cast cared so much. There were so many more missteps with “Glee” that led to its cancellation: The focus on Rachel for the rest of the run when it had grown to be an ensemble show-that was the biggest misstep of all. Seeing growth in Mercedes, Santana, Kurt, Artie, Sam, and Blaine was awesome. I'm actually a bit more upset that Mike wasn’t included in season 6 until the very end and Tina was relegated to being the token comic relief. Now thinking about it, Kurt and Mercedes' friendship didn’t expand once they were living in New York and that's rather shocking, considering Mercedes was the first person Kurt trusted about his sexual orientation. Yeah, “The Quarterback” is solid compared to the rest of seasons 5 & 6.

[@christinajohnson1730]

In Naya’s book she’s talks about how she was processing everything. Her and Corey were SUPER close friends his death impacted her greatly. After her performance she had a real panic attack and ran off the set, and the director decided to keep it. can’t believe naya is gone as well.

[@Tswifter4ever]

The fact that Naya is now gone too is just so heartbreaking its impossible to watch glee now. Naya not only stepped up in this episode but also the whole season 5. Naya was the most talented in the cast no question. I wish more people got to witness her incredible voice

[@karamelfan]

Everyone grieves differently from what I remember they had to film all Lea's scenes first it was really hard for her

[@AaronNickolas7]

Puck is gone now as well.

[@danieljosephpena6322]

Agreed

[@SL-lz9jr]

@@AaronNickolas7 for a less honorable reason...

[@noahryan9936]

@@AaronNickolas7 as he should be. Sick bastard. He makes rewatching anything Glee related very hard.

[@sersastark]

Seeing Naya sing "if I die young..." and then....🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 like...of all episodes, Ryan, this one was haunting, prophetic, and beautiful.

[@rysachibana1486]

FINN'S MOM (CAROLE) SCENE (FIXING FINN'S STUFF) WAS THE SADDEST PART OF QUARTERBACK EPISODE. 😔

[@kfordgal]

It breaks my heart 😥

[@andyd3447]

The death of the show was when Ryan refused to let go of the original cast after season 3. The show was called Glee not the adventures of Rachel Berry. The newer cast never got a real shot to do anything great because the show was split up between the high school and new york. Ryan gave up on that show way before season 5.

[@sultanaalis]

I agree. They should have done a spin-off series about Rachael in New York.

[@justlive2809]

exactly

[@tbam73]

Yup and yup

[@miagrass]

@@sultanaalis then who would watch it nobody likes berry or the actress really now Santana her own show yes.

[@sultanaalis]

@@miagrass lol not just Berry. I meant Rachel and the OG cast.

[@danielbalderas9796]

I think Ryan doesn't regret the final result, but the emotional toll no one expected to pay when creating the episode. Of course everybody knew it would be tough and emotionally taxing but it was so sad to the point that Naya end up crying and running away of set in the middle of singing.

[@alexaofelia2750]

That makes sense explained in this way. The way it made sense to me was Lea said in an interview when asked if it was hard, she said “honestly it’s all hard. I’m in just as much pain at home as on set, so we may as well do this”

[@delightinmydays3080]

I thought the Quarterback episode was really well done. I think Cory would have appreciated it and I don't feel Cory would have wanted people to remain in sadness or even have the show canceled because of him. I don't know why Ryan thinks it was bad. And I feel like it was a little more for the fans but in some ways I think it did allow the cast to grieve a little bit as well with each other. Also I don't agree that Glee should have just ended though. I understand Cory was a big part of the show but he was not the only cast member. Also from everything I have read and seen interviews of Cory, I don't think that he would have wanted Glee to have been canceled because of him. And I think they should have probably stopped the high school part of it and just focused on New York.

[@cv8499]

I don't think Ryan Murphy felt the episode was bad but that he feels bad for putting the cast through having to film it while they were still in the midst of their grief--especially Lea. It was a lot to ask of them. But it was beautifully done.

[@mpumegabela2217]

The Quarterback episode was perfect. We all mourned him in that episode. We needed it.

[@cassandralong6120]

I'm grateful they did that show. That was very shocking news as a teenager to learn and the episode allowed me and outlet to grieve. Otherwise I think I would have felt a little bit abandoned. For me that episode really cemented Corey's legacy in my mind and memory forever. ❤️🌼

[@LIVEFIREANDREA]

I cried so hard watching that episode I loved his character and personality in real life . He just seems so sweet

[@Caprizonica]

The show died after season 3, not because the new cast but because Murphy got rid of key cast like Naya, Agron, Amber and even Cory who appeared in half of season 4. The rest, Lea, Kurt, Darren weren't fun enough to make up for their absense. They just blamed it on the new cast when obviously the audience didn't have that connection with them so it was intentional somehow. But well, the Heather wasn't around neither by season 5 . It would only pick up pace when Naya was around, that's right.

[@josephensworth7044]

He didn't get rid of Naya..

[@Caprizonica]

@@josephensworth7044 After season 3 her appearances were minimum and she was obviously brought back to try and get the audience back.

[@JJ-oj9bb]

@@Caprizonica lol stop making up things. He didnt bring Naya back to try boosting their ratings. It has always been a plan to reduce her appearances, along with the rest of the OG cast excluding Kurt and Rachel. Their absences were necessary. She was still credited as a main cast member. Besides, Naya was trying out for a music career during this time.

[@JJ-oj9bb]

Dianna chose to leave the show. Cory had problems during s4. Naya was trying to break out into the music scene. Amber was DWTS during this time i believe. Although, i do agree their absences really impacted the show.

[@Mr0011011]

@@JJ-oj9bb They did try to get rid of Naya though. It was part of the thing said in the video to appease Lea Michelres ego because Lea got upset Naya was getting the limelight in S3. And they had to bring her back because the quality dropped when they got rid of her.

[@kriscv5026]

I actually was going to quit the show after the fourth season because I didn’t think the show was handled well after a bunch of the kids graduated. I only continued to watch because Cory died. I wanted to know how they handled it. There have been a lot of terrible writing decisions on that show, but that was actually one of the best episodes.

[@patriciablopez]

I can't see "make you feel my love" without crying, i can't, it was to raw.

[@paulcarvalho977]

I loved Glee, i still love Glee and watch it over and over again, it was heart breaking what happened to Corey, the quarterback episode was amazing and heartwarming and i cried like a baby.

[@lizannfortune5098]

Exactly nia was the performance that made me cry like crazy. Even now I listened to "If I die young "is my sad place song .

[@zenomorph8806]

To be honest. Over the course of the three years they should have continued adding cast and then when the original cast had “graduated” there would have been a line of replacements that were slowly developing. Plus there were undeveloped characters such as Karofsky where his character suddenly disappeared after his usefulness. An entire series could have been developed around that characters life.

[@heathermarie3672]

Yes! And then they brought him back to date Blaine?! That made NO sense. He had talked about what he wanted his future to be. He wanted to be a sports newscaster that was married and had a kid with his husband. They should have had him with his future husband. Not just a filler to cause friction between Kurt and Blaine. The ball was dropped on so many great characters.

[@kidkad7698]

100% agree. That was the most inconsistency of the show : creating new plots, new characters, but finally totally forget them. Lauren has been set aside, same with Karovsky despite having a major role is S3, Joe and Sugar just disappeared after being barely used, ... Then S4 Newbies totally erased in S6. Idk, even though they kept Kitty at least, but Marley could've been a great mentor for S6 newbies too ! So basically they had matterial, they introduced characters all over the 3 first seasons, but never really developped them. Only Sam and Blaine really got bigger.

[@MsBlackhawk69]

The Quarterback and Shooting Star are the 2 most powerful episodes done. The message behind each will always be relevant to any school aged kid. Each are powerful, emotional, heartbreaking and REAL.

[@AbbASongs1]

Omg yes shooting star was incredible, I remember watching it before it was released here, I always watched it twice, it was so intense

[@juliekilkus4510]

Naya carried the emotional weight because she was a fucking master class actress. She and Cory were very close.

[@Mike-wf1nm]

I'm glad they continued for Seasons 5 and 6. The Quarterback was painful, but necessary, IMO. There was still some life left in the show, and some good new storylines and new characters made their mark. However, I agree that the earlier lightness and playfulness was gone--or at least lessened.

[@davisneves]

I was Cory’s housemate before Glee, so glad he got to realize his dream in his young life, greatest guy 🥹💖

[@heathermarie3672]

I appreciate that it went on for 6 seasons, but I would have been fine with it ending when Cory passed. They could have had some sort of series finale that jumped ahead and gave updates. Using some new stuff and some old stuff. Like a montage show.

[@ninaxwings]

I know everyone hates Lea Michele for being awful, but I will always feel a connection and sympathy for her bc I lost my one true love to an accidental overdose/negligent homicide and justice was never served. That’s no excuse to be awful to people, but girl I get it.

[@elhadjhabbouche663]

I don't hate her at all. 😊

[@ninaxwings]

@@elhadjhabbouche663 yay I’m not alone

[@Ciclopea2]

It's just unbelievable that it's been almost a decade since Corey's passing. Glee was a huge hit, but that doesn't buy you things like happiness or mental stability, some of the main cast went through hell in their personal lives, did Ryan Murphy really care as much as he says? who knows really.

[@AA-qb7ni]

It had to be raw and emotional. The audience and cast needed to grieve.

[@timothycardoso1364]

I am so glad the show went on! I think they handled Cory's death quite well.

[@bm2228]

That episode always makes me cry. He is still missed.

[@MADEbySOUL]

Naya was a passionate person who did speak out many times. No matter the media’s attempt to make her appear unflattering.

[@kikiiza3379]

Racism towards her too.

[@javiruiz8365]

Her death really hit me!!! I dunno why, but that one hurt.

[@miagrass]

@@javiruiz8365 bc her was suspicious there's a lot more going on and not telling us.

[@heathermarie3672]

Naya knew everything that went on and she wasn’t shy about telling us! I admired that about her.

[@shinun_yt]

No regrets here. This Episode gave also fans to say goodbye. So thank you Ryan

[@linnycrocus6023]

I remember reading in Naya's book that someone told her that she had to be strong for everyone else. I don't know if it was a producer or whoever?

[@Theatergeek1999]

If I’m not mistaken, I believe it was the actor who played Burt

[@Showman_87]

I do think Glee should've ended after Cory's death, the show truly died along with him because his character was such a crucial part of the story from the beginning. I knew then it would never go back to the happy show it was before now that a huge void was there, I stopped watching after the Quarterback episode, it was just too difficult to look at Glee the same anymore. But I'm glad they did that episode because it showed how deeply the cast cared for Cory, how important to them he truly was and it was good to see how differently people can process and cope with grief. If anything that should've been the series finale, and it's very nice to hear RM and the Glee cast say what many of us fans have been feeling about emotionally checking out after that point. Cory's presence is still missed today, he was my favorite character and his memory inspired me to make several Glee videos for my channel. I can't believe it's been nine years already, R.I.P Cory 💙

[@DeeL3]

The show should have ended way before this episode though. It was going downhill waaaaaaaaay before he unfortunately passed away.

[@tlcp53b49]

I don’t think I believe him only because of the huge success Glee was at the time

[@briannastultz6924]

I stopped watching Glee after season 3, as it became the Rachel Berry show instead of a show about high schoolers, who were outcasts, dealing with the BS of high school.

[@crissyjayfae]

I really respected and appreciated that episode. It was a way for fans to also grieve with the cast. If the show had just ended without that episode I think there would have been more of an emptiness for the fans, in a way it was a step for closure. That episode always brings me to tears. We’ve all lost someone.

[@Somebody9666]

All Hail Our Queen. Naya Rivera. May she rest in peace.

[@chrissj8333]

Totally agree!!! The last season was the worst decision to put Naya to the sidelines… Ryan shouldn’t put so much emphasis on Lea…

[@sersastark]

"The Quarterback"

[@Cemaran01]

Me and one of my friends used to watch Glee and then talk about it afterwards consistently. As it wound down, we both came up with the same realization: the show should have ended the moment they graduated. Our idea would have been, make them all freshmen the first year instead of sophomores and just devote the fourth season to defending their title (it would have given us a lot more uncertainty - oh it's their junior year, will they win it? Will they get their swan songs?) The split setting starting in Season 4 was just bad and made it so that once they finally did away with it, we just didn't care anymore. I only watched season 6 years later on Netflix.

[@shaungerald23]

While I think some mistakes were made before Cory's death, Cory's death kind of sealed it. When I heard what happened, it was either end it or write him out in some way to keep the character alive... (Navy/Army etc) and then in the series finale have Rachel go after him and have her character meet up with him implying they get together in the end. Killing his character off really put a negative weight on season 5 and add the new characters, it just didn't work. It was just... off. They really should have kept the core cast for season 5. Rachel and Cory as much as some don't want to admit were the couple of the show. You get rid of one of them, it's going to suffer. Lots of choices could have been made. The show never really recovered from it.

[@a-muse6567]

I like that solution, but the series finale was the best of any series I have ever watched, so I don't know that I would have changed that

[@shaungerald23]

@@a-muse6567 I'm not arguing about the series finale. It's the journey to getting there after Cory's death could have been handled differently, you know? Killing his character off just really put the show in a bad place. They really should have just wrote him out and pretended nothing happened. Then wait a season and have Rachel be with the other guy or someone else or in the finale, imply she sees Finn in the distance after he comes back from the Navy or something. etc. It's just sad. Honestly though, I only really love the first 3 seasons. After that, it was kind of up and down for me. But I watched because there were a lot of fun characters and I enjoyed the show.

[@andreawest2194]

That episode was a beautiful and emotional episode despite how sad it was, it gave us as fans to grieve along with the cast.

[@jeffreywillstewart]

I think a lot of the Lea gossip stemmed from her grief as his lover eclipsing their grief of a good friend. Once again everyone was focused on her. But I always felt season three should have been the end. But Glee was such a money train for everyone.

[@CP-mb3sn]

Disgusting if true. The loss of a good friend and colleague is terrible, but not the same as losing a life partner. They also didn't have to cope with the paparazzi camping outside their houses judging their every facial expression.

[@cv8499]

I wish we could pin it all on that, but according to the cast, Lea was awful to work with well before Corey died. Her Broadway costars (except for Groff) have said pretty much the same. Hopefully, she's grown a bit from being dragged so publicly.

[@CP-mb3sn]

@@cv8499 They have? I thought there was just that one Spring Awakening understudy and then the girl that said she was a monster as a child in Ragtime, by threatening to get people fired. I thought it didn't seem credible that she had that much power as a child actress and that she seems close to most of the former Spring Awakening cast. They and even a lot of her Fiddler on the Roof stars seem to have been to see her in Funny Girl. Weird they went to meet her after the show if they think she's so awful.

[@cv8499]

@@CP-mb3sn Those were the people willing to speak out. Keep in mind those Broadway costars said that way before the more recent dragging. And generally speaking, it's a bad idea to publicly badmouth colleagues you'll likely have to work with again, and it probably wouldn't look good to future casting directors. I have no doubt that many of them did see her in Funny Girl--whatever they think of her personally, she's very talented and I'm sure they'd want to see her take on Fanny. And if they worked with her as a child, they likely are not still holding her behavior against her. But don't you also find it telling that when all the allegations came out that loads of Spring Awakening or Fiddlers cast members didn't rush to her defense? They didn't say anything bad about her--but they also didn't say anything good. And anyway, GLEE was a lot more recent. When they asked Chris Colfer if he would go see Lea in Funny Girl, he said he wouldn't because he "could get triggered at home." Amber Riley didn't publicly bash Lea, but she liked tweets by other people who did. Heather Morris also confirmed that she wasn't a joy to work with and that she wouldn't want to work with her again. Naya Rivera wrote a lot about her run-ins with Lea. And Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz, when asked about Lea, would only say that they weren't joys to be around back then either--which again, is not the same as saying, "No, Lea was great! We're still so tight!" The actress who said that Lea told her she would "s***t in her wig" said Lea made her time on GLEE a living hell. All that said, Lea's lived a little life since then. She's gotten married and had a child. It's possible that that, plus the negative comments, have opened her eyes and she's realized that treating colleagues badly is not only bad for her career but just bad in general. I hope so, because she really does have a beautiful voice.

[@Bowiebonolennon1982]

@@cv8499 Yeah. No one can touch her talent... I can't fault that.

[@Justyna_N]

He should regret most of what he did with artie

[@kimsmith6342]

I cried that whole episode it was so real and it gave us all the chance to mourn and grieve the loss of an amazing actor, a great man and a beloved character. Rip Cory finn

[@joshuacoldwater]

I think you are all missing the issue Ryan is touching on. The cast shouldn’t have been forced into publicly grieving so soon after the loss of a friend, cast-mate, and in one case life partner. Continuing the show without truly addressing what happened to him was NOT the correct way to handle the situation, drug addiction is killing more and more teenagers every year. Having the entire episode set up like he died as a hero was also very unrealistic. I’m not saying the show should’ve been canceled by any means, but an entire episode dedicated to someone who died of a heroine overdose is truly not appropriate. He was loved, but he clearly also had his issues, and to me, creating an episode dedicated to someone who died from those issues just does not make sense. I don’t think Ryan Murphy was thinking straight, or the executives at Fox who allowed the show to air.

[@perspireandinspire]

Saying they shouldn't have done the episode or they should have ended the show, wasn't about the quality of the episode, they're talking about the emotional toll it took on them, how it just broke them.

[@Jah_LEASE_yah]

I actually agree that they should have ended the show after his death. I loved the Quarterback episode. I think it was the only right way to honor him at the time, if they were to continue, but the more correct way to honor him would have been to have that episode be the last one, especially when you consider the fact that the rest of season five was literally a complete shit show.

[@kidkad7698]

I disagree. Yes, ending the series there could've been a good option. And yes S5 kinda sucked. But I guess it would have been kinda cruel to end like this. S6 played mostly on fan service with nostalgia, Klaine plot, the wedding, ultimate Sue vs Will confronttation, Rachel's dreams, a final national win for the glee club... I like how things went, some things were clearly unfinished.

[@nicholasmorgan8881]

Well, there was lots of Naya in season 5, but that's when the audience collapsed - before picking up a little bit in season 6

[@chocolateangel8743]

I agree with you, Graeme. Also, I have a question. Is your name pronounced Graham? Do you use a French Canadian spelling or something? I know this questions came out of left field, but as an American, it's really been bugging me. 🤣

[@nicolapowell7730]

Graeme is the old English spelling for Graham. Supposedly, its origins are primarily locational, a name given to someone from a particular area. Graeme literally translates into “gray homestead.” I think it's a nicer spelling than Graham. :)

[@chocolateangel8743]

@@nicolapowell7730 Thanks for the info. '😊

[@juliawheildon4186]

Missing cory so much 😢 😔 😪 😞

[@michellewebb6188]

I feel that this episode was absolutely necessary in order that the fans could process the loss along with the other cast & crew members. So many fans were able to see themselves in these characters let alone those who could identify with the true life stories of the actors. It was cathartic.

[@kareneide]

The Quarterback episode was good. I think it should have ended after they graduated high school.

[@AdventuresWithCarissa]

The Quarterback Tribute is one of the best episodes of the series. Teens ending their life is something that needs to be addressed and not ignored. For the episode I have mixed feelings of them not addressing this because we can not ignore this topic. At the same time Cory’s death (any loved one’s death) no matter the cause is tragic. The entire cast were at their top not only as their characters, but also for the painful truth that we must support one another through tragic times, help each other moment to moment, day to day press on as our shattered hearts mend, yet always long for our lost loved ones.

[@LoveableNiki]

I wholeheartedly agree that the takedown of Naya was a big catalyst of the ending of Glee. I wonder has RM ever spoke of Naya and her treatment on Glee. That's something he should reflect upon, in my opinion. Great video.

[@sherrythomas3028]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@nicoleadel]

I had to stop watching glee after that episode for a while. I went back to it a few years later we'll after the episodes aired

[@iluvephramy]

I think you're missing the point of why he says it should be the end - he's basically saying that the heart of the show and the cast was ripped out and by putting everyone through filming the episode and carrying on, it made it hard on them emotionally. Harder than it possibly needed to be. Don't think anyone that wasn't in the cast then could fairly judge whether this is a fair point or not. Could hypothetically see where he was coming from though.

[@AaronNickolas7]

So, he doesn't regret making the episode, he regrets Continuing the show after Corey's death. Which I actually agree with.

[@alking7655]

Of all the episodes, this is the one Ryan should be proud of. It showed humanity across all the characters and that, for all our walls, life is far too short. He paid respect the way he knew how at the time. It was going to have to be addressed one way or another, and I'm actually glad that they didn't just write Finn out like, "he went away" or something like that. The actors had to process the trauma.

[@petermatthews3729]

It would have helped the rest of the cast process their grief both on and off screen. It certainly would have helped the audience. I'm sure it was handled as sensitively as possible.

[@adayfortea]

I didn't watch many episodes after Cory's death... the show was never the same. The Quarterback was a good way to end the show, or do a couple more episodes only.

[@JusTazzi]

I'm not going to lie I boohooed during that entire episode and I honestly felt it was one of the best due to the circumstances. But your also right they should have continued without the Highschool story. For one it was a pain in the ass because as soon as it would get good with them they would jump back to the Highschool, it was very annoying. I also felt other characters should also have had the chance to have bigger roles. It wasn't just about Rachel. It was very upsetting.

[@RachMonPhoebs]

I think you meant "death knell" of Glee, meaning like the tolling of a bell as a warning. A "death toll" is a body count, or rate of deaths.

[@JoMaldy]

It isn’t “for whatever reason” naya was always a leader but Ryan just favored Lea. Naya just automatically stepped up - she mentioned it in her book that she simply knew someone had to take over. I’m sure Diana would have if she was invited or Ryan didn’t start shit with her but someone mentioned this in the comments .. that out of all the episodes made , this is the last one he should regret.

[@taylorgayhart9497]

I mean it make sense that Nya stepped up, I mean they were all friends but Lea was in love with him, and was planning on spending her life with him, she needed to step away from that episode and grieve privately.

[@jamescoleman4022]

The Quarterback episode was excellent. The problem came when the main cast was manipulated back to high school. We now know as fact, Rachel Berry would NOT have thrown away her chance at being Fannie Brice. Season 6 should have started with them in New York and introduce new man for Rachel, not retread Sam as a potential love interest for Rachel taking him away from Mercedes. Sue and Mr. Shue should have taken over the Diner and the group performed there.

[@alexaofelia2750]

I don’t think Cory would’ve wanted the show to just never come back and end so abruptly. I think it was a great episode, but maybe they should’ve used it as a goodbye to Finn and the show

[@mystilettolife]

Sounds like he didn’t regret the ep itself but more feels like Glee wasn’t the same after and wishes the show had just ended, maybe the QB ep should have been the series finale…and I agree the show peaked in S2 and sadly didn’t survive past 3…not sure how they could have kept the show going just following the kids in NY bc the high school teachers were also main characters.

[@bettyjojoeharperre-imagina7322]

I agree that the Quarterback should have been the finale

[@Leamichellefan2244]

I love how all of you were going on and on and on and on about the girl who played Santana but so far I haven’t seen a drop of sympathy for Lea Michele, a.k.a. the woman who actually lost the love of her life.

[@rocko.ambition4342]

I completely disagree with him. I remember being a young Glee fan and experiencing the loss of Corey Monteith that summer was so traumatic and eye opening on how these actors who we came to love on television are just as susceptible to death as we are. He died so young and was at the height of his career; his death really stopped the world for a minute. The Quarterback episode was a chance for fans to mourn with the cast we watched for years and find a bit of closure. Ending the show that summer would've been a disservice to the show's crew and loyal fans all to avoid the conversation which needed to be addressed. Rest In Peace Corey 🕊️

[@SB-jm6bs]

I remember when glee was still coming out and Quarterback was the last episode I watched originally. I then managed to finish it including the episodes that came after but still agree with Ryan Murphy that the show should've ended at Quarterback. It was already pretty bad from season 4, but then Quarterback was such a powerful episode that it was simply too tough to follow. The show just had such a downfall after that.

[@javiruiz8365]

I stopped watching after he passed away. I have a hard time with stuff like this. It took me years to watch anything Britney Murphy or Robin Williams was on.

[@Yourmom0709]

season 5 and the quarterback episode is literally my favorite. It shows pureness and just affection and love towards Corey. Naya Rivera is absolutely a true talent and that season not only show her voice, but her carrying the show. I use to love this show, but after Naya death I can not watch it anymore. It brings too much pain and just sadness on these actors. Ryan Murphy should never regret no episode. Glee is a amazing show and forever will be.

[@micki_06]

The last 2 seasons were a disaster so yes I agree, while the first 3 were gold!

[@fernandabluntkrasinski9026]

They should make the One Tree Hill time jump.. skip college years and put the main characters as adults.. of course some of them returning to McKinley High with new Gleeks as Season 6 If you watch Glee for the first time on streaming it would become so frustrated watching the Quarterback and after that you watch a funny and annoying episode like a Katy or a Gaga.. for me I would prefer a semi dramatic episode as transition after mourning Finn (and Corey as well)

[@danielglade6660]

It was the best episode of the series. The acting and script gave us all closure. The scene with Kurt Burt and Carol was heart wrenching. Leah Michelle was overrated. Naya and Amber had more talent in my opinion

[@normamoreno8320]

I think Naya made Glee what it became cause she was amazing her talent her voice she was number 1 in that show not Lea Naya didn’t get the credit she deserved and it was Naya who made this movie seceded and became bigger than life RIP sweet Angel

[@BTURNER1961]

If Ryan really wanted to end the series, 'The Quarterback' could have been structured as the first part of a two part finale for the series with the second part focusing on these characters and their recovery in the face of the loss and a final wind-up of the series. He need not deprive glee fans of what may have been the single best episode in the series, or a proper send-off before ending the show.

[@AH-cl1gt]

All of the cast should of been in the episodes to give respect to Cory

[@zoestheatreantics7942]

If you want to regret a glee episode, regret the end of twerk episode

[@manny1701]

For who the show targeted and the loyal fans of the show, the episode was very well done. Probably one of the best handlings after of a the sudden death of a main character . For what it was, how it came together, and the condition of the actors and their performances, it was about as perfect as they could have gotten it.

[@justjoannak]

Literally one of the best Glee episodes.

[@sdr4651]

The Quarterback episode is definitely Glee's strongest episode. However, I think they should have given the cast and crew more time to heal from Cory's death. They filmed the episode a few months after he died and it was still very fresh. I also think they should have had mandated counseling for the cast. I'm not sure if that's possible, and obviously it was a different time in 2013, but that's how I would have handled it now.

[@ThuggyMacho]

Podcast are ruining the world.

[@aratreyadoesthings4924]

Honestly I think they did fine. That episode was emotional and a perfect send off. And of course they should have continued the show... it was melissa Benoit as the new main star that really killed the show. Now don't get me wrong, she was fantastic in Super Girl but they made her way too plain in Glee. The show should have focused the main cast after high school and not added the new plain characters.

[@jjl6438]

I agree with the word plain to describe the new characters - apart from Unique the trans girl. But the new kids felt like either mini versions of the previous cast or just really bland characters. Ryan Murphy clearly couldn’t let go of the old cast…

[@brycelwynn]

All these comments are about the fans liking it. Who cares about the fans? There are actual people who knew Cory and their feelings should’ve been prioritized over the fans.

[@mollysimpson680]

Life goes on. Whether we want it to or not.

[@jokerswildio]

I get chills just thinking about the sheer emotional power if the Quarterback....it would be a sin to go back and time and not do this episode.

[@morganwhitney1983]

I agree , 💯 it should have been cancelled. I think it was greed that kept it going.

[@lucasdeoliveira6948]

I understand that back then the show wasn’t that fair, but years ago, the choices were great the way they were.

[@keshia4974]

The only thing that I ddnt like is that Quinn wasn’t there.

[@inesmachado2575]

The episode was masterful and so special

[@jeffsanders3453]

100% would had been the wrong call to end the show right there. Other series have dealt with the same situation such as 8 simple rules with the death of John Ritter. By continuing on, it allows the show to display elements of grieve but also the struggle to move forward. That real to many viewers. If Glee would had ended with Finn’s death, it basically tells the audience that there is no glee anymore in life. That once you experience death then you have nothing to look forward to in life. No dreams, no goals, no progress in life and that is a terrible final farewell to viewers. It was important to have the characters show them progressing forward with the heartache of the death.

[@somebodyoulove]

8 simple rules handled John Ritter death so well and adding David Spade to the cast was a good choice by the show creator. Death of glee came when Ryan focused more on Leah then everyone who was a fan of other cast members got bored and didn’t care any more for the show. Plus the new cast weren’t given the chance to shine.

[@kamillagirl]

I think they were right to continue the show for at least enough time for us and them to pay tribute to Cory and Finn. It was a beautifully written episode. Given, I couldn't watch past season three when it came out and it took me years to finish watching all the way through, but I don't think it would have been right to just end the show with season 4. Season 5 and a half (I can't call it 6) is where they should have questioned if they should have kept going (even though I have so much love for the newbies). It really was unnecessary.

[@mimimarie3982]

The Quarterback was well done. Everyone did an amazing job. It had to be done. I think my thoughts on it is that the creators brought in new cast in season four to fill out the second set of seniors so have enough for the New Directions but they brought them in as doubles for Puck which had his half brother then brought in Ryder who was a Jock in which Finn then had Kitty who was a cheerleader and a bitch and went for both Ryder and Jake then had Marley the outcast who is Rachel. I mean come on no one wants to see the same characters over again. I think they could of done the rest of season five and six better then it was. I mean when the second set of seniors finished school they just let the rest of the cast go like okay they dont matter. then when they are brought back in season six only one is Kitty and it's like the others didnt matter. bring in a new set of characters for like ten episodes and make us fall in love with them. Could of done it better. Maybe have them all be the same age and in the same grade or could of done it early in the series like they did with the second set of seniors and had the senior year be a year and a half. All in all some things were great about the series and yes i know it's about The Quarterback but i think all in all alot could of been better after season three but The Quarterback was done amazing and i give props to everyone who had to go through that with one take. God bless them.

[@shaakirahjaffer6568]

That episode was needed. We as fans needed that episode ❤

[@panda22518]

I loved that episode but I just wish Dianna was there