Ryan Murphy Addresses glee's Future

Gleeks everywhere have been waiting with bated breath for Ryan Murphy to address the death of his star player, Cory Monteith. You can read the interviews here and here.

News broke yesterday that glee's production was moved to early August, thus bumping glee's season premiere one week, from September 19 to September 26. The news did not sit well with gleeks arguing that Cory deserved more than a couple weeks grieving time. Today Ryan Murphy explained the reasoning behind glee's decision, and that would be the lovely Lea Michele.

Ryan stated that Lea Michele is the one calling the shots right now, stepping into Finn's leadership of the glee family, and I couldn't be happier to hear that. The cast and crew want to be near each other, grieve together, in a safe place filled with beautiful memories of Cory. Ryan even went as far to say that the first couple of weeks there will be grief counselors available. KUDOS Mr. Murphy and FOX. 

I'll admit I've been worried about Lea this last week. I changed my phone wallpaper to this beautiful picture of her and Cory as a reminder to stop and pray. Although I have never had the privilege to meet her, I am all too familiar with the devastating, sudden loss of your friend, your life, your love, your Beloved. Ryan beamed about Lea's strength and I remember someone telling me just days after Mike's death that you don't realize how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have left. I have the utmost respect for Ms. Michele and will keep praying for her strength, her light, and her love to continue shining through her during this time.

The first two episodes of the season will be Beatles tribute episodes that glee has been working on for 4 years. The scripts were written in May. I agree with this decision wholeheartedly. The cast and crew will love on each other during this time rather than jumping straight into a memorial episode, allowing time for a proper memorial script to be written honoring Cory's treasured character, Finn Hudson. I have read blog after blog after blog begging Mr. Murphy to write Finn his happily ever after rather than killing him off. The truth of the matter is, Finn wouldn't have been happy without Rachel by his side. By writing Finn off the show like that it would do a huge disservice to not only Lea, but the Finchel fans as well.

As I wrote this post I was reminded of the episode Yes/No. Rachel sang Without You by David Guetta featuring Usher. After news of Cory's death that song became stuck in my head. In hindsight the irony of that episode is eerie. In some stupid, freaky coincidence, Finn's father died of a drug overdose in a hotel room out of town. Finn was worried about becoming like his dad. And after reading the above interviews about Lea and her love for Cory, the intervention, the love and support she showered on him, I am reminded of Finn's speech as he proposed to Rachel.

You’re like a beacon of light guiding me through the darkness. You’re like this big gold star, and for some bizarre reason, you chose to let me love you. And, I feel like if I can just convince you to let me keep doing that, I’m going to be okay. Everything’s going to be okay.  

In the last episode, All or Nothing, of Season 4, Cory Monteith's name is shown with a somber backdrop of Rachel (Lea). The symmetry is heartbreaking as that could quite possibly be the last time his name is credited. Finally, the New Directions performed Hall of Fame during Regionals at the end of the episode. When the song hit my iPhone a few days ago, the lyrics reminded me of Cory.

Standing in the hall of fame (yeah)

And the world's gonna know your name (yeah)

Cause you burn with the brightest flame (yeah)

And the world's gonna know your name (yeah)

And you'll be on the walls of the hall of fame (yeah)

The Heart of New Directions

Where do I start? How do I begin? Do I just come out and say it? I can't even believe I'm going to type this. Cory Monteith, affectionately known to gleeks around the world as Finn Hudson, is dead. I won't presume to the have the answers. I don't care why he's gone. I just know that he is.

As I was winding down for the night, hitting up my Facebook, twitter and tumblr before bed, two things happened simultaneously. My twitter feed showed a single word post from Mark Salling, Puck, "no" and my favorite 2 tumblr's posted vague posts about Cory. I fired up my search and typed in Cory Monteith. I was unprepared as I clicked the link of the first story and proceeded to watch the police livestream reporting Cory's death. I sat in front of my laptop stunned. I had to watch it a second time because I was sure I heard it wrong. When the Chief said Cory's name again followed by the popular TV series glee I was full on bawling. I went back to Mark's twitter and his post had been taken down, but it left a lasting impression on my heart these last few hours. No. No Cory isn't dead. No Cory's family isn't reeling from the news of a son and a brother gone too soon. No the glee family isn't mourning the loss of their heart. No Lea's heart is not shattering right now.

My sincerest condolences to Cory's family. A bright light has been turned out tonight and please know that you are not mourning the loss of his light alone.

I see things very differently than most people. My heartache, my tears, the pit in my stomach is not just because of my love for all things glee. My already broken heart is splintering for a woman I've never met, but whose grief I know all too well. A woman is grieving the loss of her own Beloved and take it from me when I say, I'm all too familiar with the pain that beautiful girl is suffering at this moment. I have been praying, fervently, for Lea tonight. I've been asking God to surround her with love. I ask God to comfort her, but know that that prayer will not be answered tonight because she will not find comfort in knowing she will never kiss, never hug, never cuddle with her Beloved again.

The glee family has begun to tweet, and quite honestly I'm not prepared for Ryan Murphy, or Matthew Morrison, or Jane Lynch, or any of the Original New Directions (Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz or Kevin McHale) words just yet. Mark's said it all. I'll never be prepared for Lea's tweet, ever. Where does glee go from here? I do not envy Ryan Murphy. I suppose they could cancel glee, but I doubt Cory would want that. The gleeks are going to want closure too. The cast was scheduled to begin shooting next week, July 22nd, but that timeframe will have to be pushed back. This close knit family has to be allowed time to grieve. Obviously there will need to be rewrites. Do they kill Finn too, off screen? Yes, they should, but even as I write this, I can't imagine putting Lea, Chris, Mike O'Malley or Romy Rosemont through that, let alone the rest of the cast and crew. Perhaps a time jump is in order. I believe the healing will begin from moving forward.

We were given hope when Finn, the cool, hot quarterback, joined the New Directions, making us fall head over heels in love with this group of freaks. I fell in love all over again with Finn when he took over the glee club in Mr. Shue's absence this last season. He had blossomed from the naive boy to a man before our very eyes. Finn was a true leader, the glue that held the New Directions together. There is something poetic in that Cory's first and last glee numbers were Don't Stop Believing. Many lost an idol today, and I'm truly envious of those who are blissfully asleep, unaware that the glee world has been rocked to it's very core.

You are singing and drumming for Jesus now Cory. Our loss is definitely heaven's gain. You are no longer in pain and we will attempt to find comfort in that knowledge. Watch over your family, dear one, as well as your extended glee family. Send Lea all the love and support you can, knowing God weeps with her tonight as she mourns the loss of you, her Beloved. Fly with the angels Cory. Although you have left us too soon, you will never be forgotten.

I've said it before, tell the people around you that you love them, hug them, express your feelings, because you never know when it is going to be too late. God Bless.

The Break Up

My love for all things glee stems from my love for all things music. Finn and Blaine singing Duncan Sheik's Barely Breathing was amazing. I saw Duncan when he opened up for Jars of Clay at Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom back in the day. Finn, Rachel, Kurt and Blaine singing No Doubt's Don't Speak was epic, but nothing, absolutely nothing, could prepare me for glee's version of Coldplay's The Scientist. Kudos Ryan Murphy for a jam packed episode of eargasm melodies.

Can I get a little gushy for a moment? Darren Criss got to sing the piano version of Teenage Dream. OMG! OMG! OMG! I had tears in my eyes, and yes Darren can do that to me on a good day, but all I kept thinking about was, "What did Blaine do to Kurt?" Sadly, we find out a few moments later and...You better fix this Ryan Murphy!

I knew this episode was going to break my heart. Messing with Klaine, are you insane? I don't like the Finchel break up either. I know this will be a growing period for them all and the fans will get their happily ever afters. It just hurts. I feel like I need a good cry. Would you please pass me the tissue?

Yes/No

Any glee episode that starts with a Grease song is going to be a good one in my book. Sam and Mercedes sang Summer Nights. I have to give props to Mercedes for being true to her man, despite having feelings for Sam.

My favorite glee moments have always been Mash-Ups and Moves Like Jagger/Jumpin' Jack Flash did not disappoint. It is always a joy to watch Harry Shum, Jr and Matthew Morrison dance. The only drawback is Kevin McHale stuck in that damn wheelchair, but somehow, he makes it look effortless.

Helen Mirren played the mental voice of Becky Jackson and I couldn't stop grinning. Honestly, how does Ryan Murphy do it? Becky is such a special part of the glee ensemble and I adore her mini-Sue Sylvester character.

Emma singing Wedding Bell Blues with Coaches Beiste (who is now a married woman!) and Sylvester as backups and bridesmaids (complete with hideous replicas of Princess's Beatrice and Eugenie's hats) to Will was A-DOR-A-BLE! Emma's parents continue to be horrible people. Ugh!

Will's proposal to Emma was definitely a highlight. I loved the retro bathing suits, the synchronized swimming and Rihanna's We Found Love was swoon worthy. I've already said I want a glee wedding, but how about a glee proposal too? A woman can only dream can't she?

Personally I think Finn was the star of this episode. He tells Mr. Shue that he wants to do something special with his life, "Like my dad without the whole dying part." Mr. Shue brings in Carol and Burt to discuss Finn enlisting into the Army. Mike O'Malley's portrayal of Burt is one of my all-time favorite TV Dads. I know I've raved about him before, but when the Hummel/Hudson family came together, they really did become a family. Burt tells Finn he hopes his son will take over his [mechanic] shop. Carol breaks down and admits to Finn that something happened to his dad in Iraq and he came back a broken man. He developed a drug problem and died of an overdose in a hotel room. I'm really pissed at Carol for lying to Finn for 17 years about how his dad died, claiming he was a war hero. Finn is understandably devastated. Rachel wants Finn to know that he already is special and sings a ballad version of David Guetta's (featuring Usher) song Without You. It was truly breathtaking. It is probably my favorite Rachel song to date. I was speechless when Finn dropped to his knee and proposed to Rachel.

Original Song

I'm seriously considering renaming my blog to include Chris Colfer in some form or fashion. Just kidding, but here I am again, about to go all gooey for Chris Colfer. Kudos to Kurt for standing up to Blaine and telling him that they aren't the Warblers, but Blaine and the Pips. (Secretly I don't mind that they are Blaine and the Pips because...Darren freakin' Criss!!!) I loved that they did my favorite Maroon 5 song, Misery. Kurt sang another Beatles song, Blackbird, and nailed it.

As I said before, Quinn is a bitch and she's only using Finn for Prom Queen. 

Original songs, Trouty Mouth, Big Ass Heart, and Hell to the No, as sung by the New Directions were hideously hilarious. I am curious as to how many takes it took to film them, because seriously, I wouldn't have been able to keep a straight face.

Rachel puts all the pain of her breakup with Finn into a beautiful, original song called Get It Right. I couldn't listen to it without crying. I literally had tears in my eyes remembering my first heartbreak as I endure my second heartbreak while I type. I wonder...will I ever be brave enough to give my heart, or what's left of it calling itself my heart, to another man. Only time will tell. 

So I throw up my fist, throw a punch in the air 
And accept the truth that sometimes life isn’t fair! 
Yeah, I’ll send out a wish, yeah, I’ll send up a prayer 
And finally someone will see how much I care

Oh, and Klaine became a couple.

I couldn't even keep a straight face as I wrote that one line like the thought of Kurt and Blaine becoming a couple hasn't consumed me for months. It's official! Blaine finally realized Kurt was what he'd been looking forever for. He spilled his heart out to Kurt and then laid one on him. I was hooting and hollering and clapping all at the same time. Then I rewound it and watched it unfold all over again. Kurt's reaction was so freakin' adorable. Their duet of Candles at Regionals doesn't hold a candle to Baby, It's Cold Outside, but I am uber bias. 

Blame It on the Alcohol

Let me just start by saying this was not my favorite glee episode. I realize that we must educate the youth of America on the dangers of drinking.

Principal Figgins referring to Ke$ha as Ke-Dollar-Sign-Ha was freakin' hilarious. Seriously, best line of the night.

Finn breaking down the archetypes of drunks to Rachel was on point. Mercedes and Tina being the happy girl drunks had me laughing my butt off. Mercedes laugh was infectious. Finn being a jerk to Rachel was also on point as of late.

Spin the bottle while Josie Cotton's Johnny, Are You Queer of Valley Girl fame was pure nostalgia for me. Blaine kissing Rachel was OUTSTANDING, as was their duet of Don't You Want Me. More nostalgia. I'm such an 80's girl.

Artie saying, "Hair of the dog that done bit your ass." before the New Directions sang Blame It on the Alcohol left me torn. The number glorified teenage drinking rather than warning kids off of it, however, I loved the entire number, song and dance.

Blaine questioning his sexuality after kissing Rachel gave me a little start. I was seriously worried Ryan Murphy was going to tear my heart out and make Blaine straight. I'm not sure I would have survived as I'm still holding out hope for a Klaine union. Thankfully after Rachel kissed Blaine sober, Blaine realized he was 100% gay, which Kurt had no doubt. WOO-HOO!

Mr. Shue and Coach Beiste honky tonking with a drunk Mr. Shue drunk dialing Sue rather than Emma was exactly the type of storyline this episode needed.

The highlight of the episode for me was Mike O'Malley's Burt walking in on Blaine sleeping off his drunken night in Kurt's bed. Have I mentioned lately how I adore Burt Hummel? His relationship with son, Kurt, and step-son Finn, are TV gold. GOLD I say. Burt was absolutely in the right and I think Kurt was completely out of line when his Dad told him he was inappropriate for having Blaine sleepover.

The only saving grace of this whole episode was Brittany projectile vomiting the dangerous alcohol mixture on Rachel during the New Directions performance of Tik Tok, another killer performance that I wanted to hate. Santana followed suit by puking her ever loving guts out on the stage. And Mr. Shue's pledge forms came to the rescue.

Silly Love Songs

I had zero intention of jumping on here and writing a glee review tonight, but I have 3 words for you. Warbler's gap attack. Oh yea, it happened and holy hell it rocked. Darren Criss singing a cover of Robin Thicke's When I Get You Alone was exactly what I needed tonight. As much as I love Blaine, I couldn't keep my eyes off of Kurt. Poor Kurt pining away for Blaine, who is singing his heart out to someone who doesn't return his affections. Brilliantly written Ryan Murphy.

Now I have 5 more words for you. "I look like America looks." Lauren Zizes, played by the beautiful Ashley Fink, is a welcome addition to the show. I think I'm going to love the pairing of her with Puck, whose Fat Bottom Girls had me grinning from ear to ear. The throw down in the halls between Zizes and Santana was hilarious. Brava girls.

Finn and Quinn totally deserved to get mono. Finn you are no better than Rachel, allowing Quinn to cheat on Sam with you. And here's a little lesson for you, if she (Quinn) does it with you, she'll do it to you. Mark my words. Grow up and realize that Rachel is the real deal and Quinn is about as fake as they come.

Tina singing breaking down singing My Funny Valentine to Mike was genius. I don't think Tina gets enough screen time or respect, IMHO.

I'm dreading Valentine's Day because for the first time in 13 years I will be without a Valentine. I am desperately trying not to think about it. Thankfully tonight's episode wasn't all hearts and flowers. Thank you glee powers that be.

A Very Glee Christmas

Darren Criss and Chris Colfer's duet of Baby, It's Cold Outside was outstanding. I rewound, and rewound, and rewound that scene. I sure hope we see a lot more of these two. How adorable they would be as a couple.

I love a good Christmas CD and I've got to tell you, the music from this episode is one I'll be playing every year. My kid's beg for it in the car and I adore hearing them sing We Need a Little Christmas and Deck the Rooftop. The later was not used in the episode. Wham's Last Christmas is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, and I was thoroughly disappointed that I had to purchase it as a single, rather than it being included on the CD. Merry Christmas Darling was a throwback and wonderfully done. Kudos Ms. Michele. My hope is that Finn and Rachel will be reunited.

As far as the episode goes, it was exactly what I expected. Sue is a Grinch and attempts to ruin the New Directions Christmas. Christmas comes anyway, including Coach Sylvester and the glee club spending Christmas Eve with Mr. Shue. Cute episode, don't get me wrong, just sort of...been there, done that. Ya know?

Furt

I want a glee wedding! Alright, so it's a little late for that, but seriously, can I just say how absolutely thrilled I am for Burt and Carol? I realize you all must think I'm a little overzealous with my love for this show and that I write about it as if they were real. What you don't understand is that for an hour every week I get to lose myself, sit back and enjoy an awesome ride with kick ass tunes. Would you prefer I write about CSI and tell you all the things they are doing wrong? (My first degree is in Criminal Justice with Forensic Science as a major) I didn't think so.

Kurt giving Burt and Finn a dancing lesson was terribly cute. I can't wait to see the dynamic of this new family. Burt going after Karofsky is just one of the many reasons I adore Mike O'Malley and his character. Burt and Kurt's father/son relationship is what true television magic is made of. The New Directions singing Marry You as they walk down the aisle was phenomenal. I had the biggest grin on my face the entire number. Burt and Carol's heartfelt speeches had me reaching for more than one tissue. I actually stood up and applauded when they kissed.

I sure hope Finn gets over his image/ego and truly embraces everything Kurt is attempting to teach him. Life is already hard enough, and believe me, these 2 know it. Furt having each other's back is what family is all about. Let me just state, Finn serenading Kurt with Bruno Mars Just the Way You Are was the cherry on top of this delicious episode. I ask you, how freakin' adorable is Chris Colfer?!?!

Carol Burnett is a legend and her duet of Ohio with Sue Sylvester's was outstanding. Dammit I miss the Carol Burnett show. I think I'll jump on Amazon and hook myself up.

I want Karofsky to get a taste of his own medicine. GAH! As devastated as I am that Kurt is leaving McKinley and the New Directions, I get a little giddy about what this means for him and Blaine. More Dalton Warblers and their incredible a cappella melodies please.

One last thing...allow me a moment to {{{SQUEE}}} at the inside of Kurt's locker with a beautiful picture of Darren Criss Blaine and the cutout letters spelling out courage.

Theatricality

Tonight's episode was hard hitting story wrapped up in a way only glee can get away with. First off, not a huge fan of Lady Gaga, but I will say, glee looks good on her. Kurt's line, along with his face, "And we have a jumper." had me in stitches. The costumes were perfect and their performance of Bad Romance knocked it out of the park. I admit I saw a champagne bubble fall off of Tina's costume and wondered how many times someone almost toppled over because of a runaway bubble. The arrangement of Pokerface is, by far, my favorite arrangement on glee to date.

Kurt needs to realize he can't make Finn gay and/or love him. I sure hope the truth comes out to Burt about Kurt's crush on his soon-to-be stepbrother. Of course, Finn could have handled the situation differently. I'm afraid the bullying is only going to get worse. As a gleek, I am uber protective of Kurt, so this breaks my heart, but sadly is true to life. Finn showing up in a red shower curtain dress, and Kurt's reaction, yet again, is priceless. Freaks unite!

Now, let's talk about Kiss. When I was a little girl I loved riding in my uncle Buzzy's car because he would play his 8-track (Oh yes, I went there) Kiss tapes. When I was about 11, he refused to play them anymore. I didn't ride in a car with him again until I was 20 something. Watching the boys perform Shout It Out and Beth in tonight's episode brought a lot of nostalgia out in me. Let's just say, Kiss is definitely my cup of tea.

Laryngitis

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. Kurt setting up Burt and Carol for the wrong reasons backfired. He was not prepared to share his Dad with another son. What a hard lesson to learn. Kurt dressing like Burt, keeping his voice in a lower range, singing John Mellencamp, and making out with Brittany was excruciating to watch. Let's just say that it was worth it when he belted out Rose's Turn. Times like that remind me to tell my Grandma what an awesome childhood I had. I grew up with Natalie Wood in Gypsy and tonight I was giddily clapping the entire scene Kurt sang. I even rewound it once three times. "Everything's coming up Kurt!" I swear to you the powers that be (::cough:: Ryan Murphy ::cough::) better give Kurt a spin-off or something rather than making him leave when he graduates. And just in case I need to say it again, I adore Burt and Kurt's relationship! Mike O'Malley ROCKS!

Finn letting lose with Rick Springfield's 80's hit Jessie's Girl was also a huge highlight for me tonight. Dare I say it, another glee rendition I prefer over the original. What is happening to me?!?! But when Finn stood up to Rachel when she was melodramatic about how she is her voice and taking her to meet Sean...finally a side of Finn worthy of Rachel.

Mercedes telling Puck that she started dating him because he has great arms made me smile. I completely understand girl. Arms, they're my kryptonite too.

Home

I'm just going to put it out there, I adore Burt and Carol dating, although I don't agree with the reason behind Kurt pushing them together (i.e. his infatuation with Finn). I think there is a storyline to be told. Burt and Carol both lost spouses, raising Kurt and Finn, who both lost a parent, on their own. What a beautiful ending that would be to such an unimaginable heartache.

Hello

Well, well, well, it would seem that glee has a new hottie. Hello Jesse St. James, your and Rachel's voice is like butter. I see a much better match here than Rachel with Finn. Just keeping it real. However, since Jesse is also the lead singer of New Directions rival glee club, Vocal Adrenaline, I am leery of this mash-up. What is the coach, Shelby, of said rival glee club up to?

Preggers

I don't know where to begin. I lie, yes I do. Chris Colfer Kurt dancing to Beyoncé's Single Ladies was beyond BRILLIANT. The football team breaking out in dance was hilarious. Could Ryan Murphy have given Kurt a manlier father? Burt and Kurt, terribly cute. I hope that Burt continues to be absolutely amazing as a father to Kurt, because quite frankly, their relationship could be television magic. I admit, I grabbed my tissues as Kurt told his Dad he was gay. Kudos glee!

And let me just say that somebody needs to sit Finn down and give him the sex talk. I realize he's suppose to be a dope, but seriously, shouldn't he have had sex ed already?

I despise Terri.

And that's how Tiffany sees it.