On Thursday night, “Glee” will say goodbye to Cory Monteith and his character Finn Hudson in a tribute episode titled “The Quarterback.”
Before that happens, though, TheWrap is remembering Monteith — who died in July at age 31 following a long struggle with substance abuse — with a selection of Monteith’s finest moments on the show.
Also read: ‘Glee’s’ Lea Michele on Cory Monteith’s Death: ‘I’ve Lost Two People – Cory and Finn’
Read on for a highlight reel of Monteith’s “Glee” run.
Finn Sings “Don’t Stop Believin’”
As a jock, Finn Hudson was initially reluctant to join McKinley High’s glee club, but he certainly threw himself into it when he was there. His enthusiasm for belting out a tune was evidenced early on, with this performance of the Journey chestnut “Don’t Stop Believin’.’”
Also read: ‘Glee’s’ Cory Monteith Tribute Episode: 6 Farewell to Finn Hudson Songs (Audio)
Finn Proposes to Rachel
Another memorable moment came when Finn popped the question to his high-school sweetheart, Rachel Berry (played by his real-life girlfriend, Lea Michele). “I opened up my first credit card to get this,” Finn says sheepishly as he pulls the engagement ring from his pocket. “It’s not very big, but it’s a promise. A promise to keep loving you for the rest of my life.” Sniff; gee, it’s dusty in here.
Finn Breaks Up With Rachel
Of course, what goes up must come down, and the Finn and Rachel, though seemingly destined to be a romance for the ages, eventually called it quits. Monteith’s Hudson breaks up with Rachel in altruistic fashion, cutting her loose and sending her on her way to pursue her dreams in New York, rather than wait around for him. Like the man said, if you love somebody, set them free.
Also read: Ryan Murphy on Cory Monteith ‘Glee’ Tribute Episode: ‘It Was Very Difficult to Shoot’ (Video)
Finn Auditions for the Cheerios
Hudson took a further step away from his jock image when he tried out for McKinley’s cheerleading squad the Cheerios — and did so in endearingly goofy fashion. To the strains of the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe,” no less. Click the vid for a lighter side of Finn.
Finn Sings “Losing My Religion”
One of Monteith’s more powerful solo numbers, this angsty rendition of the R.E.M. song was a perfect addition to the “Grilled Cheesus” episode, which dealt with veering from skepticism about religion to belief and back again.
Finn Dances With Kurt at Their Parents’ Wedding
What better way to welcome your new stepbrother into the family than to take his hand and dance with him at your parents’ wedding? While serenading him with Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are,” no less? This scene, from Burt Hummel and Carole Hudson’s wedding, demonstrated just how much Finn was able to shed himself of the discomfort he’d had over Kurt’s sexuality.