How will the television show move on after losing Cory Monteith?

When “Glee” returns Thursday, the creators will have to address a tragic death that occurred during the summer.

On July 13 the show lost actor Cory Monteith, who played the lovable quarterback Finn Hudson, when he passed away at 31 from substance abuse. “Glee” fans were left wondering what would happen to the show.

Not only had it been rumored prior to Cory’s death that the fifth season was going to focus heavily on his character, but he already played a major role in the series.

The season premiere was pushed back to Sept. 26 and the creators took two days to figure out where the show was headed and how to deal with the loss of an integral part of their program. Executive producers Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan decided to dedicate episode three, “The Quarterback,” to Finn. It has been reported that the episode will be a memorial and a celebration of life, rather than a morbid focus on death.

Lea Michelle, who played Finn Hudson’s love interest Rachel Berry, was dating Monteith at the time of his death, will only be featured in the last moments of the episode.

The program had been renewed for two more seasons prior to losing Monteith. The writers are going to have to focus on their plethora of other characters, something they have a history of struggling to do.

I was convinced for a bit that the show shouldn’t go on. How could they after the guy who had been the core of the glee club was suddenly gone? I’m saying this as a fan — I was worried that, like “Glee” often does, they would deal with the subject in an inappropriate or random way.

A major concern of mine was the show would try to keep Finn alive off screen, which seemed nonsensical. I had read some fan opinions online saying that this move would be best for the show but I completely disagree.

What “Glee” and its fans and actors need is closure — a way to send Cory and his character off with love and respect, a goodbye. Though at first I was nervous about how such a heavy subject would be handled — or if it would be at all. I’m happy “Glee” will tackle the subject and write Finn off of the show, giving fans exactly what they need to move on.

The show is also relying on star power to pull in viewers, bringing in famous faces like Adam Lambert and Demi Lovato.

“Glee” and its cast are going to be alright. It has a loyal fan base and a talented cast full of triple threats that can act, dance and sing. Now that all eyes are on the show, watching to see if they’ll be able to make it without Cory, the cast needs to be used to the fullest and prove why the show has been on air for five years.

“The Quarterback” has already been filmed and will air Oct. 10. “Glee” will take a hiatus after the episode until Nov. 7.