For once in its long history, Glee isn’t shying away from the tough topics. The show will deal directly with the “incidents involved” in Cory Monteith’s death. It was already known that showrunner Ryan Murphy and Monteith’s fiancé Lea Michele were working on a special tribute episode for the star, which was to air this autumn, before a necessary hiatus for Glee.

Cory Monteith, Paley Fest
Cory's life will be honored with a tribute episode.

According to Kevin Reily, the chairman of entertainment at Fox, Glee will tackle Cory’s problems with addiction head on. The star died of a heroin overdose last month, after having battled addiction for most of his life. After his latest stay in rehab, even those close to Monteith did not suspect what was to come. Apparently, the memorial episode will explore these same issues in the fictional setting of McKinley High.

Cory Monteith, PaleyFest
The episode will play like one big PSA.

"[The] third episode will deal with the Finn Hudson character being written out of the show," Reilly told reporters at a Television Critics Association meeting, according to BBC News.

"I can't speak to it yet because [it's still being written]. That episode will deal directly with the incidents involved in Cory's passing and the drug abuse in particular," Reilly added.

In addition, the profits from the episode will benefit a worthy cause. Money from music sales for the tribute will go into a fund in Monteith's honour. And, in a final bid to make this their most informative episode yet, the cast of Glee will record several PSAs to be aired during the episode.

Cory Monteith, SAG Awards
Profits from music sales will be donated to charity.