While many fans are unsure of how Glee season 5 will possibly work out without Cory Monteith in it, the new season's first episode premiered on Fox on Thursday, September 26, in the first of two episodes that are to serve as a Beatles tribute.

Much of the Beatles cover songs were lively and upbeat, but the shadow of Cory Monteith's death somehow hung over the episode like a cloud, even despite his complete absence. It was acknowledged however, when it came to Lea Michele's character, Rachel, having to sing a tender rendition of "Yesterday."  She looks to her phone for inspiration, at a picture of the original New Directions glee club, with Finn among them. It's a subtle reference-the first and last-of Cory Monteith.

Meanwhile, new couples are formed onscreen: Kitty and Artie become a couple, challenging their concepts of honesty and respect towards each other before Artie goes away to the Brooklyn Film Academy.

Rachel and Santana's sometimes restrained, sometimes straightforward friendship is also highlighted in Glee's season premiere, with Santana bringing Rachel to the diner where she works in to pay her dues-with a surprised Rachel having to sing "A Hard Day's Night," to a Funny Girls producer.

And then, in a twist that was a long time coming-a proposal.

Kurt and Blaine spend some time together before vacation ends, celebrating Blaine swearing off infidelity and also celebrating their exclusivity with "Got to Get You Into My Life." Blaine later reveals to New Directions that he wants to propose to Kurt, with the glee club breaking into "Help," saying that they might be far too young for marriage. Kurt is thinking the same thing as his father Burt drives him to the surprise, but encourages his son to hear Blaine out. And of course, incredibly choreographed surprise marriage proposal commences shortly after, covering "All You Need Is Love," to which a stunned Kurt says yes, making them officially engaged.

Another shocking plot twist: Sue Sylvester is now school principal. Tensions rise among the faculty, with teachers fearing for their jobs under Sue's tyrannical rule. 

Haven't seen the new episode yet? Watch it here!

The question on everyone's minds: When will they ever bring up Finn?