I'm re-watching season 2 – Sexy – and I'm simply blown away by Naya Rivera's acting skills. Her comedic acting was always on-point (that scene in Silly Love Songs where she's rocking back and forth on the ground and Brittany has to console her because she's been such a bitch is so hilarious and honestly timeless), but the way she was able to capture Santana's self-discovery and conflict at being a lesbian/in love with Brittany was so moving. That scene where she admits her love for Brittany – both to Brittany and to herself – is so powerful and well-done, and Naya's acting chops are only further demonstrated throughout the season.

Honestly, I want to go as far to say that she was probably the best actor (at least among the teenage cast) in the entire show. Anyone else agree? And I'm really not just saying this because she's died – it comes through on the show.

The most incredible thing is how accidental her character was. She just appeared in the Pilot basically as an extra, but holy shit did casting get lucky with her.