Courtesy of NBC
Last week Smash left us with the possibility of a cringe inducing romance. This week, they bring back the yawn inducing one. Sam’s (Leslie Odom Jr.) back. Luckily for us, there’s drama involved. Let’s dish.
After last week’s leading lady switcheroo, this week Ivy (Megan Hilty) is back as Marilyn in Bombshell. At the top of the hour, we get to hear her belt out ‘Let Me Be Your Star’, as if to remind us why she was the perfect choice all along. Oh honey, we definitely didn’t need a reminder – we’ve known it all along. I am pretty sure I am not the only one excited to see her back as the lead. Hearing her sing is enthralling, so I hope that we get to hear a lot more of it in the final few weeks. This season has been Hit List heavy, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I definitely want to hear more Ivy.
Of course a new leading lady isn’t the only major change for the show. Tom (Christian Borle) is adjusting to his new role as director and trying to find his style. Of course being friends with everyone is not really what I would call a “style”. This is definitely a lesson Tom needed to learn, and it’s good to see him realize this, even though some people have to suffer because of it (Sorry Sam!)
Tom’s directorial drama also gives us a really great scene between him and Derek (Jack Davenport), who are two polar opposites in style. I’ve always enjoyed these two together. Am I the only one hoping they end up together in the end? Anyone?…
Ok, so forgetting the what ifs, let’s talk about Tom and Sam, who are (have been?) an actual couple. I’m the first to admit that I have never been a big fan of these two together. I wanted to be, but their lack of chemistry prevented me from getting on-board. I mean seriously, Tom has more chemistry with his piano. And it’s not because I don’t like the characters; I love Tom, and Sam is great (his performance this week had me swooning). But together, they just don’t work. It’s kind of like Izzie (Katherine Heigl) and George (T. R. Knight) on Grey’s Anatomy. I know we all remember that debacle, as much as we would like to forget (shudder).
All of this to say that I am glad Smash seems to be putting an end to this couple . Not gonna lie, screwing your boyfriend out of a job is definitely a good way to ensure the relationship ends. As another one bites the dust, it’s clear that Smash feels Broadway is a lonely business.
Courtesy of NBC
Over on The Hit List, Jimmy (Jeremy Jordan) and Derek are at each other’s throats. Of course, the question is whether they’re arguing over the show or Karen (Katharine McPhee)? Seems like Bombshell isn’t the only show that’s having “direction” issues. While I appreciate that these two would argue, I am still annoyed with Jimmy. Dude, why are you so angry?!? Of course, judging from the preview for next week’s episode, it seems like we are finally going to get answers about his past. Until then, he’s easily the most annoying character on the show. But I am happy to finally see him and Karen hook up. As much as he irks me, I’m a sucker for love and I want to see the two together, if only to vicariously live through them…wow that is such a sad statement on my life.
Jimmy and Karen weren’t the only hook up this week. Kyle (Andy Mientus) finally gets some action with the cute tech guy! Kyle is such a sweet guy, it pains me that he is often more of a background character than a legitimate character, so that makes the hook-up even better. The hot date comes courtesy of a small push from Ana (Krysta Rodriguez), who also gets lucky…in a completely non sexual way. After a bit of liquid courage, she scores the role of the Diva after a pretty good rendition of ‘If I Were a Boy.’ (Side-note: Leah Michelle would’ve killed that number).
Other observations:
- I really enjoyed Julia’s (Debra Messing) side plot with Scott (Jesse L. Martin). It’s interesting because it shows a different side of Julia. I hope they continue with this because it could be really worthwhile.
- I feel like Eileen (Angelica Huston) hasn’t been doing much lately. She always seems to be on the periphery doing something, but never interesting enough to note. I want some more drama for her. It’s freakin’ Angelica Huston!
- I loved seeing Daphne Rubin-Vega as the publicist!! Oh god, I was such a Renthead when I was younger.
What did you folks think? Are you excited to learn about Jimmy’s past? Happy to have Ivy back as Marilyn? Are you rooting for Jimmy and Karen? Sound off below.
Smash has one more Tuesday showing next week at 10pm EST before NBC moves it to Saturdays.
Jimmy is an awful character ruining smash. Jimmy & Karen are awful together, she has amazing chemistry with Derek.
Someone should have told Megan Hilty(Ivy) it sounded like she was screeching “Let me be your star” to reshoot it otherwise Karen just sings it better. It was really difficult to hear even if she has blonde hair and doesn’t need a wig.
I do agree that Jimmy is problematic. I hope by next week we get a better idea of what he’s about. Time will tell I guess.
As for McPhee, while I prefer her voice to Hilty’s, I find Hilty exudes more personality when she sings and acts which I find goes a long way. But when it comes to pop songs, McPhee has Hilty beat, which is why I prefer McPhee in Hit List. But I much prefer when they sing Let Me Be Your Start together. Both of them together is dynamite! 🙂