Courtesy of NBC
As Bombshell goes into previews, technical difficulties arise and so do ticket sales with the help of a little full frontal. Meanwhile Hit List has some major structural changes a few hours before a big preview. So is Derek (Jack Davenport) a visionary or a jealous old man? Maybe both?
Let’s bitch!
Things are getting hectic over at Bombshell as the show begins previews. But not before a tech run through that goes…well, not so great. Of course all this means is that Tom (Christian Borle) has to work extra hard to get the show back on track before Eileen (Angelica Huston) cancels the opening preview. And if anyone can do this, it’s Tom.
I have to single out Borle because he is so fantastic in this episode. From the very beginning when he shows us his assets (sorry I had to), to his semi meltdown when he learns that Julia (Debra Messing) has been helping the Hit List team, he really sells every scene he is in. Even just small things, like the way he ignores Julia’s disapproving look, make his character all the more believable and likable. I only hope that Borle finds himself another show where he can showcase his enormous talent once Smash sails off into the sunset.
Courtesy of NBC
While Tom is in tech hell, Ivy (Megan Hilty) herself is contemplating going full frontal in one of her scenes. It’s not a huge storyline, but I still enjoy how it plays out. One of the things I love about Smash is how it shows all the backstage stuff and the inner workings of a Broadway production. This episode is chalk full of them and this was one of my favorite parts. Is the nudity gratuitous? Maybe, but I like seeing the different reactions from different people. Plus the audiences gasps are hilariously fake and over the top. I kept waiting to see a shot of a lady literally clutching her pearls.
Over at Hit List, the gang is gearing up for a preview of its own, one for the New York Times. Of course, the stress level goes up as Derek decides to make some structural changes a few hours before said preview. Is this is a new vision from a visionary director or the work of a jealous man-child seeking revenge after getting rebuffed? It’s hard to tell. While it seems like the changes work for the show, Derek still seems upset over Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Jimmy’s (Jeremy Jordan) relationship. Of course this provides one of the funniest moments of the episode as Derek sets up the new beginning with the Diva and Karen protests. She is immediately dismissed by Derek, “yeah, we don’t see you.” Not even a glance. Cold…but hilarious.
Although it provides a touch of funny, I’m not enjoying the arc for Derek this season. I don’t buy his infatuation with Karen and his childish behavior is becoming annoying. Not to mention the fact that he goes off to sleep with Ivy. I’m sorry, but Ivy deserves better. I really liked them as a couple in season one (it was one of the few bright spots in that whole season) and I want them to be together, but not like this. Derek needs to get over Karen and realize what he has with Ivy.
One character that is becoming more interesting is Ana (Krysta Rodriguez), as she finally comes out of Karen’s shadow and develops a backbone. It’s about time Ana stood up to Karen. Someone needs to tell her what a selfish bitch she’s being. I’m sorry but I didn’t understand why Karen is so upset about Ana singing the song in the new opening scene. It’s your favorite song? Bitch, she is only singing it for twenty seconds at most. Simmer down and check yourself. Some friend you are.
Courtesy of NBC
Naturally the whole episode leads up to the New York Times article that (obviously) squares the shows against each other. No wonder Eileen is pissed, that is some serious shade being thrown by Richard (Jamey Sheridan). Which show will prevail? The ultimate duel has been set, and only one show can be victorious.
What did you folks think? Are you happy Ana stood up for herself and told Karen off? Are you over Derek’s jealous attitude? Did you love every one of Tom’s scenes? How about that full frontal? Sound off below.
Smash airs Saturdays at 9pm EST on NBC