Smash Report: All About Love and Liza

Welcome friends, to Saturday night! Watching a non-rerun on a Saturday? Shocking! But that’s what NBC decided to do to us, so without further ado, “The Surprise Party.” We begin with tech for Bombshell. Ivy is still bitter at Tom and takes everything out on him, which is very unprofessional. A little note, did anyone else notice the lack of designers or tech tables or, frankly, anything in the theater? Tom tries to get Julia to listen to his rhetorical questions on why no one’s listening to him, but she answers them instead. She then reveals that long lost Leo is checking out colleges with Frank. How does she know? She stalks him on Facebook and Instagram. Weird! Eileen and Richard are in the balcony with Eileen begging him to run another Bombshell story. He doesn’t budge so she shows him Riedel’s entry about the Bombshell family drama. Did you notice the pictures? All from the “Smash” website! Meta! The scene ends with Richard agreeing to take out Eileen on an old person date. Before we gag over that thought, we gag over the makeout session between Jimmy and Karen. It ends abruptly as McSleazy calls for her. There’s a scene between McSleazy and Jimle but it’s a wash. Back at tech, Ivy whines to Sam that Tom forgot her birthday. When a bouquet of flowers arrive, Tom finally gets the hint that he forgot. How does he plan to make it up to her? A surprise party featuring his pal Liza, as in Minnelli, as in the Broadway legend who will be returning to TV, or rather computer, revising her role as Lucille 2 in “Arrested Development on May 26th. But something tells me this surprise party won’t go over well because Ivy is having a get together without Tom. Someone’s party is going to be a bust!
Over at Hit List, Jimmy and Karen begin with some heinous dialogue, which leads into a poppy song and dance. It’s got a bit of a country twang to it. It has shades of a Taylor Swift ditty, only McPhee has a much more superior voice to Country’s overrated Princess. The songs over at Hit List are starting to be a lot stronger than Bombshell’s. If only that’s how “Smash” began. Alas. After the song concludes, Richard tries to get McSleazy to cave and admit he and Karen had a fling. He denounces this thought. I mean why would Broadway’s sleazy director screw around with his leading lady who jumped from show to show with him? Crazy thoughts. Julia is at Mr. Artistic Director’s fixing Hit List, coming up with her solution to mend the Diva situation in the script. She doesn’t want to be the official dramaturg, but something tells me she’ll cave. It’s called love. Ana and Karen discuss why Jimmy wants their love to be a secret, to which Ana believes he’s got a secret. Ana is brilliant! She’s onto him! Karen receives a text from Jimmy. Since we’re on NBC, it was a rated G sext. Tom finds Ivy to wish her a happy birthday and drop the bomb that he’s got a party ready for her. Ivy realizes she’s screwed and goes to her chorus pals asking them to push back her party. When Tom pops over they all immediately get into sitcom mode and pretend they’re not talking about him. Awks! Eileen calls Agnes her publicist…Agnes…to find out if they’re getting any buzz from the Times article, but they’ve got nada. They decide to tip off the press on Ivy’s surprise. Code red! At Mr. Artistic Director’s office, Kyle is ambushed by Julia the dramaturg. Poor Kyle. He’s gonna get screwed. But before we see that, Jimmy and Karen are kissing in wardrobe. Then Karen drops the “please tell everyone about us.” Jimmy declines to which Karen gets pouty and says she’s done playing. Subtext: don’t sext me until we make it Facebook official.
At dinner, rude Ivy keeps her phone out during the meal. We segue over to Eileen and Richard on their gross date. She peers over and sees the reporters ready for Liza and publicity. Dirty. Kyle is in fact getting ambushed by Julia and Mr. Artistic Director. Julia reveals that she wrote an Amelia Earhart play. Ummmm…what? Kyle smells the sexual tension and asks if they dated. Both have a different answer, which begs the question: when will they get it on this time around? I bet by the end of the episode. Ivy tries to get her pals to stay later at the party via the phone, until Liza waltzes in. Ivy is starstruck and finds out she’s there for HER! What a birthday treat! Was this how they get to be friends again? Well not yet. Ivy thinks Tom set up the reporters so Tom confronts her, which ends her date with Richard. Michael Reidel pops up to spoil the party. Gross. Ivy is disgusted, ready to leave, until Liza stops her because Tom has written her a birthday song for her! Liza sings with the aid of Tom on piano. Liza does her best Liza impersonation. Say what you want about her, but girl’s still got it. Ivy is glowing in happiness. I mean, if I had a Broadway legend singing a song for me on my birthday I would be equally as thrilled! Hint hint. My birthday is January 20th. Just tell me where to show up next year. Inquire within for my dream list.
McSleazy walks in on Karen studying the show and asks for some help. A drunk McSleazy obliges and begins starring into his leading lady’s eyes. He confesses that he cares about her, which is code for: I’m in love with you. Karen reveals that she’s seeing Jimmy and hopes things won’t be weird between them. And guess what, it is. Ivy and Tom are jovial after the Liza surprise, patching up their friendship. See! Strong friendships can endure anything! Even surprise visits from mother! Tom puts Ivy in a cab to go home, but soon discovers that she left her keys at the restaurant. Like a good friend, he is off to return them. Kyle is trying to fix his story and then gets ushered out of the room so Julia and Mr. Artistic Director could talk about their potential future love. Kyle returns with an amazing idea. But we won’t find out until Ivy’s second birthday party. Ivy tries to get Sam to lighten up on Tom because he is really a good person, but that won’t be happening anytime soon. Tom, on his way to Ivy’s, finds the chorus kids outside of the local bar, goes in to discover Ivy ditched him. A heartbroken Tom returns the keys and realizes his presence isn’t welcomed. Well that will be a fun next day of tech. Poor Tom!
Karen and Jimmy rehearse a scene while McSleazy hate watches. He gives a dig to the actors mostly because he’s pissed and jealous at Karen and Jimmy’s love. McSleazy gets in Jimmy’s face, even putting his hands on him. McSleazy drops the boyfriend card. Jimmy drops the you told me to stay away card. Karen is pissed at both of them. 1) Because McSleazy did the same thing with Dev and 2) because Jimmy wasn’t honest with her about what McSleazy said. She will never find a real man. Ivy runs out to talk to a disappointed Tom. They try to figure out if friends and boss-employee relationships can be mutually exclusive. It can’t, really. So Tom goes home, leaving Ivy to her friends and his cast. Kyle gives a plot presentation to McSleazy who approves mostly because Karen’s part will be reduced. Oh shit! Ana is the new lead. Kyle wonders what Jimmy and Karen will think, but a dejected McSleazy doesn’t really care. This is not going to be a fun next day of rehearsal. Mr. Artistic Director tries to get Julia to stay involved in the show, but instead they go out for a drink because they have a lot of years of pent up sex to attend to.
Ivy, filling her mouth with cake, feels weird about her birthday. Sam and Ivy realize their life trajectories are the exact opposite. Sam offers to walk her home, but she declines, probably because she needs some alone time. I mean, that’s how I get on my birthday. Post celebration depression. Eileen, in her office, is confronted by Richard, who apologizes for ditching their date. Eileen reveals that her baggage includes the fact that she’s not over her last relationship. Which leads into a really amazing cover of “Bittersweet Symphony.” Is that Katharine McPhee singing? Where can I get it? Anyone? The music montage includes Karen starring out the window, Mr. Artistic Director and Julia holding hands, Tom home alone, and Ivy, still at the bar. Jimmy pops up on Karen’s stoop at midnight, trying to make it up to her. How? Take her out on a real date…in PUBLIC! Stop! That’s crazy! Jimmy offers his coat to protect her from the cold. They hold hands and they’re off. But wait. Karen discovers the blow in his pocket! Oh shit! At the bar, Ivy is ready to leave before McSleazy arrives, card in hand. No. So basically he gets rejected by Karen and moves back to Ivy! McSleazy is back to his sleazy ways!
What did you think? A strong Saturday showing if I do say so myself! Will McSleazy and Ivy get it on again? Will Karen accept Jimmy for his drug past? Why wasn’t Ivy’s mom celebrating her daughter’s birthday? And most importantly, did we have a great episode because we were focused on character and NOT shows?

Smash Report: Mommy and Me

In our final Tuesday together, we begin with a t-shirt-only wearing Karen making coffee for a blanket-only wearing Jimmy. Guess who did it! The apartment buzzer goes off revealing Daddy Cartwright waiting downstairs. Awkward! Karen and Jimmy scramble to get Jimmy out in sitcom fashion before Daddy catches them kissing. Ivy and Sam are on their way to rehearsal when Ivy gets ambushed by Linda the Stage Manager. Julia is in the middle of drafting an e-mail to Mr. Artistic Director instead of working on the script. Bad girl. Linda announces the arrival of Ivy for Tom and Julia to take the next steps of the ambush. Eileen reveals to Ivy that Marilyn’s mom will be played by her own mother Lee Conroy! Ivy is speechless. Literally. Lee pops up early to surprise her daughter, stating that she’ll only accept the offer with her daughter’s blessing. Big Broadway breakout or disappoint the biggest stage mom? She says yay, for now. Eileen, Tom, and Julia watch as the mother-daughter walk away placing bets on how long it will last. We move over to Hit List as we listen to Karen singing like an angel as her cohorts watch expressionless. Daddy Cartwright claps after McSleazy stops the song. Mr. Artistic Director announces at their Hit List reveal at the company's gala, Ana will get a chance to show off her Diva. As they begin to rehearse it, Daddy Cartwright questions his daughter as to why she would leave Bombshell for this. Jimmy is on his way to rehearsal but is soon encountered by Mysterious Man from his past. Dun dun dun!
Tom tries to level with Ivy about bringing Lee in but she, and Sam, brush him off. It’s time for the first rehearsal together and Mommy is already off book. What a pro! At Hit List, McSleazy and Karen chit chat as Ana is supposed to be working. How unprofessional. Jimmy strolls in late seemingly because of his run in. We head back over to the Mommy and Me theater trial but it’s rather drab. The scene is supposed to be contentious but it’s being played warmly. Tom attempts to offer direction but both ladies try to debunk his theories. Eileen gets a call from Richard at the Times who’s ready to snap a picture of Mommy and Me but they’re not quite ready for that. Julia tries to get Tom to inspire the ladies in order for them to figure out their characters. Tom has an idea but it ain’t gonna be pretty! Speaking of unpretty, Karen and Jimmy have a conversation about “us.” The dreaded “us” conversation. Jimmy doesn’t want her to reveal to their chums that they did the nasty but then Mysterious Man shows up to interrupt Jimmy’s concentration. What does he want!
Jimmy and Mysterious Man rush out of “Manhattan” Theater Workshop so Mysterious Man could get the debt Jimmy owes him. But for what! Tell me! Now! Daddy Cartwright and McSleazy chat outside of the theater about how McSleazy is fond of his daughter. Daddy Cartwright don’t trust McSleazy! Mamma Lee and Sam chat it up at the elaborate coffee station where she hounds him why he and Tom didn’t work out because Tom is lovely and convinced her to do the show. Awkward! Eileen tries to get Julia to get to the Manhattan Theater Workshop gala, which she swiftly agrees to so she can see/stalk Mr. Artistic Director. Tom attempts to put his plan into work by literally digging into Ivy and Lee’s personal life. Oh this is gonna be nasty! And boy does it. Lee starts dumping Ivy stories. Ivy is embarrassed and pissed, glaring at her from her stool. Hefty Ivy was brought in to play Kurt in The Sound of Music. A resounding laugh from the ensemble. Ivy plays the game too but digs deeper and more personal. It turns into an awkward therapy session, for all to see, where Ivy lays down the biggest dig: I got a career to have, momma and you don’t. You go girl!
At the MTW Gala, Karen sings “Broadway Here I Come.” It’s not as good as Jimmy’s version, but hey, we’ll take it because she has a really sparkly dress. Daddy Cartwright lays it down to McSleazy after telling him that he’s read about his sleazy ways. He tells him that a man would stand up and admit he’s a sleaze. But alas, he ain’t no man. Jimmy asks Mr. Artistic Director if he could have an advance on his payment because he needs to get money to Mysterious Man. Julia, with super sexy straight hair stalks Mr. Artistic Director. Eileen meets Richard at the gala where they happen on the same table. Kyle geeks out that Richard is there right before Ana is about to sing. Ana’s performance is filled with contortionists and Cirque kids posing as dancers. The song isn’t quite Diva-ish but apparently in a day they figured out a way to rig and fly her to the rafters like Mary Poppins or the thing from Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark. Jimmy walks out and convinces Cole Escola, playing the coat check boy, to go downstairs as he steals money and jewels out of coat pockets. But wait! McSleazy catches him in the act! Dun dun dun!
Jimmy tries to explain why he’s a thief. He’s in trouble. But what kind of trouble? Jimmy worked for a dealer and stole eight grand in order to get out and get a fresh start. McSleazy, instead of chastising Jimmy, asks why he didn’t just ask him for help. Would he really have helped? We’ll never know. Julia finds Mr. Artistic Director at the bar reminiscing about the times before she screwed him over. They share a moment of sexual tension. Foreshadowing. Daddy Cartwright meets Jimmy prompting him to ask his daughter to walk him out, clearly so he can question her. Richard meets the Hit List team who loves Ana the Diva and wants more. He tells Eileen that he’s no longer gonna write her story but Hit List’s instead. Bombshell rehearsal ends where Ivy basically gives Lee the knife in the heart and tells her after the show is open, she no longer needs her. Ouch. Poor Mamma. Daddy Cartwright realizes that the composer friend of hers is the boy who snuck out her window earlier. He’s devastated that she left a Broadway show for a boy(s)!
The next day at Bombshell, Mommy and Me share a scene that’s heartfelt where art imitates life. Bernadette Peters sure plays the same role time after time! The scene transforms into the stage version that incorporates random background dancers. Though the strangest part of the whole number is the apparent lack of emotion coming from Ivy’s Marilyn. Even when it turns into a duet, Bernie takes control. Tom watches when it returns to rehearsal mode, clearly impressed at his work and the magic he performed. Is this song Lee’s swan song to finally give her daughter the glory she deserves? Perhaps. From sentimental to sentimental, McSleazy gives money to Jimmy so he can be rid of his problems. Jimmy runs into Karen and Daddy, who offers to take them all out for dinner. Awww. Jimmy confesses to Karen that something’s going on but doesn't reveal what. But she accepts it. I guess too many people were around for a blowup. Daddy apologizes to McSleazy for thinking he was a sleaze and basically tells him that he thought he was sleeping with his daughter but in fact it was his composer. Oh shit gonna go down! Mr. Artistic Director offers Julia the chance to dramaturg Hit List to figure out a way to give Diva a bigger role. She accepts. In probably one of the biggest shockers, and most irrational decisions, Ivy tells Tom that she’s no longer his friend after the stunt he pulled on bringing her mother into the show. OUCH! Jimmy gives Mysterious Man his debt, who then offers him a little blow. But the big reveal? Collins is really not his name! Who is Jimmy! Dun dun dun!
So clearly we’ve only touched the surface on Jimmy’s story! What else is he hiding? And will Mommy and Me continue at Bombshell? And the biggest question, will you follow our favorite show to Saturday nights? Check back here Saturday night for a next new episode with a Liza (maybe bringing out a little Lucille 2???) cameo!

Smash Report: How Not to Collaborate

We begin with a bang. Or what was a bang. Karen, naked in Jimmy’s bed, sneaks out, stealing pages of his music off his piano. But wait. That was not Karen and Jimmy. It was Hit List. McSleazy offers Jimmy some direction on his acting, which of course he denies. This is not going to be a good collaboration. We head over to the Ivy-lead Bombshell singing our song, “Let Me Be Your Star.” It’s a different take than what we’re used to. Ivy and Karen are completely different Marilyns. She knocks the socks off of everyone though. After not hearing from Jesse L, Julia reveals to Tom that her and Mr. Artistic Director had a history in grad school and he holds a grudge. Why? We don’t know yet. Ivy asks Tom a question about our song, allowing a can of worms to open known as “open collaboration.” Tom announces to the entire company that if they have suggestions, they should feel free to share. That will not end well. Oh no. At Eileen’s office, with Playbill.com open on her computer, she meets with her publicist known as Mimi or Daphne Ruben-Vega. Hmmm. Not quite sure I get that. Ivy bumps into Sam outside of rehearsal and tries to convince him to go see Tom. Before we get that reunion, Julia reveals that she’s weary of the new democracy at Bombshell. He just wants it to be a happy experience for all. And then Sam appears. Bells ring and doves fly! At Hit List, the kids are with glee at the casting list. All the big stars are coming to audition! Including Lea Michele! Get it? Glee? Lea Michele? Moving on. Jimmy is pissed about this prospect, says Lea Michele’s name twice to which McSleazy retorts with one of the best lines the show has ever had, “You say her name one more time, she magically appears.” Jimmy is not happy with the direction his baby is going. He doesn’t want a star. He wants pure angst.
Mr. Artistic Director is not a fan of the friction on day one, expecting his writers and directors to work together. He insists that McSleazy find a middle ground with Jimmy. At the former flame’s reunion, Sam shares that he’s not happy on tour, in which Tom offers to take him back, despite the lack of parts. Oh love. Eileen heads over to the New York Times to get Bombshell in the paper, offering an exclusive look at Bombshell redux. At Tom’s cast party, he pines over the fact that there is nothing for Sam in the show. What will he do? Can’t break his heart again! Karen finds one of her shirts in Jimmy’s possession to which prompts inspiration for his story. Karen tries to level with Jimmy about connecting with McSleazy. She believes neither writer or director are talking to each other, rather talking at each other. Jimmy makes a quip about her having a special connection with McSleazy, prompting her swift exit, with her stolen t-shirt. At Tom’s, Tom accompanies Sam on an old thrown out song from an axed musical. Sam leads the impromptu song and dance through Tom’s giant apartment with much happiness and razzle dazzle. Dispite the happy song, the lyrics are very fitting, forecasting some troubles for Tom and Sam. That is until Ivy suggests that the song could be a part of Bombshell. Tom, realizing that this is his opportunity to bring Sam back home and into his life, on the whim creates a role for him. Hugs go around as Julia shares a look of pure terror.
McSleazy brings Jimle in to talk about his ideas. Instead of getting a name star, he offers a sleek design. Jimmy no likey. Jimmy may actually be the worst collaborator in the world. Karen asks McSleazy if he’ll audition Ana for the part of the Diva, but he declines. Before long, we see Sam and Tom in bed. Love! Mr. Artistic Director brings McSleazy in to talk about his high tech demands, including three LED screens. The budget no likey. At Bombshell, Eileen is shocked to learn that the great art editor will not be seeing Ivy in Bombshell redux, prompting a blow up between herself and Tom. Instead he was about to see Sam as Sammy Davis Jr. That is until Eileen and Julia crush Tom’s heart by forcing him to renege on his promise to Sam. Karen shares to Ana that she’s championing her for the part of the Diva. Jimmle chat about Jimmy’s poor decision tattling on McSleazy, only to be met by McSleazy himself giving him the good news about his approved design. Writer-Director tension!
Eileen and Richard the Arts Director try to figure out a way to give Bombshell press, in which the story will be about how mother-daughter save the show. Eileen schemes and hails a taxi. Julia takes Tom downtown to get advice from McSleazy on how to make tough decisions as a director. Instead, they see Jimmy and McSleazy at odds, again. Jimmy takes jabs at McSleazy, bringing Karen into the middle of the drama. He forces her to say what’s on her mind, which happens to be Team Jimmy. McSleazy is pissed, like usual, and walks out. Julia finds Mr. Artistic Director and tries to talk to him about the grudge. The grudge turns out to be Julia passing Mr. Artistic Director up on their promise for Mike Nichols. I would hold a grudge too! This decision took a huge toll on Mr. Artistic Director’s career path. Tom ends up chatting with McSleazy getting the advice he needs. How does he sleep at night after talking down to the cast? Getting respect over being liked is how to get things done. Tom then offers his own advice, convincing McSleazy to listen to Jimmy, because despite his arrogance, he might be right.
Ana and Kyle talk about things they can’t have. Ana tells Kyle to let go and think about things he can have. Enter Blake the lighting guy. They share a smile. Love. Jimmy and McSleazy finally have a heart to heart to get on the same page. Jimmy claims his show is about two people falling in love and the challenges that get in their way. McSleazy accepts this. McSleazy, on a now blank stage, offers a presentation of a song from the show that now includes obstacles between “Amanda” and “Jessie” and their love. The choreography is very lively and modern, fitting the beautiful song written by the talented Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin. The entire company digs the new approach, including Jimmy. Is it the first time we’ve seen him smile?
Julia stalks Mr. Artistic Director outside of his theater in order to apologize to him. She grovels about how she messed up fifteen years ago. He accepts it and offers his condolences on her split with Frank. Remember him? Karen finally reveals to Ana that she has feelings for Jimmy. Ana wants her to tell him and at least put herself out there. She decides to lead by example and performs “If I Were a Boy” for McSleazy. Odd song choice? Yes. Very odd. Is this her audition for McSleazy to be the star of the show or to get in his bed? Probably both. It’s a very Diva-esque performance. Is it enough? Time will tell. But first, Tom finally tells Sam that he can’t put the song in the show. Sam is expectedly upset, not only because he’s out of a job but because Tom’s being Tom again. Tom is hurt and takes the advice McSleazy gave him into action, shutting down Ivy and making Julia do some work. He’s ready to see his show on its feet, but first Eileen reveals that the role of Marilyn’s mother will be played by Ivy’s mom. Bernie’s coming back! A perfect story for the Times. Oh Ivy is NOT gonna like this! Ana wins McSleazy’s heart and gets the part. Karen puts herself out there to Jimmy, asking him out, but Jimmy is hesitant and too slow, for McSleazy is ready to swoop in. Right when they were getting along, Jimmy hates McSleazy again. McSleazy tries to get himself into Karen’s apartment, but she denies him. Before she can get settled, her apartment buzzer goes off, revealing not McSleazy but Jimmy. They share a passionate kiss, derobe, and get the nasty on! End of episode!
What did you think of tonight’s episode? Pretty good, no? Will love last for our new couples, Jimmy and Karen and Kyle and Blake? Will Tom get over the fact he slaughtered Sam’s heart again? And are you excited for Bernedette Peter’s return?

Smash Report: Movers and Shakers

It’s only a few weeks away before we are relegated to the dreaded Saturday night, so let’s enjoy our time on Tuesdays while we can! We begin our night at a try out for Hit List at “Manhattan Theater Workshop” where Jimmy and Ana sing a nice little duet. Everyone’s impressed, including McSleazy and asks Collins/Jesse L if they have a slot for the team. He goes to talk it over with his team to see what options he has which then leads to a cameo made by the super awesome Dan Abeles as Blake the Lighting Designer! Over at Bombshell, Tom takes his reigns as director. And it’s not going so hot. Karen doesn’t quite feel it. Neither does the ensemble. Looking for reassurance, Julia and Tom chat about how without McSleazy they’re just having fun, until Tom suggests a Marilyn and mom scene remain cut. There goes the fun. Oh Julia no likey. Speaking of no likey, the cast of Liaisons hates all of Terry’s ideas. Small pox. He suggests small pox. Oye. Lets dodge that one and head back to Bombshell. The new choreographer at Bombshell gives “The National Pasttime” the over-tap treatment. Bring back McSleazy’s choreography! Tom tries to give Karen some direction but instead decides to be her. We all thought Tom was good with actors. Clearly not. He’s violated like so many unspoken rules. The only way things could go back to normal is if McSleazy signs a contract allowing for his choreography to be used. Something’s telling me unless Eileen has magic, he ain’t gonna budge.
Mr. Artistic Director offers the idea that Hit List would be better suited in their smaller, underground space. Why? Because of the subscribers. Oh how very true! The Blue Hairs don’t like edgy. They like classic. Jimle and McSleazy exit Manhattan Theater Workshop, which is actually New York Theater Workshop (4th St. much?), and argue about how to make their venture better and in a bigger space. McSleazy gets pissy and tells the boys that they need to do research at the opening of Liaisons. Oh they gonna hate it. Eileen and her offspring discuss how Jerry is a jerk. It’s a throwaway scene because we immediately see how awful Terry Falls is in Liaisons. Monotone much? These new changes are abysmal. McSleazy meets Karen in a bar where he compares himself to Bob Fosse. Excuse me! Gross! They whine and pine and somehow, McSleazy gets Karen to go do his dirty work of making Jimle fix their musical. Eileen meets with Julia and shares that Jerry never sent the choreography contract to McSleazy in hopes of bringing him back to Bombshell. Jerry is clearly not a team player. Eileen offers the chance for Julia and Tom to pull the plug on Bombshell in order to get rid of Jerry. Oh that’s a risky move! Will they?
Jimle brainstorm on how to fix Hit List. It’s pointless because Karen pops up with coffee to eavesdrop. Jimmy pulls the Ana card to play with Karen’s head while Karen tries to give support. And once again, Jimmy pushes her away because he can’t get the reality of the business (or love) through his thick head. McSleazy and Mr. Artistic Director meet at a local hangout on 4th St. to discuss how they can make Hit List a reality. Julia literally bumps into Mr. Artistic Director, whom she clearly has a past with, before she bombards McSleazy with the contract. She tries to get him to sign while she’s there but he’s weary. He plays the Peter card, which makes her storm out. The girl just can’t catch a break! Ana and Karen talk about how she’s upset that Jimmy doesn’t love her when they disocer Tom at their stoop. He grovels to get her support in rehearsal and proposes that she be his date to the opening of Liaisons. Karen’s worried that Ivy will be made (she’s worried about Ivy???) but Tom assures her it’ll be fine. Backstage at Liaisons, Terry Falls reveals that the theater message boards are calling him, and the show, meh. Clearly his worst review ever. Ivy reveals she wants out of the show while he wants her out because she’s too good. They theorize that if the show’s going down, they’ll go down in a blaze of glory, also known as sheeps, mirrors, and full frontal. Oye.
Seth Rudestky, in full cameo, meets Karen and Tom and tries to get them to spill the beans on Bombshell. They’re not on the same page giving Seth two completely different ideas. Uh oh. Jimle are in aww of what an opening night looks like. Forshadow for their future? McSleazy tries to teach them a lesson until Jimmy asks why he left Bombshell. McSleazy, in a British huff, walks away because clearly he has no idea. Eileen and offspring go through mementos that might catch Jerry in his lie and protect Tom and Julia. Julia comes in with a box that contains a contract that Eileen made with the Monroe Estate to use her diaries. Why is this important? Because Julia reveals she’s used the diary and found their silver bullet to get Jerry out. At the opening, Jerry tries to woo McSleazy, which Tom oversees. Tom storms over to try to go toe to toe with McSleazy. Something they are no strangers to. (Do we know their complete backstory yet……..) They exchange some heated words and verbal jabs to which Jerry ends with a you can come back to Bombshell McSleazy, it’s still yours. (Obviously not exactly like that) Oh no one saw that one coming! Oof. No one is gonna be focused on watching the bomb that is Liaisons now!
The colorful Liaisons opens with some sheep and a lavish musical number. It’s outrageous, filled with boob and face slapping, girls on swings, motorboating, sex, a swordfight, and a fall by Mr. Falls. How punny. It’s hilarious to be honest. After the show, Tom and Karen compliment Ivy and learn that there is no hope for Liaisons. Karen realizes that with Ivy free, Tom will probably want Ivy to play Marilyn. She proposes that she leaves the show so she can be in Hit List. Wait…you’re going to QUIT a BROADWAY show? Get this girl to a doctor! Karen announces that she’s quit Bombshell to Jimle and McSleazy. They are all shocked that she gave up a Broadway show for an underground show, and love. This brings us to a meeting of the minds where Jerry is escorted to his death sentence. If Jerry uses any of the lyrics from the Monroe estate, the show can be shut down or he can sign away the rights back to Eileen. Offspring plays the “I can’t believe you did that to mom” card, which clearly pulls at Jerry’s heart.
Terry announces that he’s leaving Liaisons and that the show will close at the end of the week. Ivy is thrilled. Freedom! Tom and Julia are waiting for Eileen until McSleazy walks in and allows for his choreography to be used in Bombshell. Eileen announces that Jerry has bequeathed the rights to her. Everything is back to normal, except they lack a star. Wait. Ivy is free. Will it be her? At Hit List, McSleazy offers a small rough snippet, which includes projections, of Jimmy singing a song from the show. The number explodes onto a huge stage with moving screens and lights, singing a song called “Rewrite This Story.” It’s a very fitting to all that’s happened thus far on the show. Karen is soon revealed and again, Karen and Jimmy have a duet. Is that the equivalent of sex on network tv? And just like that, Mr. Artistic Director loves the new direction and gives them the main stage. Jimmy is thrilled and asks Karen out on a date. Something clicked in his brain! But wait! Conflict! McSleazy tells Jimmy that Karen and he have a history and would be distracted if anyone messes with his love. Oh what a mean mean sleazy man!
So what did you think of the musical chairs of theater? Were you able to catch all the role swapping? What do you think will happen between this newfound, official, work triangle between Karen, Jimmy, and McSleazy? Will Jimmy swallow his pride for opportunity or will he blow it for a one dimensional relationship of duets with Karen? Oh, and Ivy. Remember her? Is Bombshell a hit with her as Marilyn?

Smash Report: A Change is-a Comin'

I missed you all last week, but now that I’m home from The Happiest Place on Earth, the “Smash” Report is back! We open the episode with the answer to the cliffhanger from last episode. Eileen’s decision is…drum roll please…Tom and Jerry! Oh how funny! Bombshell is going big budget Broadway! We shift over to no budget theater to Jimle’s Fringe production. They get a schlocky little theater preparing for their performance in ten hours. Will they be ready in time? The cast of misfits set up their new space while Jimmy serenades the gang with a little ditty only to be shut up by a venue director in very funny fashion. How very true that moment was. Karen heads off to go to her Broadway rehearsal where she meets Ivy in the elevator. Awkward! They attempt to have a conversation but small talk is not their forte. Ivy gets off the elevator to be ambushed by her cast because superstar Terry Falls has brought in sheep and metaphors to the production. Oh boy. Bomb. Back at Bombshell, Karen sings one of the songs Jerry is ready to cut in order to make way for his big budget plane. Julia and Tom are not ready to cut the first song they wrote for the show that got them excited about the project. Tom tries to level with Julia who, along with the rest of the team, has gone off the charts. Eileen agrees with Jerry? Oh this isn’t good. During the break, McSleazy discovers that Karen and Jimle have gone ahead with their Fringe show and pouts. Jerry plays the producer card after he finds out that Karen won’t be introduced as the star if she continues with Jimle’s Fringe show because, well, she would have been introduced there. What will Karen do? Betray her new friends or continue on Broadway? That’s a tough one? Or not. But in the meantime, has Jerry forgotten that she’s already been introduced to audiences in Boston? Right…we’re supposed to forget that happened.
Karen tells Jimle that she has to bow out with six hours to go before the first performance. The gang is pissed and kicks Karen out. Back to Broadway I suppose. McSleazy and Ivy happen on each other outside of their rehearsals, where they both reveal how sucky their respective shows are going. How will they ever recover? Julia is on a date, perhaps a professional date, with Peter. He offers the idea for her to leave Bombshell. Why? Because he wants to bring her to London to collaborate, or “collaborate”, on a new show. He plays the “Tom’s left you” card just as Tom goes to bat for his collaborator. Mean Peter! Jerry claims the song he wants to cut is too intellectual and lacks the wow factor that the show needs. Eileen and Jerry make a deal that if Tom can adjust the song in 24 hours time, he and Julia can keep it. What will happen? Outside of the Fringe show, Karen talks with Ana about Hit List only to be found by Cyn, Ellis’s ex. Welcome back to “Smash” Condola! She drops the bombshell to Karen that Ellis was working with Jerry, and that he’s a gay. Oh snap! What will Karen do with that information!
At Jimle’s, they discuss what to do with their show now that Karen is gone. Cancel or perform. Doesn’t Jimmy know that despite any hiccups, the show must go on? Cleary not. It’s the mantra of live theater! At Tom’s, Julia tells Tom about Peter’s London proposal because she thinks the show is doomed. Tom tells her that he has her back and will fix it. Tom is too good for everyone. Something good needs to happen for him. And now for the hilarity, Terry Falls and company perform an invited press rehearsal of Les Liaisons. Oh it’s gonna be a doozy isn’t it. But before we can see it, we are at the Bombshell song experiment to get Tom and Julia’s song back in. Tom offers some guidance to Karen, which McSleazy gets whiney about because it’s a good idea that he didn’t have first. Calling the wambulence! The new version of the song now brings the men of Marilyn’s life on stage with her as she goes through each of them. No longer a solo number but a production number. Julia, Eileen, and Jerry love the piece and the idea. Tom saved the show! But again, McSleazy whines and gets in everyone’s face because he can sense he’s being pushed to the background. What will he do? What he does best. McSleazy monologues, verbally slapping each member of the creative team in the face, only to announce he quits. Well, for someone who’s been fired from projects because he’s a womanizer, not sure that was his best decision. What will McSleazy do now? Fringe show?
Karen and Eileen run after McSleazy to bring him back but it’s no use. His mind is made up. Now with McSleazy gone Karen spills the beans to Eileen about the news Cyn brought to her attention. What will Eileen do with the information? She runs after the truth as Karen gets in a taxi to presumably go to the Fringe show. At Les Liaisons, Ivy gets to perform her solo number. It’s quite on point until she decides, via imagination, to go Terry Falls with it. Homegirl has some opera pipes! She brings the comedy into the song, which Terry isn’t fond of. Jealous much? But before we can hear from him, Eileen sneaks into Jerry’s office. Eileen takes a page out of the Snoopy playbook! Meanwhile, Terry reveals to Ivy that she can’t have the spotlight and is going to ask to get her song cut. Oh movie stars. Getting everything they want. At Hit List, Karen returns and tries to grovel her way back in the show. She pleads to Jimmy to take her back but his tough exterior won’t budge. Someone has to crack that kid!
At rehearsal for Les Liaisons, Terry finds Ivy crying on the stairs because the show is awful. Ivy tells Terry that he’s one of the reasons the show sucks. And Terry, off his meds, agrees. Humble pie! Terry gives Ivy her song back as long as she always tells him the truth. That shouldn’t be too hard! Tom and Julia have Chinese food to discuss the departure of McSleazy. Tom thinks the best thing for the show is the loss of McSleazy. And Julia reluctantly agrees. Eileen calls, presumably with the information she discovered on Snoopy and Jerry. But before we know what she found out, we get to see Jimmy in the Fringe show, accompanied by Karen. The song is a pretty duet that develops into an big budget reimagining of what the song would look like. I looks very similar to Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme. Oh and McSleazy is there to watch. Is this a sign of his approval? Of course, the song caps off with a kiss. Is this the first real kiss the pair has had? If so, wasted on a stage kiss? How unfortunate.
Terry brings his cast together to have a heart to heart session about their feelings. No one wants to pipe up, until they lay into it all at once. Terry is on board to make changes to make the show good. What will this show become now? At the little Fringe venue, the gang all celebrates their triumph until they are interrupted by Tom Collins or Jesse L. Martin or Scott Nichols, (fake) Artistic Director of NYTW. He wants to meet the writers and director of the show because he’s interested in it. And who claims he’s the director? McSleazy himself! Gross! Eileen meets up with Tom and Julia to reveal that Snoopy gave Jerry the information on Nick that pushed her out. She wants payback! But before that, they need a director. Who will replace McSleazy? The person who wants to save Bombshell more than anyone, Tom!
Oh, and if Kyle’s script sucked a week ago, how the hell did he make it better for the Fringe production? It’s the little things. How will Tom do as the new director of Bombshell? Will Tom bring Ivy back to play Marilyn? Will Karen follow McSleazy to Hit List? How will the power struggle between Tom and McSleazy play out? Things are heating up here at the little “Smash” show!

Smash Report: The V-Mo Show

And we begin with a musical montage! Why? Because the episode is appropriately called “The Song.” Our friends are getting their day kicked off as V-Mo sings a song, fresh from her killer Oscar performance, oh wait that was J-Hud, for her little show. McSleazy asks Linda the Stage Manager a dumb question, prompting her to role her eyes. Go girl! V-Mo’s mom, played by Sheryl Lee Ralph, pops in at rehearsal to be the ultimate momager. McSleazy is grumpy because things aren’t going his way after Tom doesn’t help his image but V-Mo’s instead. Julia calls Tom telling him that she’s at NYU to talk to Peter the Dramaturg’s acting class. Is Peter playing nice? Well, Julia ain't! She’s got a list of digs at Peter to share! Kyle and Jimmy can’t get a concert of their music until their little angel calls, giving their dreams life. Could their song debut at V-Mo's show? At NYU, Julia discovers she’s not there to talk to the students, oh no, but instead to hear her little Bombshell out loud. Peter is not playing nice! Peter has changed the names of all the characters so she can hear it for what it truly is. Nice move! At V-Mo’s rehearsal, Ivy pops in to be a replacement dancer while Kyle and Jimmy are ready to present their music for V-Mo to sing. V-Mo’s mom got Bravo to film the concert, which would give Kyle and Jimmy the recognition they need. Will it work out in their favor? We’ll found out after that dreaded opening sequence. Sorry. I still don’t like it. Maybe by week five I’ll come around.
Karen performs a Jimle (Kyle and Jimmy…do we like it?) song for Tom for consideration to be a part of the concert. Tom shoots them down and gets bitchy when one half of Jimle snaps at him. Can you guess which one? Tom tries to level with them when he’s summoned by McSleazy over PA system. The other half of Jimle says he can write a song by the end of the night. Can you guess which one? At the NYU reading, the kids offer their suggestions about Marilyn, I mean Mary. They offer good criticism but Julia is still so attached that she can’t let go. Segue to Jimle’s song session of a song called "Can't Let Go"! They’re not have the best of luck, so Kyle gives Jimmy space, until Karen comes in to offer her suggestion. Of course it’s magical and what Jimmy needed. Jimmy explains he’s never written a song for anyone before so Karen says write it for you. Jimmy likes this profound idea and asks her to stay with him. Someone’s coming around! I smell love. Julia calls Tom about sociopath Peter and says she’s spending the night reading his one and only play. She opens the play up and her mouth drops. Why! Why! Could it be a play about Marilyn too? Well, we can’t know yet because Eileen just got surprised by her criminal boyfriend Nick! Uh oh…
J-Hud, I mean V-Mo has lunch with Ivy talking about life and McSleazy. Ivy calls him a genius. Fo real? V-Mo decides to give McSleazy’s ideas a shot. Don't play it safe. His version turns into a sensual version of “I Got Love.” Apparently V-Mo has never felt sexy before in her life. McSleazy gets in her face until Cynthia the Show Mom stops the show. Cynthia lays the smack down! She blackmails him by saying she’ll give Tom the director spot and spread the gospel of his continual sleazy ways. From sleazy to the sleazed. Eileen loves Nick who announces he’s about to turn himself in. To bed before jail! McSleazy finds Ivy outside of the theater who lets Ivy give him advice. Give them (the audience and Cynthia) what they want. V-Mo’s traditional way. So when Jimmy brings out his new song, he gets shut down by McSleazy who says he just has to wait his turn. Jimmy likes giving a bad boy impression so he gets right in McSleazy’s face. Unfortunately for him, he ain’t backin’ down! He looks for support from Karen but she can’t leave with him. Show must go on.
Karen calls Kyle looking for Jimmy, learning that Jimmy has a trigger that makes him wander for days. Someone’s got a dark side! Julia finds Peter and throws his play in his face. Literally. We learn that The Singing Bird is not about Marilyn but in fact about a singing bird. Oh boy. And I can't get my works published??? Julia doesn’t want to play games anymore, finally succumbing to Peter’s requests. In V-Mo’s dressing room, Stage Mom tries to sway her in a direction that she doesn’t think is right. Broadway and beyond. V-Mo tells her mom that she doesn’t know what she wants anymore. Tom and McSleazy try to go over the set list until Tom pulls out Jimmy’s music saying he’s the real thing. Will McSleazy bit after being told he sucks when he's a pushover? Yep! But McSleazy is forbidden from telling anyone Tom likes Jimle's music. In a montage moment of searching for Jimmy, Kyle is rudely interrupted by a plug for “Smash” Season 1. C’mon! But as the song continues, it’s actually a pretty good song. Definitely has a Billy Joel vibe with a key change giving V-Mo a non J-Hud moment on “Smash”! FINALLY! Separation! It’s subtle yet she gets to exclaim her glory note. Ivy hears her and thinks she should sing the song at the concert. Will she? Meanwhile Karen didn’t call the cops, instead stumbles upon a drunk missing Jimmy.
Jimmy shares he’s on drugs to deal with his life. He’s sick of letting everyone down and doesn’t want to show his face. But the real reason he was at the theater was because he was waiting for Karen. And they share their first kiss. It’s not perfect (ie the drugs) but it is sweet. Peter and Julia meet at Tom’s apartment, an odd meeting place, and drink at noon (which is so a theater thing) to attempt to work or something. Julia discovers that she writes better men than women (dig at TR!) and realizes that Marilyn is defined by the women she was with. Upon her epiphany, Julia rushes to her books to get back to research! Eileen reveals to her skeezy ex, Jerry, that Nick turned himself in and that she can’t really keep Bombshell. Backstage at V-Mo’s show, with Linda the only Stage Manager in the “Smash world (hey I need a job!) calling places, Cynthia the Stage Mom sees that V-Mo is a changed women and will do things her way for once. Buckle your seat belt momma, you’re not gonna wanna miss this!
V-Mo’s show has the McSleazy stamp of sensual on it. Her backup dancers are all touchy feely, including Ivy and Karen on each other. Subtext or just weird? But has V-Mo got her groove back? In the wings, Jimle pines over the fact their music isn’t being used. Or is it. V-Mo's got an announcement. A new song? It’s Jimle’s! The backdrop of roses, that eerily resembles the recent Follies revival, sets the stage for V-Mo’s final performance with Ivy and Karen singing back up. As we saw in this episode, there are three visions of what this song was going to be. McSleazy’s, Jimle’s, and V-Mo’s. Surprisingly, “I Can’t Let Go” is a perfect blend of all three. Everyone watches in amazement, including tear-filled Cynthia and happily shocked Jimmy. As rose pedals drop, Jimle can’t help but smile. The song ends and V-Mo invites Jimle on stage to take credit for their star moment. How sweet! If only everyone in theater was that honest and humble. Meanwhile at Julia and Peter’s work session, twelve hours later, Peter invites Julia to the Berkshires to work. She gets interrupted by Eileen to meet at headquarters. She announces that Bombshell is free to go to Broadway as long as Eileen steps down and Jerry taking the helm. Tom and Julia aren’t thrilled with the idea but they can’t pass it up. Jerry sits at his desk on the phone creepily revealing that he’s finally beaten Eileen at her game. He says to the person on the other line that he’ll pay him for his work as long as he never contacts him again. Jerry signs the check. Who is he addressing it to? Oh. My. God. No. Way........Ellis Boyd! SNOOPY! Snoopy was in on it! BEST ENDING EVER (on "Smash")!
“Smash”, it may have been a lackluster episode but you ended on the biggest shocker the show has ever seen. I mean, we should’ve seen it coming, right? But three episodes in and no mention of Snoopy, I thought he was gone without a trace. Oh no! Snoopy was the cause of the downfall of Eileen and Bombshell version one. Revenge is a bitch! So what do you think about Ellis’s involvement and the rest of the V-Mo-centric episode?

Smash Report: A New Eye

With a week off because of Mr. President, “Smash” is back, again. Tonight’s episode is called “The Dramaturg.” Don’t know what a dramaturg is? Well according to “Smash”, they’re a parasite. We’ll have more on that soon enough. Let’s get into the episode first. We start with a giant party with Karen crowd surfing. This is not our everyday Karen. This is sexy Karen with pink hair extensions. Wait, are we watching “American Idol”? Nope. We’re seeing what would happen if our new boys’ musical existed. According to Karen, the non-existent musical is about an aspiring pop star. Very close to home Ms. McPhee! Meanwhile, Derek is still unemployed for being a super playa and agrees to meet Jimmy and Kyle about their show. At headquarters, Eileen brings in Tom and Julia to talk about how to fix Bombshell. How you ask? Peter Gillman. A professional dramaturg. Tom and Julia scoff. How rude! “It’s a pretty common practice these days.” Eileen! C’mon! Be nice to dramaturgs. We move onto Ivy’s audition for Mr. Bernie Telsey himself. Cameo! Ivy begs to read for the lead role and Telsey caves. Is that common practice too? And then we move to our third music snippet in a row! This time for V-Mo. Girl got pipes. I mean, we know that already. She did win an Oscar. But did we need to hear her sing “Home”? Nah. McSleazy visits V-Mo in order to con her into bringing him back into The Wiz. They decide to set up an audition for him. Déjà vu. Julia and Tom sneak into their meeting with Peter, played by Daniel Sunjata as the hottest dramaturg in the history of musical theater. Julia believes he’s a parasite because why would anyone not take any credit. Anyway, well Mr. Peter claims he’s a fan of the duo and will be their midwife for their baby, Bombshell. He gives them a list of shows and writers he’s worked with. I’m dying to know who’s on that list! At the bar, Karen announces she got Kyle and Jimmy their meeting with McSleazy. One shot and that’s all they need. And we jump into our title sequence before commercial. I still am not a fan…I miss the simplicity of the old. But remember friends, this is a new “Smash.”

Julia visits the script doctor Peter in his beyond swanky apartment. Damn! I want to live there! Julia sees the notes he made in the script and starts to get snippy. Peter is just trying to help! He starts off with a bang. “Bombshell is not a Broadway musical, it’s a biopic.” Of course Julia gets defensive. “It should live on the page,” Peter says. Oh Julia got ambushed! Julia vents to Tom on the phone on her way to Eileen while Tom concocts an idea. Kyle begins to reorganize the plot of their musical when Jimmy comes in a saves the day. Apparently these two writers are very unorganized. Maybe THEY need a dramaturg (and a stage manager). They're looking for a missing piece but realize Jimmy’s song is in his notebook in some mysterious, forbidden place. Ooooh. Where! Where can’t we go back to! McSleazy brings Karen into work on a song from Bombshell which suddenly turns into Ivy singing the same song on Tom’s tv. He needs to be reminded of the good parts of the baby. Ivy comes over to share her audition news and that she’s competing with Jen Damiano and Jessie Mueller. Name drop! Tom encourages her because that’s who he is. Julia barges into Eileen’s office hours after she said was going to barge in. Julia learns that she had been set up by Peter and Eileen because she’s ready to find someone who will do the work if Julia's not willing to.
At rehearsal, McSleazy bitches to Karen about her performance and then Ivy waltzes in. McSleazy asks Ivy to watch because she’s got a great eye. Oh boy. Peter is at dinner with friends when Julia barges in again. She confronts him on his lie that he never saw the show. Peter begins to lay in on Julia when she begins to defend her work. Peter retorts that her show is not sellable or relatable to a Broadway audience. Dig to Ms. Rebeck again? He continues to critique her, offering her the Michael Swift slap in the face, and gives her the chance to prove it with a pen tucked away somewhere on his body. She tells him to go to hell. I bet they’re gonna do it. Back at rehearsal, Ivy watches Karen and company of a bunch of familiar faces and then breaks into a dream song where she strolls through the action. Karen and McSleazy get into a tiff, Ivy decides to leave but of course, offers her opinion. Instead of knocking down Karen, she gives a piece of advice to McSleazy. He’s doubting himself. How very true. Jimmy breaks into a house where is music is stashed and suddenly gets ambushed by a mysterious person. Who is it!
Well before we know who attacked Jimmy, we see him meet Kyle with a busted lip in a restaurant with the missing music. Karen calls the boys to cancel because her and McSleazy are stuck in rehearsal. Jimmy is pissed. Intent Julia comes home and forces Tom’s butt to the studio to work on their plan. At Ivy’s rehearsal prep with Tom, he yawns through the dull audition. Who is Cecile, the character Ivy wants more than Bombshell? Innocent and nice but then able to manipulate. Karen Cartwright? No, Marilyn! How convenient. At the Bombshell presentation, Julia and Tom drop their own bombshell of a new song for McSleazy to win his audition. JFK and Marilyn’s first time. How enticing! V-Mo and her producer friend come to see the new number which McSleazy wants her to pass up on because he knows it’s not going to be good. McSleazy is sweating! This is a first!
McSleazy sets up the scene. Bing Crosby’s house. JFK and Marilyn are about to meet for the first time. Their eyes lock. The small talk of the scene, is well, short because it breaks right into song and foreplay. Mr. President is a sleaze! Jackie O would be so disappointed. The parallels between JFK and McSleazy are uncanny! As the song ends, the only applause comes from Jimmy who just ambushed a closed and private presentation. But how! McSleazy, despite hearing his music, has no idea who the kid is. Eileen likes the scene. Peter likes the scene. Julia digs it and wants Peter to step out after she’s proved that she can do it without him, but he’s in it to win it. Ivy calls Tom to announce that she got the part of Cecile. Ivy’s gonna be on Broadway as a lead! It happened! Take taht Cartwright! Karen rushes after Jimmy in full costume, wig in hand. Karen tries to defend McSleazy but Jimmy is too stubborn to know that despite the action, he has an amazing opportunity in front of him!
Julia, Tom, and Peter walk through TKTS and vent to each other. Why three Broadway names would do that and not get noticed is wild! Anyway, they banter on actually discussing plot and how to improve it, a wonderful change to our beloved show. Tom tries to play mediator but it’s no use. V-Mo waits in her town car waiting for McSleazy to share that she has announced she’s dropping out to do a one-night only show. Am I the only one who suddenly got “Dreamgirls” in their head? At Jimmy and Kyle’s, Karen and McSleazy surprise the duo to finally discuss their musical. McSleazy is so mean to Jimmy but apologizes for his earlier actions and tries to play nice. They begin their meeting with beer and a run-through of the plot. It’s a musical about an aspiring musician from nowhere who meets a girl he can’t have. As Jimmy reveals the plot, it becomes strikingly clear that we’re receiving some foreshadow on what’s to come on “Smash.” And surprisingly, it’s intriguing. McSleazy agrees to start helping them with Karen as their muse.
So what do you think? Liking Daniel Sunjata’s character? Digging the fact we’ll soon have three musicals, plus a one-night only concert to keep track of? And who the hell was the mysterious guy that jumped Jimmy! And I’ll keep asking, what happened to Ellis!

Smash Report: Conveniently Moving On

After months and months of anticipation, filled with numerous cast additions (and subtractions), a new showrunner, and commercials that could be mistaken for a Weight Watchers ad (sorry J-Hud…), the season 2 premiere of “Smash” is here! At long last our favorite gang of Broadway hopefuls are back and ready for anything. Let’s get started!
We begin with a musical montage with our beloved Marilyn. Karen sings a song called “Moving On” on the closing night of previews in Boston. Clearly some continued drama between Ivy and Karen has been ongoing since we last saw. Ivy is all droopy and sad while Karen’s living the life. We get a glimpse at the various pairs of lovers seemingly getting along, including Julia and Frank. We see Karen’s new roommate who delivers a little note from Karen’s favorite ex, Dev. She immediately crumples it on, “moves on” while Ivy “moves on” by tossing out all her pills. MOVING ON! When the song concludes, Karen gets a bit icy, a new character development, and tells Ivy to get the next elevator. As the elevator opens, we get an odd meeting in our lovely rehearsal room where Eileen announces her intentions to bring Bombshell to Broadway. Julia announces that there may be some creative changes where some of the cast may no longer last. Eileen gives Karen the chance to sing at a little shin dig and can pick her own backup singers. She picks Jessica, Beth, and Joy, leaving poor little Ivy in the dust. As Ivy mopes we segue into a new title sequence. WHAT?! No likey!
We’re back in Eileen’s cozy office, also known as headquarters, where the team has a debriefing where we get another write off of the season of an axed character. Michael Swift has asked out of his contract. Adious amigo! Eileen wants to know where other creative changes are going to happen, based on the critics reviews, which Julia hasn’t read. A direct dig to Theresa Rebeck? Probably. Eileen announces she wants to get the show at the St. James Theater, which apparently is super exciting, but Derek is apprehensive about whether or not this show is actually going to happen. Foreshadowing? Now we venture out of office and into Karen’s new digs. Karen and her new roomie Ana chat about some Bombshell with roomie’s computer appropriately opened to Playbill.com. Looking for a job much? Are Karen and Ana going to get along? Here’s hoping! Karen needs a friend. And apparently she’s gotten very chummy with McSleazy himself, director Derek, who’s invited her to see Veronica Moore in a fun vintage show. From Ivy to Karen? Speaking of, everyone’s still talking about the show that’s over. Ivy whines about not getting a call from her agent regarding her future with the project. Poor Ivy. We need some happiness so let’s see another musical number! And who better to hear sing than the legendary Veronica Moore played by Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson. (In case you live under a rock or the abundance of promos didn’t remind you who she is!) The song has shades of Memphis. And it’s possible this make-believe show is better! After J-Hud sings, we go to her dressing room where McSleazy drops the bombshell (insert cymbal crash) that he’s directing J-Hud in a production of The Wiz after he’s done with Karen. Now did he mean that metaphorically or literally or…It’s McSleazy so it’s probably both. He asks J-Hud to give Karen some advice and she actually gives some sound advice. And then of course when J-Hud leaves her dressing room, she’s hounded with cameras. She’s that big of a star! Conveniently outside is Tom and Julia pining over their other show. Huh? Ok, moving on. Eileen is waiting for Jordan Roth (cameo!) but her super sleazy husband Jerry pops up because he’s jealous and will stop at nothing to bring his ex down. But before he can do that, the first big change of season 2 is no liquid toss from Eileen! BOOO! And cue commercial. We’re going to take a second to talk about this first commercial because it’s a cross promotion with the show where a bunch of theater folks sing our favorite song “Let Me Be Your Star" as they dance with some commoners around a car. Please bring that song back!!!
We’re at rehearsal for Eileen’s shindig only to find out that Ivy has conned her way into singing a song after Karen. Sneaky sneaky girl. She goes to Julia to ask why she hasn’t received a call only to find out she needs to apologize to Karen. But she already did in Boston! Girl, you ain’t apologized until you did it on camera! McSleazy is at lunch with the other McSleazy of NYC, Michael Riedel (cameo!). And that’s how Page 6 is run! Karen goes to meet McSleazy to talk about why Ivy is singing at the party but we first meet Jimmy, who we are going to see a lot of. McSleazy pops over and offers the opportunity to axe Ivy if she wants. Will she? Won’t she? Well first we need to catch up with Tom and Sam! But wait, they’re not that important apparently so let’s slap on the “SMASH SEASON 1 IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD” banner in the middle of the scene. How rude! We learn that Sam has been offered a role in The Book of Mormon tour but doesn’t want to take it because he wants to stay with Bombshell…and Tom. How cute! But wait! What’s that? There’s Frank making out with a mysterious brunette! Dun dun dun. What will Tom do? Tell Julia? Find out soon on "Smash."
At the party, Ivy, Jessica, and Bobby are gossiping over Rebecca’s departure from Bombshell. Sexual harassment! Riedel! You devil! McSlezy walks in arm in arm with J-Hud or V-Mo (which do we like better?) and whines that he is being villainized. If the shoe fits! Frank is randomly at the party where he gets a hug by Linda the Stage Manager. She has lines that are not show related! But uh oh, they are relationship killer lines! You give the Stage Manager the bad news lines? How mean! Frank asks Julia if everyone knows about their waning marriage only for Julia to announce that shows are like family, everyone knows everything. How very true. Eileen finds out Jordan Roth is not coming to the party and needs to find a distraction. J-Hud/V-Mo suggests Karen who conveniently walks up the stairs like a superstar. Perfect! Segue into a J-Hud/V-Mo and Karen duet of “On Broadway.” It’s actually quite good. These American Idol castoffs are pretty killer! #theyshouldhavewontheirseasons In the middle of the song, Sam comically mouths to Tom that he should tell Julia about his discovery of Frank and mystery lady. Meanwhile as the dueling divas belt, Eileen is whisked away by her boyfriend and McSleazy watches his two leading ladies with sinister eyes. As the song ends, McSleazy and Karen have an odd sexual moment. C’MON! The man doesn’t change! Karen calls herself his muse, they are about to do something when Ivy conveniently sees. Mopey Ivy thinks Derek called her because he’s with Karen but in reality, Ivy is getting the axe. And for more drama, cut to Frank and Julia. The throw down of the century. “She’s just someone from school. It was nothing.” Really Frank! You had more time to think on that one! He gets so worked up that he has a tantrum in front of the theater family, revealing he wanted to sleep with the school lady. He’s so angry that he outs everyone else who slept around just as Michael Riedel conveniently walks in. Ivy and Karen are next. Showdown? No! No? Ivy is admitting she did wrong? What? Homegirl has changed since last season! She’s got soul! Ivy wishes Karen a heartfilled good luck, leaving Karen, and us, so confused. Julia, sans scarves but plus horrible crying smeared makeup, is outside of the party where we learn that Frank is officially gone. And another character has bitten the dust. Tom consoles Julia because he’s the nicest guy and they’re partners. That’s collaboration my friends! Karen and McSleazy want to talk to Eileen only to reveal that the money that she got to finance the show has been tipped off to the government. Oh Jerry.

McSleazy and Karen sit outside on a beautiful day confused as to why they are suddenly out of a job, or two in the case of McSleazy since he’s not gonna “Ease on Down the Road.” Back at Tom’s apartment, Tom has taken Julia in as a relationship refugee. He announces that he’s going to break up with Sam, aka by telling him to take the tour. He then begs that she stay with him indefinitely. She agrees as long as he doesn’t hide anything from her. And then she gets a stack of her reviews. Oh boy. Cue the booze. Ivy goes on her first audition post Bombshell looking for a chorus role. And cue the musical montage! Mopey Ivy walks out of a seemingly botched the audition, McSleazy mopes about an empty rehearsal room, Tom mopes after getting a gift from Sam, Julia mopes about heinous reviews, and Eileen, while being stalked by Jerry, mopes about her bomb. Karen is at Jimmy’s bar where she’s about to get thrown out because they’re closing at 1am. So not New York. Kyle, the other bartender, gushes to Karen about her being her and asks her to sign his Playbill of the failed musical, since he conveniently has a stash under the bar. She signs and goes, until she comes back because she conveniently forget her phone. Why is it convenient? Because Jimmy is singing a song her wrote, “Broadway Here I Come.” A new song by a new writer on “Smash!” She loves it, we love it, and now Derek, who Karen calls to listen to the song, is about to love it! Could this be McSleazy’s new project? Foreshadow!
In our second hour, Karen stalks Jimmy at work to talk about his musical. Jimmy is confused and instead hits on Karen. He needs some work. Perhaps McSleazy can help! Karen walks off but Kyle chases her down knowing this an opportunity of a lifetime. At headquarters, Tom and McSleazy battle with a war of worlds until Eileen tries to piece together some clues as to why her boyfriend is a scum. McSleazy, who’s reading American Theatre magazine, says he can’t not take a job if it comes up but Tom says he’s there for her. Ivy continues to whine to Sam until they are ambushed by Lisa McMann, played by Annaleigh Ashford, in front of Amy’s Bread! We love that place! Lisa admits she’s basically given up acting since she hasn’t gotten any jobs. McSleazy meets with his agent in a massive office only to learn that he’s no longer The Wiz. Why? Because five dancers have filed sexual harassment suits against him. Damn! Eileen has been taken off the guest list for the American Theater Wing Gala and grovels to Jerry to give her his table. He’s so nice that he agrees. Eileen announces to her creative team via iPhone conference call, that they are going to the ATW Gala and can’t make a scene. Which sounds like code for they’re about to!
Julia is in bed, or in pull out couch, whining that doesn’t want to go. Tom tries to convince Julia to go but she’s still distraught over the breakup of her family. Julia asks Friend Tom to tell Partner Tom that she can’t go. Tom bends over and agrees to. What a good friend! Karen meets with Kyle in Times Square and shows her the “music” from Kyle and Jimmy’s “musical.” Kyle begs Karen to listen and convinces her to go to their apartment to hear the music. At Tom’s apartment, Julia thinks she’s getting her take out but it’s Ivy. McSleazy goes and stalks one of his harassment accusers, played by my absolute favorite Mara Davi, who gives him the smackdown. McSleazy got served! Ivy vents to Julia where we continue to see the softer side of Ivy Lynn. Is Ivy really ready to quit? Of course not or then the show would be over. Julia tells it like it is while offering Fluff. Then Tom, as he’s walking down the street, conveniently gets stopped by Harvey Fierstein. What?! Harvey, in his comic brilliance, thinks Tom and Julia have broken up, tries to con Tom to work with him. But Tom assures him that they are still in tact and that he will see them both later that night. We then learn that McSleazy’s lady count is up to six. McSleazy tries to ask Jimmy for advice but he gives him the cold shoulder. Bad move Mr. Writer. Drunk McSleazy is about to hit on a random women but instead gets punched in the face. Insert random music sequence. I thought we were done with those! A plethora of sexy dancers, including Ivy and Karen, clad in “Addicted to Love”-esque outfits, sexually harass him through dance. How convenient. It was only a hallucination.
“Honey I’m home” announces Tom as he walks in ready to tell Julia about his little oopsie. But Julia knows because Harvey Fierstein told Cheyenne Jackson who told Jackie Hoffman who told Mary Testa who told Julia. If you can’t follow that chain, go Google it. Six Degrees of Harvey Fierstein! At Ana and Karen’s, Ana plays the music which they think is amazing and Jonathan Larson-esque. Bobby wants to know if our new composer friend is gay, because all musical theater boys are gay, only to find out that Karen can’t see the signs that she was being hit on by Jimmy. Follow me as I digress for a second. There’s an Addams Family reunion on my tv screen! Wesley Taylor and Krysta Rodriguez! “Crazier Than You” is my jam! And now back to your regular scheduled broadcast. At the American Theater Wing Gala, Julia makes a mockery of herself when she discovers that she’s not really speaking at the Gala. Tom rescues Julia but she’s pissed Tom lied. They bicker and get interrupted by a fan who saw Heaven on Earth for the third time. At least we get some humor in the drama. They continue to bicker when Tom admits he’s been a good friend and won’t leave his writing partner despite the rumors of her mental breakdown and her inability to hack it. Julia just got hit with the honesty stick.
Now in Brooklyn, the apparent scary place of NYC, Karen and Co. meet Kyle and Jimmy, who apparently live in a huge loft. Karen and Jimmy begin to flirt while Bobby and Kyle get their flirt on. Ivy and McSleazy sit on a stoop where DrunkSleazy tells Ivy he basically has done an entire line of Rockettes. Way to go horndog! DrunkSleazy tries to apologize to Ivy but she’s not buying it. If alcohol is truth serum, DrunkSleazy admits that Ivy was his friend and that Ivy is talented and his Marilyn. Don’t give up Ivy! And then DrunkSleazy goes in for a kiss. See! Things don’t change. Eileen pounces on the ATW President only to get kicked out. Burned. Back in Brooklyn, Karen and Jimmy exchange flirty barbs which leads to Karen singing one of Jimmy’s songs conveniently accompanied by Ana on piano. Karen rocks it for the entire party but Jimmy is not having it. Listen to Karen, Jimmy!
Jimmy is pissed at Kyle for stealing his songs. Karen tries to reason with Jimmy but his ego and hot-headedness pushes her away. Remember how I predicted a stunt at the ATW Gala? Here we go! Ivy, not Karen who conveniently has her phone off, is gonna sing a song to make them realize Bombshell is the show they don’t want to miss.  Ivy goes the distance with this unheard Bombshell song, making us question her future with the show since she was, well, fired.

Eileen and Jerry conveniently meet by the elevator where she sticks it to him about her stunt. Kyle bitches to Jimmy about how he messed up their one chance at success. Kyle gives Jimmy a dose of reality but it’s still not getting through. Art imitates life? At Tom’s, Julia has baked apology muffins to say she’s sorry for being, well, her. Tom prefaces it with a sorry, but asks nicely that Julia retires the scarves. They’re gone! WOOT! A wonderful nod to all of our scarf mockery. Jimmy pops over to Karen’s to apologize and give her a flash drive of everything he’s written so far. Flash drive? It’s all about Drop Box people! Ivy pops by Derek’s with a coffee and a sweet treat to intrude on a “work session” between McSleazy and Karen. Let’s hope they’re only working on Jimmy and Kyle’s musical. As Ivy mopes in the elevator, we are left with Jimmy’s music and the end of episode 1!
With a whopping seven musical numbers in two hours, “Smash” is back! Unlike the first episode of Season 1, we can’t quite predict the trajectory of plot for the season, which is a very good thing. Keeps the masses watching! So what do you think? Will Bombshell bomb on Broadway? Who’s your favorite new kid? Did you like how the axed characters were written off? And, most importantly where’s Ellis? Snoopy was not mentioned once! I’m sure we’ll find out soon! Welcome back “Smash”, we missed you so!

Smash Season 2 Premieres Tonight!

The day is finally here! The Season 2 opener of our favorite backstage drama "Smash" premieres tonight! For those of you who watched the first half of the episode know we're in for a (hopefully) fun season. But for those who can't remember a single thing that happened last season or need to get caught up for tonight's big episode, here are all of our Season 1 Smash Reports!

Opening Night!

And Marilyn Is...

Bad, Bad Boys

The Claws Are Out!

The Good, The Bad, and the Really Bad

Spooky Leading Lady Hell Dream

Living in the Shadows

The World According to Ivy

How to Storm Out of a Scene

Duvallapalooza

Teching Cheating Hearts

When Previews Bomb

Let (Blank) Be Our Star!