This is a review of Smash Season 1, Episode 3 – Enter Mr. DiMaggio.
I usually don’t try and spoil episodes before I watch them but when I came across an article at the Huffington Post entitled “A Smash Fan’s Plea: Please Skip Episode 3!” I just had to read it. What could have been so bad about the episode that the author would write a headline like that? There were in fact multiple things bad about this episode and Maggie was right, I should have skipped it. Though as a dedicated fan and reviewer for all of you I decided to watch anyway. Here’s how I saw it, although you could read Maggie’s article and it would certainly suffice. Spoilers will be abound and I’ll apologize now for the somewhat short length of this post.
The episode went like this: The Marilyn musical moved forward now that they’ve cast Ivy as the lead and they move into the workshop phase. Karen is dealing with not getting the part and heads back home to Iowa for a friend’s baby shower. Ivy continues her relationship with Derek but wonders if she only got the part because she’s sleeping with the director. Eileen is trying to set up investors for the show but her soon to be ex-husband Jerry is causing trouble and not being helpful. They start to cast more lead roles and start their search for Joe DiMaggio (hence the episode title). Their first choice for Joe, Michael Swift, has a history with Julia which causes some drama.
That’s pretty much it. Unfortunately it was filled with a bunch of “ugh” moments. I verbally utter “ugh” at times when scenes bother or practically discussed me. You may have eye rolled or had some other reaction at the same moments. Here are some of the “ugh” moments:
Ivy and Derek scenes – almost all of them. Especially when she said she wanted to really work on the part and not just sleep with him. Also when she asked why they never go to his place and he answered with some kitchen remodeling in a neighbor’s unit excuse.
The British off between Derek and Dev – I get the jealousy factor but did they really have to unzip, put it out on the table and discuss whether they went to Cambridge or Oxford?
Michael’s scene with his wife watching his baby – It was too much and seemed out of place.
Julia’s past with Michael – It was just too coincidental and poorly brought up.
Ellis’ jealousy and greed – Yes, he did help get the traction on the musical going but he’s just an assistant (who really seems to have way more influence than a typical assistant) and should be getting a piece of the action. I do hope he gets his dues but the scene with his friend’s was ridiculous and over the top. His jealousy also went too far. Stealing the notebook was unnecessary. Also I really hope they don’t make him into a villain and have him ruin Julia’s marriage.
Eileen’s drink in the face thing – Is this really going to be a thing? She’s supposed to be a strong female character and this “thing” just brings her down. Once is strong, multiple times is silly.
Karen going back home – I agree with Maggie that it was too early for a going home episode. Her friends were just a little annoying. Her parents were just unnecessary. She needs to be singing on broadway and not karaoke in a bar.
Ugh. Not surprisingly the ratings were down from episode two. According to TVByTheNumbers it went from a 2.8, 8 million viewers down to a 2.3, 6.47 million viewers. Too much was wrong to have liked the episode. I think the only saving grace for me is that I like Katharine McPhee and I do love her voice. So even singing karaoke I was somewhat happy. We’ve been promised a better episode four so I’m not out yet. I do hope it gets better and I wish the writers luck. I don’t want to spend another hour going “ugh” so many times.
Watch Smash on NBC Mondays at 10:00PM. Catch up on NBC.com, Hulu or below while the video is available.