This week was the final week of Smash! :( The final two episodes were aired together but separate titles, so I'm reviewing them separately. I want to thank all of my viewers of this blog, I've so enjoyed writing it! I will continue to follow Megan as this Smash chapter closes and new ones open (A Broadway workshop for CanCan anyone?). Also, if you've enjoyed my blog and want to know more about what I'm up to and also more Megan coverage, follow me on Twitter at @baileyford2016
In the final seconds of last week's episode, we got the news that Ivy was pregnant. This episode started with Ivy waking up singing a song about all of the wacky dreams she's been having since finding out she was pregnant. We see her in her final Marilyn costume sitting on the bathroom floor as she is supposed to go on for her curtain call. She is dealing not only with the typical stresses of pregnancy, but all the while trying to hide it from everyone. Poor baby!
Skip to times square where we see her walking with Sam, Jessica, and Bobby, talking about Karen's recent win on the Outer Critic's Circle. When Sam brushes off the idea of "BIG AWARDS" as being dumb, Ivy retaliates by saying "You only said that because you just won and for a tiny role." As soon as she says it, she immediately apologizes and runs off embarrassed. Her friends discuss her recent change in behavior speculating a drug relapse. Little do they know she's more sober than ever.
Just moments after leaving a tension filled meeting, Derek digs his phone out of his pocket, Ivy on the other end, sitting on in the doctor's office. Over and over she tries to tell him she needs to talk to him, like REALLY talk to him, and he brushes her aside, repeating "Not now, Ivy, not now!" She hangs up with him and looks down, petrified, at her stomach. Her OBGYN talks to her about taking her prenatals despite fleeting thoughts about an abortion. Ivy looks down again, and fakes a smile, sadness seeping through her turned up lips.
Next scene is Sam walking Ivy out the stage door as she signs autographs, her questioning him about why he was there. Cheerily, Ivy signs autographs as her fans tell her how much better Bombshell is than Hit List...(maybe awkward for Sam?) Ivy continues prodding at Sam as he insists that she tell him about her problems. Defensively, she repeats, "Problems? What problems?" through a smile as she signs more programs. As fans continue to bash Hit List, she assures them that she is fan of Hit List. Finally, one fan says, "Did you hear what Karen said about you?" Sam tries to stop them from any further discussion, but Ivy says no, prompting the fan to proceed, informing Ivy of how they had labeled her performance as an imitation. Suddenly, a spark sets her off and she blurts, "Listen, the only reason Hit List made it to Broadway is because Kyle Bishop died." Can we say HORMONES! And it was all caught by a handy dandy iPhone. UH OH!
Probably my favorite scene of the episode took place in Ivy's apartment, as she told Sam her big secret, the one she's kept under wraps, literally. (Bad pun) Sam comes out of Ivy's kitchen carrying a warm mug of tea (Yogi Tea would've probably made her smile) as he says, stunned, "This is why...you've been acting so nasty...you're pregnant." She looks at him with a heavy face, acknowledging his realization. He continues on, asking if she's positive that it's Derek's. After a heavy sigh, she says, "Unfortunately I've narrowed it down from a list of...ONE." Tears begin to swell in her voice as she explains her reasoning for not telling Derek that she is pregnant. "We aren't even together, we didn't want it to happen, we didn't even plan it." Sam stops her, explaining that even though she may not like it, Derek has a right to know. In her tiniest voice ever, she asks with heart wrenching concern whether he thinks she would be a good mother. "I'm just such a mess right now. Classic Ivy, worst timing ever." Sam tells her it may not be as bad as it seems, and he presses her to talk to Derek, despite the final decision she makes.
"How are my two favorite PR disasters today?" What a greeting! The whole gang is at Table 46 waiting for the Outer Critics Circle awards ceremony. Ivy is being stared down by Karen and Jimmy after her hormonal comment about Kyle. As the Bombshell team heads to their tables, Derek comes in behind Ivy at the bar. She refuses to make eye contact. "You're looking uncommonly radiant!" he exclaims, unknowing of the horrendous timing. She rolls her eyes, the irony seemingly all too much for her, and he continues further, "You get your hair done or something?" She just looks at him with that face that say Are you KIDDING me right now? He apologizes for his rudeness on the phone and asks what she was going to say. "Congratulations!" "Really? Sounded more urgent than that," he replies. "Can we just meet up here tonight? I just wanna-I just kind a need to talk."
Now is time for the actual Tony nominations. Tom, Julia, and Ivy sit together in Tom's living room, eyes fixed on the TV. First they announce Leigh in Bombshell, and the three erupt in a fit of applause and then the say Ivy Lynn in Liaisons, producing a confused excitement as Ivy questions, "WHAT!?! We were only on for like 5 minutes!" High on happiness, Ivy picks up the phone from her mother, the energy pulsing. Next, Julia is announced as a nominee for Best Book and another fit of squeals and excitement. As Tom and Julia are both nominated for Best Score, they all high five. Ivy and Julia grip Tom and watch the TV intently as the announcements for Best Direction are called out. When his name is called, they all silently gasp, tears of excitement rolling like waves through the room. Finally, are the nominations for Leading Actress. Julia rubs Ivy's back and Tom puts his hand comfortingly on her leg. They begin reading the names, Karen called, then three more. The announcers pause and begin to move on to the next category. Ivy's lip quivers and the room is stagnantly silent. "It didn't happen. I didn't get it. GOD, I didn't get it!" Ivy beats herself up. Suddenly the announcers go back realizing they had skipped the name. "Ivy Lynn for Bombshell!" Ivy's jaw drops and they all begin to kick in seated happy dances! SHE DID IT!
I know this blog is about Ivy, but for a second, let's just appreciate the talent of Ana and that HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL song she sang for the Once audition! SO excited Krysta is returning to Broadway.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Smash: The Transfer-VOi
Sorry I haven't been writing blogs the past few episodes, I've felt she wasn't on enough. But, this episode was emotionally loaded with Ivyness!
First up was the oh-so-cheery run in with Karen in Times Square. They make small talk about Broadway and Tony's, finishing with a promise to be mature in the slippery slope of award season. HA! Right!
Ivy is gaining a reputation, and not a so good one! BUT SHE HAS BEEN SUCH A SAINT!
If you don't count the pills, Heaven on Earth, sex with Derek, and Karen's fiancé troubles. In Ivy's defense, that was ALL last season! Her undefined relationship with Derek is definitely no longer centered around favors, nor did I ever believe it was. I'm not saying Ivy is an innocent doe, but she's certainly not Lindsay Lohan! Nonetheless, Ivy is in "Imagery-Rehab." May it be ever beneficial.
And to assist in this imagery rehab, Eileen has booked Ivy a (NATIONAL!) commercial that I was unsure whether it was real and Megan was in it or that it was actually Ivy. Then Sam cleared that up. The commercial is just one more chain in the Eileen Tony winner plan. By the way, Ivy BETTER win! Then Ivy and Sam begin talking about the column about an unspecified wild Broadway blonde. Sam tries to assure her that no one knew who the column was about. Ivy fires back, slightly more on edge than usual, (hormones maybe?) that everyone commented that it was her. The girl can't seem to catch a break!
"Raise your hand if you're a pimp!" What's better for Ivy's image than a revue that stars Ivy as a depressed alcoholic stripper. This is Tom's grand idea for his concert. DEEP BREATH, IVY!
When Ivy questions her participation in the strip tease, Eileen comforts her, pointing out that what makes her special is that she doesn't care about what people think of her. This is another moment where Ivy is desperate for a motherly figure. Earlier in the season it was Julia, and now Eileen. *I have a feeling that they will be the women supporting her in the coming episodes more than Lee.
During the sensual song Grin and Bear It, Ivy holds the muffs in front of her midsection. Is this a foreshadow to the last 2 minutes of the episode? Just a thought. By the way, Ivy absolutely KILLS the whole concert, despite its borderline tacky outfits and choreography.
Karen and Ana are ranting to Derek at a bar when he storms out, nearly shoving Ivy. Ivy's phone rings when suddenly Ana pops over, in a flurry of anger and too much alcohol. She starts talking at Ivy, almost innocently, and Ivy's face changes to a defensive skepticism when Ana begins to mention Derek and how she got Marilyn the first time. Trying to keep cool, Ivy wipes Ana's implying comments aside. Sam begins to sense the trouble and warns her with a "Woah! Ana!" Ana explains nonchalantly how Karen would've gotten the part had she slept with Derek and Ivy is unable to contain her aggression. She marches over to Karen, against Sam's opinion of better judgement, and brings up their "promise"of the previous night. Ivy rants to Karen, coldly stating that she is just as calculating as anyone else. Karen denies this and scoots away cowardly.
Still heated, Ivy picks up her ringing phone, the dialogue so perfect I feel the need to type it all out.
Ivy: "Really?!? Three times in a row?!"
Caller(in a very cheery tone): "Ivy Lynn?"
Ivy(crossing her arms uncomfortably): "Yeah,"
Caller: "This is Dr. Lopez's office," (at this Ivy begins to get a look of concern on her face) "we got the results of your blood test back," (DEEEEEP BREATH) "and we wanted to reach you right away."
Ivy (trying to mask her alarm): "Is-is everything okay?"
Caller: "Congratulations!" (HUGE concern clouds Ivy's face) "You're pregnant!"
Ivy stands in pure shock and the screen cuts out.
MY THOUGHTS GOING A MILLION MILES A MINUTE:
OMG! Ivy has a LOT of growing up before she has a baby!!! Where the heck is NBC going with this storyline? Is it Derek's baby, or JFK's? Some new mystery man? Is she going to have the baby? Get an abortion? Give it up for adoption? Or lose the baby? Will she get far enough along this season to wear a pregnant belly? What does she look like with one on? Ivy can't drink or take pills anymore. I CALLED IT! I KNEW SHE"D BE THE ONE! I'm not sure how I feel about this bombe dropped on us....#awfulpun
*In the previews for the coming episodes, they show Ivy, Tom, and Julia sitting in front of the TV waiting for the Tony nominations. Two key things about this clip. Number 1: Ivy looks terrified, stressed, heartbroken and slightly sick. Number 2: Julia is being her mother. Julia is rubbing Ivy's back, to try to comfort Ivy, something a mother should do. At least she has Julia and Eileen to help her through the stressful award season. We all know Lee wouldn't be doing this!
First up was the oh-so-cheery run in with Karen in Times Square. They make small talk about Broadway and Tony's, finishing with a promise to be mature in the slippery slope of award season. HA! Right!
Ivy is gaining a reputation, and not a so good one! BUT SHE HAS BEEN SUCH A SAINT!
If you don't count the pills, Heaven on Earth, sex with Derek, and Karen's fiancé troubles. In Ivy's defense, that was ALL last season! Her undefined relationship with Derek is definitely no longer centered around favors, nor did I ever believe it was. I'm not saying Ivy is an innocent doe, but she's certainly not Lindsay Lohan! Nonetheless, Ivy is in "Imagery-Rehab." May it be ever beneficial.
And to assist in this imagery rehab, Eileen has booked Ivy a (NATIONAL!) commercial that I was unsure whether it was real and Megan was in it or that it was actually Ivy. Then Sam cleared that up. The commercial is just one more chain in the Eileen Tony winner plan. By the way, Ivy BETTER win! Then Ivy and Sam begin talking about the column about an unspecified wild Broadway blonde. Sam tries to assure her that no one knew who the column was about. Ivy fires back, slightly more on edge than usual, (hormones maybe?) that everyone commented that it was her. The girl can't seem to catch a break!
"Raise your hand if you're a pimp!" What's better for Ivy's image than a revue that stars Ivy as a depressed alcoholic stripper. This is Tom's grand idea for his concert. DEEP BREATH, IVY!
When Ivy questions her participation in the strip tease, Eileen comforts her, pointing out that what makes her special is that she doesn't care about what people think of her. This is another moment where Ivy is desperate for a motherly figure. Earlier in the season it was Julia, and now Eileen. *I have a feeling that they will be the women supporting her in the coming episodes more than Lee.
During the sensual song Grin and Bear It, Ivy holds the muffs in front of her midsection. Is this a foreshadow to the last 2 minutes of the episode? Just a thought. By the way, Ivy absolutely KILLS the whole concert, despite its borderline tacky outfits and choreography.
Karen and Ana are ranting to Derek at a bar when he storms out, nearly shoving Ivy. Ivy's phone rings when suddenly Ana pops over, in a flurry of anger and too much alcohol. She starts talking at Ivy, almost innocently, and Ivy's face changes to a defensive skepticism when Ana begins to mention Derek and how she got Marilyn the first time. Trying to keep cool, Ivy wipes Ana's implying comments aside. Sam begins to sense the trouble and warns her with a "Woah! Ana!" Ana explains nonchalantly how Karen would've gotten the part had she slept with Derek and Ivy is unable to contain her aggression. She marches over to Karen, against Sam's opinion of better judgement, and brings up their "promise"of the previous night. Ivy rants to Karen, coldly stating that she is just as calculating as anyone else. Karen denies this and scoots away cowardly.
Still heated, Ivy picks up her ringing phone, the dialogue so perfect I feel the need to type it all out.
Ivy: "Really?!? Three times in a row?!"
Caller(in a very cheery tone): "Ivy Lynn?"
Ivy(crossing her arms uncomfortably): "Yeah,"
Caller: "This is Dr. Lopez's office," (at this Ivy begins to get a look of concern on her face) "we got the results of your blood test back," (DEEEEEP BREATH) "and we wanted to reach you right away."
Ivy (trying to mask her alarm): "Is-is everything okay?"
Caller: "Congratulations!" (HUGE concern clouds Ivy's face) "You're pregnant!"
Ivy stands in pure shock and the screen cuts out.
MY THOUGHTS GOING A MILLION MILES A MINUTE:
OMG! Ivy has a LOT of growing up before she has a baby!!! Where the heck is NBC going with this storyline? Is it Derek's baby, or JFK's? Some new mystery man? Is she going to have the baby? Get an abortion? Give it up for adoption? Or lose the baby? Will she get far enough along this season to wear a pregnant belly? What does she look like with one on? Ivy can't drink or take pills anymore. I CALLED IT! I KNEW SHE"D BE THE ONE! I'm not sure how I feel about this bombe dropped on us....#awfulpun
*In the previews for the coming episodes, they show Ivy, Tom, and Julia sitting in front of the TV waiting for the Tony nominations. Two key things about this clip. Number 1: Ivy looks terrified, stressed, heartbroken and slightly sick. Number 2: Julia is being her mother. Julia is rubbing Ivy's back, to try to comfort Ivy, something a mother should do. At least she has Julia and Eileen to help her through the stressful award season. We all know Lee wouldn't be doing this!
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