NBC's SMASH - Series & Broadway Adaptation Thread — Page 21

@Gothampc - I agree about Mcphee, but I'm not sure what you mean by "butch" when you talk about Hilty? I actually think Hilty makes a great Marilyn and would probably make the better Karen Cartwright, as the series is pushing the idea that Karen deserves the role while Ivy doesn't. Unless Katharine Mcphee's acting drastically improves, I'm going to abandon the series the moment Karen gets any role over Ivy.

...and the choreography was weak in comparison. Choreographer , Josh Bergasse, is really not that well versed, and takes from many things we've seen before from more seasoned pros. The problem is his own stamp isn't original or clever enough. The one thing he DOES have got going for him , is the endless display and talents of some of the finest dancers on Broadway. And that my friends, can cover up a multitude of sins.

"I mean I've never been to New York but I know of LaMaMa, would they really be putting on a straightforward rock show celebrating Bruno Mars (who has had one album?)"

Not bloody likely, Eric. I think it was a bit of an attempted in-joke.

I'm willing to give this show another chance next week. Critics are saying that it REALLY DOES GET GOOD next week and the following week. But if this inconsistent script writing continues to happen I might have to stop watching.

Updated On: 3/20/12 at 08:39 PM

Everything that was wrong with episode 3 rests squarely on the incapable shoulders of Theresa Rebeck, which I find it weird to say because when I saw one of her dreadful plays all I could think is, "This woman is SOOOOOOO TV." She's not even THAT!

And speaking of royalties, not only do I never, EVER want to see another Katherine McPhee karaoke scene, I hope this show never EVER puts royalty payments into the pocket of the hideous homophobe John Rich ever again. Seriously, I just was so pissed off by that fricken "Redneck Woman" scene. Everything about it. And to think that fur coat wearing, clone mustache sporting, lady who doth protest TOO much is going to get MONEY from it. Gahhhhhhh. I would have preferred to see McPhee explaining the excitement of NYC to her awful friends and a complete replay of the Let Me Be Your Star montage from episode one. Also, what's the point of a karaoke scene if it's lip-synced. Why not just call it "Lip Sync Night"?

I watched the show in three 20 minute chunks. I couldn't get through it in one sitting. But I never thought I would ever say this in my life, but I am LOVING Cousin Debbie Messing. I have never been able to stand her before, but in this she is making choices that really appeal to me. When I watched Will & Grace I thought she looked like she THOUGHT she was channeling Lucille Ball. On this, when she's being sardonic, I feel like she's thinking about Sandra Bernhard and it works.

And who knows, maybe Rebeck is intentionally manipulating my feelings, but when McPhee said "As if I've never sung THIS before..." right before naryoke, I started to hate her and hope she gets cut from the workshop and becomes an escort hired to be in a three-way with Jack and Megan.

I guess my reaction wouldn't be so strong if I didn't love the heck out of episode one, and still found stuff to love in episode two.

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Namo--I've also noticed that, despite the problems with the writing, Deborah Messing is connecting with that part in ways that far surpass anything she's ever done.

The scene in which she confesses her past affair with Michael--and the scenes leading up to it--were filled with perfectly etched honesty, ambivalence, fear and eroticism that somehow left the viewer worried for what would come of it but glad she had experienced it.

I only wish the writing of the Ellis subplot were not as ham-handed. It makes Tom into more of a boob than he ought to be, and I just don't believe that two Broadway writers with their incomes and reputations on the line, would allow that twerp to build up his claim for part-ownership of the copyright. Don't they have lawyers or agents? Someone who would have IMMEDIATELY drafted an ironclad collaboration agreement entitling him to a teeny-tiny fraction of a percent of their ultimate royalties, gotten him to sign it and sent him packing.

But I'm loving every moment Deborah Messing has--and I'm quite surprised.

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Updated On: 2/24/12 at 10:01 AM

I'm not so sure that the 4th episode so much 'turns things around' as allows the show to finally let loose and go into the pure dishy soap opera that it wants to be. But the rather predictable and heavy handed writing doesn't really change. Its' not as if the series suddenly becomes an Aaron Sorkin drama starting next week.

But the problem, rorschach, is people with different sensibilities could watch episode 3 and decide it was terrible. And not watch it again. This is no way means those viewers don't have open minds. At all. It means they reached a limit regarding quality and have decided not to invest any more time in it.

If you saw no difference in quality between episodes 1 and 3, other than a little blandness, then you have very different sensibilities. Not right or wrong. Not open or closed minded. Just different.

I'm not taking it off my DVR series recording. But I am shocked that something with a pilot I loved had a scene that infuriated me a mere two episodes later, and all that awful country girl visits home stuff.

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Updated On: 2/24/12 at 11:52 AM

Right on namo. Begrudging differing opinions as closed minded is in itself close minded.

As far my opinion goes, once I accepted what the show is as opposed to what I wished it would be, I find it pretty enjoyable.

If nothing else it's a show that I can watch and then discuss here communally which is fun. I never got into American Idol and the other shows with various threads on the OT board.

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Well before you go all Goth on me, let's differentiate between begrudging an opinion that has no impact on you personally and one that wants to impose itself on you and your way of life.

Maybe I wasn't being clear though. I was agreeing with your point to rorscach, not being sarcastic.

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"I'm considering voting for Santorum if he wins the nomination and then keeping an open mind."

I'm sure your mind is not the only thing you're keeping open.

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Although people swear I should have stayed for Act Two of Elevator Repair Service's "The Select." I guess I closed my mind.

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"Wow, I am shocked at what I'm reading. The show is only in it's third episode and you're already considering never watching again?"

How many episodes do you think a person should be required to watch before they can be permitted to decide they don't like a show?