To use a Jonathan Larson like story as a cheap side plot is pathetic. I had a feeling this is exactly what would happen after last weeks episode and If it did, I swore I would stop watching but I did not think they would go through with it for legal reasons if any. As if it was not obvious enough what was going on thought the show to add almost exact details from the day after Larson's death (to go from a sit down to a performance) at the New York Theatre Workshop with RENT alumni is just low. Regardless I have to say it was a heartless and weak performance by the entire cast. I am disappointed and angry. Megan Hilty is the only reason I have been patient this season that patients is waring off. They should have more respect.
Updated On: 5/5/13 at 11:58 PM
If HIT LIST wins the Pulitzer, I'm gonna be pissed.
It will win the Purple Heart for outstandingness in theater.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
The real moral low in this episode was Bernadette's voice. Did Glee get stingy with the autotune machine?
The real moral low was putting this crap on air, and I should add glee as well.
While I hate GLEE and would be happy to see it off the air, I hate SMASH but want it to last forever.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/16/07
lol You did not with that icon. I very much admire what SMASH is doing for the community but just sayin' that was inappropriate.
Understudy Joined: 12/31/69
"SMASH'S HIT LIST HIT'S IT'S LIST'S LOWEST LOW."
Variety
SMASH has no moral's. Its clear.
Jonathan Larson's life story with Rent is history and there is no legal issue with SMASH having the story line so similiar to it. While you may not like that SMASH did this it was not a cheap "side" plot. The death of Kyle was partially written IMO as a way to shake "Jimmy" up from his destructive lifestyle and turn his life around. This will be a "major" part of the last couple of episodes of SMASH IMO. If RENT alumni did not mind being in the show then I guess it may not be as bad as you think.
Correct. There is no legal issue, in any way, shape or form. It's silly to even suggest it might be.
Was it tacky? Yes. However, don't you think if they had had ANYONE involved in any b'way show die during the run that it would have turned into a similar situation -- whether in reality or Smash-land? This IS the way we (maybe not you or I personally) react now. And audiences/fans WOULD flock the theater.
I just question why anyone had to die at all. Want to teach Jimmy a lesson? Actually have logical consequences for his actions.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
Yeah I kept thinking...one of the most appealing actors and characters finally gets a lot to do..after the character dies.
Forget about Jonathan Larson...even if you didn't know the Rent story, I thought it was pretty ridiculous that Julia is complaining and being all moral that they are using Kyle's death for promotional purposes and to drum up business..and I am thinking, isn't this exactly what Smash did last night??
How did they do it for promotional purposes? If you weren't already watching, you wouldn't have known OR cared. NBC isn't even advertising for this show anymore.
"Someone has to die in order that the rest of us should value life more."
-THE HOURS
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
Yes not many people are watching anymore but Smash had no way of knowing that when they put together this episode in November or December of last year...before the season started.
Personally I wasn't offended or anything. I just hated to see Kyle -Andy go. I think they could have done basically the same story if Kyle was in critical condition in a hospital and we would still have Kyle.
And I did think it was ironic that some characters in last night's episode were accusing others of using the death to their advantage and that IS what Smash was doing last night.
Kad - Very true but sometime something very shocking can effect you more than just being held responsible for your bad behaviour.
In response to Kad and KathyNYC2, I think this episode proves just how desperate this show is to try and stay on the air.
No one really had to die. I doubt this plot twist was planned or carefully constructed to be an "integral" element to the arc of the show. If it had, the character of Kyle would have been much more carefully constructed and revealed from his introduction.
He only came into the audience's sightlines at all within the previous, few episodes. This was only done to falsely create some kind of "excitement".
>> "Forget about Jonathan Larson...even if you didn't know the Rent story [...]"
Somebody went waaaaay overboard to make sure we all weren't too stoopid to miss the reference by placing that HUGE autographed poster smack dab in the center of Julia and Scott's ever-so-dramatic scene.
Updated On: 5/5/13 at 10:05 AM
KathyNYC2- I think if there was a shot at Season three they may have done what you suggested. Since it is almost certain this is the end of SMASH they figured why not "kill off" a major character to enhance the story line.
Kyle's first green is gold,
His hardest hue to hold.
His butt, it was deflowered;
But only so an hour.
Then Ivy leaf subsides to Ivy leaf.
So Jimmy sank to grief,
So Tom goes down on anyone.
Nothing gold can stay.
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