A Former Love, A Despised Love and Family Love. Review: Smash, S1, E3 - "Enter Mr. DiMaggio"

Smash, S1, E3 – “Enter Mr. DiMaggio”

Air Date: Monday, February 20, 2012, 10/9c on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Do you think he gave me the part because I slept with him?” ~ Ivy (Megan Hilty) to Jessica (Savannah Wise).

Not only is this question on Ivy’s mind, it’s on everyone else’s too. As well it should be since it seems Derek (Jack Davenport) will stop at nothing to get his way. It amazes me that Ivy believes the hogwash Derek feeds her. She may be experienced when it comes to Broadway productions, but she’s a bit naïve when it comes to matters of the heart. Perhaps it’s those rose-colored glasses she’s wearing. Poor Eileen (Angelica Huston) is still trying to garner financing for “Marilyn: The Musical” but doors are slammed in her face at every turn now that she and husband Jerry (Michael Cristofer) are no longer together. Much to Ivy’s chagrin, Karen (Katherine McPhee) agrees to be part of the ensemble for the show, and Julia (Debra Messing) comes face-to-face with a former lover who’s up for the part of Joe DiMaggio.

Highlights and observations:

A Former Love, A Despised Love and Family Love. Review: Smash, S1, E3 - "Enter Mr. DiMaggio" 1

Dev reassures Karen she should go home to Iowa for her friend's baby shower

Each week, I fall more in love with Karen’s boyfriend, Dev (Raza Jaffrey). I’ve commented previously about how supportive he is but this week, he takes it a step further when he shows up unexpectedly at a meeting Derek and Karen are having. He’s clearly there to stake his claim and let Derek know not to dally with Karen’s emotions. The testosterone in this scene flies back and forth wildly as the two Brits try to ‘one-up’ each other. It’s good vs. evil at its best, and it doesn’t hurt that Dev is so very easy on the eyes.

A Former Love, A Despised Love and Family Love. Review: Smash, S1, E3 - "Enter Mr. DiMaggio" 2

Michael and Julia reconnect

We are introduced to a new character in “Enter Mr. DiMaggio,” Michael Swift (Will Chase). He and Julia had a torrid affair the last time they worked together and it’s obvious the attraction is still there despite both being married with children. Let me just say—Chase is one terrific actor and singer. You may know him from his dramatic guest starring roles in such TV shows as Rescue Me, White Collar, Blue Bloods and Royal Pains, or perhaps from his musical roles on Broadway in Rent, Miss Saigon, and The Full Monty, just to name a few. He is quite a diversified actor and Smash showcases his impressive talents beautifully. From Michael’s opening number of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade” (a song I particularly love and a fantastic production number where he really turns on the heat with singer/dancer Cyn (Condola Rashad)), to his family scenes with his wife Monica (Michele Federer) and son Artie (Blake Andrew Johnson), and the interaction between him and Julia, I can’t wait to see how the writers develop his character. He seems to have a very loving relationship at home so I don’t understand why he turns on the mega-watt charm whenever Julia is around. The sexual tension between the two characters is so thick, the air could be cut with a knife so I wonder how long Julia will last before giving in to her baser sexual instincts.

Last week, I adored when Eileen threw her drink in Jerry’s face during a particularly contentious meeting at a restaurant. I think the writers have hit on something here that resonates with most female viewers as they have Eileen throw her drink in Jerry’s face twice during “Enter Mr. DiMaggio.” Jerry is a most unlikeable man, completely self-absorbed, and downright mean. I abhor the way he treats Eileen—like she’s some second class citizen. I’m sure women everywhere are cheering Eileen on each time the liquid goes flying. I know I am!

The good old boys club is alive and rearing its ugly head when it comes to the financial aspect of Broadway shows. No one wants to give Eileen the financing for her musical without Jerry in the picture. I was living under the impression that women are more than able to make their own way in the world these days without a man at her side but apparently I’m wrong. At least in this instance. Do you think Jerry is sincere when he offers to help Eileen or is it his way of trying to control her? Is he to be trusted after how he’s treated her? All I know is I’m glad she turns him down despite what she has to do. Kudos to Eileen for doing what she must to keep her dream alive.

A Former Love, A Despised Love and Family Love. Review: Smash, S1, E3 - "Enter Mr. DiMaggio" 3

Julia is taken aback by what Ellis says to her

Ellis (Jaime Cepero) knows Julia has it in for him and finally reveals his true colors when he takes Julia’s notebook from her briefcase. What a sneaky little shit! One of my favorite scenes in this episode occurs when Ellis gets into it with Julia after she and Tom (Christian Borle) have a disagreement. Ellis effectively puts Julia in her place, much to my—and her—surprise. He needs to be careful though; Julia is definitely a force to be reckoned with and being that cocky won’t get him very far. Tom may like him but Tom has a long and loving relationship going with Julia.

McPhee aptly illustrates her versatility with her rendition of Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman” at a karaoke bar where she’s attending a baby shower for one of her girlfriends. She moves easily from her previous Marilyn-esque performances to country star with this interpretation of the Queen of Outlaws’ number one hit off her first multi-platinum album, “Here for the Party.” We get to see a whole other side of Karen in these scenes. She’s fun, happy, confident and relaxed—the complete opposite of the New York character we’ve come to know. And I love that her father (Dylan Baker), in a very heartwarming scene, finally indicates his support by giving Karen some money so she can retain her much-desired independence from Dev.

Some favorite and memorable lines:

Eileen, after throwing her drink in Jerry’s face: “Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t know why that keeps happening. I’m such a klutz.”

***

Julia, admitting she likes Derek: “I think he’s talented.”

Tom: “You know what? Those two tigers that ended up eating Siegfried and Roy were talented too.”

***

Julia: “I fired you once. I can do it again.”

Ellis, smirking: “You can sure try, and then we’ll see if it sticks ‘cause it kinda didn’t the last time, did it?

***

At this stage, “Marilyn: The Musical” is merely a workshop. It takes a long time for a workshop to become a viable Broadway production—years even—and during that time anything can happen. If Ivy’s not careful, she’ll lose the role to Karen who, in my opinion, doesn’t belong in the ensemble because she’s a much better Marilyn.

Tune in to Smash, Mondays at 10/9c, only on NBC.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!