February 6th, 2013
09:28 AM ET
The highs and lows of the 'Smash' premiere[Editor's Note: If you haven't seen the season premiere of "Smash" and are sensitive about spoilers, you should skip this post.] Whether you've enjoyed watching "Smash" or just live to "hate-watch" it, there was something for everyone in Tuesday night's season premiere, including a lot of changes. It was also a roller-coaster ride of an opener, with its fair share of high points and lows. Here's a breakdown:
High No. 1: J.Hud It wasn't exactly a shock that Jennifer Hudson's performances were a big highlight of the premiere. Her character, Broadway star Veronica, has so far existed to provide career advice to Karen and to perform a few show-stopping numbers. She easily succeeded at both. Now we just need to see what her role as a recurring character will be in the show going forward. Low No. 1: A case of really bad timing When Tom found out that Julia's husband was cheating on her (a convenient way to write him off the show, of course), he struggled to work up the nerve to tell her. After some encouragement from Sam, he told her .... but at a party for "Bombshell," in the middle of Karen and Veronica's big duet. That guaranteed a confrontation in the middle of the event that not only caused a scene, but the end of their marriage. Would anyone actually pick that moment to drop that – no pun intended - bombshell? Way to go, Tom! And if that wasn't enough, Eileen's ex-husband leaked information to the government about the show's finances, effectively shutting it down. (Well, that was one way to keep the show from being a Broadway success, which would probably have made for a boring season.) High No. 2: Derek finally gets his comeuppance... Bravo to "Smash" for finally making Derek see some consequences for his womanizing ways. It seems he's got a bad rap now due to sexual harassment complaints. Low No. 2: ...But it was via a bad ripoff of Robert Palmer Did we have to suffer through another "fantasy" sequence, like last season's Broadway number? A drunk Derek imagined Karen, Ivy and other women he'd wronged as a Robert Palmer music video, with supermodels singing "Would I Lie to You?" Next scene, please! High No. 3: A new addition With the loss of Michael the show was short on male talent, so the character of Jimmy stepped in (played by Broadway vet Jeremy Jordan). Karen overheard him perform "Broadway, Here I Come" at the bar where he worked, and she suddenly had a new musical project. Jimmy (who is actually not from midtown Manhattan, wow!) was hesitant at first, but Karen was determined to work with Derek to get his show seen. Low No. 3: What to do with Ivy? Ivy, rejected by a show that no longer exists, was stuck in a rut. She had to return to auditioning, and was thinking of quitting acting altogether. (Of course, she got a fair warning from Bobby with this all-too-obvious bit of dialogue: "If I were you, I'd keep an eye on my back. Make sure there's no target on it.") When she had to step in for Karen at an impromptu "Bombshell" performance - an effort by Tom and Karen to somehow keep the show alive - she got something of a life preserver. She also had an honest moment with Derek about the end of their relationship, but she still seemed extremely jealous at the end of the episode because he was working with Karen on Jimmy's project. Get over it, Ivy! So here's hoping they can find something better for her character as the season progresses. There's some potential here that season two can be better than the first - they definitely addressed a few problems, like Julia's scarves (thank you, Tom!). But for those who like to "hate-watch," there is plenty for you to feast on. Regardless of what side you're on, what did you think of the premiere? Share your views on video or post a comment.
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Truly, I don't understand the fascination with J. Hudson. Don't like her voice. Wish she weren't on the show. (yes, she sings better than I EVER could) but just don't get it. Is she on for the entire season?
is a very talented and beautiful artist.
baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
1.The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character.
2.Qualities that make someone interesting or popular.
read it...looks fine.....
Go back into hacking hole
to have some bafe.....
your are blocked, your are puzzed and you are blind....what you see is fantasy...not get lost lesbian
wow, instant fantasy pic – bang one, eat the other
/shiver
Never knock it til you try it
ha
Watched 'Smash' last season, more for the music than the plot (there was a plot..???), and also watched the premiere this season. Couple of comments... Jennifer Hudson really does nothing for show, at least, not from the first episode. She is a 'name', and has a big voice, but seems to be there just to give a performance, and she's gone – does nothing for the plot. Katherine McPhee, although attractive, is sung under the table by both Hudson, and Megan Hilty. Smash seems to be a vanity vehicle for McPhee, but she just can't carry the show. Hilty's performance at the gala was fantastic – I got goosebumps. The premiere seemed to prepare us for some 'pot-stirring', so let's hope we get better acting, and more Megan Hilty numbers.
O.K., I get that a lot of you prefer Hilty's voice, but to be dismissive of McPhee's great instrument is just silly, as silly as people were 20 years ago pitting Whitney's talent against Mariah's. As if there isn't enough space in the universe for multiple talents.
you can't assume all the time how people really are until you talk to them.
there was some indication that i was laughing at ihim while he was running around....i was not laughing at him...
i was happy too see hiim...get over your own insecurties justin...
“CNN has reached out to Brown and Ocean for comment, but there has been no response yet.” How about CNN has called or CNN has contacted Brown and Ocean for comment instead of the ridiculous and affected “reached out to?”
I got nice milkers.
Thingies. Honk Honk. Let's squeeze em.
jennifer hudson is a great singer –didn't realize the other had boobs..
They are called thingies. That is more proper.
BV- Yeah, I woke up with a migraine this am., so I know how ya feel. It is a balmy 10 degrees out right now, and we have a major snow event coming (again) for tomorrow. At least, the sun is out today. It has been one crazy winter.
Odd weather. Lots if flu going around plus the noro virus. Please be safe.
this is Glee for people who think they're too cool for Glee
she has big thingies...
destiny's child on the way....
I have to get my imaginary girlfriend something really nice this year. She's been mad at me lately. I eated all the mac-n-cheese.
best day ever....
Is there way more background sound in the new "Smash"? Not only traffic outside but the piano bar, inside an apartment, even getting up from a couch! I could barely make out some dialogue, a problem I don't remember having in earlier episodes. I suggest toning it down!
agreed. It gets on my nerves.
gonna bring some friends at some point...
Funny you should makek that comment; I thought it was just me. I kept turning up the volume and getting irritated that I kept missing some lines.
Honk Honk.
and can't wait to see your smiling face in concert.
Yes we do love when guys do that. Romance is nice.