Goodbye SMASH

Originally posted from my personal site, denisewy.com on May 27,2013

So it has finally come to an end. Just two seasons and NBC have decided to close the curtain for perhaps one of the best musical series on television. (Haters gonna hate, but I freaking love this show.)

 

Photo Credit: NBC Smash

I can still remember the day I finally decided to watch SMASH back in early May 2012. It was after I listened to Katharine McPhee's version of Run by Snow Patrol. By the time I finished the first episode in which Kat and Megan was singing Let Me Be Your Star, I had goosebumps all over my body, and I know right then and there that I'm going to watch the whole series and that it's going to be my number one favorite TV show. A year later, it still is. And if you're wondering, here's my current top 5:

1. SMASH
2. Game of Thrones (I'm reading the book too!)
3. Once Upon A Time
4. How I Met Your Mother
5. Downton Abbey (this would've been 2nd if Julian Fellowes hand't decided to go on a killing spree!)

I guess what I really like about the show, aside from the big musical numbers and awesome original songs is the fact that it's not just focused on being a musical itself. Sure I knew nothing about Broadway, and some may even argue that SMASH's portrayal of the backstage drama isn't accurate, but then again, the show's main goal was to entertain us. It made us laugh and cry, forget about our problems and lose ourselves in this colorful musical world that reminds us that yes, bitches and jerks do exist, and that dreams do come true. (I sincerely apologize for the cliché.) 

The cast 

Regarding the characters and the actors/actresses who played them, it is kinda obvious that Karen Cartwright is my favorite character, that sort of changed when season 2 came and the writers had decided to make her a whiny giggly bitch paired up with Jimmy (played by Jeremy Jordan). 

Don't get me wrong, I love Jeremy, but I hated his character. I do get his tortured, rebel-without-a-cause attitude, but Karen getting head over heels for him wasn't believable. I was actually rooting for Cartwills, or even Dev to come back or whatever. But well, we saw what happened. As for Ivy, I hated her during the first season, most especially in the season 1 finale where she slept with Dev. I do admit she have a great voice and that she had proven herself as the better Marilyn as season 2 progressed. That's when I started liking her character, and I also came to accept that Derek was better off with her. That smexy hot playboy son of a bitch! 

 Perhaps also one of the reason why I loved this show was because of Tom and Julia's partnership. I mean there were a lot of times that I would tell myself that I freaking need a Tom Levitt in my life! (not to be confused with the  British Labour Party politician)

 

I'll miss this couple

Then who would forget Elis? The character we just love to hate. In fact, I even find Jerry more likeable than him. All in all, this show featured an all star cast, even casting real Broadway people alongside powerhouse guest stars such as Liza Minelli. 

The songs

Oh, the heart and soul of this amazing show! As I've mentioned earlier, Let Me Be Your Star gave me goosebumps, but so were the other songs like Don't Forget Me, I Heard Your Voice in a Dream, Broadway Here I come (both the solo Jimmy version and the finale acapela version) and Second Hand White Baby Grand.

But perhaps, the song that had elicited great emotions from me was Jimmy's The Love I Meant to Say. I wasn't a fan of Kyle (Andy Mientus), and though I was saddened by his death (which was unnecessary), Jimmy's performance left me broken in a puddle of tears. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uNpLclbNQc  

The Finale 

 Before the finale came out, it was pretty obvious that Ivy was the one who was going to win the at the Tony's. The spotlight was on Karen during season 1, so it's just fitting that Ivy gets this season, and she actually deserved it. But then, as a die-hard McPhee fan, Karen will forever be my Marilyn. And hey, her version of Don't Forget Me was waaaaaaaay better! (Let it be known that I do love Megan Hilty as well. I really do! I swear!) So despite the fact that I'm happy for Ivy, I felt really sad for Karen.

 

my sentiments exactly

And to put an icing on the cake, as Anna have said, they let Daisy won. Where's the justice in this world?! 

Anyway, I don't want to do a blow by blow recap of the whole finale since that isn't the primary reason why I wrote this post. 

 With all that being said, I'm really disappointed, not to mention heartbroken, that this will be the last time I'm going to see these talented people together. The ratings may not be as high as NBC wanted it to be, but they could've given SMASH a chance to prove itself. A lot of people love this show very much, that a facebook group was created solely for the purpose of saving this show!

In fact, this group is so determined, they went ahead sending emails to NBC executives asking them to reconsider renewing SMASH for another season, and they even reach out to other networks hoping they'd pick it up. I personally wouldn't mind it, as long as they don't change too much and they'd continue to entertain us. 

 

outpouring of love from fellow SMASH fans

I never loved a show as much as this one. In all the series I've watched, including the top 5 list I mentioned above, SMASH was the only series where I went to buy a DVD copy so I'd be able to watch it over and over again. 

I'm very passionate of this show that I urged my friends to watch it (yeah, I can be persistent if needed be) and I'm proud to say that they all loved it! SMASH has become a part of my life. Something I look forward to every week. And now that it's gone, it feels like saying goodbye to a close friend. It's sad and painful. 

I know it may sound selfish to say that I want this series to go on and on forever, seeing the characters we learned to either hate or love. But as it is, all things must come to an end, and it came too soon for SMASH. (Just like Kyle) But for whatever it's worth, I'll forever love this show and I'll continue belting out their awesome songs till the day I become sick and tired of it, which is...never.

 

SMASH SEASON 2 FEVER!

If you've been following this blog, I am sure that you're well aware of my obsession for this musical drama series. I loved everything about SMASH, and I couldn't wait to watch season 2 and fall in love with the awesome new song/dance numbers as well as new plot twists and new characters! (Goodbye, Elis!!)

So one could imagine my reaction while watching the trailer for the next season which will premiere on February 5, 2013. (Ahh, come sooner dammit!)

SMASH season 2 sneak peak

But then , as much as I loved the 4 minute pure awesomeness of what's about to come, I couldn't help but feel like I'm starting to like Ivy (Megan Hilty) better than Karen.

Anyway, let's just see what happens. :)

NBC SMASH and CBS HIMYM Finale!

Hi!

Today is a big day! I just watched the season finale of my two favorite TV shows, SMASH and How I Met Your Mother.

I must say that I really am impressed with how SMASH ended, though I was kinda hoping for more. (Karen played Marilyn!!!!!) I must say that it's a little bit expected considering Karen (McPhee) is the lead role for this series. There are a lot of Ivy (Megan) fans out there who's disappointed with the show's conclusion. I'm on the team Karen side so I'm pretty much happy with the decision. :) Anyway, the show concluded with a lot of questions, though I must also add that the possibility of Julia (Messing) being pregnant is not much of a surprise.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 2!!

SMASH season finale with Karen singing Don't Forget Me for Bombshell

(I must say that the Marilyn background was a great touch!)

TEAM KAREN!!!

Now, let's go for my other favorite show, How I Met Your Mother, which ended with a 2-episode finale. 

Marvin Wait For It Eriksen. I can't believe they really used Barney's tagline as the second name for Lily and Marshall's son.

Eriksen Family

But what really made my day was the revelation that Robin is Barney's bride! I don't know how the writers would pull the story off considering Barney just proposed to Quinn, but...oh well, I'm a Barney-Robin fan ever since and I'm just happy that they've finally decided to bring them together.

Robin Scherbatsky as Barney's bride!

That's for now.

-Den

Karen vs. Ivy and a stomach flu

Hi!

With the latest episode of NBC's SMASH entitled "Preview" 14 hours away (from my country) the only way I could do to stop myself from pulling my hair out is to watch previous episodes of SMASH! Boy, I really love that show and I hate waiting a week just to watch the latest episode!!!

Anyway, the reason I'm writing this post is to "post" my opinion regarding the question about who is the better actress who should play Marilyn Monroe for the upcoming episode. I personally like Katharine McPhee better than Megan Hilty so the answer is pretty obvious. I mean, I agree with Derek (Jack Davenport) that the one who must play Marilyn should have her innocence and vulnerability. Ivy (Megan Hilty) may have Marilyn's body but she just looks so...hmm, how should I put this? She looks kinda brusque? (Not the right word I'm looking for but it's something along that line) Having read an article earlier regarding the upcoming episode, it was hinted that Ellis will have a hand on who's going to play Marilyn, and I won't be surprised if Ivy ends up playing the part. But honestly? Karen (Katharine McPhee) should have the part! Sure she looks a little weird when she does Marilyn in a speaking part (her lips are too pouty) but she looks better as Marilyn! (I have nothing against Megan Hilty, she's a great actress but I just got carried away with the story and all that stuff)

From left to right, Karen (McPhee) and Ivy (Hilty) as Marilyn.

But I also have this feeling that both Karen and Ivy might end up playing Marilyn in different scenes as Derek pointed out in episode 8, The Coup, that there are two kinds of Marilyn. The historical and the contemporary, so it makes sense if both Karen and Ivy play the part. But I guess we'll have to wait until the episode airs and perhaps I might voice out my opinion regarding the upcoming episode, or maybe not at all. I just wish that the show's ratings pick up for the last two episodes. That being said, I have to end this post as I'm about to watch the latest episode of AMC's The Killing, (and then CBS's HIMYM tomorrow. )

P.S. You might be wondering why the words "stomach flu" were written above...well, that has got nothing to do with SMASH. It's just me. I've finally experienced what's it like to have one (not that I'm looking forward to it) and it's not fun at all.

Ciao!

-Den

I LOVE SMASH & KATHARINE MCPHEE!!

Hello!

I've been doing some job hunting lately but I don't think that's enough of an excuse for my absence.

Anyway, I've been watching NBC's SMASH and all I can say is that... I LOVE IT!!! I'm not really a fan of musicals (haven't watched Disney's High school Musical and Glee) and the first time I saw a video snippet of Katharine McPhee's performance of 20th Century Fox Mambo for the show, I remember telling my mom this, "how come they always do TV musical these days?" That happened a month ago.  What actually made me want to watch SMASH was after I visited YouTube and listened to Katharine McPhee's cover of RUN by Snow Patrol. Then after reading comments and learning that the song came from a recent episode of SMASH, I was like, "hmm... why don't I try watching the pilot and decide whether I'll like it or not?" A three days after and 10 episodes later, well... I'm HOOKED!!

I'm a Marilyn Monroe fan though I haven't watched any of her movies, (Remember my fear of black and white movies?) and the idea of creating a Marilyn musical intrigued me. And I also want to add that I LOVE Katharine McPhee! The funny thing is, I only learned about her when NBC started promoting SMASH, but before that, she's just a name. I knew her songs (My Destiny and Over It) though I really had no idea who sung them. (Yeah, weird... But I don't watch American Idol) so imagine my surprise when I started liking the show and began researching everything about this great singer/actress. She really can sing! And I think she would do a better Marilyn than Megan Hilty. (Just an opinion, though Megan's character, Ivy is great too!)

Katharine McPhee as Karen Cartwright playing Marilyn

Megan Hilty as Ivy Lynn playing Marilyn

I am so looking forward for this show and now that it's nearing its season finale, I can't help but feel sad (and a little bit pissed) that I'll have to wait for the Season 2. I mean, I want to watch this show every day! The songs are marvelous and the actors are great, which makes me wonder why its ratings are going down ever since the pilot. But anyway, you can't please everybody.

But as for me, I FREAKING LOVE SMASH!!!

Just wanna share this video I found on Youtube... It's just plain funny 

P.S. I REALLY HATE ELLIS and Angelica Houston still scares the hell out of me. (But that doesn't mean I don't like her.)

Ciao!