by Erin Strecker
If last week’s "Smash" was the overture—all loud and emotional and intoxicating—then last night’s episode, “The Callback,” was the exposition. We met a lot of new characters, like Ivy’s scheming friend who gave his gal pal updates on Karen’s less-than-impressive dance auditions, and also had a lot of plot set-up with producer conflicts and family drama. And, of course, a whole lot of singing and dancing.
Much like viewers, the “judges” (the show’s producers and director) couldn't pick their favorite girl to be Marilyn based off their stellar “Let Me Be Your Star” renditions that closed last week’s episode. They decided to have another callback, where both Ivy and Karen sang an emotional, ballad version of “Let Me Be Your Star” that didn’t make the Marilyn casting decision any easier. Karen is too green; Ivy too polished.
Karen is not a natural dancer (at least not yet) and wasn’t feeling too great after her intense movement audition. When Ivy showed up for her try, she was given a heads up from her friend that Marilyn was her role to lose. In a horribly sadistic move, the director introduced Ivy and Karen to each other as their auditions overlapped. Ivy was classic high school Mean Girl, complimenting Karen’s scarf and silently, obviously judging her. But what on earth could either of them have done in that situation that wouldn’t be as awkward? “Hope you totally fail!” “Oh, thanks! Hope today wasn’t your best!” “Break a leg!” So incredibly uncomfortable.
Not uncomfortable at all were the musical numbers in this show, which so far, have set an incredibly high standard in terms of both production quality and speed I race to iTunes to download them. Maybe it’s because I can’t dance (at all), but I’m always in complete awe of the intricate choreography. And by the end of “20th Century Fox Mambo,” the big number from last night’s episode, Karen had completed her literal, physical transformation (via a fantasy) into Marilyn Monroe—Norma Jean no more. With a blonde wig and sparkly dress, the girl from Iowa oozed sex appeal and showed off some pretty spectacular dance moves to boot. Top that, Ivy.
Unfortunately, it didn’t really matter because Ivy decided to go with an audition move more popular than crying on cue: Showing her spectacular moves to the director...in bed. I kind of assumed this would happen, and it was certainly hinted at when McCreepster director tried something with Karen last week, but when the show cut to them kissing I still did a double-take.
But it wasn’t just Ivy’s personal drama on display. Everybody’s private lives advanced this week, although did anyone else think it was a teensy bit boring? I realize that just “The Search For Marilyn” would probably be a little repetitive, but I essentially tuned out when Julia was talking about her adoption. (We started the episode with her and her husband wanting to adopt a baby from China, and that’s where we ended the episode as well, despite hubby having some doubts for about 20 minutes in the middle.) We also got a glimpse behind the curtain of Karen’s relationship with her rising-quickly politico boyfriend. She blew off an important work dinner with him to have another audition for McCreepster director. He naturally didn’t like this much, but once again, by the end of the episode, things were seemingly fine and back to square one.
Other points of discussion: Assistant Ellis could easily turn into a villain on this show, yes? Last week he was all innocent and excited, uploading top-secret clips online and happily chatting about Marilyn Monroe and musicals to anyone who would listen. But it seems Mr. Eavesdropper—seriously, I think he was overhearing something he shouldn’t have in every one of his scenes last night—may get a little bit jealous if he continues to be just the errand boy. The fact that Julia gave a pretty mean take-down of him is probably going to come back to haunt her before opening night. Between Ellis, the director and Ivy, "watch your back" was certainly the theme of the episode, if not the show.
The big, shocking ending was that Ivy will be playing Marilyn Monroe. They wrapped that up quickly, didn’t they? I figured that decision would drag out for at least a few more power ballads. I doubt Ivy-as-Marilyn will be the status quo for long though: Ivy may have won the (musical) battle, but something tells me Karen will win the war Tony Award.
Did you guys like “Callback”? Were you surprised to learn about Ivy and the director? How do you think Karen will get back involved with the production? Is the race for Marilyn really over? Sound off in the comments and on Twitter!
** Hollywood Crush Twitter