I was really angry that Sam was sent away, and in The Book of Mormon of all things!  He was supposed to be a Christian…I have trouble believing a Christian would enjoy performing in a show that mocks religions the way The Book of Mormon does.

The weird thing about that is that Jeremy Jordan seems to be typecast in a role that doesn't even suit him.  I understand why typecasting happens, but in this case it is bizarre: he is not believable as the talented asshole with a tragic childhood (demonstrated in Joyful Noise and Newsies).

PETER IS THE NEW ELLIS!

Or "she fits the costumes" or "you're still on parole for that Heaven on Earth stint".

Yes.  I miss those Ivy and Sam moments.

I think we should give credit to McPhee for that final scene.  I refuse to refer to Marilyn's death as suicide, but I thought McPhee really sold the scene.  She may not have the character and sexiness right, but there seduction and longing and hurt and vulnerability enough to tug my heartstrings.

My terrible taste in men is rivaled only by my terrible taste in jewellery.

Pull my finger.

She was fine in the gospel number, but I kept waiting for Sam to come back.  It made no sense that she would do more than just a second verse and chorus.

Exactly.  It just wasn't clear that the show had ended.  That was all that had to be addressed.  Also - were we supposed to buy that Rebecca's enactment of the final scene was heartbreaking?  I thought it was rushed and…just terrible.  I never know with SMASH whether these things are intentional.

I too laughed at the "SMOOOOTHIES!" recap segment.

Fair analysis.  The Ivy-Dev thing sickens me. LOVED "Another Opening', Another Show".  More show tunes please!  Loved Ellis' moment of self-awareness.

Bollywood: YES!!!
Ivy colludes with Ellis: perhaps…
Rebecca vs Ivy: yes
Dev being a douche for no reason: no
The new song: YES!!!!
Leo laughing because he receives salad: no

All that Jazz
Everything Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Tom has great chemistry with all his scene partners.  But, yes I agree that Julia can be quite fun to watch when she's away from her ridiculous family.

I enjoyed this episode!  It flew!  I loved the Sam-Tom development too.  It'll be interesting to see how much the explore homosexuality's role within Christianity.

I felt a Fantasticks vibe too - but couldn't place why.

Oh I don't expect her to wear a t-shirt announcing the fact, but I thought Tom was her only friend.  I thought they were close enough that she would seek his shoulder to cry on.  Just saying, it could have been clearer she hadn't told him.

I loved this episode!  The songs were integrated better - I was particularly impressed with the last number and the stories being wrapped up as it went.  Karen was less of a dick.  Overall the pace was better and Tom really shone!  And Tom really shone!

I can't stand Julia's sulky ways.  She's a black hole of selfishness.  Die now, please.