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The Affair is Revealed with Devastating Results. Review: Smash, S1, E9 – “Hell on Earth”

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  • April 3, 2012

  • 8 mins to read

Review, Smash, S1, E9 – “Hell on Earth”

Air Date: Monday, April 02, 2012, 10/9c on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

Michael accidentally spills the beans about his affair with Julia

Eileen (Angelica Huston) insists on a new name and star for the musical if they are to go forward. Karen (Katharine McPhee) lands a national commercial for orange juice, beating out Ivy (Megan Hilty) which, needless to say, irritates the hell out of her. Speaking of Ivy, she’s taking more medications than she should. Much to his chagrin, Tom (Christian Borle) learns John (Neal Bledsoe) is a Republican, which throws a kink into their relationship. Plus, Frank (Brian d’Arcy James) has a showdown with Michael (Will Chase) after finding out about Julia’s (Debra Messing) affair with him. Once again, we find ourselves in the middle of a soap opera-ish episode but that’s ok, I like it; “Hell on Earth” keeps my interest piqued as we delve deeper into the characters’ personalities.

A large portion of “Hell on Earth” revolves around the fallout from Julia and Michael’s affair. I know I should feel sorry for Frank, and I do to a certain extent, but I have a hard time connecting with him. While d’Arcy James delivers his lines without missing a step, I don’t feel the passion I should. Not for one second do I believe the words he’s saying. If Frank is as wounded as he claims to be, why doesn’t d’Arcy James cry? It’s ok for men to do that in this day and age. In my opinion, the only honest emotion d’Arcy James displays is when his character punches Michael in the face. d’Arcy James’ acting is wooden and he seems to lack the ability to bond with the viewing audience.

Frank wants no part of Julia's apology

As to Julia, Messing does a fine job of portraying the cheating wife who is genuinely sorry. Julia seems surprised by Frank’s actions. I know her life implodes but what the hell does she expect? I’ll tell you what she doesn’t expect. She doesn’t expect Michael to tell Frank about the first affair he and Julia had. At least Julia takes responsibility for her actions when Michael tries to apologize to her.

Finally, the writers give more depth to Ivy beyond sleeping with the director. What began as a solution for maintaining her voice a few episodes ago has now turned into a full-blown addiction, although I don’t think she realizes it. Or perhaps she doesn’t want to. When Sam (Leslie Odom Jr.) questions her about the amount of pill bottles in her purse, she nonchalantly and laughingly responds, “Oh, when I started the Prednisone, I couldn’t sleep so my doctor put me on Ambien. Plus the Klonopin for the anxiety. But then I was totally doped up so then he put me on Lorazepam and, oh, I don’t know, some new stuff.” That’s one helluva cocktail, if you ask me!

Ivy falls flat on her face during a performance of "Heaven on Earth"

So it’s no surprise when Ivy resorts to pills to make her feel better. When she returns to the “Heaven on Earth” chorus line, she’s so high during her performance, she can barely stand up. As a matter of fact, she falls flat on her face. Although Ivy’s actions are predictable, it’s sad to see her this way. Hilty does a great job portraying a high and drunken Ivy—it appears to me as if she’s really enjoying this part of her character’s personality.

I know Karen is a kind-hearted person and always tries to see the best in people, but Ivy has been a total bitch towards Karen. So I’m a bit surprised that Karen is still trying to befriend Ivy. They have a Glee-like moment when performing a drunken rendition of Rihanna’s “Cheers (Drink to That) in Times Square and everyone around joins in. Nevertheless, it provides a feel-good moment and I enjoy the performance. Despite Ivy saying, “We’re not best friends, you know,” I hope they work it out. I like Ivy and Karen much better as friends than enemies.

When Eileen finds out Derek’s intentions about the show, she comes up with the perfect plan to draw him back into the fold. I love a smart woman who knows how to handle the egotistical people around her without coming off as a bitch. But, it’s not only Derek she puts in his place. Ellis (Jaime Cepero) is so full of himself because he uses a connection (Sean Dugan) to land a big star for the musical. Telling Eileen, “I’d actually rather not answer phones anymore,” and asking for a co-producing credit is laughable, at best. I want to wipe that smug little smile off his face, but Eileen does even better when she cuts him off at the knees. I’m so glad she puts the little shit in his place. Huston is a terrific actress but I want to commend Cepero for holding his own against her. He’s playing one of the most unlikeable characters I’ve seen in a while and does it so well, I find myself blurring the line between actor and character. I have to frequently remind myself it’s not Cepero I dislike, it’s Ellis.

A few random observations:

Tom and Sam enjoying each other's company

You’re hearing it here first—I predict Sam (Leslie Odom Jr.) and Tom are going to end up in bed together. Especially now that Tom isn’t thrilled with John being a Republican. Both Sam and Tom care about Ivy and I think that connection is what will bring them together.

I had a really good laugh when Ivy walks down Broadway in her angel costume from “Heaven on Earth” and no one gives her a second glance. It’s what I love most about Manhattan—everyone is accepted, no matter who or what they are.

I like the new name Julia comes up with for the musical—“Bombshell.”

Sam’s suggestion to Tom, “Maybe we should stop acting like her parents,” is exactly what needs to happen with Ivy. She’s a grown woman and needs to stop leaning on her friends every time something doesn’t go her way.

Norbert Leo Butz doing what he does best. Check out the look on Ivy's face

It’s so much fun watching Norbert Leo Butz’s performance as the lead in “Heaven on Earth.” The man sure can sing and dance!

I am very excited for next week’s episode when Uma Thurman steps in as the lead of “Bombshell.” Or, to put it another way, let’s get on with the show!

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

All photos © 2012 NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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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!

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!