SMASH Recap: “Chemistry” (Episode 6, Season 1)

When you are a singer/dancer/actor in New York City (or anywhere else for that matter) what is the worst possible thing that could happen to you? You sustain a physical injury that keeps you from dancing or you strain your voice – or God forbid lose your voice – keeping you from speaking your lines or singing.

When you are Ivy Lynn, having your voice start to squelch either at home with your lover, who just happens to be the director of the hopefully Broadway bound musical for which you are the star, in your bed; or worse yet, in front of everyone at rehearsals, including your biggest rival for the lead role is the WORST thing to happen.

As for the powers that be behind the musical, things aren’t much better there. Derek is screaming at Tom and Julia about the pages of the script not being ready, least of all not in any kind of solid order and some of the songs still aren’t finished with full lyrics. Worst yet, there is only one week left before the workshop is to be held in front of the movers and shakers that could help propel the musical even further. Also, Eileen still seems to be having some issues with a flaky temp who is never doing his or her job, allowing Ellis, who is supposed to be Tom’s assistant, to jump in; perhaps asserting himself a little too much. And, on a lesser note Tom is having some doubts about his new ‘friend’ Leo, given how poorly a planned dinner with Leo’s friends is suddenly (and thankfully – at least to Tom) interrupted by Ivy, who is now on prednisone to help with her strained vocal chords. Maybe the only silver lining is that a producer friend of Jerry and Eileen’s seems to be interested in the musical; but only time will tell on that account.

Another big problem for Julia is Michael. After their impulsive kiss at the end of last week’s episode is causing more strain on a relationship for which they should both be putting to rest simply because they are both MARRIED to other people and they both have a child with that significant other. But, their chemistry (aptly the theme of last night’s episode) just keeps getting in the way, eventually leading them to meeting up at the rehearsal studio late one night and giving into their passion for each other. This is not going to end well for either of them; again because they are married to other people.

And then there is Karen, who is being played like a yo-yo by the powers that be behind the musical due to Ivy possibly losing her voice and being on the steroid prednisone, which can have dangerous side effects especially to someone who is easily susceptible (per Tom’s strong insistence where Ivy is concerned). And sure enough Karen is first told that she’ll have to fill in for Ivy during rehearsals, but Ivy won’t hear of it, uses the drug and makes a “quick recovery” the next day; but then falls prey to the side effects. Because of that scare (Ivy has a vision of Karen dressed at Marilyn warning her that she might not be as okay as she thinks), it looks like Karen might be back in again.

The other side story for Karen is that Ivy had passed on a bar mitzvah performance, giving it to one of her dancer friends who is part of the ensemble for the Marilyn musical, which was then passed on to Karen by said dancer because she couldn’t make it after all. Karen has never done a bar mitzvah before, but figures that since she did a lot of weddings back in Iowa that it can’t be that much different. Well, she was wrong, and while her singing at the bar mitzvah – at first – was a bit rocky she was able to rally and make the best of it performing “Shake It Up” by Florence + the Machine at the end. As she and the band are finally getting a chance to eat dinner, the guy who organized the bar mitzvah gives her a card of someone who was at the event, wanting to speak with her. That person just happens to be a New York Tommy Matola type and Karen is thoroughly encouraged by the dancer who siphoned the event off on her to give this guy a call. This, of course, upsets Ivy because the event was supposed to be hers in the first place, but she has only herself to blame for giving up the event.

The one shining moment in the episode was the rehearsal of the one song that had been plaguing Julia. She obviously completed it, perhaps inspired by her tryst with Michael, and even though it was only done in rehearsal that full song and dance number will be terrific. If only Derek would get off Ivy’s back with his constant complaints and criticisms; but at least this time she stood up to him – in front of everyone – and gave him just as good as he gives. Good for her!

“Chemistry” is the sixth episode of the new series Smash on NBC. The next new episode of Smash will air Monday, March 19 at10/9c.

What did you think of this episode? Were you concerned for Ivy when her voice began to squelch and then we she started to experience the side effects of the steroid? What do you think about Julia and Michael giving into their desires? Do you agree that this will end badly for them and could greatly affect the musical overall? How about Karen and Ivy’s rivalry? Do you think that Ivy will continue to have vocal issues and that Karen will end up the star or will Ivy rally back? Are you sick to death of Ellis and just want him to go? How about having just one thing go right for Eileen so she can make Marilyn the Musical a hit? Please share your thoughts on this episode in our comments section below.