Let's Talk "SMASH" Again

First the usual disclaimer, "SMASH" is an adult show. It contains a disclaimer prior to airing, and on Hulu they won't let you watch it unless you sign into your account and prove you're over 18. So if that's not your cup of tea, pay this no mind.

That said, I continue to find much in the show worth watching, as it takes the life behind the stage and shows us all of it - good and bad. Glamorized? Not this! Dramatized? Nope. Theater is messy.

And I continue to like it, despite the problems many critics pointed out last season, problems so severe that showrunner, Theresa Rybeck was fired. The whole story behind that move has been written up quite well in this article - worth checking out if you're interested in such things.

So. Let's talk about "SMASH" again.

(Didn't hear my first impressions? Read them here.)

First of all, I'm probably biased. I came in on episode 4 of season 1 and was instantly hooked. When I really like something, I can ignore the weaker points and focus on the good ones. That's not true for everyone, and I know there were enough storylines that really bugged people. If the show was on any channel but the poorly preforming NBC, it would have already gotten axed. Thankfully for the fans, it is on NBC so by their standards it is doing well.

(Forgot what last happened? Check out my review of the Season 1 Finale.)

The first hour of the two hour premiere aired first online a couple weeks ago, and I watched and appreciated it. I wasn't able to watch the second half when it aired due to travel issues, but I did finally finish it yesterday. Overall I really liked it. It kept the good stuff from last season, while tweaking and snipping out the problematic bits.

For instance, Julia's complicated marital problems. Frank officially left in the first episode, which really made him out to be a jerk (and he'd come around so well in the finale!) but was sort of necessary to get him off the show. Julia's son (who can remember his name?) is likewise living offscreen. This, along with major criticism of Julia's writing for Bombshell (while the rest of it was praised) leaves Julia in a major funk. "SMASH" has not shied away from dealing with depression before, and considering it's prevalence in our culture, I think that's a good thing. It also gives us the chance to see Tom really being there for Julia, which lead into some really beautiful scenes. While Conservative viewers will have been bothered by Tom's sexual orientation, it nonetheless creates a very good dynamic for Julia and Tom to have a strong, completely platonic friendship.

Speaking of Tom, he encouraged his boyfriend Sam to accept an offer to star in "The Book of Mormon." This is a bit of growth for Tom, who has struggled with relationship insecurities and selfishness in the past, although it leads me to wonder if Sam is leaving the show. We got some good scenes with him and Tom, and him and Ivy, but it's unlikely he'll be appearing much after the show goes on tour. Which would be sad, as I've always enjoyed Sam.

And Ivy! Oh man, she bugged me so much in season 1, but she's done a 180, completely grown-up, learned humility, and actually become someone I respect and enjoy watching. I'll be curious to see where they are going with her storyline, and dearly hope they keep this character growth and don't let her fall back to the scheming, selfish  Ivy of last season. Added bonus this season is the speakers on my new computer, which allow me to really hear the music in it's full glory. This also means that for the first time I can really distinguish the quality between the voices of Ivy (Megan Hilty) and Karen (Katherine McPhee). Yikes. Karen sounds lovely, but Ivy is amazing. I now properly understand why people have been bashing McPhee's singing voice. Which could be unfortunate, since the show hinges on Karen doing a better Marilyn than Ivy...

Of course, we may not need a Marilyn. With Bombshell's assets frozen, we only got one new Marilyn number in the first two episodes. It's not a bad move on the writers' part however, as we do need that added tension. It also creates an interesting twist for Eileen, who has to decide what to do about her boyfriend's shady dealings, and perhaps even finally accept help from her ex-husband (who I am starting to find kind of endearing, in a comedic way).

But even if Bombshell goes forwards, will it have a director? Derek's life is taking a major dive after word of an alleged sex scandal hits the press. Obviously Derek had this coming, and I think it'll be really interesting to see them handle this issue, especially in light of the rising social awareness of the prevalence of the 'rape culture' America is currently suffering. Derek is a classic case of a man in a powerful position who really does not understand how his actions could be perceived as sexual harassment - a lesson he clearly needs to learn.

On the lighter end of things, new member of the cast, Jennifer Hudson, brings a fun new number and confident personality to steer Karen in the right direction to stardom. I hope we'll see her again soon!

As for the other new additions, I'm not sure what I think of them or the new musical. One of the appeals of the show for me has been the more vintage style music in the Marilyn numbers... part of me is concerned about the new musical taking on too much of a "pop rock" feel, which would get boring fast. But we'll see. The songwriters have been fabulous so far, with most of the forgettable songs being the covers, not the originals, which are quite above par.

What do you think? Will you be sticking around for Season 2? What do you hope to see happen?

Hello Florida...

Safe and sound by the ocean! However, while I actually have decent internet this time, Facebook is being spazzy. So if you're trying to follow me there, don't worry if I'm quiet for awhile.

A "Pride and Prejudice" Writer's Group

I facilitate a monthly writer's group which consists both of group exercises and solo writing time. Since this week was the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," we decided to do a P&P themed writing exercise. We each took a scene from the book and rewrote it from another character's perspective. They turned out so well, that I asked the group if I could share them on this blog, and they all graciously agreed (thanks guys!). Anyhow, they're quite brilliantly written, and very funny, so I highly recommend taking a look at them if you're an Austen fan. Spoilers if you haven't read the book/watched the movie.

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Mrs. Forester's Letter
 By Elizabeth Hausladen
- a reply to Lydia's letter, which she left after eloping with Wickham in Brighton.-

My dear, naughty Lydia,

Or, I suppose I should say, "Mrs. Wickham." What a fright you have given us! As you know, I have a most calm and mature disposition, as quite befits a married woman, but when I discovered you gone I quite fainted from the shock! And you know I am not in the habit of fainting above twice a month unless something truly horrid happens.

Not that your wedding is a horrid affair my dear - and I am sure I am nothing but overjoyed at your change in circumstances, but really, you did promise that I could help you plan your wedding trousseau!

And then on top of this most cruel disappointment, I had to brew simply pots and pots of tea to calm Colonel Forester down, as he was most agitated. And to make matters worse, Dennys came and told him all sorts of nasty stories and now the Colonel does not believe you are married at all! I told him that he was quite silly and of course my darling Lydia was married, but I don't think he believed me. Now he is quite insistent on going to Meryton to tell your father all about it. I am all apologies about that, but after Dennys' stories it really couldn't be helped.

I must tell you that Wickham left some of his debts in Brighton unpaid. Trifles, really, I'm sure, but they do seem rather upset about it all and I think it might be best if you and Wickham stayed in Scotland for the rest of the summer. Although I shall miss you most dreadfully. Colonel Irving's wife has been most solicitous of my well-being and concerned for you and I think she may attempt to fill the hole left by your departure, in which I shall certainly encourage her as I am most bereft.

I have packed all your things, as you asked, except the six lawn hankerchiefs you borrowed from me this summer because you were always dropping yours in front of officers, and I shall send the trunk on to Longbourn with my husband. I couldn't find your second best bonnet until everything was quite packed, but I shall take good care of it and never wear it out in the rain.

I am quite desolate without you, dearest Lydia, but wish you every happiness that is not to be shadowed with sadness over abandoning me.

Yours, always, with affection,

Harriet Forester.

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Reconciliation
By Meg Graham
-Elizabeth coming to visit Mr. and Mrs. Collins....aka, Elizabeth's reconciliation-

Charlotte pulled her husband along as they went to greet her best friend.

"Really my dear, there is no need to be excited!" Mister Collins huffed, clearly not pleased with his wife's rushing about.

"But I have not seen Lizzie in so long," Charlotte's face was beaming as the carriage made it's way down the dirt road towards the house. 

Soon, the party arrived at the gate and they were welcome warmly as they were greeted at the door. 

Charlotte, unable to hold in her excitment any longer, rushed over to embrace her best friend.

"Oh Lizzie," she exclaimed through a few sniffled. "I've missed you so!" Charlotte pulled away from the hug, but kept Elizabeth's arm wrapped around hers. "I am so pleased you have come."

"As am I, my dear Charlotte, as am I."

"Hello Miss Bennet," Mister Collins greeted in his always proper, always well-mannered, way. "Both my wife and I are elated to see you. Welcome to our humble home. Please, let me give you a tour. Come Charlotte, my dear."

Charlotte blushed with a shy smile as she led Elizabeth along behind her husband as he rambled on about the landscaping and the house fixtures outside.

"My cousin has not changed," Elizabeth mused, whispering in her friend's ear. "Even in his affections towards you, dear Charlotte, he is very much the same. But," she added smiling fondly at Charlotte. "I can see now that you are indeed happy here with him. And that, my dear Mrs. Collins, is enough to make myself happy for you."

"Thank you, Lizzie," Charlotte beamed, a small, relieved smile on her face. "You have no idea how much that means to me." she patted Elizabeth's hand before continuing. "Come," she said. "You and Maria must come and see the house........"


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Confrontation
by Joel

-Lady Catherine de Bourgh tells the story of her confrontation with Elizabeth from chapter 57-

I did not begin until we were quite well on our walk, I dare say. None could accuse me of impropriety, but really, I found it hard to stand the insolence of Miss Bennet's disingenuous silence. There was no doubt that she knew her wrong, but she acted as though she had nothing to be ashamed of. It is a wonder I could hold myself back so long. As soon as we entered the copse, I confronted her with the impossibility of her union with my nephew. She swore to be ignorant of any such rumor. Faced with such a bald, cold-blooded lie, my darkest fears awoke. Perhaps she did not merely spread this rumor, but had actively enticed him!

When I questioned her on this point, she refused to tell me anything. Even when I pressed her, asserting the rights of my dear Anne, she contradicted me, denying the facts that were plain to everyone.

“Why may not I accept him?” she asked. (The impertinence!)

“Because,” I said, “because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it.”

In spite of this eloquence, for I must say I spoke quite forcefully and well, she remained headstrong. I warned her that she would only bring unhappiness and misery on both of them. Indeed, now you can see what it has come to. This marriage! If only she had heeded my advice.

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Mr. Collin's Proposal
By Katie Kacalek
-From the perspective of…Mr. Collins-

After breakfast, just after he had finished his second role, but not before Mr. Bennet had left the table, Mr. Collins took a sip of coffee—in order to appear casual—and as he set down his cup, began:

“May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?” (After giving the matter some thought, he decided to install the adjective of “fair” to the mention of the young lady, guessing she might feel snubbed—as ladies were prone to be—at not being addressed directly).
              
He did not listen to Mrs. Bennet’s reply or her short exchange with her daughter, knowing of course that his suggestion would surely be accepted. Since it would have been rude to stare at the ladies and Mr. Bennet as they left the room, he turned his attention instead to a rather amateurish needlework on the wall and pretended to admire it.
               
Exactly one breath—time enough to clear the air—after the door had shut behind Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bennet, and Miss Bennet, Mr. Collins turned to Miss Bennet and began his proposal.
               
He spoke moderately and earnestly, calling to mind as he did so the page on which he had written the speech two nights before. It was folded in his pocket, but he had no need of it; he prided himself on being an excellent orator. As he spoke his voice rose and fell in a perfect imitation of actual speech; the lady standing before him was doubtless fooled by his appearance of spontaneity.
               
It was a brilliant speech, carefully and artfully constructed to provide Miss Bennet with all the most prudent and applicable information as quickly and in the best order as possible.
               
Just as he was reaching the climax of his proposal—finances—the unthinkable happened.
               
She interrupted.
              
Interrupted.
               
He was never interrupted.
               
He had been giving sermons every Sunday to peasants and children and even then he had never been interrupted.
               
“You are too hasty, sir,” she interrupted and followed through with a rejection.
               
However, although the timing was somewhat…less than ideal, Mr. Collins was prepared for such a turn of events. Young ladies often rejected their suitors, no matter how appropriate, beneficial, and exceedingly handsome they were. He countered her rejection and prepared his next move.
               
Again, she protested.
               
And again.
               
…And again.
               
Really, her conduct was bordering on absurdity now.
               
It was not until she turned and departed from the room right in the middle of his descriptions of their wedding china patterns that he was forced to consider that, perhaps, her rejection of him was based in earnest intent.

On Writing and 'Someday'

I've had to put my writing aside for the present, as I am scrambling to get as much sewing as possible done before I leave for Florida in a week. Which is funny because all fall I had to push myself to write, and now I'm dying to write and I can't!

I did get the first three chapters of #3 of the Ruah Chronicles done (well, 1st draft!) and shared them with my editor who was very positive, and laughed at all the right places which was extremely encouraging. Obviously there is clean up work to do, but we're not worrying about that until draft 2. Right now it's just write write write. Hopefully I'll be able to get a lot done in Florida, because I'll have two weeks with no sewing machine. (Horrors!)

Anyhow, I am really having fun writing this book. I love Paris, I love throwing in French words, and I utterly adore the characters we've developed. I can't wait to share them all with you... hopefully sooner rather than later!

It hits me every now and then anew... "I'm going to be a published author!" Not that I've ever really doubted that it would someday happen, but 'someday' always translated into my mind as "sometime in the far, far future that I may never actually reach because then it wouldn't be 'someday' it'd be 'today'." And yes, I know that makes no sense, but I'm sure those of you who have waited a long time for something big can understand what I'm getting at. And obviously I'm not published yet, but someday now has a more definite date for me than 'the far, far future.'

I'll be 24 in a month. I've always hoped that I would get published sometime around my 25th birthday. Now it looks like that could very well happen. Which is amazing because I've been telling stories for almost twenty years... my very first 'writing' was dictating to my mother as she typed for me. Storytelling is in my blood. (Or, as I once told a friend, "We write because if we don't, our blood will shrivel.)

X-Men Watch Downton Abbey

I am imagining the X-Men watching Downton Abbey.

(and yeah, I’m going with traditional X-Men, forgetting all the changes of the last year. And deaths, No ones dead.)

(oh, and if you've already seen this on my tumblr, sorry. I wrote it there and then realized it might amuse my other readers here as well.)

IT would all start with Captain Britian insisting Betsy watch Season One when it first aired in the UK. She wouldn’t want to watch it at first because it would remind her too much of her own family, but then she would get sucked in and make everyone in the X-Mansion watch it.

Kurt would watch it solely for Maggie Smith. He would then drag Kitty into the show, who at first was really skeptical, but then became a huge Sybil fan, and now goes around wearing a shirt that says “Sybil Lives!”

Scott would go between liking Matthew and Lord Grantham and wouldn’t get why the women are always mad at them.

Emma would be the only person who liked Mary in season one, and then no one else would admit they liked her in Season Two because they couldn’t bear for Emma to be right.

Hank would start wearing a t-shirt that said “Keep calm and have Carson bring tea” and would be the biggest Carson fan ever. 

Storm would sigh and get annoyed with how stupid the characters could be, but continued watching the show because she loves Mrs. Hughes.

Magneto ‘accidentally’ watched an episode and became really invested in Thomas’s storyline, but always makes disgusted remarks when Thomas messes his grand schemes up. He’s also the only person besides Scott who likes Lord Grantham.

Piotr would get really absorbed in it, refuse to hear any spoilers, and utterly break down in tears when Sybil dies. He and Remy have a Tom Branson fan club.

Rogue would get annoyed with the posh politics (although she’d love the dresses) but likes the show enough to watch it and yell at the TV whenever anyone a) did something stupid or b) let someone walk all over them. 

Bobby would torrent the whole thing and pretend to drop spoilers around Piotr, who would freak out and start holding his ears whenever he’s around  Bobby.

Pixie would beg the Professor to use Cerebro to read Julian Fellowes’ mind so they could find out what was happening next. He would refuse, of course.

No one ever caught Wolverine watching it, but one day when Kitty and Storm were discussing whether or not Bates was innocent, he muttered, “Course he’s innocent, he’s the only decent part of the show.”

Downton Abbey 3.5.

(Review originally posted in October, 2012. Episodes 1&2 were combined for the American broadcast, making this the 5th British episode, but only the 4th US.)

This is a serious spoiler warning. I know most people on tumbler have been unable to avoid this because the fandom has been vomiting it up. But still, if you haven't been spoiled yet, please don't let me be the cause of spoiling you now. Move away from the computer quickly.



Yes, I was spoiled. I've rarely seen such a reaction get so violently widespread on tumbler so that even an accidental viewing with spoil it. Normally I avoid tumblr until after watching Downton, but my head has been off this week and I accidentally ventured to scroll down a bit after it aired (not remembering that it would have just finished).

No warnings. None. Just ranting. And so of course I then had to go into the Downton tag and learn what had happened because I couldn't wait for captions to get up to learn more details.

Oh my fellow Downtonians... handkerchiefs all around.

Sybil was probably the single most universally adored character on the show. I've never met or heard of a person who didn't love Sybil. She was sweet and kind and spunky and independent  She was gorgeous and devoted and so very, very loving. She was an idealist. She would have been a wonderful mother.

I don't know why they chose to kill her off. Well, drama and plot, but... this seems a really huge thing to insert for the sake of story. Seriously. This is worse than Joss Whedon, and that's saying a lot.

Even Thomas cried. Thomas. And I felt bad for Thomas.

I can't believe Robert insisted the way he did. I can't believe he wouldn't listen to Cora. Childbirth is a female arena and was doubly so in those days - he knew nothing about the subject and yet insisted on controlling the situation. His pride wouldn't allow him to utilize an option that could save his daughter.

Although to be honest a Cesarean even now has plenty of risk, so Sybil or her child might still have died. Medicine was changing in these days, and it wasn't until after WWII that most babies were born in hospitals, meaning that medical intervention was still looked at warily by older, traditional physicians like Dr. Phillip whatshisface. Dr. Clarkson may not be a perfect doctor, but he still knows his stuff and demonstrates the wisdom of having a medical professional who knows your situation well and understands your body, so he can notice when something is going wrong.

 You can read more about toxemia here: http://www.helium.com/items/1105505-signs-and-symptoms-of-toxemia (and it is worth knowing about).

Anna and Bates progressed, but honestly their whole storyline should have been moved up an episode. Set in this episode it just distracted from the emotions we were all tied up in.

Still, I'll admit that I cared about Ethel in this episode, which is a big change for me. I didn't mind having her around, especially since they dialed her part back once things got serious with Sybil.

And the bright note - Huzzah for Edith getting a job offer as a columnest! I hate that her family keeps putting her down, although I understand the mindset they're coming from. Thank God she has such an awesome brother in Matthew!

Now we have a whole new set of things to deal with, and Downton is never going to be the same.

Elenatintil on the Web

I thought some of you might be interested to know that I have a Pinterest account now. I post some things every few days, focusing mainly on interesting clothing, jewelry, art, etc.

Also, if you haven't already heard this over on the sewing blog, I have a facebook page for my costuming and sewing adventures as well. I link all of my sewing diaries over there, as well as additional links to various shows and costumes that I find interesting.

I also have a DeviantArt Account where I post everything from scribble comics, to clothing design, to fully polished pieces of art.

Finally, for those of you who are a bit older, I also have a tumblr. I give this link with a caution - it's nearly impossible to reblog things on there without occasionally reblogging something that has stronger language in it, or pictures that are a bit more adult than what you'd find on this blog. This blog is dedicated to remaining appropriate for anyone 13+ - the way Tumblr functions doesn't allow the same security. However, if that doesn't faze you, you'll enjoy seeing my mini-posts on various shows and movies, plus random comic book stuff, Doctor Who, OUAT, etc.