The first time I watched the show I definitely thought Karen. But after watching again with a more musical standpoint I saw quickly how it should be Ivy! Katharine McPhee's voice would not be suitable in a theatre environment!! Megan IS Marilyn. She is so much more prepared than Karen and she has Marilyn's body! Let's face it, if we went and saw it on Broadway, we'd say "That Karen girl didn't really look like Marilyn at all!"
Ran - 12 years ago
Ivy. I can't imagine how anyone believes Karen for perfect Marilyn's role. Karen just naive. Ivy has every habit what Marilyn had has. And Ivy more better actor than Karen. Karen is good popsinger and dancer. Ivy a really broadway star!
con - 12 years ago
typical, goon for the skinny one. Ivy is beautiful, perfect in every way for the role (i long for a body like her) and she is a wonderful role model she would have been the better choice instead she keeps being knocked down. Karen should head off to be a pop star (all she good for) and let the true musical star take the stage.
BooBoo - 12 years ago
Everyone has a different opinion of who should have been Marilyn and that's fine. We should just accept that Karen was Marilyn and Ivy might get to play Marilyn in the future. Ivy is portrayed as a horrible person and Karen innocent, but both of them have so much talent and deserved to be Marilyn. But it was always obvious that it was going to be Karen. Karen was the unknown who was yet to get a break on broadway and Ivy blew her chance with what happened at Heaven On Earth. I think Karen deserved to play Marilyn and she had the innocence. If you disagree don't start moaning at me.
Deb - 12 years ago
Ijust saw Megan Hilty on the Rachel Ray Show. She was delightful. I weighed in on Ivy's side in the "Who should be Marilyn?" debate. I really like Katherine as Karen and have truly enjoyed her "performances" outside the show, but Megan IS Marilyn. From a strictly musical point of view, she has a better suited vocal style. Karen tends to diminish, or even drop, the endings to her words. Great for a record, or the stylings od Katherine McPhee; not so much for theater stage performance where enunciating well is so important. Love them both! Can't wait for next season! LET'S ALL VOTE FOR ALLISON JANNEY TO JOIN THE CAST OF "SMASH!" She is my all time favorite!
DT - 12 years ago
It's television folks! Twists and turns happen and we don't always get what we want in the end.
Personally, I thought both girls played a fantastic part and both had fabulous voices and acting skills but for once, the good girl won! :)
Taylor - 12 years ago
Definitely Ivy. Everyone believes that, because Karen is the simple hometown girl-next-door, they should root for her by default. However, her character is a load of crap. There's barely any depth - she's the typical "I came from a small town and no one believed I could do it" Mary Sue. And yes, it's nice to root for the underdog, but I actually consider Ivy the underdog in this scenario. I don't believe she had any intention of using Derek to get the role of Mariyln - you can see through the season how insecure about it she is. She just wants to be loved - is that so wrong? And can you blame her for being a bit taken back by Karen just waltzing into the Broadway scene out of nowhere and taking everything? Karen's got the perfect boyfriend, the pretty little face, the innocence, and yeah, she has talent, but Ivy has worked and worked for years in the industry, and has ever only been in the ensemble. She's stuck, feels like she's going nowhere, and this role could turn her life around - of course she wants it badly, and she'll do anything to get it. Ivy is flawed and imperfect; she makes bad decisions for stupid reasons, but who hasn't? She's completely broken in so many ways, vulnerable and exposed all the time - just like Marilyn. She's human. And not to mention an extremely talented woman who can sing like an angel and act like a boss. It definitely, definitely should have been Ivy's part. Unfortunately, we knew it would be Karen from the beginning, what with the very first episode opening with her, and the whole "Karen for the win!" thing the writers of the show have been doing, making Ivy seem like such a horrible human being because they know people like me and some others I know, who truly understand her depth and character, are few and far between. But at least we got to see her in the role for the majority of the season, and in the workshop! Which I was pleased about, but I was incredibly upset with the writers when they made Karen come out as Marilyn in the end. I would have loved to see them get creative and throw the audience, who were likely expecting Karen, a bit of a twist and bringing Ivy out. But, her character is still around in season 2, and she'll likely become the understudy. And you never know, perhaps us Ivy fans will get our wish!
A - 12 years ago
Ashton - You should keep in mind that just because someone has done more work than you, doesn't necessarily mean they should get the part. Some people were born with natural talent, and haven't had the chance to let that talent shine.
Ashton - 12 years ago
I think both Megan Hilty (Ivy) and Katherine McPhee (Karen) were wonderful, both played a great Marilyn and I switched from side to side who should get the role. I felt sorry for both of them equally throughout the season and I honestly would of been happy either way it went. Everyone should think before they call Ivy's character bitchy because I know if I worked my ass off for years and someone new slipped into the part I would be pissed too...wouldnt anyone? (if you ever been an any part of the theater world you would understand lol) On another note....am I the only one that wishes they could jump into a musical like this, I would just be happy being apart of the ensemble....ahh there goes the dancer in me! lol
WilsonCat - 12 years ago
All of you who are in the bag for Karen....do you not see how manipulated you have been by terrible writing? The character of Ivy deteriorated over the season as the writers struggled to mitigate the sympathy and superiority generated by an amazing acting job (in a crappy role) by Megan Hilty. Not many actresses could have taken that role and done anything with it, yet Hilty managed to be vulnerable and touching in "2nd Hand Baby Grand", and the requisite Bombshell in "Howl". It was pre-ordained that Karen/McPhee was going to "win" this contest. Unfortunately the writers had to compensate for the fact that her performance was basically a loaf of Wonder Bread. So they did a complete character assassination of Ivy, and now those on the "Karen team" can only say, "But Ivy was so MEAN." Crikey. McPhee has a nice voice, she's a pretty girl, blah blah blah. But she did not EARN the role of Marilyn. No, the writers (via Derek) handed her the role by writer's fiat, and bludgeoned the viewers with KAREN IS AWESOME until we choked on it.
Xine - 12 years ago
Like June said, I'd hope they both play the part... I've been seen in the Bunuel film : Cet obscur objet du désir. Both actresses played one side of the character personality. For Marilyn would have been good.
Ron Charvat - 12 years ago
My feelings: I'm glad it was Karen. I'm sad it wasn't Ivy. They are both terrific vocalists and actresses. The show, SMASH, is a true delight. I'm eternally grateful and extremely excited that the show is returning (but not until next year--that's the pits). Oh, and kudos to Debra Messing for great performances on the show--what a fantastic actress she is--love her, love her, love her!!!!!!!!!!!
jessej - 12 years ago
I hated ivy's character, everytime i started to feel soory for her and soften up to her character she turned into a weasel/bitch. I agree she was talented and an intertwined BOMBSHELL with both girls would be amazing but I love Karen's character. Also I thought it was hilarious that Derek choice prevailed which is how Ivy got the part for the workshop...... so thank you writers for proving Karma is a bitch Miss Ivy.
Crystal B - 12 years ago
If it were judged on voice alone, it could have been either of them, though Ivy naturally has more Marilyn swagger. With that said, the way Ivy's character was written, she is the bad guy. She's bitchy (though no one seems to mind that except the bugs she squishes on her way to the top!), imbalanced, vengeful, and it can be counted on both hands how many times she tried to negatively influence or manipulate Karen. She can't be Marilyn! The TV Gods won't allow it.
The funny thing about all the terrible things she said and did to Karen, is it seems like all of those nasty things only furthered Karen's success. All Ivy's ploys either blew up in her face (like sleeping with the director, hello!!!!) or eventually made Karen more determined to succeed (like that last bit with the cheating and engagement ring!) You go, Karen! :)
jodi - 12 years ago
i think karen was the right choice - she has an amazing voice and is stunning. And she has a great attitude. Ivy is good but she just doesn't have the appeal - she is sexy as marilyn was but does not exhibit the innocence that karen can portray.
june - 12 years ago
i was hoping the writers would have had more imagination, like having both karen and ivy being marilyn. karen as norma jeane , ivy as the seasoned marilyn. weaving the storyline. just a thought...
twee - 12 years ago
Derek had final say over Marilyn by writer fiat. He sleeps with Ivy, he's lusting after Karen, whatever. Tom, Julia, and Eileen (not to mention Ellis and Lyle) all voted for Ivy. She should have gotten it, for this set of performances. The only reason Karen pulled it off was, again, writer fiat.
A - 12 years ago
Karen was the right choice. And for the person who said that Karen only got it because the director is "in love" with her, uh.. If Ivy got it, it would definitely be because she slept with the director. She's not as talented as Karen, she has a bad attitude, very unprofessional and she has a lot of issues. She doesn't deserve the part.
Josiane - 12 years ago
I love Karen, however I believe Ivy deserved the spot, plus Karen only got the spot because the director is in love for her. That's it, she is a star, but just got luck, it was very unfair for Ivy!!!!! Ivy is a bitch, but who won't be?????? she more experience, it was her dream even before Karen!!! Now they are trying to turn the picture for ivy to look like a bitch, nothing else, and isn't true, she has feeling too!!!!
Poop Ivy - 12 years ago
I hate Ivy, I cheered when Karen got the Role!
Heather - 12 years ago
Definitely Ivy. Karen is unbelievable as a broadway actress. She's a lovely pop singer, but that's it.
The first time I watched the show I definitely thought Karen. But after watching again with a more musical standpoint I saw quickly how it should be Ivy! Katharine McPhee's voice would not be suitable in a theatre environment!! Megan IS Marilyn. She is so much more prepared than Karen and she has Marilyn's body! Let's face it, if we went and saw it on Broadway, we'd say "That Karen girl didn't really look like Marilyn at all!"
Ivy. I can't imagine how anyone believes Karen for perfect Marilyn's role. Karen just naive. Ivy has every habit what Marilyn had has. And Ivy more better actor than Karen. Karen is good popsinger and dancer. Ivy a really broadway star!
typical, goon for the skinny one. Ivy is beautiful, perfect in every way for the role (i long for a body like her) and she is a wonderful role model she would have been the better choice instead she keeps being knocked down. Karen should head off to be a pop star (all she good for) and let the true musical star take the stage.
Everyone has a different opinion of who should have been Marilyn and that's fine. We should just accept that Karen was Marilyn and Ivy might get to play Marilyn in the future. Ivy is portrayed as a horrible person and Karen innocent, but both of them have so much talent and deserved to be Marilyn. But it was always obvious that it was going to be Karen. Karen was the unknown who was yet to get a break on broadway and Ivy blew her chance with what happened at Heaven On Earth. I think Karen deserved to play Marilyn and she had the innocence. If you disagree don't start moaning at me.
Ijust saw Megan Hilty on the Rachel Ray Show. She was delightful. I weighed in on Ivy's side in the "Who should be Marilyn?" debate. I really like Katherine as Karen and have truly enjoyed her "performances" outside the show, but Megan IS Marilyn. From a strictly musical point of view, she has a better suited vocal style. Karen tends to diminish, or even drop, the endings to her words. Great for a record, or the stylings od Katherine McPhee; not so much for theater stage performance where enunciating well is so important. Love them both! Can't wait for next season! LET'S ALL VOTE FOR ALLISON JANNEY TO JOIN THE CAST OF "SMASH!" She is my all time favorite!
It's television folks! Twists and turns happen and we don't always get what we want in the end.
Personally, I thought both girls played a fantastic part and both had fabulous voices and acting skills but for once, the good girl won! :)
Definitely Ivy. Everyone believes that, because Karen is the simple hometown girl-next-door, they should root for her by default. However, her character is a load of crap. There's barely any depth - she's the typical "I came from a small town and no one believed I could do it" Mary Sue. And yes, it's nice to root for the underdog, but I actually consider Ivy the underdog in this scenario. I don't believe she had any intention of using Derek to get the role of Mariyln - you can see through the season how insecure about it she is. She just wants to be loved - is that so wrong? And can you blame her for being a bit taken back by Karen just waltzing into the Broadway scene out of nowhere and taking everything? Karen's got the perfect boyfriend, the pretty little face, the innocence, and yeah, she has talent, but Ivy has worked and worked for years in the industry, and has ever only been in the ensemble. She's stuck, feels like she's going nowhere, and this role could turn her life around - of course she wants it badly, and she'll do anything to get it. Ivy is flawed and imperfect; she makes bad decisions for stupid reasons, but who hasn't? She's completely broken in so many ways, vulnerable and exposed all the time - just like Marilyn. She's human. And not to mention an extremely talented woman who can sing like an angel and act like a boss. It definitely, definitely should have been Ivy's part. Unfortunately, we knew it would be Karen from the beginning, what with the very first episode opening with her, and the whole "Karen for the win!" thing the writers of the show have been doing, making Ivy seem like such a horrible human being because they know people like me and some others I know, who truly understand her depth and character, are few and far between. But at least we got to see her in the role for the majority of the season, and in the workshop! Which I was pleased about, but I was incredibly upset with the writers when they made Karen come out as Marilyn in the end. I would have loved to see them get creative and throw the audience, who were likely expecting Karen, a bit of a twist and bringing Ivy out. But, her character is still around in season 2, and she'll likely become the understudy. And you never know, perhaps us Ivy fans will get our wish!
Ashton - You should keep in mind that just because someone has done more work than you, doesn't necessarily mean they should get the part. Some people were born with natural talent, and haven't had the chance to let that talent shine.
I think both Megan Hilty (Ivy) and Katherine McPhee (Karen) were wonderful, both played a great Marilyn and I switched from side to side who should get the role. I felt sorry for both of them equally throughout the season and I honestly would of been happy either way it went. Everyone should think before they call Ivy's character bitchy because I know if I worked my ass off for years and someone new slipped into the part I would be pissed too...wouldnt anyone? (if you ever been an any part of the theater world you would understand lol) On another note....am I the only one that wishes they could jump into a musical like this, I would just be happy being apart of the ensemble....ahh there goes the dancer in me! lol
All of you who are in the bag for Karen....do you not see how manipulated you have been by terrible writing? The character of Ivy deteriorated over the season as the writers struggled to mitigate the sympathy and superiority generated by an amazing acting job (in a crappy role) by Megan Hilty. Not many actresses could have taken that role and done anything with it, yet Hilty managed to be vulnerable and touching in "2nd Hand Baby Grand", and the requisite Bombshell in "Howl". It was pre-ordained that Karen/McPhee was going to "win" this contest. Unfortunately the writers had to compensate for the fact that her performance was basically a loaf of Wonder Bread. So they did a complete character assassination of Ivy, and now those on the "Karen team" can only say, "But Ivy was so MEAN." Crikey. McPhee has a nice voice, she's a pretty girl, blah blah blah. But she did not EARN the role of Marilyn. No, the writers (via Derek) handed her the role by writer's fiat, and bludgeoned the viewers with KAREN IS AWESOME until we choked on it.
Like June said, I'd hope they both play the part... I've been seen in the Bunuel film : Cet obscur objet du désir. Both actresses played one side of the character personality. For Marilyn would have been good.
My feelings: I'm glad it was Karen. I'm sad it wasn't Ivy. They are both terrific vocalists and actresses. The show, SMASH, is a true delight. I'm eternally grateful and extremely excited that the show is returning (but not until next year--that's the pits). Oh, and kudos to Debra Messing for great performances on the show--what a fantastic actress she is--love her, love her, love her!!!!!!!!!!!
I hated ivy's character, everytime i started to feel soory for her and soften up to her character she turned into a weasel/bitch. I agree she was talented and an intertwined BOMBSHELL with both girls would be amazing but I love Karen's character. Also I thought it was hilarious that Derek choice prevailed which is how Ivy got the part for the workshop...... so thank you writers for proving Karma is a bitch Miss Ivy.
If it were judged on voice alone, it could have been either of them, though Ivy naturally has more Marilyn swagger. With that said, the way Ivy's character was written, she is the bad guy. She's bitchy (though no one seems to mind that except the bugs she squishes on her way to the top!), imbalanced, vengeful, and it can be counted on both hands how many times she tried to negatively influence or manipulate Karen. She can't be Marilyn! The TV Gods won't allow it.
The funny thing about all the terrible things she said and did to Karen, is it seems like all of those nasty things only furthered Karen's success. All Ivy's ploys either blew up in her face (like sleeping with the director, hello!!!!) or eventually made Karen more determined to succeed (like that last bit with the cheating and engagement ring!) You go, Karen! :)
i think karen was the right choice - she has an amazing voice and is stunning. And she has a great attitude. Ivy is good but she just doesn't have the appeal - she is sexy as marilyn was but does not exhibit the innocence that karen can portray.
i was hoping the writers would have had more imagination, like having both karen and ivy being marilyn. karen as norma jeane , ivy as the seasoned marilyn. weaving the storyline. just a thought...
Derek had final say over Marilyn by writer fiat. He sleeps with Ivy, he's lusting after Karen, whatever. Tom, Julia, and Eileen (not to mention Ellis and Lyle) all voted for Ivy. She should have gotten it, for this set of performances. The only reason Karen pulled it off was, again, writer fiat.
Karen was the right choice. And for the person who said that Karen only got it because the director is "in love" with her, uh.. If Ivy got it, it would definitely be because she slept with the director. She's not as talented as Karen, she has a bad attitude, very unprofessional and she has a lot of issues. She doesn't deserve the part.
I love Karen, however I believe Ivy deserved the spot, plus Karen only got the spot because the director is in love for her. That's it, she is a star, but just got luck, it was very unfair for Ivy!!!!! Ivy is a bitch, but who won't be?????? she more experience, it was her dream even before Karen!!! Now they are trying to turn the picture for ivy to look like a bitch, nothing else, and isn't true, she has feeling too!!!!
I hate Ivy, I cheered when Karen got the Role!
Definitely Ivy. Karen is unbelievable as a broadway actress. She's a lovely pop singer, but that's it.