Musical Chairs (19 Mar. 2013)

Tom has been appointed director of "Bombshell" after Derek leaves the show. But Tom's style and vision doesn't mesh with Karen, with who the rapport becomes quietly but openly strained. In ... See full summary »

Director:

Casey Nicholaw

Writers:

Theresa Rebeck (creator), Becky Mode,

Stars:

Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Katharine McPhee

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Debra Messing	...	Julia Houston
Jack Davenport	...	Derek Wills
Katharine McPhee	...	Karen Cartwright
Christian Borle	...	Tom Levitt
Megan Hilty	...	Ivy Lynn
Jeremy Jordan	...	Jimmy Collins
Anjelica Huston	...	Eileen Rand
Krysta Rodriguez	...	Ana Vargas
Andy Mientus	...	Kyle Bishop
Sean Hayes	...	Terry Falls
Jesse L. Martin	...	Scott Nichols
Michael Cristofer	...	Jerry Rand
Grace Gummer	...	Katie Rand
Veanne Cox
Jason Kravits	...	Timothy

Storyline

Tom has been appointed director of "Bombshell" after Derek leaves the show. But Tom's style and vision doesn't mesh with Karen, with who the rapport becomes quietly but openly strained. In addition, Tom doesn't feel he can use Derek's choreography, and as such the new dance numbers are insipid, especially in Jerry's eyes. Eileen works behind the scenes to regain legal production control from Jerry, but even if she does achieve this goal, it may be too late for Tom, who may be fired by Jerry, especially as he still wants Derek back at the helm. Jerry's wish may become reality as Derek is having troubles letting go of "Bombshell" from his life. Julia does whatever she can to protect Tom in this situation. Meanwhile, "Liaisons" now has as its star a non-medicated and thus non-manic Terry Falls, but that still may not be able to save the production from a critical drubbing on its opening and thus imminent closure. But some within the production may not see that as a bad thing. And after ...

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Genres:

Drama | Musical

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 March 2013 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

DreamWorks Television, Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

43 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Connections

References Some Like It Hot (1959)

User Reviews

***1/2 for this Episode

What a perfect title for this current episode. Derek has left "Bombshell," and gone over to work for that very way-off Broadway production. He is somewhat ethical, but of course, he always has to be in command. Karen, eventually, abandoning "Bombshell," is true to her part in the show, fiercely independent and an individualist. Of course, there is still some spark in her relationship with often turbulent Derek.

We never realize what goes on in the making or producing of a show. There is plenty of backstage intrigue and this episode, this series, provides all of that.

The scene from "Dangerous Liaisons" was absolutely hysterical. Could any show be so bad yet entertain the audience in the way that it did? Of course, with Dangerous closing, Ivy is free to do "Bombshell." How appropriate.