In Defense of Ivy from Smash

FOR ANYONE WHO HASN'T WATCHED THE FINALE AVOID **SPOILERS**

Ok now that we got that out of the way, let's discuss the finale from last night.  Now watching Derek daydreaming of Karen as Marilyn the past few episodes didn't leave many surprises that Karen was picked (she was the understudy after all).  I did feel bad for Ivy, but I'll explain my thoughts on her further.  Also considering that most of the season the audience was able to watch Meghan Hilty as Ivy as Marilyn in all her glory, made more sense for the audience to get a taste of what Karen really had to offer.

For fans going back and forth between Team Ivy and Team Karen, it was a treat to watch the cutaways from each actress giving it her all from the past season.  Karen definitely looked the part onstage and you could tell Katherine McPhee was having blast finally getting to get her moment witht the big scenes. 

I couldn't help but notice that during the juxaposition of Karen and Ivy singing, I had to admit Ivy was the better Marilyn.  Not because she's the blonde and has the buxom body that fits those costumes all so well, but she has that "come hither" playful glance that Marilyn was known for.  Ivy's Marilyn seem more in on the fun of Marilyn while being able to show the dark side with performances like "Let's Be Bad."

If anything I look as Ivy as "the Marilyn" during this past season.  During the beginning on the season she fought tooth and nail (and the sheets) to get her part and once she lands her dream role, it didn't help validate her and left her feeling more insecure.  Throughout the rehearsal process her desire to please and truly beating herself up over not getting the approval of not just the director she loves, but the company in general.  Ivy would be looked upon as "the body" while the director insulted her with asking Karen to fill in and coach her with singing.  Although in real life Marilyn wouldn't be considered as cunning, although girl had some tricks up her sleeve god love her, I do feel like that Ivy has become some sort of tragic hero of a musical on another tragic blonde hero.