Smash dipped a little in the ratings last week, and is finally showing viewers what they can expect to see over the remainder of the season. This reviewer is fully invested in the stories of each character, but should you be, as well? For the review of Monday’s episode, “Meet Mr. DiMaggio”, read on after the jump.

The search begins for a Joe DiMaggio to play opposite Marilyn—but everyone’s first choice, Michael (guest star Will Chase), has a secret. Karen (Katharine McPhee) returns to Iowa for a baby shower and must decide what she wants for her future. Eileen (Anjelica Huston) begins rounding up investors—but ex-husband Jerry (guest star Michael Cristofer) may already have poisoned the well.

We open on Ivy and Derek getting all hot and heavy. This whole storyline is so squicky to me. I guess I “get” the sleeping-with-the-director-to-get-the-part thing. Not that I agree or condone it, but I get it. But, she’s already got the part. And now she’s staying with him for….what, exactly? Acceptance? Ivy seems to confident to seem to need that. Romance? Derek hardly seems like the optimal guy to start a relationship with—see: his flirting and continued contact with Karen. Why does she like him at all? Does she need him for continued professional advice? It seems like she’s good enough friends with the writer, Tom, to be able to head to him for that kind of help. I guess I just don’t like that they’re doing the steamy, behind-the-scenes sex thing just to add drama, and not for an apparent reason.

While I’m on the “for no apparent reason” kick, let me talk about Ellis. Remember the “ambitious assistant” I referenced in the pilot? Well, I didn’t realize he would turn into this insane person who has no resemblance to anyone that exists in real life. Seriously, do people like him exist? Please tell me the answer is “no”, if just for my own positive view of the world. He started as a cute, funny, obviously gay character in the pilot, who made a well-intentioned mistake and felt chagrined about it. Now, he’s conniving, plotting, and an all-around a-hole, who sits in on rehearsals and meetings he would have no business being a part of, and manages to hide his heinous acts from his employer, who seems to be completely oblivious. And he’s straight?? Yeah, right. I am definitely calling the bluff on that one.

Whew—two negatives in a row. It’s sad that they are such strong negatives for me, because most of the episode really was great. Eileen’s storyline with her soon-to-be ex is filled with drama, and I look forward to her splashing her Manhattan into his face every episode—even when he buys it himself. I liked Karen visiting home (though the karaoke scene was too contrived in this context—even in the Midwest we don’t have baby showers in a bar—at least not in the crowd that Karen would have been a part of), and having to confront the realities of her chosen career. The choice between dreams and reality in the world of performance is a continual struggle, and I hope the writers don’t take the easy way out by having her boyfriend, Dev, be the sugar daddy.

Speaking of Dev, I started out hating his jealousy of Derek thing. After all, he seems much too self-assured to be dealing with someone as petty as Derek, especially when Karen has proven that she doesn’t put up with his crap. But, because of that silly jealousy, we got a little bit about the two factions of Brits that was a fun moment and made up for my irritation.

Tom had a cute date moment with background dancer guy, who ended up spilling the beans about Ivy and Derek’s relationship.

Michael Swift (played by Will Chase) is a great addition to the cast, and a romantic foil for Julia (Debra Messing). They have electric chemistry together, which might stem from their real-world relationship. I am sad that the adultery angle is going to be played out again. Can’t there be any pure marital relationships on TV? Please??

Shaiman and Wittman score again with “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”, a ballad between Ivy’s Marilyn and Michael’s Joe DiMaggio. They consistently add great numbers into the mix. This week, their original song topped the musical numbers, “Grenade”, sung by Michael, and “Redneck Woman”, sung by Karen.

Overall, this episode fell flat for me, which is in contrast with the pilot and strong second-episode showing. Here’s hoping that this proves to be the lowest point of the season.