SMASH

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Hello, FOT.  I write for this show.  The pilot (which I had nothing to do with but is pretty great) is free on iTunes and Amazon if you would like to watch it.

[SJK]

I honestly thought it was something about Smash, the VJ. I will dutifully check out your pilot Jason G.

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

I keep trying to write him in but the suits keep taking him back out!

[Stan]

 Despite my lack of interest in musical theater, I've been watching and enjoying the show. The most recent episode (The Workshop) was written by Jason Grote (whoever that is).

 Well done, sir.

[Keith Whitener]

Should we expect a Newbridge Easteregg (or Easteregg's in general)?

[Martin]

This just got renewed for a second season. Congrats Jason!!!

[cavorting with nudists]

I thought this was going to be like the "Things I Hate" item--"Things Hulk Want to SMASH!"

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Thanks, Stan, glad you liked it.

Thanks also Martin, but my boss is now out, so I won't know my fate for another month or so.  Doesn't look good, but all is not yet lost.

Those Scharpling platinum records I posted a while ago were in the background in The Workshop (the scene where Karen goes into the recording studio), and there are some Newbridgians mentioned in episode 13, which I co-wrote.

[Adblau1]

As expected, the episode totally kicked ass.

Congratulations, Jason, and congrats on the renewal, as well!!

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Thanks, Adam!

[colonel panic]

I am so pumped for next season.

The arcs are so good that I get bummed when another musical starts up. But then in like 15 seconds I'm totally enraptured in the number.

Great work.

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Thanks, Colonel Panic, but I won't be writing for it next season -- they replaced the entire writing staff.  It's not a reflection on me personally, though it is kind of a pain in the ass.

[dave from knoxville]

Then that show has seen the last of me

[colonel panic]

Oh no!

It's probably typical of the business?

Once a new idea gets some traction bring in the olde safe bets.

Well, here's to your next smash!

[Shaggy 2 Grote]

Thanks, guys.  I really have no idea whether the show will be worth watching next season -- if you liked it for the cast and the songs, then probably yes, because they're both staying.  I won't be watching it, but there are still many people I like employed by the show, and they deserve their success.

I'd like to have a job, but all things considered I'm probably better off not being there with the new showrunner, for various reasons.  And my one season on Smash changed my life -- I'm infinitely better off than I was a year and a half ago, when I was a laid-off teacher making sub-poverty wages from playwriting.