First of all, Smash-ers, I’m assuming you’ve seen this. I’ll give it a minute to sink in. Not that it’s any surprise to anyone, of course. Smash has been tanking hardcore in the ratings for the entirety of season 2. It got so bad that it was airing first-run episodes on Saturday nights, for Pete’s sake. […]
Smash 2:14 The Phenomenon
My dear readers, I am so, so, so sorry. After my praise of last week’s episode, I have to imagine that a handful of you, or perhaps even one, responded along the lines of, “Oh, how exciting! John clearly knows what he’s talking about and I will hereby watch next week’s Smash with a renewed […]
Smash 2:13 The Producers
So, it turns out, Smash has been sly like a fox this whole dang time. Either there was a serious course-correction paying off here, or I watched tonight the climax of a carefully-laid story in which I was actually supposed to hate Jimmy the entire time and think Kyle was a sweet magical angel. I’m […]
Smash 2:12 Opening Night was, well, a smash!
I’m verklempt! It’s what I’ve always wanted! Yes folks, as the goosebumps started emerging on my arms during the sweet strains of Megan Hilty’s “Don’t Forget Me”, I realized the show had turned a corner. My eyes stared at their widest as the camera panned around the gathering of Marilyn’s lovers, and then the sharp, […]
Smash 2:11 The Dress Rehearsal
Amazing what a little perspective shift can accomplish. Throughout this week’s installment, Karen and Jimmy behave at what I can only assume is their most petulant level ever. They both, at varying points, lash out, privately and publicly, at Derek Wills, as he makes changes to Hit List that are not necessarily in their favor. They […]
Smash 2:10 The Birthday Party
“Ivy Lynn! Where are you going? Sit down!” “Ok…sorry…Liza Minnelli…” Let’s talk about “A Love Letter from the Times” for a second. First off…where the hell has THIS show been?
Smash 2:9 The Parents
All hail middle-aged character actors! At varying points in this episode, I found myself singing the praises of guest stars, as we got visits from not one but two parents of our leading ladies, offering veteran charms and instant chemistry that elevated everything they touched.
Smash 2:8 Bells and Whistles
I talk a lot about “professionalism” when I write about Smash. Maybe it’s a personal sticking point, but I have to imagine that a large portion of this show’s weekly audience can actually see the things I see, and this isn’t just a product of the fact that I’ve been living a theatre-based life for […]
Smash 2:7 Musical Chairs
Dear readers, I’m sure many of you have heard the news, but, for those that haven’t, here it is – our beloved Smash is not long for this world.
Smash 2:6 The Fringe
NBC Announcer: “And next week, the twist that no one. Saw. Coming.” I hope you’re not referring to Karen quitting Bombshell for Hit List and Ivy rejoining as Marilyn, NBC Announcer. Because everyone sees that coming. I could see it coming from midway through this week’s episode.
Smash 2:5 The Read-Through
Art vs. commerce. God-given talent vs. time-honed craft. Easy laughs vs. hard tears. Brain vs. libido. This week’s episode of Smash brought several of the stage’s favorite philosophical clashes to the screen this week. And by and large, it did wonders for the show, as this was the best episode of season 2 thus aired.
Smash 2:4 – The Song
Well, let’s start with the good news. With tonight’s final scene, Evil Producer Jerry sends a clear message to everyone’s favorite worst character ever – “Don’t ever contact me again,” accompanied by a bona fide maniacal laugh (actually, that part might have just been in my head). So at least Ellis is never, ever, ever, […]