“C’mon, Karen Cartwright, the show’s over!” And with that line, and a shot of an empty stage, lit to high heaven, with not a drip of applause, we reach the conclusion of Smash. Ambitious, erratic, emotional, and perhaps misconceived, Smash nonetheless gave the live theatre arts a shot at the network TV big-time that it […]

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. […]

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 […]

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, […]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, […]

In which the series returns to some of its better instincts, while continuing to indulge it’s bad ones. After a decent premiere and a shaky follow-up, Smash returns to some of its Season 1 strengths here in week 3.