Telecuse

March 21, 2013 - 10:49am
A solid episode presents some solid changes to the playing field of "Smash."

“Smash” gives us a brilliant song and some cast turnover in one of the better episodes of the season. For those who have been watching it from the very first episode, “The Fringe” reproduces the fresh and energetic feeling that originally drew them into the show.

March 14, 2013 - 9:46pm
The spotlight shines on Ivy in "The Read-Through" but that just lets the disappointing changes in her character.

Ivy’s part has been largely weakened this season. Partially it is because she is no longer in Bombshell, acting as Karen’s competition as she did in last season. Her character used to be a perky, rash young girl, and has now become a considerate and wizened lady who gives incisive advice. “The Read-Through” grants viewers some time with her and new guest star Sean Hayes, as they prepare for another show, Liaisons.

February 28, 2013 - 3:42pm
"The Song" continues the predictability and frustration of watching the second season.

“The Song” is literally about the composing of a song. The metaphor of finding one’s own song isn’t lost on the characters or the show itself, as it struggles to find a balance between character stories and stories about producing a show.

February 28, 2013 - 10:03am
The third episode of "Smash" this season shows one bright spot amongst too many familiar complaints.

Finally, “Smash” is going somewhere that satisfies the audience this week: real drama falls on the play writer Julia and the new character Peter, a dramaturg, which will probably refresh and re-explore Bombshell.

February 13, 2013 - 11:19pm
NBC's musical drama Smash entered its second season last week with a new show runner and the same big aspirations.

The new season of Smash returned with a two-hour episode last Tuesday which is ambitious yet feckless.

The finale of season one ended with Karen (Katharine McPhee) staring as Marilyn Monroe on stage in “Bombshell,” a musical about Monroe, while her counterpart Ivy (Megan Hilty) began taking pills after being replaced by Karen.