NBC's Smash gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a Broadway musical, as two actresses battle it out for the title role in Marilyn: the Musical.
I believe there are two main reasons to watch this series -- Megan Hilty and Katharine McPhee. The up-and-coming actresses are pitch perfect for their roles as chorus-girl Ivy Lynn and newcomer Karen Cartwright, respectively. The rivalry between Ivy and Karen is excellent because both young women are as talented as they are passionate. Though Karen is set up as the underdog given her lack of experience, the series does not present Karen as the girl viewers should root for. Instead, the show lets each audience member decide who would make the better Marilyn, as the musical's showrunners are faced with the same decision. Hilty and McPhee are both incredible entertainers and infuse plenty of heart into the songs their characters perform.
The rest of the ensemble cast is another reason to watch. Angelica Huston is fierce as producer Eileen Rand, a woman trying to hold her career together as her personal life falls apart. Huston has an interesting on-screen dynamic with Jack Davenport as the somewhat smarmy director, Derek Wills. And Debra Messing is engaging as Julia Houston, one half of the musical's writing team. However, Christian Borle's Tom Levitt appears to be the true star of this dynamic duo. Tom's prickly relationship with Derek should make for some interesting behind-the-scenes drama, as should Derek's possibly inappropriate relationship with Karen. The scene from the pilot episode where Derek asks Karen to prove she has what it takes to play Marilyn is one of the more memorable scenes from the opener, though it may leave some viewers feeling slightly uncomfortable.
And yet, despite the talent of its cast and the show's solid concept, Smash may have a hard time finding viewers. Whether thanks to its inevitable comparison to Glee or its overpromotion by NBC, some viewers may stay away from the series entirely. But for those of you willing to give the show a chance, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you find. While the show gives viewers a glimpse into the dramatic inner workings of the Broadway world, the series really works because it is just fun. There are no complex mysteries to solve or contestants to vote for or against, yet Smash manages to be the one thing a good television show should be -- entertaining.
Smash airs Monday nights at 10/9c on NBC.
