Smash - TV Review

NBC has been promoting their new series Smash for a year now. I remember seeing previews during The Voice and now The Voice is back for season two!

The big promotion now is that the premiere will be Monday after the Superbowl. Well, you can watch the full episode online, on demand and on Hulu, so I’m not too sure they’re creating enough mystery. I’m not quite sure what kind of ratings tomorrow’s airing will be in if lots of people like me, have already seen it.

A big selling point for me adding this show to my huge list of regular TV viewing is Katherine McPhee. I’ve been waiting for this talented, beautiful girl to break out and I think this may be her ticket. Coming in second to Taylor Hicks in Season 5 of American Idol, did little to catapult her to stardom. Her lackluster CD had disappointing sales. She has songs I loved liked Over It, which I will remind you of here. Really, this girl has a wonderful voice.


Unfortunately, her CD also contained horrible songs, like Open Toes. Yes, a song about shoes. She also went blonde for awhile in an effort to change her image. This show let’s her be the persona I like. So fresh faced and lovely, I could stare at her all day.

The storyline is off to a good start. A Broadway musical on Marilyn Monroe two young talents compete for the starring role. Karen Cartwright (McPhee) is the risky choice because her lack of experience, but she brings the innocence of a young Marilyn. Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) has the experience, the voice and the sexpot Marilyn down pat. The role seems tailor made for her and that alone may be why she would be too obvious of a choice.

Of course there are other stories of family, old friendships and power players in the business. There’s certainly enough to push the story along, but only time will tell if you will continue to be vested in these young ladies on their rise to fame.