Smash

Season 1 - 85% - An unassuming TV firefly that wanted to shine like a real star in the television sky. After a hesitant pilot and getting to know the characters, I didn't really believe in the Marilyn musical, but after falling in love with several central characters, things quickly started looking up. When the whole show starts to believe in itself in terms of musical performances (the Bollywood insert of Thousand And One Nights or the perfect Run by Snow Patrol had me hooked to the last note and gesture), there is nothing left to do but smile and immerse oneself fully in the whirlwind of theater. I am starting to strongly experience the relationship lines, and when Julia in the mature portrayal by Debra Messing or the fiercely charismatic Jack Davenport as the uncompromising Derek appear in the center of the action, I have no objections. The only pity is that the character of Ellis unnecessarily detracts a large part of the ratings. His annoying schemes in every other case, when he appears, are sometimes very tiring. Even with this unfortunate flaw, Smash is a series that does not try to revolutionize music or turn relationship dramas upside down - and yet it managed to find its solid face and be proud of it. Season 2 - 60% - One hundred and one reminders and yet satisfaction in the end. Irreversible love for all the songs from Hit List, but at the same time, shaking of the head with every episode. The second season of Smash brought a good deal of contradictions and thus killed itself. It never completely managed to break free from its very drawn-out pace, and that is a clear suicide in the world of purely commercial television. The main reason why I feel less sorry for its premature cancellation at this point than when it was announced lies elsewhere. After the forced departure of the main screenwriter Theresa Rebeck, the new creative team started treating the main characters somewhat negligently. Derek's stumbling from woman to woman and from show to show, thanks to Davenport, ultimately remains the best storyline and Debra Messing handles Julia's stagnation on the spot without hesitation. But Eileen or Tom suddenly seem almost unnecessary, and in worse moments, even unsympathetic. And what disappoints me the most is that Karen is throwing away her dreams not so much because of the promising show but because of the most annoying guy in the whole series. Jimmy (played by the otherwise obviously capable Jeremy Jordan) is exactly the type of character that angers the viewer, and every moment he should redeem himself and earn my sympathy. Unfortunately, Jimmy failed to do so, even with a few more sensitive moments, and it is mainly the constant events around him that drag Smash down a notch. It is not surprising then that my sympathy suddenly turns towards the versatile Ivy, who fights incredibly passionately for the position of queen of the series. But above all, we are here for the music, and even there, it's more or less split. The songs from Hit List are on repeat in my player (I'm Not Sorry, Heart Shaped Wreckage, or Rewrite This Story are faultless), but Bombshell suffers greatly as a result, and sometimes it seems unnecessary to me. So how to solve this dilemma? Simply - with the last episode. Final episode - The Tonys - 100% - Spoilers - - I hoped that the ending would remind me of the strongest moments, and I am even happier that the final episode brought some new fascinating moments. Under Pressure, touching victories (especially for the script and lead role), wordless happy endings, and the fact that contrary to all expectations, my favorite duo (Julia + you-know-who) ended up together. It was clear to me a few episodes back who Derek would end up with, and I absorbed this fact for quite a long time. However, as much as I thought he belonged to Karen, it surprisingly and naturally turned out that only Ivy Lynn can pull him out of the worst situations and biggest depressions. I still can't believe how smoothly and gracefully the world of Bombshell and Hit List crossed the finish line, but it is a huge relief - considering one of the most likable casts of television dramas. Just give them that big finish and leave them wanting more... (08/21/2012) (less) (more)