On Feb. 5, NBC’s musical drama “Smash” will premiere its second season. Many “Smash” fans (like myself) felt the show’s plot meandered from its original exciting pilot to something predictable and frustrating. However, season two will not disappoint.
Don’t get me wrong; season one was not necessarily disappointing. Viewers watched a musical come together about the life of Marilyn Monroe, complete with original music that managed to tell Monroe’s life story and reflect the characters’ lives as well. That’s impressive and entertaining.
After watching the first 45 minutes of the two-hour season premiere on nbc.com (you can, too), I have faith this season will have several solid things going for it.
1. The Cast:“Smash” already has a star-studded cast; American Idol’s Katharine McPhee, Broadway darling Megan Hilty and Debra Messing give the show initial star power. This season, Jennifer Hudson, Jesse Martin and Nikki Blonsky, along with many others, will add to the cast in a way that actually works for the show. (Meaning, I don’t see them being like Uma Thurman was on the show. Thank God.) Most of the newest cast additions have proven themselves to be talented singers. I realize Thurman’s character wasn’t supposed to be a bad singer, but featuring guest stars who can’t sing on a show about people singing isn’t a smart move for a show like “Smash.”
2. The Songs:What makes “Smash” so different is the original music. The original songs for the fictional Bombshell musical give the show the edge to set itself apart from shows like “Glee.” The beginning of the season two premiere opens with an original song that will not disappoint.
3. The Story:The messy story lines from season one will come to a fruition of sorts in season two, and I don’t think they will end up derailing all over the place. There is complexity among relationships, work, the future of Bombshell and the future of Bombshell’s cast members.
4. Ivy vs. Karen:I have a feeling Ivy (Hilty) and Karen (McPhee) may not be at each other’s throats for the entire season. One of the initial things about “Smash” I loved so much was that I didn’t hate the two women in competition to play the role of Marilyn. In fact, I liked both of them a lot. Writers later made Ivy out to be a complete jerk and the stereotypical antagonist. I’d like to see Ivy and Karen regain a friendship in the midst of competing for the role of a lifetime. (Let’s be honest; Karen will never be “safe” as the lead role.)