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 of the main characters, things quickly started looking up. When the whole show starts to believe in itself in terms of the musical performances (the Bollywood number "A Thousand and One Nights" or the perfect "Run" from Snow Patrol had me hooked to the last note and gesture), there is nothing left to do but smile and immerse yourself fully in the whirlwind of theater. I am starting to really get into the relationship storylines, and when Julia in a 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 drags down a large part of the ratings. His annoying schemes every other time he appears are sometimes very worn. Even with this unfortunate flaw, Smash is a series that does not try to revolutionize music or overturn the relationship drama – and yet it managed to find its place with pride. Season 2 – 60% – A hundred and one reminders, and yet satisfaction in the end. Irreversible love for all the songs from Hit List, but at the same time, I was shaking my head with every episode. The second season of Smash brought a good deal of contradictions and thereby did itself in. It never completely managed to break free from its very drawn-out pace, and that is 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 writer, 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 without flinching. But Eileen and Tom suddenly seem almost unnecessary, and in worse moments, even unappealing. And what disappoints me the most is that Karen is throwing away her dreams not so much because of a 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 be working to 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 a split decision. 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, sometimes in a way that seems unnecessary to me. So how to solve this dilemma? Easy – with the last episode. Final episode: The Tonys – 100% – **SPOILER ALERT** – I hoped that the ending would remind me of the strongest moments, and I'm all that much 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 took quite a long time letting this fact sink in. And yet as much as I thought he belonged with 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... (21.08.2012) (weniger) (mehr)