When I first saw Katharine McPhee’s dress I thought it might be midnight navy instead of black and I was infinitely more interested, but even in black the Theyskens Theory dress is very smart, certainly the best of the boob slings. It’s not all the way overwhelming, but maybe she and her costar Debra Messing thought it was best to ease us back into the idea that Smash is going to loudly and unfortunately invade our lives in just a few weeks. Full Story

Smash Season 1 finale Episode 15 recap Remember when nobody was allowed in the theatre during rehearsals?  That happened last week, in case you were thinking it had been a long time since the rules had changed or something. Incorrect.  This week, everyone's families and child investors and possible fiancés wandered in and out of the house at random, because the time for keeping everyone out is when you have an experienced actress playing the role, but when you have a green, green girl who's only done one performance in the chorus in her life and is now taking the lead, well, it's cool to throw open the doors at that point, because you want as many people as possible to witness her meltdowns. Full Story

Smash Season 1 Episode 14 recapI know it's going to make you fall off your chair but "Previews" was the episode I liked best in awhile. There was a plot that moved from A to B to C, and that's more than we've had to hang onto in a long while. Also, we saw actual production numbers in the show, and for the most part, they're pretty flawless. Full Story

Smash Season 1 Episode 7  I need help. All of you are smart, and have big brains. Can you help me to figure this out? Nobody who writes music professionally is stupid. I mean, I'm sure there are some, but there are too many people trying hard to make it, so I have to believe most of the people at the top are doing the kind of work most can only dream of. Full Story

Smash Season 1 Episode 6So. About Derek.  I’m supposed to think he’s a jerk, right?  That he’s mean and terrible and maybe someday he’ll be fired?  That was the goal of the writers? Because mostly I agree with him. I think he’s right about everything, which makes for a very weird lens through which to view the show. Full Story

Smash season 1 episode 5I know some of you are Broadway-philes, or watch obscure TV like I do, or  keep track of third leads in straight-to-video productions. Send me the names of  your personal favourites. Those pets you have who sing and act, who should have been cast in the role of Karen rather than Katharine McPhee. Full Story

Smash Season 1 Episode 3 recapThe Monday night-Tuesday morning corridor is full of recaps for me and this morning the boy asked which shows I was working on.  When I explained House of Lies and Smash air on the same night, he went  "oh, so a show about the world's most cynical, terrible people. Full Story

Smash Season 1 Episode 2 recapWelcome to the Smash review, slightly feverish edition. I say that because I am, and I hope you’ll excuse any typos, but also that’s how this week’s episode felt.  A little bit manic, which isn’t surprising, given the break-neck speed of the show. So the battle between the good little corn-fed virgin (I know, I know. Full Story