I love musicals. I don't know where that comes from in me. None of my friends and/or relatives watch a movie with a bunch of music, most of which is out of place. But I really love musicals, music movies, movies about music.
I don't remember how I found this series. Maybe I searched in the music category, maybe it came out in some recommendations for Glee, from which I still can not completely depart for many reasons, but I am glad that it happened.
After Glee, I always wondered what happened to the characters (yes, the last episode means nothing to me, it’s too utopian-unrealistic and not lifelike). That's probably why I was initially hooked by Smash. Tom and Juliet’s dueling reminds me so much of Kurt and Rachel in many ways that my brain automatically labeled the show as a “continuation” and I began to enjoy it with a smile and some nostalgia.
Then came the idea of Marilyn. That means production. Not the shell, not the result, but the vip access to the so-called wold behind the scenes. What I liked was that the spotlight didn't shift from the musical. Yes, the characters had their own problems and dramas, but Bombshell remained the central character, and that was bribery. The creators knew what they were doing and did not shift the focus, just wrapping it in events, like wrapping a good gift in wrapping paper. And even though we didn't see the result, it wasn't needed. The songs written in the show, for the show, are exactly what speaks best of Marilyn. Her life does not need to be fully disclosed. Telling us three stories in one, the creators managed to make the first season something absolutely incredible.
And then came season two. And after watching the first two episodes, which were combined into one, I did not penetrate at all ... and absolutely nothing in general, and abandoned the series for almost two months.
The second season is both weaker and stronger than the first. With two musicals in the center of the plot, the series expands, becomes more voluminous. The downside was the characters that didn’t grow. The plus was the Hit List. This is exactly what I would go to Broadway more than once. And if Bombshell songs were classic Broadway, a small touch of modern music made Hit List a real hit. At least for me. Yes, the stories and characters of some of the characters didn’t evoke as much interest as they did in season one, but the music... I still can’t get a dozen songs out of my head. Let's Be Bad; I Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love To Howl; The Love I Meant To Say; Broadway, Here I Come.
Going back to the plot, despite the fact that, again, for the second season he moved a little bit, some plot moves really pleased. I won’t disclose, but Derek Wills is definitely in the top ten, if not in the top five of my favorite characters on television. And it's not even that never-excessive British accent. What a character seems to be, how his own actions portray him and how he really is. I believe Derek is one of the most realistic characters because of his complexity and versatility. People are just such, they are multi-layered, they surprise, they are contradictory, because such is life.
p.s. maybe it's a spoiler, I don't know. what can be considered them, so no information can spoil anything for me, but I can't help but say about it. a certain series made me cry in a way that I haven't done in a long time. I sat there and for 40 minutes in my eyes there were tears after literally every scene. bravo.
8 out of 10
"Toward the street that I'm from"
Oh, Broadway, here I come
I have never regretted watching this series. This is not a project that will leave bad emotions, especially if you are a connoisseur of Broadway and musicals like me.
Life as a Show was new and original to me. The plot of the series unfolds on the struggle of two divas, which, accordingly, forces you to watch series after series without much rest, because it is interesting who will actually win such a long-awaited victory! But by the second season, you begin to realize that the essence is not in this confrontation. Each of the heroines is delightful in its own way. They are completely different and both, fortunately, develop personally throughout the series. We also see many other characters besides Ivy and Karen, namely their colleagues, friends and lovers, about whom the writers also do not forget and contribute to their storylines as much interesting. Personally, I consider Eileen, the producer of the musical Bombshell, my favorite. At the beginning of the series, she has already managed to divorce her husband, and during the first season becomes an independent woman, which makes one again think about the development of feminism in modern society.
The music in "SMASH" is worthy of individual praise, as is the choreography. In each series, we hear something delightful, whether it is an original song or a cover of a famous artist. The voices of the actors are also worth noting, since they will never be worse than those we hear in the acclaimed series “Glee”, to which the audience, unfortunately, is much better disposed. In other words, do not forget that “Life as a show” is designed for more mature viewers, and they, in turn, are not so well disposed to similar projects, especially foreign ones.
If we talk about the actors, it is worth noting that each of them was chosen literally perfectly. They perform their roles “excellently.” Most of all, I was pleased with Meghan Hilty (Ivy), whom I, unfortunately, did not even know before, and the on-screen duet of Debra Messing (Julia) and Christian Brohl (Thomas), as the relationship they were able to build between their characters is admired.
As a result, I can say that this series is recommended for viewing by people who love musicals and projects like the American Gossip Girl.
9 out of 10
Series-musicals are a rarity for modern television (about our generally silent). Everyone has heard about the long-running "Glee", which, as previous speakers noted, is more for the youth, rather, even for the school audience. But "Smash" is the exact opposite, showing behind-the-scenes Broadway dramas. Have you ever thought about the process of producing a new musical? Where does it start? Who's involved? What steps do you have to go through to reach a wide audience? I guess not, neither do I. But thanks to the series, I fully realized how difficult and thorny this path is.
The past fades away
The series has only two seasons of 15 and 17 episodes, and if you compare them, which unconsciously, but still happens, the first season is an order of magnitude higher than the second. There are several reasons for this, but perhaps the most important is the change of direction. The series turned to young people (not because the rating began to fall?), from here came Jimmy with his problems, hence the corresponding theme of the “Hit List” and, perhaps, the “ugliness” with one good character. I can’t say it’s bad for the concept of the show, but it’s definitely unusual, even unexpected, because when you finish the first season, you expect to see something similar in the second. But what's left on the same level - if not better - are the songs. They have the same depth. They not only reflect the mood of the scene and reveal the character, they expose the soul, which sometimes you can not see behind the empty words of dialogue.
Because as of this daw
The songs are songs, and the characters remain, although the minors are very much shuffled. No, of course, in the series in each new series new faces, but earlier these same faces were more interesting and full. What is it worth remembering Michael Swift and his soul-drenched rendition of DiMaggio (as if two different people)! And Nick and his charming bar nights? Alice? Or Dev (remark: something reminiscent of my former love)? And instead, they introduce absolutely nondescript characters. For example, Jimmy is an unworthy replacement for the same Virgo, although his friend, Kyle, is much stronger as a hero.
Norma Jean's gone
But the main diamond of "Smash" is the screen duo Julia Houston and Tom Levitt (Debra Messing and Christian Borl) - a fusion of irony, madness and strong friendship. These live characters set the bar for all the characters, and after all, they were the initiators of the whole process. The tip of the iceberg of this clot are the incomparable Angelica Houston (Eileen Rand) and the charismatic Jack Davenport (Derek Wills).
She's moving on...
But what is a musical without beautiful and strong musical parts? Katherine McPhee (Karen Cartwright) and Megan Hilty (Ivy Lynn) show incredible voices, which all over the body run goosebumps. However, Meghan’s acting is stronger and more believable than Catherine’s, although I like her voice better (especially her performance of Snow Patrol’s Run).
As a result, the first season I put the unconditional “10+”, the second – eight. Enjoy it!
This is the third time I’ve watched my favorite series. The most interesting and inspiring, the most impressive and motivating. My Smash! I can talk about him for hours on end, admire him for the rest of my life and advise everyone!
I have been waiting for this series for a little over a year. The Russian title "Life as a Show" intrigued and interested me instantly, and after watching the trailer, it was only necessary to cross out the days in the calendar before the release of the first series. I was sure that I would plunge into the pool with my head, as, in fact, it turned out!
Just a little bit of everything.
The cast. Yeah, yeah. He's perfect! It amazes with its uniqueness and cannot help but fall in love with the viewer. I have known some names before and some for the first time. And now they have added to the list of “Favorite actors”!
Katherine McPhee (Karen) is a girl who beckons the perfect combination of beauty and simplicity. There is something in her that is not in the others. She knows how to intrigue, while remaining innocent and mysterious. The voice! Her voice! It's just magical!
Jack Davenport is the man of my dreams. Audacious and insolent, gentle and attentive, selfish and self-confident, understanding and alluring. I, uh, wanted him in every episode. What's the other way? His behavior, words, gestures, look cannot be ignored. Especially when you're a fragile and sentimental girl.
Jeremy Jordan (Jimmy) is a bad bo. Everything I like. He is. Like that. I can't find words! Looking at his picture, there is only one thought “Nothing special”. But in the series it is impossible not to fall in love with him! He attracts me with his pride and boundless selfishness, narcissism and self-confidence. Hearing the performance on the piano “Brodway, here I come”, I was covered with goosebumps and all I had to do was sit and enjoy this splendor.
Plot. I've never seen a musical like this before, so to speak. I know Smash is from the creators of Glee. But the second hand has not yet reached, but Smash looked in one breath, and even three times! I especially like that the themes of relations in the family and at work, betrayal and betrayal, the cruel truth behind the scenes and show business, true love and devoted friendship are raised. After watching, you realize a lot and overestimate. When I watched the last episode, I immediately went to look for information about the continuation of the series. I was so sad when I found out the show was closed. Why? Why not? I demand continuation! Only a slightly blurred ending spoils the impression, and so there are no complaints. The songs are great, the voices are magical, the plots of musicals are just super!
I would love to see Bombshell and Hit List live, but alas and ah. Of course, Marilyn musicals are a common theme. It's not just a musical, it's a series. With its own history, with its own problems and tasks.
I love "Smash." Every part of your body. I don’t think I’ll ever find such a great show. One that's going to hook me like that. But suddenly! In the meantime, I'm going to listen to the songs and watch the series. Whatever you do, you’ll like it.
I really enjoyed watching the series and the emotions of some of the songs performed in it. I consider Smash to be a somewhat unique creation, because its creators knew exactly how everything should be, how everything would develop and when it would end before the broadcast began, and they did not inflate the elephant flies, suck the plot out of the finger, but created a very worthy series of two seasons and 32 episodes. And common sense among serialists is rare, so at least this moment is worth noting.
Of course, in this series used famous Hollywood things – everything is bright, always with makeup, changing the wardrobe, styles, entourage is observed, so the heroines and characters often resemble someone from Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City, Friends, etc., I do not think that these series are bad and I enjoyed watching them, but in addition, Smash has one feature, a very, very important feature is a musical project, and I must say very high-quality.
There is, unfortunately, in this barrel of honey and a spoonful of tar. When I watched the musical numbers, I was delighted, but the relationship of the characters disappointed me. In fact, in their behavior, words, motives of committed actions there is no logic, I personally heroes as individuals were absolutely not likeable. They were inadequate, insincere, unkind, no one showed open aggression except for Jeremy in the second season, but it is perfectly clear that there is no one to trust, that everyone can act surreptitiously, no one is burdened with morality, elementary human principles. Maybe someone thinks that I overdo it because outwardly they are pretty nice people in communication, but you just analyze their actions and I hope you agree with me. I hope so, because I don’t think we live in such an immoral society. But for this I shot only 2 points, because the series is very worth it.
If you like musicals, if you do not yet know or understand what it is, if you want to watch a light bright series with adequate plot development and a logical ending, watch Smash and find your song.
P.S. If you do not know English well, I advise you to watch with subtitles for songs, they have meaning. I was very touched by the song about my mother’s piano.
8 out of 10
Having swallowed the first season with great pleasure, writing a review with enthusiasm and enthusiasm, I did not postpone the second portion of this delicious food for later. It’s no secret that when watching the second and subsequent seasons of any show, there’s always the danger of disappointment. I was ready for this and watched not in vain, but calmly assessing what was happening on the screen. But what I saw surpassed my worst fears. It was a disaster. I will not apologize for the harsh words to the fans. As it turns out, I’m not the only one with the same opinion. Having Googled a bit after watching the first 3-4 episodes, I already knew that the show had production problems (no doubt script-related in the first place), probably dropped the rating, and it was closed after two seasons. It's strange that none of the reviewers mentioned it, maybe I wouldn't have been so shocked. So I decided to write about the second season to protect those who will watch Smash in the future, from unpleasant and painful moments.
When I started watching, the first thing that came to my mind was to change writers. And in the first season, there were problems with plotting. But what started in the second one defies common sense. I don’t know if I should list all the stupidities of the script. Maybe I'll do it at the end, as a supplement, so I don't seem unfounded. As a result, it all resulted in two parallel and later joined stories. Apparently, trying to stay afloat, the creators decided to attract the attention of the youth audience and created a new storyline about the production of a youth musical in a modern style. And then, as a result, the rivalry of the two productions. The idea is good, but until it reached a clear embodiment, we had to watch all the throes of the writers in search of the right path.
Next. There was probably a change of director. And this, of course, affected the actors. Not even in the game, but in the performance of tasks. Christian Borle suddenly forgot that he was playing gay, Megan Hilty began to portray a penitent sinner with the same expression in all scenes. Even the still inimitable Angelica Houston has lost her splendor in this scripted chaos. And only Jack Davenport, in my opinion, benefited from the plot changes. The image of Derek became not so flat, there were some human actions and emotions. Summarizing the assessment of the acting, I still remove the hat in front of the entire cast of the series. They all, without exception, accomplished a feat, and we, the audience, have to wade through the web of plot confusion precisely because of them.
The music remained the same at first. Replays of songs from Bombshell were mostly heard, minor numbers were added that accompanied the plot, but all this was not impressive. In general, my suffering continued, perhaps, a good half of the season.
By some miracle, I kept myself from writing a devastating review after watching the first series. I wanted to shout: people, I beg you, do not watch the second season, so as not to spoil the impression of the first! But I didn't, which I'm happy about now. As suddenly everything began to change for the better, and in the second half of the series, the situation improved more. There were wonderful songs from the "Hit List", a meaningful plot (but never became perfect until the end), equanimity in the narrative, and in the game of actors variety (Megan Hilty blossomed again). And then there was humor.
In general, in the second season, the authors added jokes and funny moments (an unexpected merit). And crowns the whole scene with the premiere of “Dangerous Liaisons”. Very hilarious. There were new musical numbers for Bombshell, cool songs-inserts featuring the main characters. The final song is beyond praise. Not for the music, but for the lyrics: “Show them a big beautiful ending and they won’t remember what happened before him.” They'll forgive and forget if you're good at the end. And let them want more.” Honestly, I wanted to. Unbelievable!
But the show is over. And we can only regret those projects that for various reasons did not get their continuation ("Smash is far from the only one on this list). And forget the bad things and remember the great things we liked about this movie. And listen to beautiful songs.
Season 1. There's a wiretap for Marilyn Monroe on Broadway. Actresses, dancers, everything is on the line, and especially Karen and Evie. Girls are very different, but one of them is the best – singing. Who gets the role? Who better, fighting for a better life to become a Broadway star!
Season 2. Preparations for the premiere of the musical Bombshell is on track. Meanwhile, Jimmy Collins writes his songs in a draft. But meeting Karen changes everything, he meets director Derek. Which musical is better? Which of them will receive dozens of awards, or they may not both.
"Glee" is for young people, and this series is for adult audiences. Unfortunately, that's what killed him. There are adults here who have their own children, their own experience on Broadway. A series that will show the backstage of this legendary theater.
The cast.
The reason for my viewing was Debra Messing. I watched the sitcom Will & Grace and the drama Hollywood Divorce with her. Debra can make you laugh, cuddle, and even touch. These features of his acting gift passed Julia Houston. Julia is friendly and powerful. When the marriage breaks at the seams, she manages to hide the data of personal accidents from her colleagues. She can talk you into anything. Producer and writer – that’s all. Describing this role, we can say that she coped with it 100%. After all, she is the nominee of a dozen professional awards in her field.
Jack Davenport, in his résumé of the films in which he starred, the most I liked pictures. He played Derrek, the director. He is phenomenal in his work, but when it comes to his personal life. It's not that simple because he doesn't like people. In life, a loner, does not count girls for those with whom you can fall in love. Girls, to pass his casting for the main role, must sleep with him. Jack benignly presented his work to his viewers.
Katherine McPhee is a finalist on American Idol. She played Karen, a girl who must choose to perform on Broadway or get married. She is also in a dilemma at work, whether to be friends with her competitors or melt them to her charming singing - a cover of songs by Marilyn or Christina Aguilera. Bomb girl, like Marilyn Monroe. I hope that after this series it will not disappear, as it is an example for beginners in acting.
Also, the other main characters will not let you down with their game. Angelica Houston, brilliant work done. Megan Hilty, a great transformation into Marilyn Monroe.
But I'll highlight Jeremy Jordan. His character appears in the second season. Probably, the creators of the series wanted to pull up the audience from the youth side, and the second season made more youthful. Now, this character is phenomenally invented. A guy who sold drugs in the past. Now working in a restaurant, his friend helped him get rid of his past. But in difficult times, he always wants to run away and take the most prohibitive drugs. When it comes to his songwriting, he has no equal. This is the Broadway star.
I never get tired of worshipping, and this time I will bow to the directors. Perfectly convey the atmosphere of the musical, each performance is a real show. Thank you to the choreographers of this series. The writers thought through the plot to the smallest detail. A person who knows a lot about musicals will not be bored, every storyline can touch, you can cry with sympathy and from the failures of the characters.
For two seasons, this series managed to become a nominee for the Golden Globe Award in the nominations Best Series of the Year.
Special thanks for the new original songs and, of course, for the phenomenal covers.
Can people change and how much can you change to achieve your dreams?
Watched the show. It was ... wow!, especially in the final.
Perhaps the most important thing about Smash is that it’s not an endless TV series, but a whole series (even if it was planned differently). With one end-to-end idea, laconically wrapped in two seasons.
Despite my love for Glee, which is constantly mentioned by fans of TV musicals, the latter can grow into a long-tailed monster with a dozen seasons.
"Smash" although it began somewhat boring, but gradually flared up with interesting songs (most often for its authorship), life collisions in the relationships of the characters and time after time opened a new part of a large picture dedicated to the Mecca of theater artists - Broadway. However, not only him, but also "Smash" has a lot.
The main idea of the musical I would dare to formulate as follows: "Are people able to change and how much can you change to achieve your dreams?"
This primarily concerns Marilyn Monroe, who from an unknown frightened Norma Jean turned into a successful confident Marilyn. Did this transformation pass without loss? Not likely, given the sad end of her biography.
This applies to the main characters of the series, who struggle with their shortcomings and vices, sometimes falling into the abyss of despair, and sometimes sacrificing everything for the sake of others in bouts of altruism.
Creativity exists to make the world a better place. So that we think about our actions and can fix the broken life. Alas, despite the right words, most of the works are devoted to other topics. And I'm damn glad that someone else in the arts isn't shy about proclaiming basic truths - "You have to be good and honest." You have to be responsible for your actions. Do not break your life, but break it, try to glue it together. Take care of your friends, they love you and will help you in difficult times.
On the example of several heroes, these truths are proclaimed in the series.
There is only one thing that can be said about heroes and actors: they are one. It feels like you can’t choose other actors for the roles of Karren, Ivy, Derek, Jimmy, Julia, Tom, Kyle, they are the embodiment of their roles. In the constant confrontation of two movie stars, my heart was still given to Ivy - Megan Hilty. It was funny to watch the plot castlings and the concomitant change in the images of the heroines, from the “unknown girl” to the “tired star” of Curren and from the “vindictive fury” to the “wise loving woman” of Ivy. The merit of the script is obvious, but still Megan Kilty has a real acting gift and a slightly greater range of emotions than Catherine McPhee. Although, as the series rightly put it, they are "both great and both different."
In conclusion, I want to say that it is quite predictable if this series will not have a crowd of fans and will still have five reviews on the search. Partly because it's "Glee for Adults" with its "non-fairy" issues, and "adults" are less likely to hang out on forums. Partly because of the sheer number of additional characters and storylines. But the whole picture “Smash” looks powerful (no worse than any “Rock for the Ages”) and deserves its own musical on Broadway (not to mention the fact that the series contains two ready-made musicals – take and play).
9 out of 10