I can go several TV seasons without finding something worthwhile to check into on a weekly basis. Sure, I love certain comedies like "The Big Bang Theory," "The Middle," and "Modern Family." And there's still "Desperate Housewives" at least for a little while longer.
But, since "24" finally sent Jack Bauer packing off to Russia, I haven't attached myself to a drama. Most recently, I found "Downton Abbey" and I've already written about the wonderful merits of that discovery. And, now, there's......
"Smash."
The best and perhaps only reason to tune into NBC on Monday. Or any night for that matter. The way NBC programs their prime time schedule these days, their biggest audience comes from those forced to watch that shit on American Airlines flights.
But, "Smash," albeit not reflected in the ratings, is a smash. It's catnip for this Broadway musical kitty and it takes you into a world we have rarely seen. The development of a Broadway musical from concept to what I guess will be its ultimate opening and success.
Based on that concept, you would guess there is limited appeal to very targeted members of a television audience. But, every time I go to a Broadway show and I see one tourist from Bumfuk, Iowa after another, I think that perhaps "Smash" might have a shelf life.
For those not in the loop, "Smash" tells the tale of the creative masterminds trying to produce a new musical based on the romance between Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio. Hell, I'd go to see that if it really was produced. And it just may be because the quality of the production numbers you see mounted and rehearsed is top notch. There's a whole bunch of Broadway producers behind "Smash," so they've got some organic reality they can share with all of us. You really do feel like you're eavesdropping on a Broadway hit in the making.
There's the producer of "Marilyn - The Musical" who's looking for financing to get the show done. This character is deliciously essayed by Angelica Huston and you wait for the next witty thing to come highstepping out of her mouth. The show's director is a smarmy Brit who is sleeping with the girl playing Marilyn and, as played by Jack Davenport, he's a character you both love and hate.
Welcome back to series television, Debra Messing, who plays one of the two co-writers of "Marilyn - The Musical." She should feel as home as she did on "Will and Grace" since her writing partner is gay. So is half the cast, but, then again, this is a look at Broadway musicals.
Meanwhile, "Smash" is stolen by Katherine McPhee, a former "American Idol" finalist who is magnificent as one of the two girls up for the role of Marilyn Monroe. She doesn't get it, but her talent is so impressive that the producers put her in the chorus. Will she stay there or get a bigger break? Hmmm, that's why the "Smash" people ask you to tune in each and every week.
Sure, "Smash" is a little soapy. Somebody takes too many pills, somebody has an affair, and no, wait, a bunch of somebodys have affairs. But it's all fun and you're transported to an arena where not many people have gone before. Perish the thought. A television show that actually entertains and educates at the same time.
The orignal rumor was that "Smash" was only destined for one season of 15 episodes. I guess they figure that, once "Marilyn - The Musical" opens, who else will care?
Well, I do. I'd like to see these characters produce their next show. And then a show after that. When you suddenly find a TV drama that works, you don't want to let go.
And I won't have to. Last week, NBC renewed "Smash" for Season 2. I guess it was either that or run a test pattern.
Dinner last night: Chili con carne.
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