'Smash' Review: A New Plea To Watch The Show's Best Episode Yet

I may be the one who told you to avoid "Smash" Episode 3 at all costs and you're welcome for that; but now I've got something positive to say about the show: Episode 4, titled "The Cost of Art," is the most entertaining episode of "Smash" so far and you all can and should tune in again to see what this show is capable of (Mon., Feb. 27, 10 p.m. EST on NBC).

Of course, if you're not into the Broadway behind-the-scenes-ness of it all, then you still won't like it. And that's totally fine -- "Smash" is not for everyone. But if you are, this episode establishes a tone that I hope continues through the remainder of the first season.

The politics! The cattiness! The drama! The singing and dancing! It's all here, with just the right amount of momentum to get the story going again and a dash of over-the-top attitude. And, for the record, I'd much rather hear Broadway people call Karen "Iowa" than Iowa people call her "Broadway baby!" God, Iowa really took it out of me ... but I digress.

The episode opens with Day 1 of the "Marilyn" workshop and all the key players are in place, with sweeping camera moves around the rehearsal room to set the stage. But beyond finally looking and feeling like a show about making a musical, this episode will cement your feelings about quite a few characters, ensuring that your hatred for some will grow (ahem, Ellis) and your love for others will, too.

Here are some non-spoilery reasons to watch -- and even if they don't feel like reasons to you, trust me, they are:

• There's an intervention.
• There's a Jonas Brother! Nick, to be exact. And next to "Bonus Jonas" little brother Frankie, he is the best Jonas, no question.
• It's the second episode in a row without a single mention of adopting a baby from China.
• Eileen gets to serious scheming, and doesn't throw a single drink in anyone's face.
• There's Adele.
• We get a few looks at the show's howl-tastic "I've Never Met A Wolf Who Didn't Love to Howl," which is a big "Marilyn" number for a USO set piece. (Although our weekly "Smash" eyeroll recap will likely tear the party performance apart -- musicians just "following along" without music; characters singing who probably shouldn't be singing; an ad-libbed song verse that fits a little too perfectly -- I got caught up in the fun of it all and loved it.)

Now a few promos to whet your appetite. Are you in?

Karen is shocked to discover that Ivy and Derek are dating:

Eileen tries to sell young hotshot Lyle (Nick Jonas) an expensive work of art:

Karen's overpowering voice proves to be too much for the chorus:

 

Follow Maggie Furlong on Twitter: www.twitter.com/maggiefurlong

Comments

[neenee1607]

09:41 PM on 03/10/2012

OMG Katherine McPhee singing "man's world" was totally hot! And im a straight woman!

[HG80]

03:15 AM on 02/28/2012

Thank you Maggie for writing this. Except for a few points I agree with your analysis of episodes 3 and 4. It was a new director for this episode, and what a breath of fresh air don't you think? Glad you are a fan and I'm glad people have hung on this far because I can say that it keeps getting better from here. Y'all have no idea where this is heading. I do...but don't worry I won't tell. They are wrapping up shooting the last 2 episodes right now and let me tell you...it gets good. Enjoy :)

[Websurfer1915]

11:42 AM on 02/29/2012

Sounds very exciting. Can't you give us a hint on what is coming? I love the show!

[Websurfer1915]

03:32 PM on 02/29/2012

Sounds exciting. Give us a little hint on what is to come .... I love the show!

[HG80]

03:18 PM on 03/03/2012

Just remember, if they did things the way we should "expect" then it wouldn't be a drama. A good drama anyway. And it get's good. Monday will get "friendly" real fast and beyond that, well you'll just have to see. Understand that Me telling you Any hints of whats coming wouldn't be fair to the rest of the readers. ;)

[Cameron Gray]

11:35 PM on 02/26/2012

This show is great. I loved when Katherine McPhee sang Rumor Has It
http://www.nbc.com/smash/video/rumor-has-it/1384854

[Robb7]

10:44 AM on 02/25/2012

Totally agree with Smashfan2012. The weekly "eye rolls" are sophomoric and silly -- and provide no substantive review of the show. It isn't for everyone, but those who enjoy it like to be able to do so without the snarky comments. Put up or shut up, Chris Rosen!

[smashfan2012]

11:22 PM on 02/24/2012

Thanks for your positive cover of SMASH! I'm loving the show and can't wait to see how the story unfolds. Clearly there are lots of other fans out here. You mentioned the "eyeroll" excuse for a recap which I find insulting to viewers and the show. If that reviewer doesn't care for Smash, I respect his opinion. However, just skip the show or write a legitimate review. Huffpost TV readers deserve better. Kat McPhee's performance has been a pleasant surprise. I'm a fan and think she's doing a great job in her first major acting role. Of course, Megan is a seasoned actress and performer on Broadway. People can't expect Katharine to be her equal but I think she's holding her own. Loved the Mambo dance number in Episode 2! Can't wait for Monday night! :)

[Websurfer1915]

05:15 AM on 02/26/2012

I agree. Those "eye roll" recaps make me want to scream. You could do that for just about every show on TV. Either write a fair review or MOVE ON. I have also enjoyed Katharine McPhee's performance on the show. I think she provides the much needed "pop" element to SMASH because not everyone is going to love all Broadway show tunes. Variety is the key to more mass appeal. Ivy certainly has the powerful Broadway pipes and she's great - but Karen is very versatile and can sing any genre. That attracts the younger fans. It's a nice balance. Love the show and the whole cast.

[tukicarreno]

11:51 PM on 02/23/2012

I will be tuning in for sure.
I love this show and thinks it has potential. Thanks for the heads really hope the show picks up from here and keeps a loyal audience.
I am s curious on what´s gonna happen between Derek and Karen. I love their chemistry, there is something there but we are not sure what yet.
I know he is dating Ivy now, but I still hope something develops between him and Karen.

[Shivanan Silva]

01:22 PM on 02/23/2012

No doubt I'll be watching, but if you want more people to make sure and tune in for the new episode on Monday night, then telling them it's on ABC won't help. In the last sentence of the first paragraph, you say it airs on ABC, but it's actually NBC. ;)

Great article regardless!

[Shoregirl24]

11:07 AM on 02/23/2012

I don't usually like musicals, but I have really been enjoying this show since it has been on. There is just a small amount of song and dance, so I can tolerate it, but this past episode has added some nice "nighttime" story lines. I will keep watching.

[Deborah Butler]

10:24 AM on 02/23/2012

Karen is a grasping semi talent who feels entitled to get the role. I found last week's meeting with Dereck and Karen to be laughable. Why would he go out of his way to boost her ego. Please. She is in the Ensemble where she belongs. She needs to prove her chops and earn her stripes before she would even be considered for a role on Broadway. Lets keep some reality in this show. Broadway is a business and money is the bottom line. Newbies with no fan base do not get leads on Broadway.

[laillylailly]

06:13 AM on 02/24/2012

Ivy has no fanbase either. She's only been in the ensemble. .Basically they are both newbs. And Derek is obviously attracted to Karen, which is why he keeps scheduling these very out of the blue and semi-inappropriate meetings with her.

[Tashady]

10:37 PM on 02/24/2012

Funny... I thought it was for the same reason that directors, producers & casting agents have been boosting starlet's egos from when 'actress' was synonymous with 'easy harlot'.

Lol! I love the show. Can't wait to see how Eileen gets her funding!