It is extremely refreshing to see a series where a courtroom, a hospital, or a crime scene are nowhere in sight.  Networks don’t often take chances on a series without one of those popular and successful staples as its foundation.  And let’s also get another thing straight – with the exception of the inclusion of songs and musical numbers, there is simply no comparison between Smash and Glee, the first being a serious drama and the latter a comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  The good thing about Glee is that its success helped open the door to other shows interested in including music in its formats.

Smash takes us behind the scenes into the world of Broadway giving us views through the eyes of the struggling artist looking for that one break to fulfill their dreams; the creative team looking for inspiration in developing the next big thing along with its music and dance numbers; and the people who can write the checks to pay for it all.  The characters involved through each of these views are interesting and engaging, and the talented cast does an excellent job bringing them to life.  The musical numbers are richly produced and give a true sense of a Broadway stage while giving us an often-painful peek behind the curtain.  But the thing that will keep viewers interested will be the personal dramas associated with all the characters.  Based on the Pilot episode alone, Smash appears to be hitting all the right notes.

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