Ep 2. The Callback
- TV-14
- February 13, 2012
- 10 min
-
7.7 (272)
In Smash season 1 episode 2, titled "The Callback," the drama intensifies as the audition process continues for the Marilyn Monroe musical. The episode picks up where the pilot left off, with the two leading ladies, Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty), anxiously waiting to see if they are chosen for the next round of callbacks.
Karen is still struggling to find her footing in the cutthroat world of Broadway, but she is determined to prove herself. She gets a boost of confidence when a casting director tells her she has potential and encourages her to keep auditioning. Meanwhile, Ivy seeks reassurance from her boyfriend, who is also an ensemble member, but he seems more focused on his own career than supporting her.
The callbacks are held at the prestigious Joe's Pub, and the competition is fierce. Karen and Ivy both perform their best, and we get to see snippets of their auditions. We also see some of the other actresses vying for the role of Marilyn, including a veteran Broadway performer and a sultry Hollywood actress.
As the casting director and director narrow down the choices, tensions rise among the hopefuls. Karen's roommate and best friend, who is also auditioning, becomes jealous when Karen seems to be getting more attention. Ivy confronts the Hollywood actress, who she believes is trying to sabotage her chances of getting the role.
The episode ends with a cliffhanger as the casting director announces the final callback list. Both Karen and Ivy make the cut, but so do several other talented performers. The stage is set for even more drama and competition in the next episode.
Overall, "The Callback" is a thrilling installment of Smash that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The characters are complex and flawed, and the performances are top-notch. The episode also touches on some important themes, such as the pressure to succeed in show business and the sacrifices performers make for their art. Fans of musical theater and drama alike will enjoy this episode and the series as a whole.
