Ep 12. Publicity

In the twelfth episode of the first season of Smash, titled "Publicity," the show delves into the world of publicity and how it can both help and harm a Broadway production.

As the show's main characters, Karen and Ivy, continue to compete for the lead role in the fictional musical "Marilyn," their public personas are also coming into play. Karen's star is on the rise as she gains more attention from the media for her natural talent and fresh face. Ivy, on the other hand, is feeling the pressure of trying to maintain her image as a seasoned Broadway performer.

The episode begins with Karen receiving a call from her agent, who informs her that she has been invited to appear on a morning talk show to promote "Marilyn." Karen is thrilled, until she learns that Ivy has also been invited to appear on the same show. The two actresses are instructed to keep their appearance a surprise from the rest of the cast and crew, but the tension between them is palpable.

As the two women prepare for their television appearance, the show delves deeper into the importance of publicity in the entertainment industry. Karen is advised by her publicist to dress in a more glamorous and adult manner, in order to shed her wholesome image and appeal to a wider audience. Meanwhile, Ivy's publicist reminds her of the importance of maintaining her reputation as a seasoned performer, despite the fact that she is feeling unsure of herself due to Karen's rising popularity.

The morning talk show appearance itself is a disaster, as the two actresses continuously try to one-up each other in front of the camera. The media quickly picks up on the tension between Karen and Ivy, and headlines begin to circulate about the "catfight" between the two women. The negative publicity threatens to harm the production of "Marilyn," and the show's creative team is forced to do damage control in order to salvage the musical's reputation.

The episode also explores the relationship between two key characters, Tom and Julia, who are the writers of "Marilyn." Tom is struggling to come up with new material for the show, and feels underappreciated by Julia, who has been distracted by her personal life. The tension between the two friends comes to a head when Tom confronts Julia about her lack of focus, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Throughout "Publicity," the show tackles themes of rivalry, image, and the importance of reputation in the entertainment industry. The tension between Karen and Ivy serves as a microcosm for the cutthroat nature of Broadway and the lengths performers will go to in order to get ahead. Meanwhile, Tom and Julia's relationship delves into the complexities of creative collaboration and the challenges of maintaining a partnership in the midst of personal turmoil.

Overall, "Publicity" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that explores the entertainment industry from a unique perspective. The show's emphasis on the importance of publicity and reputation serves as a reminder of just how high the stakes can be in the world of showbiz.