Schmigadoon!

Schmigadoon! really thrives in Season 2 with its approach to the premise. ... The true strength of the second season is how thoughtful it manages to be, even while the absurdity and comedy from the first season are still present. With Key and Strong taking the lead, it's hard for it not to.

It’s just the right length. Six, not eight or 10, half-hour episodes that breeze by quickly, all packed with fun. And even though it’s busy and filled with eye-candy and distractions, the series never loses sight of the central relationship. Strong and Key play their roles with just the right blend of absurdity and bemused observance.

While all of the returners bring their musical-theater chops, Krakowski and Tveit end up shining the most. ... The splendid scenic design and costume design bring in details that will make eagle-eyed fans squeal with glee, too. nd as for the music: After picking up an Emmy for season one’s “Corn Puddin’,” Paul once again skillfully captures the essence of the genre and time period here.

The second season is even better. ... One should certainly watch season 2 of "Schmigadoon!"—and maybe watch it twice. ... The second time around, you can catch the jokes you missed the first time, while further savoring the performances, and performers.

There are times when there’s so much talent and such lavish spectacle onscreen, our two leads are almost lost along the way—but Strong and Key are masters of the reaction shot and very generous co-stars, and when they get their moments, they absolutely sparkle.

Season 2 [is] an even more enjoyable affair with better music and a cheekily absurdist tone that makes the series just silly enough to be serious.

The music is stronger this time out, maybe because there’s more variety to draw on for inspiration. ... It’s frothy and fizzy but Strong, in particular, is the grounding element. She brings a vulnerability that earns the season’s emotionally resonant epilogue.

There are minor and major joys in this season of “Schmigadoon!,” a three-hour comedy/musical that could easily be watched in one sitting.

While not as enjoyable as Season 1, Season 2 of Schmigadoon! still has a lot going for it, especially if you’re a theater buff who felt that the 1960s — and especially the 1970s — was when Broadway was at its peak.

The emotional stakes aren’t as deep as last season for Josh and Melissa or anyone, but the writing is usually quick on its feet. “Schmigadoon!”, or “Schmicago!” as it is then branded in the opening credits, is also a return for those who made the series so charismatic.

This second outing of “Schmigadoon” pales a bit compared to season one — too many ballads, not enough big song-and-dance numbers — but, at just six half-hour episodes, there are enough fun winks at Broadway to make it worthwhile for devoted musical theater fans.