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2013 Emmy Predictions (Top Contenders) – Supporting Actor in a Drama Series


corey stoll house of cards

Interestingly enough, there was a time when, before the actual nominations came out, voters would narrow down all the contenders to the “top 10″. They obviously don’t do that anymore. But…we can still assume which contenders are at the top of the voter’s minds. Before I release my official nomination predictions around early July, I am going to run down which 10 or so contenders are the biggest threats…and maybe some personal long shots that I believe voters should consider. Here we go!

(Yeah…I copied that opening paragraph from last season…deal with it.)

For more Emmy stuff, click here.

Here are the top Emmy contenders for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. In alphabetical order…

This category was particularly difficult for me (it usually is) so…hopefully, whoever gets nominated in this category is at least mentioned in this post, whether they’re a “top contender” or not…

1. jonathan banks (breaking bad): PRO: Banks had a really great season this year. With Giancarlo Esposito out of the way, Banks was really been allowed to stand out as the “real badass in charge.” I don’t want to give any spoilers away but…let’s just say…something happens to his character by the end of the season that would make voters more inclined to pick him this year. CON: This would be his first nomination for the show so…it’s tricky. Otherwise, all signs should point towards a nomination.

2. jim carter (downton abbey): PRO: People don’t want to admit it, but he was nominated last year so, technically, he is a top contender. This season, Carter did more of the same…but it’s that “same” that the voters liked the last season. I could see him repeating. CON: Was Carter really nominated last year because voters genuinely admired his performance…or because they just wanted to give Downton Abbey as many nominations as possible? I believe Carter’s nomination mostly depends on how voters regarded the show this season.

3. alan cumming (the good wife): PRO: He’s been nominated twice (once for guest) for this role, but he was snubbed last year. People still really like how quirky this character is. He brings a sense of humor to the show and definitely stands out among the cast. Out of all the supporting actors on the show, he has the best chance of squeezing in. Also, if the New York voters watched his performance of Macbeth on Broadway and was upset that he was snubbed at the Tonys, giving him an Emmy nomination might make up for it. CON: I’m trying to think off the top of my head what “episode” he would submit if he got a nomination. I honestly can’t. Maybe that’s just my bad memory but…I don’t know if he stood out this season IMO.

4. peter dinklage (game of thrones): PRO: He won for his first season and received another nomination last year. The Emmy voters don’t seem to appreciate the cast much, but Dinklage is the one actor that stands out among them. CON: I’m the only person in the world that doesn’t watch this show regularly. I’m also the only person in the world who (from the little I’ve seen) isn’t crazy about his performance.

5. noah emmerich (the americans): PRO: I don’t know anything about this show or his role on the show, but I do know that Emmerich (of Truman Show fame) is a long working, respected actor who’s never been nominated before. If this show becomes the Emmy hit it is destined to be, I could see this as Emmerich’s chance at getting in. People are already predicting him for a nomination. CON: However, if The Americans doesn’t get the broad Emmy support, I’d be little surprised to see Emmerich’s name on the list of 6.

6. larry hagman (dallas): PRO: Despite its relatively good reviews, I don’t think Dallas was destined to be much of an Emmy favorite. However, voters may want to honor Hagman for his contribution to television and give him a posthumous nomination “John Ritter-style.” It’s not too far-fetched. He was nominated for the role in the 80′s a couple times, and he has gotten some good notices for his performance in the revival. I could definitely see a spot saved for him. CON: I hate asking this but…would Larry Hagman be such a strong contender if he were still alive? I don’t watch the show so I don’t truly know. However, I wasn’t hearing people say “Larry Hagman deserves an Emmy” before his death. Just a thought…

7. rob james-collier (downton abbey): PRO: Who else watched “Episode 7″ and went OH SHIT!? Yeah, exactly. This season, we saw a different side of Thomas. A more vulnerable side of him that voters, who we know watch the show, may appreciate. With Brendan Coyle curiously not being submitted, James-Collier could rightfully take the now empty Downton Abbey spot for this category. CON: James-Collier has always given a good performance, so why hasn’t he been nominated before? Even last season, him being nominated would have probably made more sense than Jim Carter. It’ll be interesting if voters have just noticed Rob James-Collier.

8. vincent kartheiser (mad men): PRO: At this point, it may seem silly to anticipate a Vincent Kartheiser nomination. However, John Slattery’s snub last year in favor of the new Jared Harris may give us some newfound hope. Maybe voters have just realized that there could possibly be more deserving actors than John Slattery…including Kartheiser. CON: Or…maybe Harris only got nominated last year because his character committed suicide, and now that he’s not eligible, Slattery will take his spot on the short list again. Maybe they’ll continue to snub Kartheiser the same way they’ve been snubbing him the last 5 years.

9. mandy patinkin (homeland): PRO: Last year, Patinkin didn’t get a nomination. The writers of Homeland took note and gave Patinkin stronger, more emotional material. In some cases, he would be the best thing about an episode. Last year, I didn’t particularly think he deserved a nomination. This year? I think he would be in my personal top 6. Do the voters feel the same way? Despite the criticisms this season has accumulated, Homeland is still expected to have a strong showing, possibly even stronger than last year. CON: But still…he wasn’t nominated last year. So this year will be especially nail-biting.

10. aaron paul (breaking bad): PRO: He has been nominated three times, winning for his last two eligible years. Even last year when most people were predicting Esposito (not me!), he still prevailed. He continues to be intense and sublime in his role and there is NO reason why he should be left off this year. CON: Absolutely no reason.

11. john slattery (mad men): PRO: He was consistently nominated for the show’s first four years before being dropped last season in favor of Jared Harris. However, now that Harris is gone, I could Slattery comfortably taking his spot again. Similar to Cumming, Slattery is nice comedic relief for the show and usually breaks the tension. Also, that signature grey hair? Sa-exy. CON: Even though Mad Men is a very popular show among voters, the “once you’re out, you’re out” rule may still apply to John Slattery. Also, so far (the show still has only one episode left to air), Slattery hasn’t been given too much to do.

12. corey stoll (house of cards): PRO: Since Midnight in Paris, Stoll has broken out and become a truly a respected actor. His performance in House of Cards has gotten praise and even earned him a Critics Choice Award nomination. If a complete newcomer can squeeze into the race, it’s probably Stoll. CON: Despite the praise, sometimes it takes a year or two before an actor is nominated. Just ask Aaron Paul…or even Michael C. Hall. Sometimes a voter simply needs more proof of worthiness before adding him to his or her ballot.

13. Sam Waterston (the newsroom): PRO: He’s been nominated for eight Emmys, but he’s never won for an acting performance. Nonetheless, he’s clearly an Emmy favorite and, I believe, being on the long running (and maybe tiring) Law & Order has kept him from receiving more Emmy nods. With this new, fresh role as network president Charlie Skinner, maybe he finally has a chance for Emmy glory. CON: No Golden Globe nomination might be a crutch (although, it’s much harder for a supporting performer to get nominated for a Golden Globe than an Emmy). Still, this show is very divided and Waterston will need all the people who love the show to vote for him in order to get the nomination.

Other strong contenders: Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire), Josh Charles (The Good Wife), Guillermo Diaz (Scandal), Ben Feldman (Mad Men), Walton Goggins (Justified), David Harewood (Homeland), Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), John Noble (Fringe), Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Kevin Rahm (Mad Men)

Long shots worth considering: Michael Cuditz (Southland), Matt Czurchy (The Good Wife), Tony Goldwyn (Scandal), Jeff Perry (Scandal), Michael Shannon (Boardwalk Empire)

Even longer shots I recommend checking out: Noel Fisher, Cameron Monaghan, and Jeremy Allen White (Shameless), Jordan Garavis (Orphan Black), James Pickens Jr. (Grey’s Anatomy)

Read the ballots here to see who else was submitted in this category. Thanks for reading! More coming soon! For more Emmy stuff, click here.

2013
06/17
CATEGORY
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breaking bad
drama
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the good wife
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2013 Emmy Predictions (Top Contenders) – Lead Actress in a Drama Series


tatiana maslany orphan black

Interestingly enough, there was a time when, before the actual nominations came out, voters would narrow down all the contenders to the “top 10″. They obviously don’t do that anymore. But…we can still assume which contenders are at the top of the voter’s minds. Before I release my official nomination predictions around early July, I am going to run down which 10 or so contenders are the biggest threats…and maybe some personal long shots that I believe voters should consider. Here we go!

(Yeah…I copied that opening paragraph from last season…deal with it.)

For more Emmy stuff, click here.

Here are the top Emmy contenders for Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In alphabetical order…

1. connie britton (nashville): PRO: She was nominated last year in the Movie/Miniseries category for American Horror Story, and then two times in a row in this category for Friday Night Lights. She’s obviously become an Emmy favorite. Nashville was one of the most buzzed new network drama series of the season and she’s right in the center of that buzz. CON: Yes, she was nominated for a Golden Globe this year but…I dunno…can she really get an Emmy nomination? Nashville is a fun show, but I’m not sure if the show (and her performance) are top 6 material. Although…I honestly haven’t watched the show since January so maybe things have changed.

2. glenn close (damages): PRO: She’s been nominated for this role every year she’s been eligible, and she won 2 Emmys for the first 2 seasons. Even if voters have become disinterested in the show itself, they still seem very fond of Close. This is the show’s last year. Voters may want to honor her. Also…she’s Glenn Close. CON: The series finale aired so long ago…I remember it being a great finale, but did the voters remember?

3. claire danes (homeland): PRO: C’mon. Danes has created one of the most complex, intense female characters for television. Carrie Mathison has practically become an icon. On a technical front…she has an Emmy, 2 Golden Globes, and a SAG for this season (obviously, this is specifically for Homeland.) There’s no way she’s missing out this year. CON: Homeland has gotten some “The Killing”-sized criticism this year…but I doubt that should affect Danes much. She’s in. She’s totally in.

4. michelle dockery (downton abbey): PRO: While Maggie Smith is the only actor on the show to actually win awards, Dockery has also set herself from the cast with all her nominations – an Emmy nomination last year, a Golden Globe nod, and a “hard to get” SAG nomination. She was given a lot to work with this season and if voters liked her performance last year, then they probably like what she did this year. CON: However, this year, the Lead Actress category is even more competitive with a lot of new worthy contenders. I haven’t made an official prediction, but I don’t think she’s as much of a lock as Claire Danes or even Julianna Margulies. We’ll see. (I know, this goes against what I wrote earlier.)

5. vera farmiga (bates motel): PRO: Before Bates Motel, Vera Farmiga was mostly a movie actress (with an Oscar nomination under her belt). But the Television Academy loves movie stars doing TV. I’m not trying to compare Farmiga to Glenn Close…buuut…actually, I won’t go there. But Bates Motel has gotten a strong critical reception and some people are actually predicting Farmiga so I’ll put her as a top contender. She was also nominated for a TCA Award. CON: It’s a new, “spring semester” show in an already crowded year…and, despite her Oscar nomination, Farmiga isn’t necessarily a household name. She certainly won’t get nomination through blind name recognition.

6. julianna margulies (the good wife): PRO: Along with her one Emmy and two nominations for this role, she has pretty much been nominated (and won) for every other major award out there. Her performance in this season was no different than the three before it (in fact, it was probably better). She has a real, wonderful leading role on a wonderful TV series. CON: Last year, the show wasn’t nominated for Drama Series. Uh oh! Do voters not like this show anymore???

7. tatiana maslany (orphan black): PRO: She could certainly be the surprise hit of the Emmys. If voters took the time to actually watch this show, they’d realize how EXCELLENT she is. Seriously, I’m only on the 4th episode and she’s already played like 10 roles. She’s a chameleon and has a harder task than any of the the other contenders here. She not only deserves a nomination…but I believe she deserves win. (I may be biased, I’ve been a fan of her since her days on renegadepress.com.) CON: Yeah, she’s been getting notice from the various critics awards…but they’ve never been great Emmy predictors. She’s an unfamous Canadian actress on a show very few people realize exist. This is going to take prayer.

8. elizabeth moss (mad men): PRO: She’s been nominated four times for this role and will probably get another nomination this year.. Moss definitely does some very interesting things with this character. She’s my favorite thing about the show right now. CON: …although, I can’t say she would be in my personal top 6. Let’s wait and see…

9. keri russell (the americans): PRO: Interestingly enough, she was never nominated for Felicity (despite a Golden Globe win). However, this new, darker, maturer, critically acclaimed role might do the trick. Both she and the show are receiving a lot of buzz. CON: There’s not really much of a “con” to be honest. Only time will tell how the Emmys respond to the show. Ya neva know!

10. kyra sedgwick (the closer): PRO: Before finally winning the Emmy in 2010, she was nominated four times. However, after 2010, she was strangely dropped from the lineup and hasn’t recovered since then. Still, this is her last season, and voters may want to put her back in the race one last time (for this role, at least.) CON: The old Emmy rule: “Once you’re out, you’re out!” Another Emmy rule: “The Emmys aren’t as sentimental as we think they are.” I think Kristen Wiig and the late great Kathryn Joosten can attest to that.

11. kerry washington (scandal): PRO: Seriously, Scandal is not only a great show, but Kerry Washington absolutely nails it. She does so well with portraying “pain and regret,” all the while being a buttkicking badass in the process. She hasn’t been nominated for anything major yet…but the Emmys could fix that mistake. CON: Network dramas and Emmys never seem to be a good mix. Mark my words – if this show were on Showtime or HBO or AMC, Washington would be a much more confident contender here.

12. robin wright (house of cards): PRO: Emmy voters love women in power. Like Tina Fey mentioned in 2010: “These women are terrifying.” Wright plays her character with a confident and subtle power. Emmy voters like that kind of stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised if she got a nomination. CON: …I also wouldn’t surprised if she didn’t get in. When it comes to House of Cards, people are talking about Kevin Spacey and Corey Stoll…I just don’t think the women on the show are getting much recognition.

Other strong contenders: Mariska Hargitay (Law and Order: SVU), Mary McDonnell (Major Crimes), Emmy Rossum (Shameless)

Long shots worth considering: Taraji P. Henson (Person of Interest), Lucy Liu (Elementary), Anna Paquin (True Blood), Ellen Pompeo (Grey’s Anatomy), Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy)

Even longer shot I recommend checking out: Jennifer Love Hewitt (The Client List)

Read the ballots here to see who else was submitted in this category. Thanks for reading! More coming soon! For more Emmy stuff, click here.

2013
06/15
CATEGORY
awards
connie britton
drama
emmy awards
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grey's anatomy
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the good wife
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2013 Early Emmy Talk #1(The “locks”)


modern family

Last year, when I did this post for the 2012 Emmys, I actually predicted most of the locks right. The only ones I got wrong was Parks and Recreation for Series and John Slattery for Supporting Actor. However, I was still very weary about making a post this year because…for some reason, I feel like we’re in store for some really big surprises this summer. With some shows finishing out their tenures (and some new shows coming out), it’s tough figuring which shows and people are “safe.” The truth is…no one’s ever truly safe. Last year, everyone and their mother predicted Parks and Recreation and Louie for series nominations, and maybe even wins. Instead, they were surprisingly overturned by the likes of Veep (yay!) and Girls. So…it may be a bit silly to make predictions this early in the season…but, the Emmy bug is itching so…here goes.

Just a reminder, here are some ground rules:

1. This is not an OFFICIAL prediction list. I actually don’t make concrete predictions until voting’s over. I’m just going to name the 1 or 2 people in each category that, no matter what, will most likely get a nomination. That’s all…

2. I never consider new shows and new actors “locks.” Even if it’s PAINFULLY obvious, I leave them out for now. Remember when we all thought Luck would dominate? Exactly. (Side note: are there really any new series this year that are major contenders this year? Is House of Cards that big of a threat?)

3. …I think that’s it, actually.

OK. Here are the locks for the 2013 Emmys as of April 29th…

COMEDY

Lead Actor: With Larry David out of the way this year, we have one slot open…a slot that will probably be filled by either Matt LeBlanc (Episodes) or Jason Bateman (Arrested Development). However, this a category that seldom sees much movement so…Alec Baldwin (for his last season), Jim Parsons, Jon Cryer (last year’s winner) and Louie CK remain the four strongest contenders this year. Don Cheadle is very much in the game but…I can’t help thinking that last year might have been a “one time thing.” I guess we’ll see.

Lead Actress: She probably won’t win, but Tina Fey is most definitely getting in for her last season of 30 Rock. Last year’s winner and reliable Emmy favorite Julia Louis Dreyfuss is also in (and might even win again if the rest of season 2 is as good as these first 3 episodes). Parks and Recreation may be losing stock, but the likable Amy Poehler should stick around. And, last, I think America’s sweetheart Lena Dunham should have another chance of Emmy gold after being routinely snubbed last year. There aren’t many new contenders in this category, so we might very well see the same nominations we got last year. Newbie Mindy Kaling could squeeze in though…but again, I’m not considering newbies (not that I that I think she’s much of a lock anyway).

Supporting Actor: Is it too easy to assume that all four Modern Family dudes will be back this year? It’s tough because Arrested Development could bring a couple supporting actors of their own…and that would still be a perfect six. But still…supporting actor is tighter than you may think. I haven’t watched a single episode of MF this year so I have no inkling who’s been standing out. But…I think previous winners Eric Stonestreet and Ty Burrell are safe. If this is going to be the year that voters think outside the “Modern Family box.” then I believe those two will be left standing.

Supporting Actress: Because there are only two adult women in the Modern Family cast, I think it’ll be easier for Julie Bowen and Sofia Vergara to get in easily. As for everyone else? Good luck. If Jane Krakowski hadn’t been egregiously snubbed last year, she would definitely be a lock because it was 30 Rock‘s final season. However, because Emmy voters usually play the “Once you’re out, you’re always out” game, it’ll be a tough road for Jane K. Jessica Walter (AD) may also be a contender and could even win if given the chance. And last year’s surprise nominees Mayim Bialik and Merrit Weaver are still in the game…even though I’m quite confident both will be knocked out come July. (Hey…a Girls gotta eat.)

Series: There are three locks this year: Modern Family because…well…it’s Modern Family, 30 Rock (because their last season was universally acclaimed unlike the last seasons of past Emmy bait shows like Will and Grace. ) and Girls. Everything else is in a bubble. For Veep, it’s too early to say…although I would love to see it get nominated again. For Arrested Development….it’s even more too early because none of the episodes have premiered yet and, well, they could in theory be crap (also, we don’t quite know how voters will react to online television being in contention). Big Bang Theory remains the highest rated comedy on television. I haven’t watched it all this season (actually there are a lot of comedy shows I’ve missed on this season for one reason or another)…but I’ve heard even the most diehard fans say how uneven this season’s been. Louie SHOULD get in…but it’s last 2 (IMO superior) seasons have been snubbed so maybe we should just give it up. It’s also the last season of The Office but…unless the very last episode is spectacular, I’m not seeing right now. And, for the fun of it, let’s not leave out New Girls, Parks and Rec, Episodes, and Enlightened, k?

DRAMA

Lead Actor: The likes of Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom) and Kevin Spacey (House of Cards) have been getting a good amount of buzz…but they’re new shows so…Also, The Newsroom is a hella polarizing. Just sayin’. Anyway, I think the magic three (Bryan Cranston, Jon Hamm, Damian Lewis) will pop up. Steve Buscemi is a little shaky just because Boardwalk Empire isn’t a “hot button” show anymore (at least, that’s what it seems like to me…BTW, I don’t follow the show so maybe I’m wrong), but I still think it’s a lock. I think those 4 definitely have a better chance than Hugh Bonneville and Timothy Olyphant. Michael C. Hall will probably get a nomination, but I wouldn’t consider him a lock persay.

Lead Actress: Once again, I’m not going to put Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men) on the list because there’s still that slight chance she’ll switch to supporting (thus giving Jessica Pare a better chance to prevail). Who knows what’s up with Moss or her character or how long we’ll follow her this season? So…she’s not a lock. Call me strange but, like Lead Actor, I think there are 4 locks: Julianna Margulies, Claire Danes, Glenn Close (if she could manage a nomination last year, she’ll probably get in again this year for the last season of Damages) and Michelle Dockery (Golden Globe and SAG nominee who definitely stood out this last season of Downton Abbey). With Kathy Bates out, there is pretty much one slot open. Will it go to Kerry Washington? Connie Britton? Jessica Pare? Mariska Hargitay?

Supporting Actor: The Supporting Drama Actor category is looser than a…something that’s loose. Yeah, Aaron Paul and Peter Dinklage are virtual locks. But outside that…it’s anyone’s game. I mean, let’s remember, last year…two guys from Downton Abbey got in. You never know what the voters are thinking. I do believe Mandy Pantinkin (Homeland) and Jonathon Banks (Breaking Bad) are probably the next up…but they’ve never been nominated before [for these roles] so…again…very loose.

Supporting Actress: The Good Wife is in an interesting position. For the last three years, they’ve been able to hold on to those 2 supporting actress slots. But this year their hurt by a couple things. One, is Archie Panjabi’s really bad story line during the 1st half of the season. And two, the show as a whole being snubbed series which signifies that voters may be letting go of the series slowly but surely. Will these otherwise amazing actresses be the next victims? Only time will tell. Right now, they’re not locks. Maggie Smith and Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad) definitely are. (Hayden Panettiere FYC).

Series: It’s strange. All 6 nominees from last year could get in this year. In fact, that’s probably what I would predict if I were making a real prediction right now. However, for the sake of me not being bold, I’ll say that the only locks right now are Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and last year’s winner Homeland (even though critics and fans alike were very critical of the latter half of the season). Downton Abbey could be the token period piece / network show this category needs but…I dunno, it’s not everyone’s favorite show. And, hey, The Good Wife could come back and take the spot from Game of Thrones or Boardwalk Empire. Maybe? Probably not. House of Cards, The Newsroom, The Americans, and even Nashville are also contenders. But, again, I think it’ll probably just be the same 6 as last year…

Cool. I got that out of my system. Did I leave out any BIG contenders? Am I underestimating the power of Malibu County? What about Glee? Is that still a thing? Would it be so totally awesome if Shameless got any love besides Joan Cusack? Sound off below.

2013
04/29
CATEGORY
awards
connie britton
drama
emmy awards
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glee
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the good wife
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2 comments

70th (2013) Golden Globes Predictions (Television Categories)


game change

Is anyone else completely psyched for this year’s Golden Globes. I don’t necessarily take the actual awards too seriously…but I love the ceremony atmosphere. It’s a lot less stuffy than some of the more “major” awards. It’s just cool seeing drunk celebrities so uninhibited. And as much as I liked Ricky Gervais and his painfully honest commentary, I am balls to the wall excited for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. They are the two funniest women in Hollywood. They’re best friends. I am confident this will be a fun night. But before then, I just GOTTA predict which people will win (and should win). Right now, I’m just going to focus on television. I’ll predict the movie categories after the Oscar nominations are announced Thursday. I know it shouldn’t matter…but it does.

OK…let’s start this thang. The nominations are here.

DRAMA

Series: With Mad Men surprisingly out of the way, this category is down to two strong contenders. The Newsroom is the type of new show that the Globes would probably like to reward, but the negative reviews might turn the Press away. Breaking Bad is a show that was never popular with this awards group. It’s weird how this was the show’s first nomination. And, let’s face it, no one really talks about Boardwalk Empire anymore. So, it’s last year’s winner Homeland vs. last year’s winner Downton Abbey. According to many fans and critics alike, both shows have gone through “sophomore slumps” in their second seasons. Nonetheless, they’re both front runners, and I think these mostly foreign voters will want to vote for the sophisticated British drama: Downton Abbey.

(However, I believe Breaking Bad should win to make up for all those times it was snubbed an nomination (Also, my opinion on the second season of Homeland might have changed a bit since my “Top 10 TV Shows” article from a few days back.))

Actor: Again, if The Newsroom had gotten better reviews, I’d feel tempted to predict Jeff Daniels. But, I think this time, the voters won’t vote for the “new nominee.” Clearly the HFPA doesn’t love Mad Men anymore so I don’t see Jon Hamm prevailing. And, again, no one really talks about Boardwalk Empire. So, similar to the Emmys, it’s Cranston vs. Lewis. The HFPA have had so many chances to give Bryan Cranston the award. I don’t think it’s going to happen this year. I think recent Emmy winner Damien Lewis will win.

(And, I think Damien Lewis should win. He was really great this year. Bryan Cranston winning would be fine, if only to make up for the past years snubs.)

Actress: Like I’ve mentioned before, the Golden Globes really love awarding the new underdog, with or without Emmys. That’s why the likes of Anna Paquin and Katey Sagal have won the years before. So, yeah, Connie Britton and Michelle Dockery have a chance. However, the HFPA’s love for Claire Danes is undeniable (she has never lost a Golden Globe before). So, I think she’ll just win this one again.

(Claire Danes is a worthy winner, but, for the sake of spreading the wealth, I’d like to see Michelle Dockery nab the prize this time. Julianna Margulies has also had a great year. I love Connie Britton, but her story line in Nashville is the most boring.)

COMEDY

Series: This is a toughie for me. I think it’s safe to say Big Bang Theory and Smash are out. The Golden Globes clearly like Episodes - Matt LeBlanc won last year. Modern Family seems to win everything nowadays. And Girls is a new, critically acclaimed show – the type of show that voters would like. Hm…I think MF has run its course. Episodes will win. (So, if things go according to plan, British shows will win for Drama and Comedy.)

(I’m hoping Episodes win. It’s the only show in this lineup that I would have personally nominated.)

Actor: Alec Baldwin could get a “goodbye” win…but I think the voters’ ambivalence towards the show as a whole is holding Baldwin back. This is Louis CK’s first nomination…I think the nomination is the award for him. In short, I think this will be a good night for Matt LeBlanc and he’ll win again. He should watch for Don Cheadle though.

(Honestly…anyone but Jim Parsons. I’m rooting for Louis CK’s the most.)

Actress: It’s the dueling hosts – Amy vs. Tina! Just kidding. It’s really Lena Dunham vs. Julia Louis Dreyfus. The Golden Globes like cable comedies. They like young women. I think first timer Lena Dunham will prevail and win her first major award.

(Hm…I think Tina Fey is the best of these ladies. But, at the same time, seeing Amy Poehler finally win an award would be beautiful.)

TV MOVIE/MINISERIES

TV Movie/Miniseries: The Golden Globes usually just copy off the Emmys…even if there are new contenders. Game Change‘s only real competition is Hatfields and McCoys.

(Having not seen The Girl, Political Animals or the second season of The Hour, I have no choice but to root for Game Change.)

Actor: This category is pretty much out in the air. Benedict Cumberbatch of Sherlock is a strong contender, but I’m going to predict Kevin Costner this time for Hatfields and McCoys. 

(I think Cumberbatch should win. I really like Woody Harrelson though. It’s sad that he doesn’t get much credit for Game Change.

Actress: Jessica Lange won a Golden Globe last year for American Horror Story. She could very well win again for this second season. However, like I mentioned before, the Golden Globes usually just award the person who won the Emmy. So I think Julianne Moore will win for her wonderful Sarah Palin performance in Game Change.

(Yeah, Julianne Moore FTW.)

SUPPORTING PERFORMERS

Actor: The supporting categories are always a crapshoot. Besides Danny Huston for Magic City, any of these men have a chance. Eric Stonestreet won the Emmy last fall, while Max Greenfield and Ed Harris were nominated. However, Mandy Patinkin had a stand out role in this season’s Homeland. If the voters love Homeland, they watched this season. And if they were as impressed with his performance as everyone else was, then I think they’ll award him along with his two co-stars. It’s anyone’s game though.

(I think Mandy Patinkin is the most deserving (If Aaron Paul had been nominated, then we’d be having a different discussion.). If Eric Stonestreet wins, I’ll lose it.)

Actress: Without Jessica Lange in her way, this is Maggie Smith‘s to lose.

(Honestly, this is the one category where I really like all the nominees. However…a little part of me is rooting for Hayden Panettiere of Nashville. Yeah, is she really supporting? Who knows? She’s still really good and has sort of become a breakout this season. I hope she’s nominated for an Emmy)

So…that’s it. Stay tuned for my movie predictions which I’ll either have posted on the night of the 10th…or early 11th. Thanks for reading!

2013
01/08
CATEGORY
30 rock
awards
breaking bad
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My 10 Favorite Television Programs of 2012


I decided not to title this article “Ten BEST Shows of 2012″ because, honestly, there are still a few shows I haven’t watched yet…most notably American Horror Story. I really liked the first season. And although that first season probably wouldn’t have made my top 10 last year, I still think it’s worth noting that I would probably enjoy the show this season and that it would probably be a contender for my top 10.

Anyway, let’s go through the top 10 (separated by comedy and drama), and afterwards I’ll list a couple honorable mentions…

COMEDY:

5. ANT Farm - On this blog, I’ve discussed my adoration for kids shows like iCarly and Good Luck Charlie. (Both shows are definitely part of my honorable mention list). iCarly had a really nice series finale…however, most fans admit that the show had been getting worse and worse. However, a new generation of kids shows have surprisingly been holding up…and the best of the shows is definitely ANT Farm. The show stars musical prodigy China Anne McClain, and is about a bunch of young high schoolers who are part of a gifted program at their school. This show is actually very funny and if people actually looked past the “Disney Channel” label and gave it chance, they would crack up more than once. Also, China Anne McClain is more talented than Selenademimileyhilary and all the others IMO.

Standout episode: “fANTasy Girl” (Watch the episode twice!)

4. Episodes - This second season wasn’t as fresh and hilarious as its first season (last year it was my number 1 show). Nonetheless, this show still easily finds a spot in my top 5 comedies. This season took off from where the last one left us. The show did a good job dealing with Sean and Beverly’s separation. We saw them struggle with their marriage and also their show which didn’t do too well in the ratings. We also saw Joey deal with getting old and see him reflect sadly on his “Friends” day. Once again, this show does a good job balancing slightly raunchy humor with some realy poignant stuff. And I am definitely looking forward to the next season.

Standout episode: “Episode Nine” (This show is good with finales).

3. The New Normal - Book of Mormon is literally one of the best musicals of the last few years, so, naturally, I was very excited that Andrew Rannells had a new comedy show (esp. considering how hilarious he was in Girls). I really like this show. Yeah, some people think the show is too preachy. I dunno…I feel like we need shows like this. There are people out there who are still disappointingly racist and homophobic, so I don’t mind watching a show that stresses the importance of tolerance and acceptance. I think Rannells and Justin Bartha have great chemistry together. And, I don’t watch much cable reality television, but I have such a soft spot for Nene Leakes. IMO, her character is a better foil for the main characters than Ellen Barkin’s. This is the only new fall comedy that I watch religiously.

Standout episode: “Sofa’s Choice” (Shania as Little Edie was enough for me to get hooked onto this show.

2. 30 Rock - Here comes the waterworks! I’ve mentioned on this blog many times how much I love this show. I pretty much plan on writing another article towards the end of the show’s run. So, I’m not going to delve too deeply on my love for this show. However, season 7, in particular, has been great so far. And if things go according to plan, season 7 could end up being the show’s strongest season ever. Jane Krakowski has been a stand out. I’m really going to miss the show when it ends in January.

Stand out episode: “Mazel Tov Dummies” (Liz and Criss’s wedding made me crack up and cry at the same time.)

1. Veep - This eight episode first season has been pitch perfect. The first time I watched the season, I loved it. The second time I watched it, I appreciated the swift writing even more. This show is similar to 30 Rock in that there’s a joke every ten seconds. And most of the jokes are just hilarious. This show has one of the sharpest casts on television. I think it’s a little ridiculous  that people only focus on Julia Louis Dreyfuss, when Anna Chlumsky and Tony Hale also give great performances (which is why I’m glad The Emmys gave us a surprise and nominated the show as a whole along with the lead actress.) I like Girls alot…but this show deserves much more attention.

Stand out episode: “Baseball” (really all of them…but this episode is just the bees knees).

game change

DRAMA:

5. Game Change - The thing I really like about this TV movie is that it really paints a sympathetic portrait of the Republican party. Despite what the people at Fox News thinks, this movie isn’t completely scathing towards Palin orMcCain. I mean, yeah, it does point out how unqualified Palin would have been for the job (and how McCain tried to manipulate the public by choosing her in the first place). But, I left the movie not hating them…but feeling sorry for them. Maybe if I had known how much these people were struggling/hurting, I would have voted for McCain (jk…seriously…jk). Anyway, Julianna Moore gives a great performance and she won her Emmy fair and square with her pitch perfect Sarah Palin impression.

4. Breaking Bad - I really don’t think the producers should have split the last season in half. I would have rather waited 2 years for 16 episodes in a row, then watch 8 episodes a year. As much as I loved this season, I felt like it was mostly set up for the last 8 episodes next summer. This is the same problem The Sopranos had during their last season (although, because The Sopranos is more anthological, it worked better). This show is obviously still in my top 10 because it still remains one of the best shows on television. But…there are three drama shows I liked more this year. Bryan Cranston, Anna Gun and Aaron Paul still continue to do great work. And Jonathan Banks deserves an Emmy nomination next year.

Stand out episode: “Fifty-One” (the fight between Walter and Skyler was wild).

3. Homeland - This has become the show people love to hate apparently. Yes, towards the end of the season, the show became a bit ridiculous and implausible. But…I never got into this show because it was “realistic”. I got into this show because it was exciting and because I constantly anticipated what happened next. This show constantly surprised and I watched every episode on the edge of my seat. That’s mostly what I look for in a show like this. So…despite what others think, this show has not jumped the shark and I’m already looking forward to the third season (because I have no idea what they plan on doing with Brody). Mandy Patinkin CHALLA BREAD!

Stand out episode: “Q and A” (for obvious reasons).

2. The Good Wife - This technically still remains my favorite dramatic show. The show is just slick and sly, with fast paced editing and sharp characterization and performances. The show constantly makes me laugh and keeps me intrigued. Julianna Margulies continues to be a great leading lady and anchors the cast well. I’ve also really enjoyed the addition of Amanda Peet as a military lawyer who works for the DA’s office after losing her rape trial. The thing that’s preventing this show from being number 1 is the really terrible Kalinda story line this fall.  Luckily, the producers got rid of it and still have a chance to fully redeem season 4.

Stand out episode: “Another Ham Sandwich”

3. Shameless - The more I think about this show, the more I love it. It’s just such a messy, crazy, imperfect show with a great cast and crazier story lines. And, yeah, this show has so many “funny” moments that it could be counted as a comedy. But what really draws me to this show is the heartbreaking drama, particularly anything having to do with the mother (her suicide attempt was cray!)Karen’s birthing episode was also pretty dramatic, especially the scenes where she tries to get her mother (Joan Cusack) to not adopt the baby. Overall, I love this show with a passion and if no other critic is going to acknowledge it…then I will!

Standout episode: “Just Like the Pilgrims Intended”

Other honorable mentions go to: Mad Men (I just couldn’t fit it into my top 10), Louie, New Girl, Dance Moms, Saturday Night Live, Grey’s Anatomy, and Bob’s Burgers.

I also have to give a special shout out to Downton Abbey. Season three was really great this season and if it had already aired in America this year, it would have definitely made my top 10. But…I ultimately decided not to include the season this year. But look for it next year. I can’t wait until the rest of America watches it (y’know, the part of the population that’s never heard of Sceper).

OK! What’s in your top 10! Thanks for reading and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2012
12/25
CATEGORY
30 rock
breaking bad
children's tv
drama
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FINAL 2012 EMMY PREDICTIONS + Reviewing the Comedy Series and Drama Series nominations


For more Emmy discussion, visit my Emmy page.

First things first, I want to apologize for kind of forgetting about this blog for the last few weeks. The truth is, I have just begun my senior year of college, and I haven’t had much time to even speculate over the Emmys. I was really hoping I would do more categories this year. I even watched all the nominees for Animated Program and Voice Over Program…but I simply didn’t have the energy to finish what I started. I’m happy that I at least covered all the “major” categories. That was my main goal. So…no regrets…but still disappointed.

So this will be my final post before the big night(s), so I’m just going to squish everything on one page. Let’s start with figuring who I think will win. In my “Reviewing the Nominees” posts, I only revealed who I thought SHOULD win. Now is the time to buck up and make real objective predictions. Let’s do this!:

(Of course, I won’t be predicting anything from the Creative Arts Emmys because those are taking place as I type this. Again…sorry!)

Movie/Minseries - I think the political drama Game Change will prevail. It’s a short movie that most voters have probably seen.

Lead Actor in a Movie - I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Bill Paxton will win for Hatfields & McCoys beating his more famous co-star, the same way Barry Pepper beat Greg Kinnear last year. (Bill Paxton gave the stronger performance of the two the same way Pepper did.)

Lead Actress in a Movie – Julianna Moore all the way.

Supporting Actor in a Movie - Hm…I think Ed Harris will take this for Game Change as well…

Supporting Actress in a Movie – I want it to be Sarah Paulson so bad but…Jessica Lange has been the front runner since she won the Golden Globe earlier this year.

I pretty much also think Game Change will take awards for Writing and Directing.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series - Bryan Cranston (6 for 6, baby! 6 for 6!)

Lead Actress in a Drama Series - This is Claire Danes to lose. If both Jon Hamm and Elizabeth Moss couldn’t win last year, I don’t think either of them have a chance this year.

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - Nope. Not Giancarlo. It’s gonna be Aaron Paul all the way. I can feel it. I can feel it in my loins.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Downton Abbey can’t walk away empty handed, so I think Maggie Smith will unfortunately beat Christina Hendricks.

Directing for a Drama Series - The Emmys love pilots, which is why I’m tempted to go with Homeland…but Breaking Bad’s “Face Off” was the most talked about episode of the year.

Writing for a Drama Series - What a toughie. I’m going to have to go with… the Homeland pilot. 

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Louis CK is well respected in Hollywood, but after Jim Parsons beat Steve Carell last year…it would be silly not to predict him again.

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - Amy Poehler’s not going to win. Let’s just prepare for it now. The plucky Zooey Deschanel wouldn’t be such a bad pick however.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Jesse Tyler Ferguson from Modern Family. He had a stand out year, and I think voters will eventually want the whole cast to win.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - I only have one more chance to do this…so I might as well do it now: Kristen Wiig

Directing for a Comedy Series - Louis CK. He can’t go home empty handed again. I think this will be the category where he will prevail.

Writing for a Comedy Series - Lena Dunham for the same reason I had for Louie CK.

The Amazing Race and The Daily Show will win their respective categories for the billionth year.

For the full nominees for all these categories, plus more detailed takes on the categories (along with my choices as to who SHOULD WIN…visit my EMMY PAGE.

OK! The next (and more important) part of this post is my views of the Drama Series and Comedy Series nominations.

Here are the nominees for Best Drama Series:

Boardwalk Empire

Mad Men

Game of Thrones

Breaking Bad

Homeland

Downton Abbey

Who Should Win: Of these nominees, there are four shows I love and watch, and two shows I care little about. While I recognize that Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire are beautiful, well made, well written shows with dedicated fan bases (particularly GoT)…the shows have never really caught my interest. BE is just a little too slow for my taste…the exciting moments are too far in between. And, more than anything, the subject matter never initially interested me…and sadly the show didn’t make me more interested. As for GoT…I’ve never really been a fan of genre television. It’s not my style. So I can’t pretend I’d be happy if either of these shows won.

I have to admit, I’ve grown to love Downton Abbey. I know I was quite ambivalent about the show during the 1st season…and I wouldn’t say the 2nd season is BETTER…but the 2nd season definitely, for some reason, made me understand what has drawn people to the show. I STILL think Mildred Pierce is a much better program…but I genuinely do enjoy this show and I am so looking forward to the 3rd season (which I will be watching tomorrow…no matter what…not waiting for PBS). On the other hand, Mad Men is a show I’ve always liked, that gets better and better with every season. Season 5 was just so amazing with stand out episode after the other. I still don’t think Mad Men is the best drama on TV…and I never have. But I appreciate the show for at least improving, something even the best shows fail to do…

Homeland was the surprise hit of the season…and I was certainly surprised at how much I loved show and how engaged I was while watching the episodes. I never thought I would love a military thriller…but this show definitely caught my attention. I’m very glad it got all the attention it did. However…it’s been too long…Breaking Bad has to win. It was the most talked about show last year. And I feel like so many people discovered this show and watched it from the beginning because of the sheer awesomeness of this season. It would be a shame in 10 years to look back and realize that we never awarded this great drama. We’re doing it right now with The Wire. Let’s not make the same mistake with Breaking Bad.

Last Good Wife shout out: The Good Wife is better than all these shows.

Who Will Win: Mad Men. Sigh…just…sigh.

Here are the nominees for Best Comedy Series: 

30 Rock

Modern Family

The Big Bang Theory

Girls

Veep

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Who Should Win: This is a category that always pisses a lot of people off. It just shows how strong the comedies are lately. We truly are living in a golden age. However…I will confidently say that I would replace Modern Family, Big Bang Theory and Girls with Parks and Recreation, New Girl, and Louie among others. Sorry! Just sayin’. Girls had a really solid first season. I truly did look forward to new episodes…and I’m looking forward to the next season. But Lena Dunham is still a very green writer and actor. I just feel like voters, in nominating this show, were rewarding the young person’s accomplishments and not the actual product. Girls was simply not among the top 6 this year. Plain fact. The other two shows are similarly overrated. I used to LOVE The Big Bang Theory…I still really like it. But (kill me) I truly believe 2 Broke Girls has more heart and funnier jokes (neither shows deserve recognition…but if a multi-camera sitcom had to win…) And Modern Family is cute…but it’s not terribly edgy and there’s very little development. I hope they step it up next year.

30 Rock is my favorite show but it’s won 3 times…so I don’t really need to see it win again. I mean, I would be happy for the show…but I don’t think it’s a necessary win. At this point, people aren’t going to like the show any more or less. The same technically could be said for Curb…but the show HAS NEVER won. And, as someone who has started getting into the show, I think it would be cool if they finally did. I mean, “Palestinian Chicken” is just a perfect 30 minutes of television. However, my vote would definitely go to Veep, a thoroughly underrated show that cracks me up every third line spoken. I just don’t know how they come up with such funny dialogue and situations. If an Emmy win means more people will give this gem a chance, then I am ALL FOR IT.

Who Will Win: Modern Family.

So…that’s as much as I can do. I’ll see you all next week and I definitely plan on recapping the ceremony and reviewing the winners and all that jazz. Thanks for reading!

 

2012
09/15
CATEGORY
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Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #30 (Casting Categories) + a Review of Lifetime’s “Five”


For more Emmy discussion, visit my Emmy page.

Here are the nominees for Casting for a Drama Series:

Boardwalk Empire

Downton Abbey

Mad Men

The Good Wife

Homeland

Game of Thrones

Who Should Win: I think we all know what show I’m rooting for: The Good Wife. The show casts so many different actors and they play so many different characters. I suppose you could say the same for the other shows – shows that are all “ensemble heavy” pieces. But…The Good Wife is my favorite drama show that was devastatingly snubbed for Best Drama Series, yet still managed the snag six acting nominations, so…yeah, this is the show that I want to see win.

Who Will Win: Shot in the dark? I think this will be an award Downton Abbey will get.

Here are the nominees for Casting for a Comedy Series:

Modern Family

Girls

Nurse Jackie

The Big C

New Girl

Veep

Who Should Win: What’s The Big C doing here? I thought voters were done with this show? Anyway, any show that gives Tony Hale and Anna Chlumsky a job gets my vote. So…Veep it is! New Girl is at a close second, mostly because Jake Johnson and Max Greenfields were good finds.

Who Will Win: I’m guessing that Modern Family will in it again this year after losing to Glee last year. Again, New Girl is at a close second for its very likable cast.

 

Here are the nominees for Casting for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special:

Who Should Win: Let’s talk about Five(SPOILER ALERT) for a moment because I think this is a great TV Movie that was, in my opinion, under-awarded  this Emmy season. How does a program that gets nominations for the Director’s Guild and the Writer’s Guild get only one nomination for Casting. (Although I am a little disgusted that on the official poster, they credit the celebrity directors as opposed to the less famous stars of the show so…maybe voters share my slight disgust). In that case, this movie deserved more, particularly for its performances. Even though the pickings are getting slimmer, I really wish “TV Movie” and “Miniseries” were separated again because I believe this movie would have been able to squeeze into the category the same way Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy  did a few years back (also a Lifetime movie.) But instead, this movie will walk away from their award season criminally unrewarded.

This movie is separated into 5 segments – different stories revolving around “breast cancer”. This first part takes place in the 50′s or 60′s and it revolves around a little girl named Pearl (Ava Acres) who slowly learns that her mother (Ginnfer Goodwin) has cancer and will be dying soon. From mostly the eyes of the little girl, this is a weirdly subdued, yet beautiful way to begin the movie. Pearl grows up to be an oncologist (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and deals with women who have the disease. The second part follows Mia (Patricia Clarkson), a business woman type who finds out she has stage 4 cancer (she jokes that “Stage 5″ would be death, which might be another allusion to the film’s name). She plans a fake funeral and deals with her husband leaving her with a depressing sort of humor. In the end, she finds out she’s cancer free against all odds. Patricia Clarkson gives a very dry performance (in a good way) throughout.

The third part is honestly my favorite part of the entire movie. It revolves around Cheyanne (Lyndsy Fonseca), an exotic dancer and her husband Billy (Taylor Kinney). When Billy discovers a lump on her breasts, she goes to a check up and learns that she does have breast cancer, and that a mastectomy would be her best option for survival. Although at first she’s reluctant to get the procedure, believing it would ruin her job and her marriage, her husband strongly encourages her to get the procedure. The last scene of the part really strikes a chord with me. Billy shaves his head to support his wife (earlier Cheyanne defends her position to not get the procedure by quipping that Billy freaks out when someone cuts his hair wrong) and they both decide to have a baby after the chemo. The last scene shows Billy slowly taking off Cheyanne’s robe, revealing the effects of the mastectomy. It’s a painfully romantic (and painful!!!) scene that stands out months after I have seen the film. It’s refreshing to see the husband actually supportive (I don’t know why a husband would choose his wife’s breasts over her life…like that episode of Grey’s Anatomy).

The fourth part revolves around Lili (Rosario Dawson) and how she deals with the news of her breast cancer with her sister (Tracee Ellis Ross) and her overbearing mother (Jenifer Lewis). Besides the wonderful performances, I also like how we saw a glimpse of a man with the disease (in this case, Jeffrey Tambor). I wish they would have dug deeper in that story. But, otherwise, this was a great, somewhat humorous, part.

The last part goes back to Pearl who learns that, after dealing with patients with breast cancer, she herself has breast cancer. In the first part earlier in the film, the people around young Pearl try really heard to keep her mother’s secret from her. In the present, adult Pearl doesn’t want to lie to her daughter, so the bulk of the film deals with her trying to find a way to tell her young daughter. She does, and, after five years, survives the disease and celebrates with the other characters of the film. One person is noticeably absent from this get together…and that is Cheyanne (although her husband and their daughter show up), which was a huge shock and definitely made me teary eyed. The movie never explicitly says it, but it’s implied that she doesn’t survive which is definitely sad, but it’s honestly the right decision the director made because in reality, not everyone survives. And what was really shocking was that it seemed like she would be the least likely to die (she had the most seemingly definitive treatment). But it happened…and I think the way it was revealed was beautifully subtle. In a channel where movies tend to be over dramatic and soapy, this movie was surprisingly subtle, well acted and beautifully crafted. It’s one of the best TV Movies I’ve seen lately.

Jeanne Tripplehorn certainly deserved to get a Lead Actress nomination over any of the nominees except Julianna Moore. And I think   any of the other actresses would have been deserving as a supporting actress (Patricia Clarkson should have submitted there). But, alas, this is the only nomination the movie got. With a large laundry list of familiar faces coming together to spread this message and awareness, I strongly believe Five deserves this award.

Who Will Win: However, in the end, the movie doesn’t seem to have enough support so I think Game Change will come out on top. The casting people did a good job of finding actors to fill the roles of the real political figures so, to that credit, this would still be a deserving win.

 

2012
08/20
CATEGORY
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movie
nominations
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Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #23 (Lead Actress in a Drama Series)


For the next few weeks, I’ll be reviewing the nominees in the major categories. When it comes to the performers in comedy or drama series, I will be discussing their episode submissionsas well as their performance on the show as a whole. There are some shows I haven’t really watched; so in some situations, the only way I’ll be able to judge a performer is by the submission solely (I’ll make it clear what those shows are.) So be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for my picks on who should win…

For more Emmy discussion, visit my Emmy page.

Here are the nominees:

Julianna Margulies – The Good Wife (“Parenting Made Easy”)

Michelle Dockery – Downton Abbey (“Episode 7″ Christmas)

Elizabeth Moss – Mad Men (“The Other Woman”)

Kathy Bates – Harry’s Law (“Onward and Upward”)

Claire Danes – Homeland (“The Vest”)

Glenn Close – Damages (“I’ve Done Way Too Much For This Girl”)

I watch all these shows regularly.

Who Should Win: This was a very difficult category for me to rank. I came into this believing that I would be rooting for Claire Danes…but after re-watching all the episodes and considering these actresses’ best moments, thoughts of different picks began swirling my brain. Ultimately, I have to say that Claire Danes has given one of the best TV performances of this entire year. I’m really not crazy about her episode submission. I think “Blind Spot” would have been her best submission. Even “Marine One” or “The Weekend” would have been stronger. I think her performance in “The Vest” comes across as a bit too hammy, and there are very few “quiet” scenes to balance out all the crazy. So, it was difficult to remember her truly best moments of the season after watching “The Vest”. But…regardless of that, I supposed Danes deserves an Emmy for a season worth of great performances.

I was also strongly considering Elizabeth Moss. Sometimes…I don’t think she’s given enough to deserve an Emmy. Like…I feel like her degree of difficulty isn’t as strong as some of the other contenders. And that’s not fair to her…but it’s just the way it is. But, ultimately, she does everything she’s supposed to do perfectly. If one deserved to win an Emmy based off one scene, then it would be Moss. The last scene of her episode where she resigns from her job to Don was beautiful and almost heartbreaking and Moss just does a stellar job through and through. Danes technically already has an Emmy for Temple Grandin…maybe this is the year that Moss should get a turn at winning something. Anything.

Then there’s Julianna Margulies who, despite winning last year, I believe is incredibly underrated. Her performance (similar to Moss) isn’t terribly explosive, but she’s really the moral glue of the entire show. While a lot of supporting characters on The Good Wife are amazingly eccentric, Margulies is consistent and steady and she thoughtfully plays her role. Also, she’s such a bonafide lead of her show. The show is an ensemble, but Margulies is at the heart of it all. Everything begins and ends with her. What I’m saying is…y’all better appreciate what Margulies is trying to do!

If Kathy Bates must win an Emmy this year, I honestly rather it be for Harry’s Law than for her stint on Two and a Half Men. I personally really like the show and I’m sad to see it end. I think it was really cool that she submitted the last episode of the series. Her last few moments (from singing “Take Me Home” to visiting her ex husband’s grave) are quite poignant and beautifully acted. Michelle Dockery’s nomination was definitely a surprise (esp. over Elizabeth McGovern), but it was a nice one. It’s interesting…an actor’s best scene usually is a scene where something tragic or sad happens, but Dockery’s best scene is simply the “proposal scene” at the end of the Christmas special. Dockery does a good job and hopefully this nomination will allow for Fellowes to write her meatier stuff next season so she can possibly be ahead of the pack next year. And there’s Glenn Close who plays one of greatest, interesting, multi-dimensional female characters on television. Season 4 wasn’t terribly strong for her and her submission isn’t that great. She’s the only nominee who really shouldn’t be in the discussion. Maybe next year!

At the end of the day…I think the trophy should go to Claire Danes.

My actual predictions will be coming later in the summer. Click here for more Emmy stuff! Thanks for reading! 

2012
08/18
CATEGORY
awards
drama
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
television
the good wife
tv
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Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #19 (Supporting Actress in a Drama Series)


For the next few weeks, I’ll be reviewing the nominees in the major categories. When it comes to the performers in comedy or drama series, I will be discussing their episode submissionsas well as their performance on the show as a whole. There are some shows I haven’t really watched; so in some situations, the only way I’ll be able to judge a performer is by the submission solely (I’ll make it clear what those shows are.) So be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for my picks on who should win…

For more Emmy discussion, visit my Emmy page.

Here are the nominees:

Archie Panjabi – The Good Wife (“The Dream Team”)

Anna Gunn – Breaking Bad (“Cornered”)

Maggie Smith – Downton Abbey (“Episode 1″)

Joanne Froggatt – Downton Abbey (“Episode 7″ – Christmas)

Christina Hendricks – Mad Men (“The Other Woman”)

Christine Baranski – The Good Wife (“Alienation of Affection”)

I watch all these shows regularly.

Who Should Win: This was actually a tough category for me to choose the one I like the most. Maggie Smith is one of the brightest things about Downton Abbey. She brings so much refreshing humor in a relatively soapy environment. I literally look forward to seeing her during an episode. She really isn’t given enough to do, but she makes the most of her one liners. She’s 6th (and she shouldn’t have won last year), but I still love her and her round, doughy, emotionless eyes.

It pains me to say this but the two ladies from my favorite dramatic show take up my 5th and 4th slot. Archie Panjabi was unfortunately not given much to do. She didn’t have the same impact she did the first two seasons. In her episode submission, Panjabi effortlessly switches between fear and “badass-ness”. However, as someone who has actually watched the entire season, I can say that maybe this is a year where she should sit out. On the other hand, I’d love to see Christine Baranski win an Emmy…but I don’t think she submitted the best episode. But that doesn’t really matter. She does the absolute best with what she is given. I wouldn’t be mad if she won, but I’d rather she win when the writers give her something truly juicy.

It was hard figuring out who should win between the top 3. I’ll place Joanne Froggart third. This is her first nomination for her second season. She gives as good of a performance as the other two ladies so the only thing I have against her is that she hasn’t paid enough of a due to truly warrant a win (I usually don’t give a shit about “dues” when it comes to who deserves to win but…in this case…).  But Froggart should be happy with her nomination…I mean…what a shock!

Anna Gunn was stellar during this year of Breaking Bad, and in many cases she matched Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston. I also love how she chose an episode with some many quotable quotes (“You know what, Walt? Someone has to protect this family from the man who protects this family.” Ouch.)  It feels good that I can die tomorrow knowing that Anna Gunn has an Emmy nomination. Of course I would love to see her win…but Christina Hendricks is the actress who stands out in this crowd. She’s been nominated three times for a show that’s been on for 5-6 years. It’s time. And it would most definitely be deserved. TBH, I was hoping she would submit “Mystery Date” (the episode where she ends it with her husband). I felt like she showed more range in this episode and came off as more sympathetic. But, ya know, she does great work all around and her performance in “The Other Woman” is good enough for an Emmy.

This category is so perfect, with 6 perfect actresses…but I think now is the time for a Mad Men actor to win…and, right now, that actor should be Christina Hendricks.

My actual predictions will be coming later in the summer. Click here for more Emmy stuff! Thanks for reading! 

 

2012
08/12
CATEGORY
awards
breaking bad
drama
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
television
the good wife
tv
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1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #15 (Guest Actress in a Drama Series)


For the next few weeks, I’ll be reviewing the nominees in the major categories. When it comes to the performers in comedy or drama series, I will be discussing their episode submissionsas well as their performance on the show as a whole. There are some shows I haven’t really watched; so in some situations, the only way I’ll be able to judge a performer is by the submission solely (I’ll make it clear what those shows are.) So be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly for my picks on who should win…

For more Emmy discussion, visit my Emmy page.

Here are the nominees:

Joan Cusack – Shameless (“Can I Have a Mother”)

Uma Thurman – Smash (“Tech”)

Julia Ormond – Mad Men (“The Phantom”)

Loretta Devine – Grey’s Anatomy (“If Only You Were Lonely”)

Jean Smart – Harry’s Law (“The Rematch”)

Martha Plimpton – The Good Wife (“The Dream Team”)

I watch all these shows regularly. 

Who Should Win: Let’s start with Julia Ormond. I actually quite like her performance. There’s a subtle, sultry, sexy, sophisticated aura to her performance that makes her really appealing. It’s like this role is her second skin. She’s a complete natural. I’m very glad Martha Plimpton finally got a nomination for her recurring role on The Good Wife (esp. since she missed out on the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category.) However, this was probably her weakest season. She would have been much more deserving the last two years where she took a more central role in the episodes she appeared in. I honestly, unfortunately, believe there were more deserving guest actresses this season, like Carrie Preston or Anika Noni Rose. But, Plimpton still does great work. And when it comes to Joan Cusack…yeah, it’s sort of “Category fraud”-like. She appears in every episode on Shameless so she’s really more of supporting actress. But, hey, she’s still really great and quirky and I believe the show is underrated so I’m glad the show got this nomination at least. However, Cusack might have submitted the wrong episode. She has a very flashy scene towards the end, but the focus on the episode is more on Louise Fletcher, another guest actress who didn’t get a nomination.

The beginning of the second season of Harry’s Law was practically perfect, and part of the reason was because of Jean Smart. She really works well with Kathy Bates, and she just kills it in those court scenes. Even though Loretta Devine won last year, I would not mind if she repeated this year. I don’t think anything will ever match her amazing performance from the last season (particular for the scene where Adele first learns she has Alzheimers…so heart breaking). But she still brought it this season, particularly the last scene where Adele tells her husband that it’s best she moves out to a rehab center. Devine really kills it on the show. As a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, she has risen up as the best thing about the program and I’m glad that this actress is finally seriously getting recognition.

However, since no one else is, I’m going to throw Uma Thurman a bone. Although, I don’t think she submitted her best episode (I think the episode right after “Tech” would have been stronger), I just think she’s done a lot of great work this season. I agree with most people, Smash this year was a mess. Hopefully it’ll get better next year. However, all the nominations the show got this year was completely deserved and that includes Thurman, who was definitely my favorite thing about the show. She just looked like she was having so much fun playing this seemingly untalented, vain actress. She just seemed so free and open (if that makes any sense). If people tried to look past bad writing, I think they’ll really notice a stellar performance behind it. It’s just mind blowing how she can go from Kill Bill to this. She probably won’t win, but I’ll certainly be rooting for her.

My actual predictions will be coming later in the summer. Click here for more Emmy stuff! Thanks for reading! 

2012
08/04
CATEGORY
awards
drama
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
television
the good wife
tv
TAGS














1 comment

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