Posts Tagged ‘ 2012 emmys ’

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #20 (Lead Actor in a Comedy 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:

Larry David – Curb Your Enthusiasm (“Palestinian Chicken”)

Jon Cryer – Two and a Half Men (“Frodo’s Headshots”)

Louis CK – Louie (“Duckling”)

Jim Parsons – The Big Bang Theory (“The Werewolf Transformation”)

Don Cheadle – House of Lies (“Gods of Dangerous Financial Instruments”)

Alec Baldwin – 30 Rock (“Live From Studio 6H”)

I don’t watch “Two and a Half Men”  or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” regularly. This was the first episode of “House of Lies” I had ever watched.

Who Should Win: OK. Let’s start at with 6th…At 6th is Jon Cryer. I can never get too angry when he gets nominated (over and over again!) because I think Cryer is an overall good comedic actor. It’s not him that’s bad. It’s the show he’s on. However, it doesn’t matter. He probably gets a higher salary than the other nominees at this point. So…does he really need an Emmy to go with that multi million dollar salary? No. So let’s not vote for him.

Jim Parsons is a great actor and I truly love his work on the show…but I wish the writers had developed his character more. And it’s so strange that he didn’t submit the episode where his character develops in the slightest (like “The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition” where he gets into a “relationship with Amy) and instead submits an episode where he’s afraid of getting a haircut. Parsons is great, but it’s the same schtick we’ve seen over and over again. I’m not sure if I like the idea of him getting a third Emmy…

Especially when you have Louis CK on the ballot. I wouldn’t have chosen “Duckling” for Louis CK, but it’s still better than pretty much anything behind him. CK has two really strong moments in the episode. His most dramatic moment is when he’s on a helicopter and the helicopter begins to combust and Louie freaks out and fears for his life. And the second moment is his hilarious stand up routine he first performs for the troops (the guy is sort of obsessed with sex…so he’s a man). If the voters want to vote for a funny performance, then they can still vote for CK because that comedy routine is among the funniest moments of the year.

Right behind Louis CK is Larry David, someone who has been overdue for a while now. I’m not regular viewer of the show, but “Palestinian Chicken” is a comedy episode that really stands out, David is at the center of it. Rounding out the my 3 and 4 spots are Don Cheadle and Alec Baldwin respectively. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed “House of Lies” (and I’m thankful Cheadle submitted the show’s first episode so I was never confused or anything). The episode itself isn’t perfect and I’m not sure if the “breaking the 4th wall” bits were effective, but Cheadle is a nice looking lead with a nice looking butt so…whatevs, I’ll put him 3rd. And Alec Baldwin is Alec Baldwin. He’s awesome.He submitted a fun episode (the live one) and he got to play multiple characters. He does a great job…but I wouldn’t say the funniest moments from the episode included him.

Interesting tidbit, both Cryer and Parsons’s submissions have Vernee Watson-Johnson playing a nurse. Interesting, right?

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

2012
08/12
CATEGORY
30 rock
awards
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
television
tv
1 comment

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
1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #18 (Supporting Actor 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:

Aaron Paul – Breaking Bad (“End Times”)

Giancarlo Esposito – Breaking Bad (“Hermanos”)

Brendan Coyle – Downton Abbey (“Episode 7″ – Christmas)

Jim Carter – Downton Abbey (“Episode 2″)

Jared Harris – Mad Men (“Commissions and Fees”)

Peter Dinkalge – Game of Thrones (“Blackwater”)

I watch all these shows regularly, except “Game of Thrones”.

Who Should Win: There are two repeat nominees on this list: Aaron Paul and Peter Dinklage. Peter Dinklage won last year. Now, when I was reviewing the nominees last year, I put him last in terms of who I thought deserved to win (knowing full well that he would  anyway). When he did win, I wasn’t really upset though because, like I’ve stated before, I’ve really enjoyed his past work, and I’m just overall excited that he’s getting recognition, even if it’s not a performance I care about. However, now that he already has an Emmy, I don’t feel bad about putting him last again. And, yes, I will be upset if he wins again. “Blackwater” is an overall exciting episode. The huge battle scene is incredibly thrilling, but, like Dinklage’s submission last year, he’s pretty much lost in the excitement. He has a couple semi-impressive scenes towards the beginning…but I don’t find them particularly Emmy worthy. I just…(and, I don’t watch this show regularly so feel free to throw daggers) feel like he hasn’t fully transformed into his character. When I’m watching him, I’m very aware that I’m watching an actor playing a character. To be honest, he’s pretty much overshadowed by Lena Headey, who really rocked this episode in my opinion.

So, yes, despite what everyone else thinks, I believe the two Downton guys would get my vote over Dinklage. I was quite excited that Jim Carter got a nomination. I don’t think people really appreciate what he does. I think he just gives a very authentic performance. He never tries to go all out or direct attention towards him in a scene. Carter does his humble duty the same way Mr. Carson does his. It’s probably the least “Emmy bait” performance to get a nomination; so I appreciate that the voters were able to recognize his great performance nonetheless. He probably should have submitted Episode 1 (“heart attack”),  but considering that the first episode is nearly 2 hours long, it was probably more effective to submit the more compact second episode. However, I have such a soft spot for John Bates. Brendan Coyle gives a very quiet and tender performance. The Christmas episode practically revolves around his character’s murder case. He plays a very sympathetic figure, but there’s still some depth. He’s probably my favorite male actor on the show so if a male actor on the show had to get a nomination, I’m glad he was included.

The actors in my top 3 are incredibly strong…I almost feel bad for wanting Aaron Paul to win again…but I really want Aaron Paul to win again. If I had to name Paul’s 3 or 4 best episodes on the series, they all would be from season 4. Paul was absolutely wild and he had so many choices (like “Problem Dog”). He chose the right episode in the end. He does so much in “End Times”; but the stand out scene was when Jesse almost kills Walt. Aaron Paul’s face turns so red, veins are literally sticking out of his forehead, tears in his eyes. I don’t know what Paul had to dig up inside himself to give that kind of performance, but it must have been deep because I believed every second of it. Aaron Paul simply deserves to take over the Emmys the same way Bryan Cranston is.

The 2 other actors are great and, as much as I love Aaron Paul, I wouldn’t begrudge if any of these two won, particularly Jared Harris. Have I told you guys how happy I am that the voters got over their love affair for John Slattery and gave a nomination to Jared Harris? Actually, frankly, they both probably deserved to get in, but Jared Harris deserved it SO MUCH more. Harris’s best scene is definitely the scene where Don fires Lane. Harris portrays so much pain and misery. It makes the whole “suicide” twist in the end, not actually a twist. Jared Harris played a man on the edge perfectly, not only in that episode, but throughout the season really. And Giancarlo Esposito…it’s also great that he’s getting recognition too. He submitted a great episode where his character shows a little vulnerability. And that flashback scene towards the end of the episode sort of breaks my heart.

Very strong category.

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

2012
08/11
CATEGORY
awards
breaking bad
drama
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
television
tv
1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #17 (Supporting Actress in a Comedy 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:

Mayim Bialik – The Big Bang Theory (“The Shiny Trinket Maneuver”)

Merrit Wever – Nurse Jackie (“On-Armed Jacks”)

Julie Bowen – Modern Family (“Go Bullfrogs!”)

Kristen Wiig – Saturday Night Live (“Mick Jagger”)

Sofia Vergara – Modern Family (“Tableau Vivant”)

Kathryn Joosten – Desperate Housewives (“Finishing the Hat”)

I do not watch “Nurse Jackie” and “Desperate Housewives” regularly. I watch the others regularly.

Who Should Win: It’s so sweet how Kathryn Joosten got one last nomination. From what I’ve seen, she’s done some really great work on Desperate Housewives, and the series finale is beautiful. But the nomination should be the award. If voters really want to honor the show, they’d give Brenda Strong her first Emmy for her voice over performance for being the real “glue” of the series. Joosten already has two Emmys. She doesn’t need a third…especially since she’s not here to accept it. (I know. I know. I’m awful Moving on.)

I always think that the Modern Family actors have a tough task in picking an episode submission. Every episode usually have 4 story lines swirling around (usually Phil and Claire / Cam and Mitchell / Jay and Gloria / Something with the kids). So the actors never have an episode where they appear a lot. That handicap doesn’t stop Emmy voters from voting for them…but I still empathize with their difficulty. Sofia Vergara is very funny in her episode (that scene where the family members pose for a painting cracked me up, particularly Sofia’s miserable, frozen face as she tries to hold that heavy turkey), but the story line between Claire and Cam naturally interested me the most, so…it’s hard for me to see how much Sofia stands out. As for Julie Bowen…she’s getting better and better. She submitted an episode where she tries to act to cool and go out partying. However, I think she should have submitted “When Good Kids Go Bad,” the episode where she tries to prove that she’s always right about stuff. Anyway, they’re both 4th and 5th in my book. I’m rooting for Sofia to get it over Julie this time because…I dunno…spreading the wealth I suppose.

When I first saw Merrit Wever on the nomination list, I thought it was very refreshing that she could get in over the likes of Betty White, Jane Lynch and Cloris Leachmen. And then…I couldn’t find Jane Krakowski…and my feelings over Wever did a complete 180. However, after watching her episode…no, I haven’t gotten over Krakowski’s snub…but I think Wever does a very solid job throughout the episode. She really won me over in the last scene where her character does an adorable dance while Jackie makes her pancakes.

Mayim Bialik and Kristen Wiig also benefit from stellar last scenes in their episode submissions. I don’t mind that Bialik submitted the episode she did. I really do believe that “tiara scene” was good enough. It just seems like Bialik has so much joy in playing this role and…as a Blossom fan, I’m always going to be on her side. (Confession…I had a huge crush on her when I was little. With her…messy brown hair and her long nose and her baggy clothing and her over sized hats and her low voice…rowr.)

But, Kristen Wiig has to win. I pray that she does. I am PRAYING!!! I don’t think there’s more I need to say. I’ve made it very clear why I love this woman. Like I stated in my last post, I know there are still some people who don’t approve of variety sketch actors competing in the supporting category. I don’t really feel like arguing or making a general point or anything…but I really believe Wiig deserves an Emmy. ANY Emmy. Supporting Actress in a Comedy. Leading Actress in a Comedy. Leading Actor in a Drama. ANY EMMY.

Make it happen voters! Don’t leave this year with any.

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

2012
08/08
CATEGORY
30 rock
awards
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
saturday night live
SNL
snubbed
television
tv
1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #16 (Supporting Actor in a Comedy 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:

Ed O’Neill – Modern Family (“Baby on Board”)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson – Modern Family (“Leap Day”)

Ty Burell – Modern Family (“Lifetime Supply”)

Eric Stonestreet – Modern Family (“Treehouse”)

Bill Hader – Saturday Night Live (“Katy Perry”)

Max Greenfield – New Girl (“Control”)

I watch all these shows regularly.

Who Should Win: Like the last two years, a guy from Modern Family will probably win (I’m not making that official just yet though!) If a voter must choose a Modern Family actor, I think that choice should be for Jesse Tyler Ferguson. It’s so strange. He went from biggest the “buzzkill” of the show to being the freshest, almost most inspiring, thing about the show. And in this season, he particularly stand outs. Even without watching the episodes (he was hilarious in his episode BTW), I came into this believing he should be next in line for the Emmys.

However, I think the two “non-Modern family” actors take up my top 2 spots. The way Max Greenfield has structured Schmidt has been so hilariously inspiring. He’s become one of the breakout characters of the year. And he chose a great episode where his character’s “OCD-like” behavior is fleshed out. I especially enjoyed seeing a small glimpse of “fat Schmidt”. However, I’m so goddarn happy to see Bill Hader nominated that I can’t help but root for him. I don’t think he chose his best episode, but I can understand why he submitted it because Stefon is such a universally loved character. In the few other appearances he makes throughout the episode, he’s still really funny. And I can say, as a regular viewer of the show, that he’s pretty much flawlessly hilarious in everything else he does. Some people believe that variety actors don’t deserve to be nominated because SNL isn’t technically a “Comedy Series”. Well, I believe the actors do a tough task and deserve as much recognition as any other actor. So, yes, Hader gets my vote.

The other Modern Family actors make my bottom three, but they’re still great. Ed O’Neill is a solid cast member and I definitely agree that playing a “straight man” is almost as tough as playing the more eccentric character. That scene he has with Lily during her dance recital is very very sweet. Eric Stonestreet is a very broad and physical comedian. And Ty Burrell is faithfully funny and both of them stand out in pretty much every episode of the season. It’s cool that they each already have one Emmy each…but I don’t think they’re great enough to deserve a second. Not yet, anyway.

Nick Offerman was robbed!

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

2012
08/06
CATEGORY
awards
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
saturday night live
SNL
snubbed
television
tv
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
1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #14 (Guest Actor 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:

Mark Margolis – Breaking Bad (“Face Off”)

Jeremy Davies – Justified (“Coalition”)

Jason Ritter – Parenthood (“Politics”)

Ben Feldman – Mad Men (“Dark Shadows”)

Dylan Baker – The Good Wife (“Marthas and Caitlins”)

Michael J. Fox – The Good Wife (“Parenting Made Easy”)

I watch all these shows regularly, except Justified. “Politics” was the first episode of Parenthood I’ve watched.

Who Should Win: This is actually a strong lineup, unlike “Guest Actor in a Comedy Series”. There are only two performances that I really believe aren’t quite deserving of the Emmy. Michael J. Fox remains one of my favorite recurring characters on my favorite dramatic show, and he chose the right episode to submit. But, really, does he do anything challenging here? It’s like his performance in Curb Your Enthusiasm. It’s certainly not bad.,.but there’s better in the category. The same could be said for Jason Ritter. It’s really cool that he got a nomination (esp. in a show that’s usually ignored). But the nomination should strictly be the award for him. Nuff said.

After those two, it’s really tough to rank the rest…so I’m not really going to. Dylan Baker is incredibly creepy as Colin Sweeney (good thing he looks the part). He appeared in three different shows this year (from what I know). That’s kinda awesome. He’s a great character actor. Last year, I thought Jeremy Davies should have won. This year, his performance isn’t as explosive, but it’s still affecting. His win could be nice redemption for a show that was weirdly snubbed this year. (I don’t watch the show regularly BTW). And Mark Margolis…what else can I say except DING! OK, seriously though, his facial expressions are out of this world. They are crazy.  Anyone who says that his silent performance wasn’t worthy is a nut. He probably had the toughest task this TV season. He had to show so much emotion with little movement and little variety in his facial expressions. He made it work and his nomination made me very very happy (although I wasn’t surprised by it).

But Ben Feldman’s nomination just completely makes me giddy. One, the fact that he was able to get in over his Mad Men co-star Robert Morse was just so…cool! And incredibly deserving. At first, I thought Michael Ginsberg was a bit annoying. But, as time went on, Feldman was able to add so much humanity to the role. It’s interesting because I’ve heard that Feldman made a mistake by submitting “Dark Shadows” (the episode where he has that rivalry with Don Draper) and not “Far Away Places” (the episode where he somberly tells Peggy he was born in a concentration camp). The problem with “Far Away Places” though, is that, as good as that one scene is, he appears so little. He appears more consistently in “Dark Shadows”. And, on top of that, that elevator scene with Don Draper is so good…that I’m going to transcribe it right now.

Michael: I know you saw me.

Don: I thought you were hiding from someone. 

Michael: That was a bold last minute decision – going with your idea. 

Don: I thought it was more of what they wanted.

Michael: Well, we’ll never know, will we, because they never heard mine.

Don: Look, I don’t like going with two ideas. It’s weak.

Michael: And you don’t want to be weak so you picked yours.

Don: And they bought it, which is our goal, isn’t it?

Michael: What do I care? I got a million of ‘em. A million.

Don: Good. I guess I’m lucky you work for me.

Michael: I feel bad for you.

Don: I don’t think about you at all.

I don’t care what anyone says. Michael still walks out the real winner of that “back and forth”, even if he doesn’t get the last word. Hopefully, Ben Feldman becomes a winner also.

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

2012
08/02
CATEGORY
awards
breaking bad
drama
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
television
tv
1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #13 (Guest Actress in a Comedy 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 submissions as 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:

Kathy Bates – Two and a Half Men (“Why We Gave Up Women”)

Maya Rudolph – Saturday Night Live (“Maya Rudolph”)

Elizabeth Banks – 30 Rock (“The Return of Avery Jessup”)

Dot Marie Jones – Glee (“Choke”)

Melissa McCarthy – Saturday Night Live (“Melissa McCarthy”)

Margaret Cho – 30 Rock (“The Return of Avery Jessup”)

I watch all theses shows regularly.

Who Should Win: My bottom three consist of Kathy Bates, Margaret Cho and Melissa McCarthy. Look, I want Kathy Bates to win her first Emmy as much as the next person…but it would be cool if it was for a worthy performance. She gives it her all in a pretty fearless performance. I admit there are probably women her age who wouldn’t dream of playing a female version of Charlie Harper with balls. However, the bad writing just drowns her. I was very happy to see Cho recognized (and if you follow her on Twitter, you’d know how genuinely excited she was). Her impression of Kim Jong Il is hilarious…but she appears for so little. And, frankly, she submitted the wrong episode. The season finale is where, I believe, she has her funniest scenes and makes more more a prominent presence (with that hilarious epilogue where she contemplates on Jack and Liz’s complicated relationship). As someone who watches 30 Rock regularly, her episode submission isn’t what makes her 5th. Even if I consider all her appearances regardless of what episode, I believe the nomination should be the award for her. Moving on, I had an absolute hoot watching Melissa McCarthy host SNL again. She really goes for it, from falling down stairs to humping balloons to spraying ranch dressing on her face. She does a great job, but I don’t think she shows as much range as the other SNL host nominated in this category.

In third is the wonderful Dot Marie Jones. I still really like Glee, but the show wasn’t deserving of much this year. However, I’m glad the voters were able to notice Jones despite all the mediocrity around her. She really shines in her performance as Coach Beiste, the tough as nails football coach who is physically and emotionally abused by her husband. This is definitely the most dramatic performance in the category, yet it’s about “performance” and she gives a great one. Unlike a lot of people, I really like Elizabeth Banks on 30 Rock. Sure, I probably would have preferred if Chloe Moretz or Sherri Shepard had gotten nominated, Banks is worthy in her own right. Avery Jessup is a very sharp character and Banks really holds her own against the great Alec Baldwin. However, I’m personally rooting for Maya Rudolph for her wonderful SNL hosting. She was never recognized when she was an actual cast member so I’m glad she’s being recognized now. Her episode is funny and she’s funny too. She doesn’t take center stage in her sketches as much as McCarthy, but she shows more range and her impressions (Beyonce, Claire Huxtable) are spot on. And it’s nice that every time one of them hosts, Rudolph and Poehler reunite for “Bronx Beat”. So sweet!

Anyway, go Maya!

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

2012
08/01
CATEGORY
30 rock
awards
emmy awards
emmys
glee
nbc
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
saturday night live
SNL
television
tv
1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #12 (Guest Actor in a Comedy 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 submissions as 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:

Michael J. Fox – Curb Your Enthusiasm (“Larry vs. Michael J. Fox”)

Bobby Cannavale – Nurse Jackie (“Disneyland Sucks”)

Jimmy Fallon – Saturday Night Live (“Jimmy Fallon”)

Will Arnett – 30 Rock (“Idiots Are People Three”)

Greg Kinnear – Modern Family (“Me? Jealous?”)

Jon Hamm – 30 Rock (“Live From Studio 6H”)

I watch all these shows regularly, except “Curb” and “Nurse Jackie”

Who Should Win: This is honestly an underwhelming lineup. Once again, when it comes to the “guest categories”, voters look for recognizable names, not the best performances. The only performance here that is deserving of a nomination is Jimmy Fallon for his hilarious work on SNL, therefore he’d get my vote. He just does everything. He sings. He dances. He refuses to dance but he dances anyway (“Don’t make me dance!”) He has a short stint on Weekend Update with his former partner Tina Fey. And he’s one of the best impressionists on TV right now. Check out his too short impression of Sting. Who would ever think to impersonate Sting? Genius! Besides maybe Maya Rudolph, he was my favorite host of the year and if he loses, it’ll be a travesty.

The guys from 30 Rock take up the two spots after him. However, it would have been so much better if Will Forte and James Marsden had gotten those token 30 Rock spots. Anyway, Will Arnett is second. He always gets nominated. He does good work on the show. He probably should have won a few years ago. Nowadays, even though he only appears like once a season, his character is still getting tiring, and I don’t really understand why the writers keep bringing him back (besides the easy Emmy nomination). Jon Hamm’s nomination, I admit, is a little ridiculous. But, unlike the bottom three, at least he makes a presence on his show. And, frankly, what he did in that live episode was probably the gutsiest thing a white “comedian” could do. Hats off to him.

Michael J. Fox essentially plays himself and was only nominated because he’s Michael J. Fox. Actually, within the episode, that little dude (Eddie Schweighardt) should have been nominated. He was so hilarious and cute and pretty much overshadowed anyone else in that episode. Moving on…Bobby Cannavale and Greg Kinnear take up my final two spots respectively. And, I’m not gonna lie, I would be pretty pissed if either of them won. I’d probably appreciate Cannavale’s performance more if I watched Nurse Jackie regularly (since, I’m guessing, he’s a recurring character). But from what I saw, I wasn’t impressed. Same can be said for Greg Kinnear who mostly plays an oblivious straight man in his episode. All his performance did was make me appreciate Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell more, who were both great here.

So…yeah…not too crazy about this one. Guest Actress looks better though.

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

2012
07/31
CATEGORY
30 rock
awards
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
saturday night live
SNL
snubbed
television
tv
1 comment

Reviewing the 2012 Emmy Nominees #11 (Writing for 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 submissions as 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:

Julian Fellowes – Downton Abbey (“Episode 7″ – Christmas)

Semi Chellas and Matthew Weiner – Mad Men (“The Other Woman”)

Andre Jacquemetton and Maria Jacquemetton – Mad Men (“Commissions and Fees”)

Semi Chellas and Matthew Weiner – Mad Men (“Far Away Places”)

Alex Gansa, Howard Gordon, and Gideon Raff – Homeland (“Pilot”)

I watch all these shows regularly

Who Should Win: I’m not too crazy about this category. I mean, all the episodes (and shows themselves) are great…but did three episodes of Mad Men really need to get nominated? (And, yes, I realize that individual writers are being recognized but…still…can’t the individual writers from another show get in on the fun?) On top of that, as amazing of directorial achievement was the Homeland pilot, I really think there were stronger episodes within the season and I feel like voters are being lazy by just blindly choosing the pilot episode like usual (4 other more deserving episodes were submitted for consideration). I just feel like other solid dramas like Breaking Bad and The Good Wife (or even Boardwalk Empire) could have made this category more diverse. Anyway, my favorite of the nominees is, ironically, a Mad Men episode, and that is “Commissions and Fees” by the Jacquemettons. As much as I love “The Other Woman” (and particularly the scene between Peggy and Don in the end), “Commissions and Fees” contains the tragic downfall of Lane, and the coming of age of Sally Draper. Everything about Lane’s story line was perfect…from his firing, to him trying to kill himself using a Jaguar, but failing when the car won’t start (which is hilarious if you’ve been watching the season and what they’ve been saying about Jaguar), to the moment when the workers (particularly Joan) discover Lane’s hanging body in his office with his boiler plate resignation. “The Other Woman” is nearly as good, but second in my personal ranking.

The Homeland pilot and The Downton Abbey Christmas special take up my third and fourth spot respectively. Good, solid episodes. I don’t really think they represent the best of their series, but still great episodes for great series. And my fifth spot goes to “Far Away Places” which was written by the same people who wrote “The Other Women”. The episode is pretty much an inventive collection of three separate vignettes (Peggy/Roger and his wife/Don and Megan). I think they could have been cleverer with connecting (or overlapping) the three story lines more, but otherwise I really like the episode…but, considering Semi Chellas and Wiener already have a nomination here for another episode, I wish another episode from a different show had gotten a nomination over this episode. Let’s hope if the voters want to give Matthew Weiner another Emmy, they give it to him for “The Other Woman”.

Moving on the the guest acting categories.

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

2012
07/30
CATEGORY
awards
drama
emmy awards
emmys
nominations
predictions
reflection
review
television
tv
1 comment

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