Tonight! The Emmy festivities will begin shortly, so before I post my final predictions, it's time to look a little more closely at the shows that will be competing for the title of Best Comedy Series and Best Drama Series.
Outstanding Comedy Series
Frontrunners: Modern Family- When competing for an award for the best comedy series on television, it helps to be the best comedy series currently on television. The freshman series puts a twist on the traditional family sitcom, meaning that Emmy voters can vote for something safe and comfortable, while still feeling hip and cool. Glee - The series has already proved itself to be a strong competitor at all the previous award shows. Even though it's first season has received mixed reviews, clearly Glee is a force to be reckoned with. 30 Rock - Never underestimate a show about TV with a three year Emmy streak. Voters have proven they love 3o Rock over and over again. Despite a "weaker" fourth season, the series could still come out on top.
The Rest: Nurse Jackie - It may have been a surprise nominee, but a directing nomination means that Edie Falco isn't the only thing Emmy voters love about this series. Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Emmys loved Seinfeld, and the reunion on this season of Curb gives the series a small chance at victory. Even with that help, the show lacks the buzz of the three newcomers and the previous wins of 3o Rock. The Office - There is no way this show could win after such an awful season. Even the Emmys aren't that cruel.
Outstanding Drama Series
Frontrunners: Mad Men - The series has won for the past two years, and it certainly hasn't dwindled in quality. In fact, season three of Mad Men was probably the show's best. If Mad Men loses tonight, it would not be a reflection of the show's performance this year. Rather, it would be in order to honor a finished series (Lost) or congratulate a new one (The Good Wife). Lost - The final season of this epic series was not the best, but it probably had the most buzz. Everyone seemed to be talking about Lost this year. Season six was not on par with the Emmy-winning first season, but it could still win as a final farewell and a general celebration of the series as a whole.
Dark Horse: The Good Wife - The network drama has certainly proven itself worthy of being listed among its cable competition. Five acting nominations and a writing nomination means that The Good Wife is more than just a nominee. It's a serious player in this category and could be one of the biggest surprises of the night.
The Rest: Dexter - Lots of buzz surrounded Michael C. Hall and John Lithgow this season, which could push the series into the winner's circle. But most likely the show will have to settle for the acting victories (Lithgow has already won Guest Actor, while Hall remains a serious competitor in Lead), while Mad Men reigns for another year. Breaking Bad - Unfortunately, this brilliant drama series will always be in competition with the other AMC series, Mad Men. They are both so well done, but besides Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad seems to always get overlooked. True Blood - The melodramatic and campy series should just be thankful it was able to break the Emmy nomination curse for vampire shows. It may be popular and addictive television, but it is certainly not on the same level of quality as its competitors.
Coming Soon: My official prediction list!
Currently watching: Sons of Anarchy Season 1 Episode 3 - Fun Town
For the first time in a long time, television critics seem pleased with the Emmy nominations. Several outdated, repeat nominees (Sally Field, Entourage, etc.) were exchanged for fresh faces, and even some older but not yet recognized contenders broke through. The main complaints were the omissions of Sons of Anarchy's Katey Sagal (I haven't seen the show, but now I plan to do it very soon) and the new comedies Community and Cougar Town (I never connected with either of them, and I'm not surprised that Emmy voters didn't either). Out of the 60 nominations I predicted, I got 43 correct (not including my seventh spots, five of which made it into the actual top six), which just barely comes out to a passing percentage. Considering I only got one less than Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, I think I did just fine. It was a morning filled with shock, disappointment, and even tears (at least for me). Here's an overview of what happened.
Surprises:
Kyle Chandler & Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights (Lead Actor & Actress in a Drama Series) - This was easily the biggest shocker of the entire morning. I literally did not believe it when I heard Chandler's name. I was so confused. For years I had heard all about the great Friday Night Lights and how it always got snubbed at the Emmys. Then before I could even process Chandler's nomination in my mind, I heard Connie Britton's name. At this point I might have started crying. I watched seasons one through three for the first time this summer, so I wasn't a fan of the show when it had been snubbed in the past. After watching it, I clearly understood why everyone was so upset. These actors are two of the strongest dramatic leads on television, and I cannot express how ecstatic I am to see them finally rewarded for it.
Nurse Jackie (Comedy Series) - Everyone assumed Edie Falco would make the shortlist for lead comedy actress, but no one expected the series to earn a nomination as well. It took the spot of previous Showtime nominee, Weeds (a spot most critics predicted would belong to The Big Bang Theory).
True Blood (Drama Series) - It's not very often that vampire shows get noticed at the Emmys (re: Buffy). True Blood managed to break into the drama category despite having zero other nominations in the acting, writing, and directing categories.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family (Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series) - It's nothing against Ferguson; he's hilarious on Modern Family. But as far as most critics were concerned, Ferguson was farther down on the contenders list than Rico Rodriguez. He got nominated instead of Ed O'Neill (who should have submitted in the lead category), which means O'Neill is the show's only adult cast member without a nomination.
Favorites:
Chris Colfer & Mike O'Malley, Glee (Supporting & Guest Actor in a Comedy) - The best father-son duo on television earned nominations in their respective categories. Colfer was more of a surprise, considering he's only 20 and competing against actors like Neil Patrick Harris and Eric Stonestreet. But the two deserve it because they give the most heart warming performances on the show.
January Jones, Mad Men (Lead Actress in a Drama) - Words cannot describe how happy I was when I heard her name called. Finally Jones managed to earn a nomination after three seasons of phenomenal work. It's a shame Margulies is such a lock for the win, because I would love to see the Emmy go to Jones or Britton instead.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series - Kristin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, and Betty White are all in the same category together. COULD THERE BE A MORE AWESOME CATEGORY?! I didn't think so.
"Niagara" - The Office (Writing for a Comedy Series) - I just really really want Mindy Kaling to win an Emmy. Mainly because I love everything she says on Twitter.
"The Son" - Friday Night Lights (Writing for a Drama Series) - It's a miracle FNL was able to break into such a solid category. It really says something to be listed alongside the Lost finale and two episodes of Mad Men. "The Son" was such a phenomenal hour of drama.
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife (Supporting Actress in a Drama Series) - I need to catch up on The Good Wife ASAP. Everyone (correctly) predicted that name recognition would guarantee Christine Baranski a supporting nomination for the series, but I'm more excited to see Panjabi on the list. From what I saw of the first season, she was my favorite character.
Matthew Fox, Lost (Lead Actor in a Drama Series) - What an amazing tribute to the show's final season after six years of great work!
Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost (Guest Actress in a Drama Series) - This might be my favorite nomination. I'm considering it the Academy's official apology for ignoring this last year:
Snubs:
Sandra Oh & Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy (Supporting Actress in a Drama Series) - Oh has received a nomination for every year of the show's existence, and Wilson only has one less. Yet both disappeared completely from the race this year. It's too bad, because I think Oh especially earned her spot. If I could, I would give her the trophy right now.
Chloë Sevigny, Big Love (Supporting Actress in a Drama Series) - Since her Golden Globe win last year, Sevigny has appeared on almost every critic's prediction list. Still, it's no surprise that she didn't get nominated, because none of the wives of Big Love have ever earned a nomination (despite seriously deserving one). Instead the show received two well-earned guest actress spots for Sissy Spacek and Mary Kay Place.
Friday Night Lights (Drama Series) - It was amazing that Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton finally got recognized, but I don't understand why the series didn't get a nomination. It's also a shame that Zach Gilford didn't get a nomination for his outstanding guest work in "The Son."
Parks & Recreation (Comedy Series) - The show's hit sophomore season was shut out by newcomers and previous winners. Though it earned a spot for lead actress Amy Poehler, the hilarious Nick Offerman will have to settle for his TCA nomination.
What?!
Matthew Morrison, Glee (Lead Actor in a Comedy Series) - I really don't get it. He's not funny (nor is he really even the show's lead). In fact, his character is pretty much despised by most fans for his awkwardness and constant rapping. Surely other actors were more deserving.
19 nominations for Glee - I enjoy the show, and it certainly has some great moments. But is it really worthy of nineteen nominations? That's more than any other series this year, including Mad Men, 30 Rock, and Modern Family. It got recognition where it was deserved (Jane Lynch, Lea Michele, Colfer, O'Malley, Chenoweth, etc.), but the Emmy love for Glee this year was a bit excessive.
Andre Braugher, Men of a Certain Age & Sharon Gless, Burn Notice (Supporting Actor & Actress in a Drama Series) - I'm not going to say anything about the quality of either performance, since I have seen neither show (though both seem to be getting positive reactions to their nominations). Rather, I am just confused about how they got nominated. They had little to no buzz and appeared on nobody's prediction lists. I suppose it's nice to have a few wild cards thrown in every now and then.
The full list of nominees can be found on the Emmys website.
Currently watching: Six Feet Under Season 4 Episode 1 - Falling Into Place
The Guest Acting categories contain a vast number of possibilities. The comedy ones were especially hard to narrow down to six, but I eventually made a final list. It's difficult to compare one-episode performances to multi-episode arcs, but certain actors leave a greater impression in a single episode than others make in an entire season. Though stunt casting is often criticized, several of the big names are the best in their respective categories. Again, obviously I can't watch everything on television (though I certainly try) so I apologize for any significant omissions.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
James Franco, 30 Rock - He may have been playing himself (sort of), but that doesn't mean he wasn't hilarious! Making fun of yourself is always funny, especially when you squint a lot and have an affair with a Japanese pillow.
Steve Guttenberg, Party Down - Interestingly enough, two actors made it into this category playing caricatures of themselves. Guttenberg was less over the top than Franco but starred in perhaps the funniest episode of Party Down to date.
Neil Patrick Harris, Glee (Bryan Ryan) - The Broadway star strutted his stuff on the hot musical show and performed an excellent rendition of Aerosmith's "Dream On." Thanks to NPH, the episode stands out as one of the best among the season's weaker (in my opinion) second half. His nomination here also makes up for his likely omission from a future Emmy Wish List of mine...
Rob Lowe, Parks & Recreation (Chris Traeger) - Most critics have been praising Adam Scott's guest appearance on Parks, but Rob Lowe is (surprisingly) the funnier of the two. It's refreshing to see him move on from his dramatic work on Brothers & Sisters to something much more enjoyable.
Mike O'Malley, Glee (Burt Hummel) - If it were up to me, I would give him the Emmy right now. His work with Chris Colfer is phenomenal. The only thing working against him is his largely dramatic role forced into a comedic category.
Fred Willard, Modern Family (Frank Dunphy) - The casting here was spot on. His chemistry with Ty Burrell was perfect. Let's hope there's plenty more Willard in Modern Family's future.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Christine Baranski, The Big Bang Theory (Beverly Hofstadter) - Playing Leonard's Sheldon-like genius mother was enough to earn Baranski a nomination last year. This year Leonard's Sheldon-like genius mother got drunk.
Elizabeth Banks, 30 Rock (Avery Jessup) - All I can say is I hope this season's finale means that Banks will be staying around 3o Rock for a while. I understand that she has a movie career to attend to, but her role as Jack's lover, the right wing political pundit, may be her best yet.
Kristin Chenoweth, Glee (April Rhodes) - Emmy winner Kristin Chenoweth (I love saying that) gave yet another Emmy-worthy performance in her first episode of Glee as the washed up ex-show choir star. From boxed wine to Broadway show tunes, her guest appearance was the funniest of the entire season.
Jan Hooks, 3o Rock (Verna Maroney) - For years Elaine Stritch has been the go-to 3o Rock mother for guest actress nominations, but this year we were introduced to Jenna's mother. After a duet with Jenna and a pair of lopsided boobs, I'm ready for Hooks to take her place.
Megan Mullally, Parks & Recreation (Tammy Swanson) - Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally used their off-screen marriage to create onscreen chemistry as ex- husband and wife on Parks. Her evil librarian paired with his deadpan anti-government government official provided great comedy in the show's hilarious second season.
Betty White, Saturday Night Live - The woman can't be stopped. She hosted the best episode SNL has seen in years. Sure, it was also thanks to return of several SNL favorites, but it wouldn't have been possible without Betty White.
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Henry Ian Cusick, Lost (Desmond Hume) - Desmond is the heart of Lost, there's no doubt about it. In its final season, he brought the castaways together in the flash-sideways world, causing them to remember their previous lives on The Island. Without him, many of the season's greatest scenes would not have been possible.
Ted Danson, Damages (Arthur Frobisher) - Danson has been pretty consistent with the quality he delivers on Damages. When the drama needs comic relief, he can provide it, but when his role demands intensity, he performs just as well.
Zach Gilford, Friday Night Lights (Matt Saracen) - Two words: "The Son." I never expected Gilford to move me in one episode as much as Connie Britton has for three seasons. The man made me cry three times in 45 minutes. He needs an Emmy. Now. There's even a Facebook group.
Jared Harris and Robert Morse, Mad Men (Lane Pryce and Bert Cooper) - I'm lumping the two of them together because I don't really have much to say about either, except that they are great parts of Mad Men's excellent ensemble (it's been almost a year since I saw the third season, so give me a break). Morse's old Cooper keeps me laughing, while it was interesting to see the British Pryce fit into the American world of Sterling Cooper.
John Lithgow, Dexter - Unfortunately, I have not yet gotten to see the fourth season of Dexter. So Lithgow is here out of obligation (and a lack of other strong contenders, which could also be due to unfinished viewings of other series, such as Breaking Bad). He will most likely win the Emmy, so I would feel foolish to leave the much buzzed-about performance off of my list.
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Allison Janney, Lost (Mother) - A divisive performance in a controversial episode. I'm on team "'Across the Sea' Was Amazing." I'm also on team "I Love Allison Janney No Matter What She Does." Many argue that the episode relied on Janney's stunt casting, but her portrayal of the mother of the good and evil of The Island was fantastic.
Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost (Juliet Burke) - Her reconnection with Sawyer in the series finale is one of my favorite scenes in the series. Her destruction of the bomb in the season five finale (which was thankfully replayed several times this season) is also one of the best. Unfortunately, Elizabeth Mitchell was overlooked last year as a Supporting Actress, so hopefully that won't happen again this year (unlikely).
Kiernan Shipka, Mad Men (Sally Draper) - Yes, I'm 100% serious. Go back and watch the episode when Gene dies and tell me she doesn't deserve a spot on this list. I dare you.
Sissy Spacek, Big Love (Marilyn Densham) - The Oscar-winner lent her talents to the polygamy drama as the woman who fought against Bill's campaign and casino. Though season four may not be the show's best, Spacek played an excellent villainess for the Henrickson clan.
Lily Tomlin, Damages (Marilyn Tobin) - Damages has great guest stars involved in its season-long mysteries. Lily Tomlin was no exception as the mother who would do anything to protect her family. Anything.
Evan Rachel Wood, True Blood (Sophie-Anne) - "Yahtzee!" The vampire queen of Louisiana will most likely be my only nomination for the series (which I believe is extremely melodramatic and over-acted... but highly addicting), but that's because in just two small appearances she quickly became one of my favorite characters on the show. I can't wait for more Sophie-Anne in season three.
Coming Soon: My picks for Outstanding Supporting Actresses
Currently watching: Breaking Bad Season 2 Episode 8 - Better Call Saul
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