Emmy Chatter: Series

Ryan’s and I conversations about Emmy have come to an end and in preparation for the imminent reading of the nomination-list tomorrow we speculate on the potential nominees.
      
Ryan: Okay ready!

Andrew: Invert that to ready-okay, and we have the beginning of a Bring it On cheer.

Ryan: Awesome, oh wow, like totally freak me out, I mean, right on. The Toros sure are #1!

Andrew: So are the potential comedy nods totally awesome?

Ryan: I don't know about awesome, but I don't think they'll be any big shockers a la a Community or a Cougar Town nomination. And actually to make it ridiculously easy for myself I just looked at my other nominations throughout the past few chats we've had and tallied it up.

Andrew: I don't know, but I could see some big shocks happening. Well, not big but you know.

Ryan: And the top 6 are my show nominations... and it sort of worked out.

Andrew: Emmy isn't Oscar. They don't always nominate those with the most nomination. Didn't True Blood get like 1 other nomination other than Best Drama last year? (Although I fear I'm getting ahead of myself.)

Ryan: Oh, yes on True Blood, so my system isn't perfect, but at least it lines up with my predictions at least giving them some sort of logic (which again is not the Emmy way really). But in any case, we have some locks surely.

Andrew: Four locks, I would presume...although I'm still thinking that there could be a massive shock and Glee gets snubbed.

Ryan: See that WOULD be a massive shock if that were to happen. It'd go along with my random Matt Morrison snub, but I still predicted it to be nominated everywhere else.

Andrew: Of course, as much as Glee is not my in MY top 6 I love it like I love a wayward child - so I don't want that to happen.

Ryan: And even though they are fickle, they are not THAT fickle. They can't ignore how big the show still is in terms of public awareness/buzz.

Andrew: And, as you said - like heroin when it's good it gets you high.

Ryan: Right, so the other locks though seem to be fairly safe especially since they've all won before.

Andrew: Well, The Office has never won but I say that it's a lock.

Ryan: It won in 2006.

Andrew: I honestly forgot that. I kept thinking that the show and Carrell had never won.

Ryan: I didn't know it either until I checked Wikipedia right before our chat! But yeah, since its win it's never NOT been nominated and with it being its the last season... it won't suddenly find itself not in the running.

Andrew: Did you just say this is the last season of The Office?

Ryan: Whoa. Yeah. How... random.

Andrew: Random, and dangerous...if that show gets cancelled this is on you!

Ryan: Ha! But yeah, random Freudian slip maybe. But really with Carrell gone, it really does feel like it though.

Andrew: So, the new shows fighting for a potential nod: ShowTime darling (and its biggest premiere) The Big C; SAG nominated cast Betty White’s Hot in Cleveland and Raising Hope

Ryan: The first two seem to be duking it out. Their main lead is almost guaranteed a nomination so they have that going for them.

Andrew: True. I say The Big C gets the edge because it's most likely going to pick up a writing or directing nod.

Ryan: Yeah and it's not like it'll be a big breakthrough for it to be nominated. Weeds in 2009 and Nurse Jackie in 2010 paved its way. What's weird is why United States of Tara has never been nominated.

Andrew: Diablo Cody hatred, perhaps?

Ryan: Well she's divisive, but who knows?

Andrew: Indeed.

Ryan: Any show, other than Community and Cougar Town, you wish could be honoured? For me, those are the two really. I mean I love How I Met Your Mother and all, but I'm okay with it not being nominated. Wait, there's one show I WOULD LOVE to get nominated, and it's not even a sure thing so I don't know why I didn't mention it. I think it's because I'm hoping it's a lock for a nomination...

Andrew: Are you talking about a particular government office?

Ryan: With a particularly charming blonde lead? YES.

Andrew: If any show gets a breakthrough nod, it could be that...which I could see taking the spot that went to Nurse Jackie last year...

Ryan: It's just really sad that possibly the best sitcom on TV right now needs to "breakthrough" to get a nomination.

Andrew: Yes, it is. It really should be shoo-in...but Emmy voters scare me (re: Two and A Half Men...but that's out right?)

Ryan: Thank goodness. They had the decency to not submit themselves this year.

Andrew: THANK GOODNESS, indeed. So, predictions?


Ryan: My predictions:
30 Rock
The Big C
Glee
Modern Family
The Office
Parks and Recreation

Andrew: My predictions:
30 Rock
The Big C
Glee
Modern Family
The Office
Parks and Recreation

Andrew: Yup, yet again we have the same group...but it's pretty solid. 30 Rock is the least deserving for me ...but they had some brilliant episodes this past season.

Ryan: It is a solid list and I think it's more because I can't see any other shows nominated?

Andrew: Which probably means we're wrong.

Ryan: I mean sure Hot in Cleveland, Raising Hope, Nurse Jackie, and even How I Met Your Mother, but probably not. And yeah, we're SO wrong.

Andrew: Things get a whole lot more interesting in drama.

Ryan: Maybe. We'll see. I have about 4 locks, 1 most likely, and a wildcard.

Andrew: I really can't see Mad Men winning again.

Ryan: Who knows? But yeah it really all depends on how much they love Boardwalk Empire aka the shiny new HBO epic kid on the block.

Andrew: (Which just happens to be made of brilliance.)

Ryan: It's not TV, after all, it's HBO.

Andrew: So, Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men are going to head-to-head...those two male centred dramas...does that mean Alicia Florrick of The Good Wife can sidle in and shock us all?

Ryan: With a win, highly unlikely, but a nomination is pretty lock. It's the one show from broadcast network that has any chance at all really. The closest would be Friday Night Lights, for its final season. And even then a) not big enough or seen enough andit's technically a Direct TV show vs. an NBC show.

Andrew: And I think the category is WAY too stacked for FNL.

Ryan: Most definitely.

Andrew: Dexter I want to say is a lock, but I'm worried that people are tiring of it - sadly.

Ryan: I think it's still a lock though. They, probably, still feel really bad about not honouring Michael C. Hall last year and this season was great at least when it came to Johnny Lee Miller and Julia Stiles.

Andrew: If they felt bad they'd have f%%%ing gave him the statue!!!! (That was for dramatic effect, of course)

Ryan: Of course. In terms of new shows that could breakthrough we have Game of Thrones, The Killing, The Walking Dead, and Shameless. Am I missing anything? Any of them have a chance?

Andrew: And if they go absolutely crazy, which they won't The Borgias. In Treatment was cancelled and in a way, I could see it getting some love at least more than FNL.

Ryan: I haven't seen it, but I felt it was a tough sell of a show. Yes, it's got some love from the acting branch, but the show sort of lends itself to that kind of nomination. But for the whole show? Not sure.

Andrew: It's never been nominated, which I find odd but it seems made for Emmy love.

Ryan: Yeah, if it was going to be nominated, it'd be for its first season or whenever Gabriel Byrne was nominated. Then again one could say the same thing for Friday Night Lights. I'd like to think though that last year's duo-acting nomination could be a sign of (too late?) momentum. But really, probably not.

Andrew: It's on the cusp; if there were - say - eight nods maybe...

Ryan: Weird, it’s my eight pick as well.

Andrew: That IS weirdness. Shall I predict?

Ryan: Go right ahead.

Andrew: I predict:
Boardwalk Empire
Game of Thrones (as last year's True Blood)
The Good Wife
The Killing
Mad Men,
True Blood (as last year's Lost)

Ryan: Hmm. True Blood as last year's Lost? I don't get that analogy. Lost had multiple nominations and they were honouring it for the whole series.

Andrew: Well, year, but they always like an oddball fantasy nod...this year is lacking that.

Ryan: Well that's why they have Game of Thrones. Speaking of... My predictions:
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men,
Shameless

Andrew: We both go in for some new blood. We shall see what ensues.

Ryan: Thrones is my most likely, Shameless is my wildcard, and the rest are my locks. Though if there was anything like last year's True Blood, I'd have think it'd be for The Walking Dead.
The Emmys do love them their AMC the past few years.

Andrew: Which I considered, but I opted for the actual True Blood. Now, I'm nervous wondering how right we were.

Ryan: Just for completes sake... Justified has a chance because they're pushing the show hardcore and critics love it... and then there's my off-the-wall Hail Mary pass for Fringe.

Andrew: I should probably put out a final mention for Big Love...just because. But it shall not happen.

Ryan: It's all about putting it out there. You never know. In fact, hey Emmy how about the retroactive love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you damn bastards.

Andrew: Ha. We'll see...we'll see...Nothing to do now, but wait.

The Emmy nominees are being announced tomorrow morning by Melissa McCarthy and Joshua Jackson (heavy on the alliterative names, apparently).

Previously: Guest Actors and Actresses / Writing and Directing for Comedy / Writing and Directing for Drama / Supporting Actors / Lead Actors / Supporting Actresses / Lead Actresses
        
We’ll be back to give our thoughts on the nominees and make predictions when they’re out, but for now – who are you hoping gets nominated?

Emmy Chatter: Writing and Directing (Comedy)

Most persons don't deign to predict the writing and directing categories, but we're extra special so we took a look. Ryan and I are back with more Emmy predictions. (Previously: Guest Players, Writing and Directing for Drama, Lead Actors, Supporting Actors). So, look out below for more on your favourite comedies - Glee, Modern Family, The Office, 30 Rock (but not in that order).
           
Andrew: So...writing and directing...are we ready?

Ryan: Sounds good. Where to begin?

Andrew: Well, can I preface with saying I find the predictions for writing and directing for a comedy way more difficult?

Ryan: Well since I find predicting for writing/direction difficult in general, as I mentioned before, this was nearly impossible. So yeah. Especially since you kind of know MAYBE which shows to focus on, because Emmy always pick those shows and yet you see all these other submissions that are SO good, but probably have no chance.

Andrew: Yup...on to the writing first I guess. In the case of full disclosure, I'm giving you the WGA nods. Modern Family “Earthquake”, The Office “Wuphf.com” / 30 Rock “When It Rains It Pours”. The rest are ineligible. I just like to see what WGA are interested in. Of course, this doesn't mean these will be nominated.
            
Ryan: Of course not. Certainly The Office will have a few more choices now.

Andrew: Definitely. Where to begin?

Ryan: Well I was going to say... The Office.

Andrew: Sure....but I have no idea which to bet on for that. This last half of the season had some supremely written episodes.

Ryan: I know. The way I see it, they have three episodes... all dealing with Michael's departure. "Garage Sale" with the proposal, "Michael's Last Dundies," and of course Carrell's final episode "Good-Bye Michael". That last episode is a good bet, but "Garage Sale" was so expertly done.

Andrew: I think that the first and last are great more because of the direction, and I kind of feel that they'll want to remember Kaling's writing so I'm thinking the Dundies will be i...even if I wish that they'd submitted Kaling's work on “Classy Christmas”.

Ryan: Yeah. I actually thought that Dundies episode wasn't as strong as the others, but oh well. I see your reasoning and it makes sense. But we'll see. So... Glee?

Andrew: So we can be assured that The Office will get at least one...

Ryan: Most definitely.

Andrew: ...now Glee I can see it getting it, and then again I can see it not. They've only submitted three episodes, and for me one towers above the rest.

Ryan: Good of them to only submit three episodes, but honouring Glee for its writing is... oh man. I don't want to be mean. Which episode seems best to you?

Andrew: I'd have loved if they'd submitted “Furt” or “Never Been Kissed or “Original Song” which I think had the strongest writing but of the three I think “The Substitute” is the best. Gwyneth works a la Kristin in “The Rhodes Not Taken” She interacts with cast, the episode has Sue being well written, has Schue interacting well with Sue and Gwynnie. And has Teri being useful.
            
Ryan: Thanks for recapping since other than Gwyneth, I couldn't remember much of the episode, which is coincidentally airing as we speak. I want to be cynical and say they may gravitate towards “Born This Way” since it's a Very Special Episode.

Andrew: “Born This Way” has some excellently written parts, for example Emma's bit about being a ginger was hilariously written but then there are those awful bits like Quinn's portion. Vomit. But, I don't know what they like Glee for...
          
Ryan: Yeah. For all we know they're off the Glee train.

Andrew: Indeed. They SHOULD be off the 30 Rock train too. Right?

Ryan: You'd think so, but even with a less-than-stellar season the show gave some nice submissions. Their "100" and "When It Rains, It Pours" could make it in.

Andrew: I hated the 100.

Ryan: I should clarify... so did I.

Andrew: The best of the lot, for me, is “Queen of Jordan”...but that probably won't make it.

Ryan: God, that was hilarious. Who knows it very well could. Okay, so another big favourite for them... Modern Family. Thoughts?

Andrew: Yet another show with a slew of potential nods

Ryan: Well “Earthquake” has a good chance, WGA nominated and all, but they have LOTS of choices.

Andrew: This is another show which submitted a number of potential bids, but I don't think all are excellent. The episode I think that was best done isn't there (saving that for a surprise when I reveal MY nominees this week.)
         
Ryan: Of course.

Andrew: I think “Caught in the Act” and “Earthquake” are the logical choices...but, episodes like “The Kiss” or “The Musical Man” had fine reviews.

Ryan: I think so too. I think "Manny Get Your Gun" has a chance as well. Like The Office, the show will get nominated for something. So sadly, I feel like the episodes and shows we mentioned are it in terms of what they might nominate, but WOW so many episodes they are missing.

Andrew: We've got shows like United States of Tara and Nurse Jackie which could be remembered, or the pilots for Raising Hope and The Big C...or Parks and Recreation (which has Poehler getting a potential bid).

Ryan: Exactly. For United States of Tara, the finale was great. And don't even ask me to pick a favourite episode from Parks and Recreation.


Andrew: Okay, I'm going to go first here.
Predictions:
30 Rock for “100”
The Big C for “Pilot”
Modern Family for “Caught in the Act”
The Office for “Goodbye Michael”
Parks and Recreation for “The Fight”

Ryan: Predictions:
30 Rock for “When It Rains it Pours”
Modern Family for “Caught in the Act”
Modern Family for “Earthquake”
The Office for “Goodbye, Michael”
Parks and Recreation for “Lil’ Sebastian”

Andrew: Quite ballsy of you not nominating Tina Fey.

Ryan: I know. I don't know what's wrong with me. There's probably no way they'd not nominate Tina Fey, but again Community did it better in "Paradigms of Human Memory!" Community deserves some love.

Andrew: Ha. So true. So, directing. DGA nods, Entourage for “Lose Yourself” (finale) / Modern Family “Halloween” / 30 Rock “Live Show”. Those 3 are eligible. But, let's start with Glee. They submitted more than in writing...and infinitely better. (Ryan Murphy was nominated at the DGA for “The Power of Madonna”, back when the show was brilliant).

Ryan: "The Sue Sylvester Shuffle" will get attention definitely.

Andrew: Yeah, I think “Sue Sylvester Shuffle” is a threat because it's gaudy and looks over-directed which is what some people think "good" directing is.

Ryan: That's my thoughts exactly. But then "Special Education" and "Original Song" are the Regionals/Sectionals episodes.

Andrew: Logically, “Duets” and “Furt” should be the frontrunners.

Ryan: Logically. With them, it's rarely about that though.

Andrew: And “The Substitute” is always a threat because Murphy directed it.

Ryan: So it could be any number. Though I feel they'll at most only get 2 nominations.

Andrew: At most or at least?

Ryan: Well they have other shows to consider. Jumping to 30 Rock... I think "Live Show" is a lock.

Andrew: Really? Ick. Hated it. Over, the 100?

Ryan: I think so. At least because it was such a big deal. It's gaudy and looks over-directed.

Andrew: Ha. I'm quotable! Bill Condon is a big name and he directs The Big C opener, I think he's a threat.

Ryan: Yeah, he's in my longlist-shortlist. And speaking of name directors... The Office has some of its cast working double-time.

Andrew: “Goodbye Michael” nis probably the lock here, though I'd love for Rainn to get in for the Christmas episode.

Ryan: No doubt. I thought I had more to share in regards to The Office, but I don’t.

Andrew: Modern Family?

Ryan: I know "Halloween" was DGA-nominated, but I think their strongest bet is "See You Next Fall." I don't get why they didn't submit that for Writing.

Andrew: Really? I didn't like “See You Next Fall”. And, strangely, despite the theatrics “Halloween” doesn't feel overdone.

Ryan: So we're just disagreeing all over the place tonight. That's great.

Andrew: Yay for diversity.

Ryan: Haha. Well Raising Hope has its pilot, but I love the title of their other submission "Don't Vote For This Episode." I didn't see the episode, but if I was a voter, I'd watch it.

Andrew: Ha. I get you. I sort of think Entourage should be considered. Not only because of DGA, I think this last season was its best yet.

Ryan: As a non-watcher, I'll take your word for it. Which episode(s)?

Andrew: I figure Lose Yourself, the finale.

Ryan: Parks and Recreation or Community? Will they get any love?

Andrew: The former for “The Fight” and the latter for “A Fistful of Paintballs”?

Ryan: Community submitted its Paintball finale, which doesn't compare to the original, but still something to behold on a sitcom.

Andrew: So, predictions?

Ryan: Okay, predictions:
30 Rock “Live Show”
The Big C “Pilot”
Glee “Sue Sylvester Shuffle”
Modern Family “See You Next Fall”
The Office “Goodbye Michael”
        
Andrew: My gleeful choices.
The Big C “Pilot”
Glee “The Substitute”
Glee “Sue Sylvester Shuffle”
The Office “Goodbye Michael”
Modern Family “Halloween”

Ryan: And thus ends probably the least exciting topic we'll talk about. Next, actresses and Shows!
         
He's so mean isn't he? It could be a strong list of nominees depending on what the Emmy's decide to go for. But what will they go for? What do you think?

Emmy Chatter: Lead Actors

Why is that the lead actors’ races seem so boring to us? Is it because the pickings are slim or is it because we know Emmy is lazy in their choices? Ryan and I are back with my predictions, the Outstanding Lead Actors. We start off predicting and end up veering into discussions on Web Therapy and excel spread-sheets.
       
Andrew: So, the lead actors. It's in theory the top acting category, but I find the pickings really slim. Or is it just me?

Ryan: No, it's not just you. My long-list is not really that long to be honest.

Ryan: But I think most of that is also due to the Emmys sticking to the same 5-6 guys as much as they can whenever they can.

Andrew: Exactly. Because there are some great actors coming to mind, but I just know that Emmy is never going to nominate them.

Ryan: Most definitely. With that said, in Comedy and Drama there are people who aren't eligible or their shows ended, so they HAVE to pick new-ish people.

Andrew: So, which of the two to start with. Which is weaker, drama or comedy?

Ryan: Don't know about weaker per se, but let's start with Comedy first.

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy

Ryan: There are three locks, no?

Andrew: Parsons, Carrell and Baldwin?

Are these three poised for a nomination?

Ryan: Exactly. Last year's winner, sentimental favourite, and loved by the Emmys.

Andrew: Yup, yup, yup. I can already see that this is going to be one tepid discussion. (I'm sure our personal lists will be way more fun.)

Ryan: Most definitely. Though it will be interesting to see where the Emmys will go to fill the other spots. Would it be 2 or 3 more spots?

Andrew: Generally, it's six per category (for serial acting). I know you're not a fan of Morrison, but considering the weak field of persons they'd actually nominate I'd say he deserves a nod (and will probably get one).

Ryan: Ha! Actually when I was making my predictions I came up with five choices leaving out Morrison so I guess he could take that sixth spot for me. I wonder if the Emmys are still high on Glee though in general. I'd wish they'd branch out a bit more like Joel McHale even though he isn't the funniest in his cast.

Andrew :I think I'll save my thoughts on Glee acting for when we meet a particular category, but I think Morrison deserves credit for making a lot poor writing decisions work (most notably “Rocky Horror Glee Show” which he sort of sold).

Ryan: Yeah, I guess. I think I've just developed a sense of apathy towards Morrison's character which is sad.

Andrew: Heretic! And, incidentally, I'm wondering if McHale could get a nomination (although I like to pretend Community is just Glover and Brie.)

Ryan: It really all depends on if they think that Community was snubbed last year. Zero nominations in all categories! Which was especially stingy since they asked McHale to announce the nominations last year!

Andrew: AND Community was BRILLIANT last season, much better than this one.

Ryan: Yes, exactly I was just going to say that if this season had built up on the goodwill the first one had, then it'd almost be a no-brainer. But speaking of a brilliant show... Parks & Recreation... any thoughts on Rob Lowe's lead campaign?

Andrew: I think it's both brilliant and ridiculous...just like his character actually. It might work, and then again it might not, but maybe it might. On the topic of freakish submissions, I finished watching Episodes Season One and Matt LeBlanc is nowhere NEAR a lead actor. I have a feeling one of them will get in, but I'm not sure which...

Ryan: That's a bit weird. At least from the commercials I've seen it looked like LeBlanc's star vehicle post-Friends (because Joey never ever existed).

Andrew: (Drea de Mateo was ridiculously wasted on Joey. Ugh.) Nope, the Brits are the lead. The show is HILARIOUS, but Matt's hardly the draw for me. But, eh, he's a name actor. And, why has Duchovney never gotten an Emmy nod? I didn't watch this last Californication season, but he's great and he has a Golden Globe.

Ryan: Yeah, plus we already said it's a weak field. I was even tempted to put it Matthew Perry for the not-so-good Mr. Sunshine just for name recognition alone.

Andrew: Why haven't Perry and Kudrow gotten better post Friends shows? They're brilliant (PS. off topic, but have you heard Web Therapy is coming to the small screen?)

Ryan: I actually sort of dug The Comeback and Sunset Strip. They were both flawed, but at least Kudrow and Perry were damn watchable.

Andrew: Yeah, they were good but they both got cancelled well before their time!

Ryan: And yes, I can't wait to see how Web Therapy on TV. I need to catch up on the web series!

Andrew: Wow, we sort of derailed this conversation, that's how boring these men are. Okay, what do your nods look like?


Ryan: My predictions:
Alec Baldwin 30 Rock
Louis C.K. Louie
Steve Carrell The Office
Matt LeBlanc Episodes
Joel McHale Community
Jim Parsons The Big Bang Theory
And yes, I'd rather be wrong than predict Matthew Morrison.

Andrew: To quote Sue, “your resentment is delicious!” So, you see Louie making it? I've never seen it.

Ryan: Never seen it either, but critics are loving it. And again, weak category.

Andrew: My predictions:
Alec Baldwin 30 Rock
Steve Carrell The Office
Rob Lowe Parks and Recreation
Matthew Morrison Glee
Joel McHale Community
Jim Parsons The Big Bang Theory

Ryan: Rob Lowe! Delicious. Literally. Okay, Drama.

Outstanding Actor in a Drama

Ryan: This field is a bit more interesting. Maybe? Not really.

Andrew :Haha. What do you think of the field, generally? I think great potential nominees. Shame, Emmy hates them.

Ryan: Pretty much what I'm thinking too. Like Comedy, I see three locks. Buscemi, Hall, and Hamm.

Andrew: God, I want Hall to win so badly. Seriously, my mouth was on the floor when he lost last year? I mean cancer, a SAG, a Globe and the man STILL can't win an Emmy? Egads.

What does he have to do to win an Emmy?

Ryan: Yeah, I love love love Bryan Cranston and his character Walt in Breaking Bad, but he did not need to win a third time and certainly should NOT have won over Hall last year. I was so... confused!
Andrew: I mean, Rita died DAMN IT! Ugh. Okay, moving on - I'm getting caught up. Who do we see joining him? I say Chandler, easy as pie. (Not that pie is easy, but whatever.)

Ryan: Is it that easy really? I mean it was a great (and awesome) breakthrough for him and Britton to be nominated last year, but will they repeat? I guess in this case, Emmys complacency should help for once.

Andrew: I just feel like Chandler is EVERYWHERE now and the Super 8 (which I DID NOT LIKE) I just feel like he's in. I don't know. But then, Paxton has never been nominated (WTF??????) and his show ended too...

Ryan: Kind of odd to see Chloe Sevigny the only person to get noticed from that show, but neither here nor there.

Andrew: (and Sevigny did not get Emmy love, but I'm not even going there...not for now)

Ryan: Other than Buscemi, any other new blood? There's a lot of talk about Timothy Olyphant for Justified.

Andrew: I've never seen Justified, I love Olyphant but I'm a terrible fan...for some reason I think he could be easily snubbed...it's sort of half-and-half from where I sit. Same goes for William H. Macy in Shameless.

Ryan: And Sean Bean in Game of Thrones. Lots of maybes, who knows, we'll see...

Andrew: And Hugh Laurie in House. Geez, this category is actually looking packed.

Ryan: Gabriel Byrne in In Treatment is a former nominee.

Andrew: Irons for The Borgias, Byrne for In Treatment, Leary for Rescue Me. Wow...this is interesting.

Ryan: Yeah, plenty of people could be nominated it seems!

Andrew: I'm going to go ahead and lay down my picks; even though I have a feeling I'll be devastatingly wrong.

Ryan: Half of our picks will at least be right!

Andrew: (Always the optimist). Predictions:
Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empire
Gabriel Byrne in In Treatment
Kyle Chandler in Friday Night Lights
Michael C. Hall in Dexter
Jon Hamm in Mad Men
Bill Paxton in Big Love
I sort of feel Chandler and Paxton won't both be nominated, but I don't know which to chuck out. Paxton was great this last season, but then....he's always been good...Ugh.

Ryan: Wow, we both snubbed Hugh Laurie. Very interesting. My predictions:
Steve Carrell
Kyle Chandler in Friday Night Lights
Michael C. Hall in Dexter
Jon Hamm in Mad Men
William H. Macy in Shameless
Timothy Olyphant in Justified
Um, Wow not Carrell... Buscemi for Boardwalk Empire.

Andrew: Ha. Now THAT'S a weird slip.

Ryan: Well Steve Carrell did make me cry this season! Bastard.

Andrew: I'm actually kind of sure that Paxton WON'T be nominated, but I don't want to predict him not getting in. I'd feel responsible if he doesn't...

Ryan: We have our own battles. Mine is not predicting Morrison, yours is predicting Paxton. We're good.

Andrew: So, hmm. The men are done. I'm having way more fun making up my fake ballots.

Ryan: I'll need to look over the list again to make my own picks, but yeah it'll definitely be way more fun.


Excel Sheets,
Andrew: When I say I'm neurotic, I'm not kidding. I've been making my spreadsheet since January. I have an entire excel sheet dedicated to my ballot.

Ryan: That is impressive. The closest thing I've done similar to that would be to keep an on-going list of movies I see and rank them relative to each other as soon as I see them so that by year's end, the list would be done. Oh and I also list all of the critic awards pre-Oscars to track down front-runners and whatnot.

Andrew: (I have another excel document for movies.)

Ryan: Of course you do!

Andrew: This is so screwed up.

Ryan: It's what we do. We all have our little obsessions.

Andrew: My own awards are more fun because I choose my own categories, wherever I see fit. Like when we discuss the supporting actors next (tomorrow?) you'll see how random some of the submissions are.

Ryan: I've looked them over already though nothing really looked out of place for me. I'm sure you'll point them out though.

Andrew: I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic or not…

Ryan: I'm not! For me, it was just funny seeing people submit themselves as if they have a chance to actually get nominated. So hilarious. Oh man now I sound overly pretentious... but seriously, some of these people... no.
              
We can’t give away the entire conversation. Supporting Actors are next, but what do you think of our predictions for the Lead Actor Ballot? Are we crazy for snubbing Laurie? Is Ryan crazy for snubbing Morrison?

Emmy Chatter: Guest Performers

I have this theory that my naturally obsessive personality is so chronic that it’s always on the lookout for something new to obsess over and at the moment I’ve set my sights on the vast world of TV. The Emmy nominees (the golden standard for the small screen) are going to be announced in a few weeks (July 11th) and I’m taking a journey through the main categories, prediction-wise, with fellow TV stalwart Ryan of Sorta That Guy. Most of my readers are exclusively cinema oriented but I know a few of you have a love for television – like Robert and United States of Tara, or Jose and True Blood or Luke and Modern Family. I’m hungry for awards’ talk, the Emmy’s will suffice.
        
So, Ryan and I started with the guest performers. Here's what our conversation went like...
          
Andrew: Okay, the ball's in your court. What do you want to start with Comedy Guests or Drama Guests? Actors or Actresses?

Ryan: Let's do Comedy. You choose the gender!

Andrew: Okay, Guest Actor in a Comedy. They're way more boring.

Ryan: Isn't that the truth. So who are you predicting?

Andrew: Well, last year NPH won for being phenomenal on Glee, but there's no Glee star that's going to be getting a nod this year and the Emmy's LOVE John Lithgow so he's the closest thing to a lock I can think of for playing Barney's dad on How I Met your Mother.

So is NPH passing on the baton to his father this year?

Andrew: And, Justin Timberlake already won for Saturday Night Live and John Slattery on 30 Rock seems way too obvious to ignore. So that's three. Help me out!
 
Ryan: I also have Lithgow in my predictions, because they love him and he does good work with NPH on HIMYM. Do you really think they wouldn't nominate Darren Criss though from Glee? I'm also predicting Justin Timberlake since they're lazy and he's entertaining enough. John Slattery seems like an easy pick, but I'm actually not predicting him.

Andrew: Criss is fine on Glee, he's just there to be dreamy and for Kurt to make googly eyes at, but he's submitting "Never Been Kissed", which I think he's less than stellar in. And bleh, it's just sort of tame.
    
Ryan: I agree with you on the tameness and the lack of substance Blaine as a character has. But they love Colfer, Glee, and it's an Important Political Issue.

Andrew: Hmm, I get that, but the Emmy is so weird with youth. They almost never give them love. I'm anticipating someone from Modern Family to make it, but who? There's Nathan Lane, James Marsden, Matt Dillon? They're not a show 30 Rock that demands all their guests get nods but I could see at least two of them making it.

Which Modern Family/30 Rock equation will make it?

             
Ryan: I actually have Alan Alda and Nathan Lane, less because of their work and more because they like to nominate guest actors from 30 Rock and Modern Family respectively. So I'd say Lane over the Modern Family guest actors.
    
Andrew: Even, though I think he's the least interesting of the three potential guest slots for the show? I could actually see that happening, but I could just as easily see it not. Any chance of any of The Office guys making it?
      
Ryan: Will Ferrell might have a chance, but I hope not since I really didn't like the character at all.
         
Andrew: I find it sort of odd that Groff didn't submit himself for Glee nor Reid Ewing for Modern Family nor James Spader for The Office. I never really get these submissions. Ah, well: I'll show my hand. My predicted:
Alan Alda 30 Rock
Jim Carrey Saturday Night Love
Matt Dillon Modern Family
John Lithgow How I Met Your Mother
John Slattery 30 Rock
Justin Timberlake Saturday Night
      
You?
     
Ryan: My predictions:
Alan Alda 30 Rock
Daren Criss glee
Eddie Izzard United States of Tara
Nathan Lane Modern Family
John Lithgow How I Met Your Mother
Justin Timberlake Saturday Night Live
Actually I wanted to know your thoughts on Eddie Izzard's work on United States of Tara. More than probable, no?
              
Andrew: I like the idea of Izzard, and people love him, but the Emmy's have such massive tunnel vision with United States of Tara that I never know if they'll remember him. They see Collette and no one else.
        
Ryan: Very true. I mean Keir Gilchrist should've been nominated over Chris Colfer (or along side him) last year.
 
Andrew: And Rosemarie Dewitt. I mean, WTF? Emmy's are so weird. Okay, on to Guest Actress in Comedy. Way more interesting and tough. What do you think of the field?
               
Ryan: So very tough. The only real lock is Cloris Leachmen in Raising Hope. They LOVE her and it's a very showy role in a crtically-loved show.   
Andrew: Have you seen it? I mean, I have zero interest in seeing it which makes me feel badly.
        
Ryan: I saw the first half of the season, but stopped due to time-contrainst and not because the show became bad. I've been meaning to catch up.And as great as Martha Plimpton is on the show, Leachman is the great Emmy hope for this show.
       
Andrew: Well, yeah, Cleachman is in because they love her, I believe she ruled the category for Malcolm in the Middle. They love all old people. Which means that Elaine Stritch is a lock too for 30 Rock. It's like old-women give them a giant hard-on or something. Stritch isn't always that good on the show, but I digress. I say, Stritch, Leachman and Paltrow are locks.
        

Ryan: Yes to their love for older women which is why I also think that Carol Burnett (Glee) and Mary Tyler Moore (Hot in Cleveland) might make it in. The latter only if the Betty White Adulation is still strong this year. Paltrow seems like a sure bet too since she's a Big Name on a Big Show, plus she has her charms especially early on. I don't watch The Big C, but I know you do, what are Cynthia Nixon's chances?
          
Andrew: Yeah, for Burnett. And Cynthia Nixon is MAGNIFICENT on the show. She's already got two Emmy's so I think they love her, so she should be in. But, I'm wondering if they'll remember Linney and no one else like with the other showtime shows. Tina Fey is potentially in, but can't they get tired of her eventually, you think?
         
Ryan: They never get tired of anybody it seems, but yeah I'm not so confident about Fey. Then there are former winners Kristin Chenoweth (Glee) and Megan Mullaly (Parks and Recreation). And anyone from Modern Family? So everything is up in the air, this category.
          
Andrew: I can see Kristin being nominated because even though her role was small she was spectacular, but then I could see her not. I don't see Megan getting it. I know Parks and Rec is potentially seeing more love this season, but those people are fickle. So, hmm, I think she'll be shafted.Okay. Show your hand. Name your six.
          
Ryan: My predictions:
Kristin Chenoweth Glee
Cloris Leachman Raising Hope
Mary Tyler Moore Hot in Cleaveland
Cynthia Nixon The Big C
Gwyneth Paltrow Glee
Elaine Stritch 30 Rock
And really who knows?
            
Andrew: So close to mine:
Carol Burnett Glee
Kristin Chenoweth Glee
Cloris Leachman Raising Hope
Gwyneth Paltrow GleeAmy Poehler Saturday Night Live
Elaine Stritch 30 Rock
I see Poehler as a surprise nod for her work, but I already see that that's too much Glee, so I know I'm wrong.
              
Ryan: Well we'll see. Their Glee-love last year was excessive, so who knows?
                          
Andrew: Who knows indeed. Okay, Guest actors for drama. Any locks?
       
Ryan: Michael J. Fox in The Good Wife is incredibly locked though in an ideal world so would Johnny Lee Miller for his work in Dexter.
        
Andrew: For me the lock is Beau Bridges in Brothers and Sisters which has had a less than stellar year, but they nominated him for his work on Desperate Housewives two seasons back when the show was going through more than a rough patch. And Beau was nominated for The Closer last year. So, who knows?
            

Ryan: See, I didn't know that. So Beau Bridges, who did make my longlist as I was preparing for this conversation, didn't REALLY seem like someone who could make the shortlist. Certainly Robert Morse from Mad Men? But only if they are lazy really.
           
Andrew: Morse, I didn't even think of it...but maybe they won't be that lazy. Law and Order people seem to make it a lot, but I don't watch any of them anymore (except random SVU's to bitch about how much I hate Mariska). Jeremy Irons is being talked up.
         
Ryan: I don't watch it anymore either, but if it's anyone it'll be Jeremy Irons, though Lost's Henry Ian Cusick might have a chance as well. Another show I don't watch anymore is The Mentalist but Bradley Whitford's role is a super important one on the show and his scene in this year's finale is quite a big moment/turning point for the show. But I have no idea how much the show is on their radar.
              
Andrew: Geez, this category looks even more boring than the comedy one. Yawn. Okay, predictions:
Beay Bridges Brothers and Sisters
Richard Dreyfyss Parenthood (who knows, right?)
Michael J. Fox The Good Wife
Jeremy Irons Law and Order: SVU
Johnny Lee Miller Dexter
Peter Weller Dexter
In a perfect world, it'd be Dallas Roberts over Fox.
         
Ryan: My predictions:
Beau Bridges Brothers and Sisters
Michael J. Fox The Good Wife
Jack Huston Boardwalk Empire
Johnny Lee Miller Dexter
Bradley Whitford The Mentalist
Clearly I added Bridges just now after talking to you. I replaced Morse.
        
Andrew: Hmm, Jack Huston for Boardwalk Empire? I would love that, I really would but the Emmy's are weird.
       
Ryan: I only did that since I'm expecting Boardwalk Empire to do really well with the Emmy's even though I haven't seen a single episode!
           
Andrew: Well, the show is great. Okay, guest actress in a drama. My mind is still ruminating, you go.
        
Ryan: Unlike the other guest category, I don't really think there's anyone who is a lock here. I mean it's a lock that someone who guest starred in Law & Order: SVU will make it in. But who? Shohreh Aghdashloo, Maria Bello, Kate Burton, Marcia Gay Harden, Drea DeMatteo, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Elizabeth Mitchell, Rita Wilson? GAH!
         
Andrew: That's precisely what I'm thinking. I'm looking at the list and thinking, eenie-meenie-minie-, Marcia Gay Harden.
          
Ryan: Having not seen the episodes obviously, I was leaning towards Kate Burton or possibly Mitchell, who was nominated last year in this same category for Lost. Shoreh Aghdashloo might get nominated for her work in House.
    
Andrew: I want to say Stiles is in because she got the globe nod, and because it's shameless category fraud and she rules the episode. Aghdashloo and Messing and Marcia for Law and Order, then Ellen Burstyn for Big Love because she's old and classy. But, I'm really being random here. So, don't hold me to it.
              
Ryan: If I had to pick a lock, as flimsy as it is, it would be Stiles for Dexter. She did phenomenal work certainly, but yeah I hate the category fraud. And how did I forget about Messing? Yeah, who knows?
                
Andrew: But remember it's that same terrible fraud that made Lithgow win last year for Dexter, so I say she's in. I'm thinking that someone from The Good Wife (Silverman, Anika Noni Rose) should be in. But, I'm PISSED that Mary Beth Peil didn't submit herelf for playing Peter's mother.
           
Ryan: Yeah, I think Mary Beth Peil could've had a chance, especially with some of her scenes with Margulies towards the end of the season. They probably don't take Silverman seriously enough and if only Anika Noni Rose was a bigger star in their eyes, but I wouldn't be so shocked if one of them makes it in. They do love The Good Wife.
    
Andrew: and Anika submitted well ("Silly Season"). or maybe Evan or Alfre from True Blood. The former because her star's on the rise, or the latter because she's amazing and they love. She's got like 5 Emmys.
           
Ryan: They're both on my longlist, but even though they've shown some love for True Blood in recent years, just not sure if it has grown. Joan Cusack could be a favorite too in her Shameless role (and she also did SVU).
     
Andrew: Goodness, this is wild. Okay, going for blind-picks here. Okay, so my picks:
Shohreh Aghdashloo Law and Order: SVU
Ellen Burstyn Big Love
Marcia Gay Harden Law and Order: SVU
Ann-Margaret CSI
Debra Messing Law and Order: SVU
Julia Stiles Dexter
        
Ryan: I know. This is going to be crazy. My predictions:
Shohreh Aghdashloo House
Joan Cusack Shameless
Marcia Gay Harden Law and Order: SVU
Elizabeth Mitchell Law and Order: SVU
Gretchen Mol Boardwalk Empire
Julia Stiles Dexter
And yes, Boardwalk Empire sneaks a nomination here, too.
         

Andrew: Gah, I forgot to talk up Mol. She's fabulous, and gorgeous, and fabulous. She got her son (played by Michael Pitt) when she was 13 and she looks like his wife. I REALLY want her to be remembered.
        
Ryan: I'll take your word for it! But since the Emmy's aren't until forever from now, I definitely have time to catch up on the show.
     
Andrew: Wow, we just seemed to roll through that.
       
UP NEXT: Writing and Directing in a Drama Series.
        
Do you have any predictions for the guest category at this year's Emmys?

TV Week in Review: 1st-5th May

So, another fairly good week of TV. I missed ABC’s Wednesday lineup, so I’ll probably include that in next week’s slate when I get the chance.

Desperate Housewives: “I’ll Swallow Poison on Sunday”

It’s not as well constructed an episode as the last two were, but it’s a generally solid movement forward in terms of general plot. Lynnette continues to exasperate, and I’m both impressed that the writers are allowing a main character to be so wrong about something and annoyed that she continues to miss the same relationship with cues with Tom after seven seasons (and 12 years counting that 5 year jump). Susan’s liaison with Paul is thickened by Felicia’s attempts to poison him which are interesting but disturbing and not necessarily in a good way. Bree dominates the episode for me. Her imminent relationship with the detective Chuck is interesting to watch, especially measured against her issues with the Solis clan. It’s so silly of Carlos, but I suppose it’s best for Gaby to work on her marriage than her friendship with Bree. I figure some disaster will happen to make him rethink his decision, but I hope it doesn’t end up coming off too trite.

[B/B-]

United States of Tara: “The Road to Hell is Paved with Breast Intentions”

I have to say that I’m really disinterested in Marshall as a character this season, he’s always been something of a voyeur but I don’t know – it’s gotten worse, not a deal breaker for the show by any means, but just unfortunate. On the other hand, Kate as a flight attendant seems like a fine way to use Larson’s talents (really, isn’t she doing great work this season) and it’ll be interesting to see what – if anything – comes of her potential affiance with the scruffy haired passenger. Tara’s issues with her mother were necessary, on an emotional level, I suppose but they didn’t resound with me as much as I’d have hoped but it’s essentially a good episode. Can’t believe we’re half way through the season already, though – but a lot has happened.

[B/B+]

            

Nurse Jackie: “When the Saints Go”

It’s different on Nurse Jackie, though. The season has been going well, but I can’t really pinpoint any significant arc that has happened to put the rest of the episodes into perspective. Coop bonding with the trauma patient was an interesting arc. I suppose O’Hara and Jackie need to rekindle their friendship, but the latter is coming off even colder than usual in her personal life though the moment at the end with Gloria was nicely played. It was an episode of little things, and Zooey was great pondering of little things like her relationship. I do love the show, but it’s weird how continuity is not a significant portion of it. Not that it its non-contiguous, all the episodes just seem to exist in their own sphere.

[B/B+]

Glee: “Rumours”

So, on the upside Kristin Chenoweth is back and there’s no way she’s never not-awesome but on the downside she gets one song. Anarchy. So, rumours....it works with the dramatic beats much better than I expected even if I’m nonplussed about why Sam’s past is the one we’re delving into. Random much? The continuity works on bits like Will’s quest for stardom measured against his love for the Glee club. And, the smaller drama like the Finn/Rachel/Quinn mess (how I wish Finn and Rachel never become a couple again) is tempered enough to not be annoying. The second half does feel a bit disjointed in that a whole sloth of exposition is revealed making it seem like a lot’s been left on the cutting room floor (especially in relation to Will/April and Britney/Artie) and I wish they’d have cut the final song for tying up some lose ends. But, it works – for the most part. But how seriously random is it that Sam’s past is the one we delve into? Tina, Mercedes, Mike, Santana, Brittney and most importantly PUCK are all characters whose family life we have no idea about. Ugh, fail Ryan Murphy...

[B/B+]

The Good Wife: “In Sickness”

The explosions in relation to Alicia finding out about Peter and Leela (aka Kalinda) haven’t actually reached to the surface, so in a way this episode should be something of a filler, but it’s still one of the best of the season. There’s a potent tension pervading the entire one hour, and even though – for me – The Good Wife is all about the awesomeness that is Kalinda Sharma, and to a lesser degree Christine Lockhart it was nice watching Alicia ground an entire episode, almost devoid of supporting players. As always the main case is responsible for less than a third of the actual story, and kudos to Mary Beth Peil for turning a great performance as Jackie. It’s been a great television for female guest stars, but in too scenes she surprises me some emotion I’d never noticed in her before. The strongest scene was probably Alicia’s conversation with her children, Mackenzie Vega is often more than a little annoying but it works this episode around. It’s the personal moments like these which make this show more than just another run-of-the-mill procedural. Moreover, as petty as Peter’s accusations at the end of the episode were they are worthy of consideration. Alicia’s not the only victim here.

[A-]

Community: “A Fist-full of Paintballs”

I didn’t much care for the original paintball episode, but this one was brilliant. Perhaps, it was because there was a significant amount of plot infused with the hijinks of the shootout – I don’t know, I hate to conduct post-mortems. Still, it’s a good one. Pierce’s continual annoyance has made his place in the group questionable which acts as an episode for Annie to shine all the while backed up by the usual silliness that marks Greendale. I’m interested in seeing what the conclusion to it all will be, but even on its own this episode is a definite success.

[A-]

The Office: “The Inner Circle”

The first episode after Michael’s goodbye and it’s a good one. I’m still not sold on Deangelo as a character, but it’s so good watching the usual suspects work around him. I have to say I hate how little a role Krasinski has played this season (he was in my top 5 last year) so it’s nice that he gets an episode to do what he does best: make great facial expressions and balance that bathetic humour of his. The episode was filled with great bits, too. For example, how great is it seeing the power-couple, Ryan and Kelly, dealing with the madness of Deangelo. What does Ryan do at Dunder Mifflin? And then, Dwight too is so good working out his own issues with Deangelo. The women get a chance to do good stuff (I miss Angela’s insanity) and it ends in a wonderful gag. True, Deangelo is no Michael Scott but this show will always be about the ensemble, and they’re in top form. We can work around Ferrell.

[B+]

Parks & Recreation: “Eagleton”

Each time I think this show has realised its awesomeness and will just continue being brilliant it gets even more brilliant. Amy Poehler has been turning in some brilliant work this season, and now it’s getting difficult for me to decide which episode she’s best in. The episode has two arcs and they complement each other well because they’re both about how excellent Leslie is at her job. True, Parker Posey is hilarious and it’s interesting to think of a young Leslie and the conflict between Eagleton and Pawnee was excellent. But, it’s even more fun how well she knows Ron so that she can plan the perfect birthday for him complete with steak, breakfast food and The Bridge on the River Kwai. And, of course, there were random moments of greatness like Tom telling off Lindsay, and that garbae fight with Leslie and Lindsay and those great Leslie/Ann moments. Yup, this IS the best comedy on TV, perhaps the best show.

[A]

30 Rock: “Respawn”

I didn’t even realise that this was the season finale of the show until afterwards, and considering the goodness that went on last week it’s a bit of a letdown. It sort of encapsulates how volatile this season one, filled with goodness and then combated with some head scratchers. Little moments worked especially well – like Liz in court, or Jenna breaking into that wool song but overall it was a bit too limp and it’s a shame because the show still has the ability to wow. The episode was just too disjointed. The Kenneth/Jack issue fails terribly, even if I get the concept and it’s the same for Jenna’s story. They give her a significant, but it’s something of a doozy. I suppose 30 Rock wouldn’t be the same without these odd curveballs, but still...

[B-/C+]

Grey’s Anatomy: “White Wedding”

It’s nice to see that Grey’s is continuing its easy trend back to goodness. It’s a nice episode, free of thrills but a good way of giving Callie and Arizona (and Derek and Meredith) their first step into marriage. It’s free of thrills, but not necessarily of drama. It’s going to be interesting to see what becomes of Alex suspecting of Meredith’s tampering with the clinical trial and I love the ambiguity of it all in that her motives were selfless. Then, there’s Cristina and Teddy and both women have strong cases so it’s difficult to pick a side. Well, not really (Sandra Oh, all the way). I’m glad they didn’t go for the easy way out with Callie’s mother and it’s nice that Bailey was the one who made her see the light. AND Derek and Meredith plan on adopting one gorgeous African baby, so it’s all good. 

[B/B+]

Private Practice: “Something Old, Something New”

It’s a fairly good episode as Coop and Charlotte tie the knot, but it’s about more than that. Addison and Naomi are still at odds and Addison’s motives finally make sense now that I think of it – though I wish the two best friends would just kiss and make up already. I’m less interested about the Addison and Sam relationship, though. Violet’s issues are another thing I’m puzzled about. On one hand, it’s unfortunate but the always practical Naomi is not being overly conscientious by worrying about the practice. It’s nice that Coop and Charlotte decided to just screw it and elope but it feels sort of like a band aid over a big bullet hole. There’s a lot of issues the entire practice needs to sort out...

[B/B-]

Random Thoughts

• Wouldn’t it be a nice Emmy category be “best episode titles”?


• Can you believe that THIS is the first time Quinn/Finn actually sing a song. Once again, I wish the two would remain together. I have virtually no interest in their romantic affairs but they complement each other, vocally especially.


• So, who else thinks Alex gets Chief Resident?


• Is it wrong that I wish Pierce would leave the show?

Standout Writing

The Good Wife A-

Parks & Recreation A-

Community A-

Standout Performances

Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation A/A-

Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife A-

Alison Brie in Community A-

John Krasinski in The Office B+

Nick Offerman in Parks & Recreation B+

          

Peter Facinelli in Nurse Jackie: B+

Marcia Cross in Desperate Housewives B/B+

Merrit Wever in Nurse Jackie B/B+
Sara Ramirez in Grey's Anatomy B/B+
Rosemarie Dewitt in United States of Tara: B+
Brie Larson in United States of Tara B/B+

         

What did you watch this week?