Emmy Chatter: The Postmortem

Now that the dust has settled, sort of, on the Emmy nominations Ryan and I sit down to discuss the oddest (and greatest) things about the nominees. I'm feeling particularly annoyed with the nominees, even if they aren't as bad as I initially thought.


Andrew: So, it's been what, a week, since the Emmy nominees came out. Any things pops out at you now that it's all sunk in?

Ryan: The fact that even with some insane and unthinkable snubs, it's a solid year of nominees.

Andrew: And yeah, I agree that despite my initial resentments the list is pretty solid but some of those snubs still have me searing. And that's because as good as some of the nominees are, they're really quite safe.

Ryan: So safe. Even the shockers weren't shocking really and in fact are quite boring.

Andrew: That's it, you know? I mean, sure it's surprising that Modern Family gets all four men in...but it's not THAT big of a shock, you know? It's surprising, but it's surprising because it's so unoriginal.

Ryan: It's only shocking because Neil Patrick Harris got snubbed in the category. All four of those men would've made it in anyways and Chris Colfer, but damnit Jon Cryer? Really? And I'm not even mentioning Nick Offerman. I really thought it was his year especially with the show finally getting a Comedy Series nod (yay!).

Andrew: Both of the supporting actor categories give me a headache. And I think they're the key to seeing who wins the series category. Obviously, love for Modern Family is voluminous (don't even get me started on the threeunnecessary nods for directing). And the fact that Boardwalk Empire couldn't secure one nod for Supporting Actor probably means Mad Men gets it again.

Ryan: Possibly, but look how loved The Good Wife is! Most of its adult cast was nominated and then some.

Andrew: I know, but seriously Josh Charles? Ugh.

Ryan: It's not exactly a Matthew Morrison nomination, but I agree a bit. Then again he has been around for awhile. He's likable enough in a show they obviously love.

Andrew: I can't stand him or the character. You loathe Will Schuester (abhorrent of you, I might add) I loathe Will Gardner.

Ryan: Well there you go. But speaking of Shuester, they saw the light didn't they? And no Lea Michele? But they dominated Guest Actress like whoa. Dot Marie Jones is my single favorite Emmy nomination this year.

Andrew: Do people really loathe Lea Michele? I get them being happy she's not nominated because Rachel is semi lead, semi supporting. But do they actual think she's a terrible actor?

Ryan: I have no idea what industry people feel about her. All I know is... people love Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer. I actually feel sorry for her a bit because people probably dump a lot of unnecessary hate on her. That category, Best Actress in Comedy, provided a lot of the surprises for me. No Lea or Toni? Martha Plimpton gets in. Melissa McCarthy?! Love her, but that really was a bit of shock to me.

Andrew: I have nothing to say about that...at least no real information. It's random, McCarthy did supreme work on Gilmore Girls and Samantha Who but Mike and Molly really does look ghastly.

Ryan: It really does. Tried to sit through one episode after her nomination, and no, couldn't finish it.

Andrew: The snubs in Lead Actress were CRAZY, though. No Toni AND no Kyra. I was so surprised after not hearing Kyra I think I missed all the other nominees.

Ryan: Now THAT one really was random. I just don't get it. Maybe the pro-Marguilies camp got her kicked out for stealing her award last year. I'm half joking.

Andrew: And the fact that they actually nominated Mariska Hargitay is just...well, it's just weird. I mean I still am in shock over that.

Ryan: Yeah, she must know secrets of certain people.

Andrew: The Toni snub hurt because she's brilliant and it's the final season...but the show is cancelled and doesn't have many viewers......and people are weird about the comedic/drama thing. Because notice they go for traditional comedy in the form of Plimpton and McCarthy...which I think is pure tosh.

Ryan: Well I'm one of those people weird about the comedic/drama thing, but Toni would damn still appear in my ballot.

Andrew: But I just can't explain Kyra's snub.

Ryan: My love for them as actresses is overcoming any negative feelings I have. And actually Plimpton deserves this spot. She's HILARIOUS.

Andrew: Well, sight unseen I can't say.

Ryan: Speaking of sight unseen, my big gamble on predicting Shameless in the big categories didn't exactly pan out. But Justified... yeah.

Andrew: Glad Olyphant's nominated, but since I'm almost sure Michael C. Hall (or him) have zero chance of winning I've tuned out. Michael C. will never win an Emmy.


Ryan: Last year was his best shot. Even if Buscemi didn't have this award lock and loaded, the love for Mad Men would probably give Hamm a step up. Also Hugh Laurie made it in. We both suck.

Andrew: No, we both rock...we held strong and hoped for a better tomorrow (or today?) It's not our faults Emmy voters are AWFUL and ignored Bill Paxton!!!!

Ryan: My nominee was William H. Macy, but I wouldn't have wanted him to be nominated if Emmy Rossum couldn't have. I actually thought Sean Bean would've been.

Andrew: I do need to watch Game of Thrones. I love Bean in The Lord of the Rings.

Ryan: You should. But next season isn't until Spring 2012 so you have plenty of time to catch 10 episodes. I'm a bit miffed that Emilia Clarke didn't breakthrough. But she's a new face, young. Maybe next year.

Andrew: And they stuck to the same old group for Supporting Actress No Sevigny, no Big Love send-off. Ugh.

Ryan: Yeah, they completely missed the boat on that show. But their lame predictability meant we both went 11 of 12 in the supporting actress categories.

Andrew: I know, yay for being correct...I guess?

Ryan: Well we couldn't say we were shocked at least.

Andrew: True. Any significant mentions or snubs you want to wrap up with? That trio of nods for Modern Family’s directing is really getting to me.

Ryan: Yay for Friday Night Lights. Two leads and the show gets a farewell Drama Series nod. How sweet, and speaking of Directing, it's really funny that in a year where they ignored Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother still got its highest one-year nomination tally (5 nominations) including a Directing nod!

Andrew: I want to be happy for it, but I really don't care for Friday Night Lights. I want to, so bad, but nothing. The NPH snub saddened, I was hoping that maybe he could be the winner of split votes and finally win that freakin' Emmy! Instead, I suppose Colfer will get it...and I really don't want that to happen.

Ryan: Better than Cryer to me.

Andrew: Yes, but what ISN'T better than Cryer.

Ryan: Johnny Lee Miller getting snubbed. Ugh.

Andrew: More weirdness and not even a directing nod for the show...randomness. No love for The Big C other than Linney and that surprise nod for Elba

Ryan: I'm happy for him now that I've seen the first season of Luther, which he also got nominated for!

Andrew: Yeah, when they love you they love you. I'm looking forward to when the actors submit their episodes; races have been lost because of poor submissions. I think Julianna Margulies lost last year not only because Kyra was wickedly overdue, but because her submission was awful.

Ryan: I will have to keep a lookout then.

Andrew: So, to end the conversation. Your favourite acting nominee, your least favourite acting nominee and why.

Ryan: My favorite acting nominee, as I said before, is Dot Marie Jones. Her character could've been really mishandled, but she infused so much heart in so little scenes that she really made it her own. Plus she's not as flashy (or traditionally pretty) so her nomination is just surprising all around.

Andrew: I do like her...and I'm glad Glee gets to rule something.

Ryan: My least favorite nominee... ugh, I have to pick one?

Andrew: I'll give you time...My favourite acting nominee...
Poehler. Sure, she's been nominated before but Leslie is made of win so her second consecutive nod makes up for any badness. My worse, Hargitay. She's evil, with a capital E.

Ryan: I didn't know evilness was a legitimate reason, but yay!

Andrew: It is.

Ryan: Okay, my least favorite is Johnny Galecki. Not only did he take the spot from most likely Joel McHale, but I just plain don't think he deserved it THIS year. In fact The Big Bang Theory love was a bit annoying because it was most obviously the show's weakest year and the only thing that saved it were the ladies and they didn't get any nods. It all just rubbed me the wrong way. Really, Parsons and the lady make that show.

Andrew: That's another show I can't bear to watch. It just annoys me. But here's to hoping that come Emmy night the winners make up for it...crossing my fingers for wins for Stiles, Carrell, Panjabi and the likes. Let's see what happens

Ryan: I'm hoping for the best in all categories. Which means I'll be sorely disappointed.
       
What were your favourite inclusions? Which snubs hurt you most?

Encore Emmy Ballot: Dramas (Pt. 2)

You thought you’d gotten away from me? Nope, I know I haven’t completed my Emmy ballot which of course accounts for the snubs at last week’s nominee announcement. So, yes, I’m liable for those snubs in the drama category. Here’s my ballot, and yes I have United States of Tara in drama which makes me wonder feel even worse about the snub it got – a whopping zero nods. But, television’s so weird now. Sometimes True Blood comes off comedic. Ah, well.


OUTSTANDING WRITING
Nominees:
-Big Love / Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa for “Exorcism”
-Boardwalk Empire / Terrence Winter for “Pilot”
-Dexter / Wendy West for “Everything Is IlLumenatyed”
-The Good Wife / Keith Eisner for “Ham Sandwich”
-True Blood / Alan Ball for “I Got A Right to Sing the Blues”
-United States of Tara / Dave Finkel and Brett Baer for “The Good Parts”

This is a ridiculously strong line-up of nominees. Sometimes I do think the Emmy’s are a bit over infatuated with dramas but it’s been a good year for television dramas – these six shows in particular. I wasn’t sure about this choice of episode for The Good Wife, the main case was a bit of a sleeper but the episode is filled with brilliant beats especially Kalinda’s hearing. The show does do well with its writing. At its best True Blood is a ridiculous supernatural romp and I have a penchant for what Alan Ball does when he gets into the writer’s chair. It sort of functions as the middle episode of the season and it does what the show does best – each character gets their important moments as Sookie finally meets Russell. The episode where Lumen finally gets into the grit of Dexter's madness is excellently done, both dark and comedic and just a perfect point for Stiles to do fine work. The same goes for Big Love and its penultimate episode, that faceoff with Alby, the craziness with Nikki was all adeptly handled. Sometimes Boardwalk Empire got a little gratuitous during the season, but the pilot was beautifully written. No one can touch the United States of Tara series finale, though, absolutely perfect – just the good parts.
Runners-Up: Dexter for “The Big One” / Mad Men for “The Good Parts / The Good Wife for “Getting Off” / Big Love “When Mountains Meet Men” / Boardwalk Empire for “The Ivory Tower” / The Closer “Living Proof”

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING
Nominees:
-Big Love / Adam Davidson for “Exorcism”
-Boardwalk Empire / Martin Scorsese for “Pilot”
-Dexter / John Dahl for “Hop A Freighter”
-The Killing / Patty Jenkins for “Pilot”
-True Blood / Michael Lehman for “I Got A Right to Sing the Blues”
-United States of Tara / Adam Bernstein for “Bryce Will Play”

I love The Killing most for that atmosphere which envelopes the story at times and that depends on the directing. The pilot episode set the tone excellently for the episodes to come. The penultimate Big Love episode felt so short, even as the script dealt with so much issues. It was directed as more as a closer than the actual final episode. True Blood. The madness of Bryce was probably the darkest theme the show has covered and it was his offing (not literally) of Dr. Hatiras that depended on the superb direction of the show. Dexter and Boardwalk Empire top the list both of them keeping a close watch on the protagonists and amping up the suspense. I’m not even sure that Scorsese completely steamrolls Dahl, it’s a bit of a tie.
Runners-Up: Dexter for “The Big One” / Big Love for “When Mountains Meet Men” / Boardwalk Empire for “The Ivory Tower” / The Good Wife for “Getting Off” / The Closer for “Living Proof” / Mad Men for “The Suitcase”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR
Nominees:
-Steve Buscemi in Boardwalk Empirefor “Pilot”
-John Corbett in United States of Tara for “The Electrifying and Magnanimous Return of Beverlamp”
-Michael C. Hall in Dexter for “Circle Us”
-John Hamm in Mad Men for “The Summer Man”
-Bill Paxton in Big Love for “When Mountains Meet Men”
-Michael Pitt in Boardwalk Empire for “The Ivory Tower”

I must admit that sometimes I underestimate Paxton and Hamm, the latter especially – but I just don’t care for Hamm. Still, they’re both doing fine work in shows with luminous women, and sometimes they get lost in the shuffle. Bill Hendrickson’s swan song depended on Paxton’s excellence and as little as I care for Don Draper Hamm did good work with his development this past season. I wish that Corbett could get half the notices that Paxton and Hamm get. True, Collette is fabulous on United States of Tara, but Corbett’s quiet intensity is not to be ignored and with the series’ end he’s stepped up and turned into a true lead actor (category submissions, be damned). Honestly, I don’t understand in what universe Buscemi is the lead actor on Boardwalk Empire and Pitt is supporting. The show is a tentative back and forth between the young and the old and the two are the leads – the show reaches some of its strongest beats when Nucky and Jimmy have their conversations. The first two episodes are priceless, and though Pitt wins in the showdown they’re both outstanding. But, it’s still Michael C. Hall that I look to when it comes to the lead actors. Year after year (for five years) he’s been turning in superb work on Dexter.

Runners-Up: Peter Krause in Parenthood; Stephen Moyer in True Blood; Matthew Rhys in Brothers and Sisters

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS
Nominees:
-Toni Collette in United States of Tara for “Bryce Will Play”
-Mireille Enos in The Killing for “Missing”
-Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife for “In Sickness”
-Elizabeth Moss in Mad Men for “The Suitcase”
-Kyra Sydgwick in The Closer for “Help Wanted”
-Jeanne Tripplehorn in Big Love for “A Seat at the Table”

Once again, this is a solid line-up and I sort of don’t know who to start with first. True, Sevigny is who I think of first when I turn to Big Love, but the journey towards the end was significant for Barb trying to find her way and Tripplehorn was beautiful watch, oftentimes upstaging Paxton but at her best when working opposite her sister wives. Margulies and Moss are the actors that might face-off for the Emmy, who knows? Margulies exudes a coldness that makes it difficult for me to love her, but it’s that same coldness she uses to her advantage when she finds out about her husband’s affair and Moss is just brilliant holding down “The Suitcase”. Enos is a true find on The Killing. Her sombreness amuses me, but she never overdoes. Still, it’s the brilliance of “Missing” where I find her most interesting. She never gets hysterical, and her work opposite Kinnaman is golden. But, it’s about Collette and Sedgwick for me. One battled the LAPD, the other her demons. It’s not quite a tie, because Sedgwick carries her show on her shoulder more than any actor I can think of, but they’re both excellent. Naturally, neither of the two earned Emmy nominations this year.
Runners-Up: Anna Pquin in True Blood / Lauren Graham in Parenthood / January Jones in Mad Men

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Nominees:
-Boardwalk Empire
-The Closer
-Dexter
-The Good Wife
-True Blood
-United States of Tara
All ten of the shows above and below are excellent, and they’ve all had fine seasons. Of the six above The Closer probably seems like an odd one out, but the show had an excellent season last year and even as it develops as a typical procedural it’s an excellent one. Boardwalk Empire is brilliant new show and yet it’s my fifth favourite of the nominees which goes to show how much goodness we're working with here. I don't know how to rank the top 4. United States of Tara has been almost pitch perfect in its final season, and True Blood thrilled me, humoured me and thrilled me in its third season. The Good Wife and Dexter both focus on protagonists trying to do good, some better than other - one has a killer supporting cast the other has a killer lead - literally. It probably comes down to those two at the end, and I refuse to choose. But, wouldn't a Dexter/Kalinda face-off be brilliant?
Runners-Up: The Killing / Big Love / Mad Men / Parenthood
     
Previously: Comedies: Part One, Comedies: Part Two, Dramas: Part One
           
What would your drama ballot have looked like?

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?

Encore Emmy Ballot: Comedies (Pt. 2)

Two more days until the actual Emmy nominees are announced, so I need to get my actual Emmy ballot in before they're disqualified. Bear with me, and let me pretend I have a say. So, back with my ballot - part two of the comedy. (go see Part One: Drama, Part One: Comedy)

OUTSTANDING WRITING
 Nominees
Cougar Town / Ryan Koh & Sam Laybourne for “Lost Children”
Nurse Jackie / Ellen Fairey for “Orchids and Salami”
Modern Family Abraham Higginbotham for “Regrets Only”
The Office / Mindy Kaling for “Classy Christmas”
Parks and Recreation / Amy Poehler for “The Fight”
Parks and Recreation / Katie Dippold for “Indianapolis”

Nurse Jackie is excellently written, even if I figure that the actual Emmy's will ignore it. “Orchids and Salami” is sort of a standout episode, writing wise at least. It mixes all those witticisms of the show with some astute, if subtle, pop culture references. And, it cashes in on how good the main cast are together, which is something that “Lost Children” does brilliantly. The madness of the cul-de-sac crew playing their childish games was great, but it was Ellie and Bobby's TV show Beef and Bubbles which got the biggest laughs. As much as I love B. J. Novak I have to give props to Mindy Kaling for being the best writer on The Office. Her episodes always manage to recall that great ensemble nature that makes the show so good and the return of Holly is worthy of mention.  “Regrets Only” does some interesting thing with the flashback motif and stands out as my favourite episode of the show, this season. Then Parks and Recreation - “The Fight” has that hilarious drunken gag and “Indianapolis” has Leslie's gag about being dumped. And those are just two examples of how brilliant this show is.
Runners-Up: The Big C for “Pilot” / / Modern Family for “Caught in the Act” / Nurse Jackie “Mitten” / Entourage for “Stunted” / Episodes for “Episode Two” / Glee for “Original Song”


OUTSTANDING DIRECTING
Nominees:
Cougar Town / Michael McDonald for “Lost Children”
Entourage / David Nutter for “Lose Yourself”
Modern Family Dean Parisot for “Regrets Only”
Nurse Jackie / Tristram Shapeero for “Rat Falls”
The Office / Rainn Wilson for “Classy Christmas”
Parks and Recreation / Randall Einhorn for “The Fight”

The finale wasn’t the best episode of the last season of Entourage, but it was more than skilfully directed. As the walls started crumbling around Vince it was interesting how it was the direction and not the writing which ended up being the effective way in which it was showed. The choices from Cougar Town and Modern Family both exist as my favourite things on both shows this past season. The former is brilliant because it sees the appearance of the entire gang in one place being ridiculously childish. The time flies by and it makes the potentially tougher issues develop in such a natural, comedic way. The latter is great because it’s one of those episodes where the three arcs are balanced so well not only because of the script, but because of how they’re showed to us. For, Nurse Jackie just the image of that rat falling on Zoey’s lunch makes it worthy of consideration. Both, The Office and Parks and Recreation have episodes featuring celebrations, the first for Christmas and the second for Tom’s club. The latter wins just for that drunken montage.

Runners-Up: Modern Family for “Halloween” / Parks and Recreation for “Harvest Festival”/ 30 Rock for “Christmas Attack Zone / The Big C for “Pilot” / Cougar Town for “Walls” / Glee for “Furt” / The Office for “Garage Sale”


OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR
Nominees:
Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock for “Everything Sunny All the Time Always”
Ty Burrell in Modern Family for “Mother Tucker”
Steve Carell in The Office for “Garage Sale”
Matt LeBlanc in Episodes for “Episode Two”
Stephen Mangan in Episodes for “Episode One”
Jeremy Piven in Entourage for “Porn Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”
   
I was back and forth on where to categorise LeBlanc, but I decided I’d lodge him here. Sure, he’s the least impressive of the six nominees, but he IS hilarious on Episodes, hardly the MVP but well balanced and subtle enough to be garishly caricature-like. Mangan works well opposite him, but even better opposite Greig who plays his wife. Carrell and Baldwin are both default nominees, it seems, but both had great seasons. One gained a wife, one gained one – then lost her. But, it’s all about Piven and Burrell for me. Curiously, both men submitted themselves in the supporting category but it’s outstanding Lead Actors I think of when I see them in top form. One’s bathetic, the other’s a bit of a bastard but both manage to be interegrated with their co-stars and still be the best-in-shows without hogging the camera. Goodness.

Runners-Up: John Krasinski in The Office /  Adrian Grenier in Entourage / Kevin Connolly in Entourage /  Matthew Morrison in Glee / Joel McHale in Community
         
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS
Nominees:
Courteney Cox in Cougar Town “You Don’t Know How It Feels”
Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie for “Game On”
Laura Linney in The Big C for “Pilot”
Tamsien Greig” in Episodes for “Episode Two”
Lea Michele in Glee for “Comeback”
Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation for “Eagleton”
For me, it’s a generally weak field but I like each of these six well enough to consider them seriously. It’s an even split, though, between the incomparable and the good. Cox, Michele and Falco are at the bottom, if only because they’re shows both work best as ensembles for me. Even though Lea is the MVP for her show the writers aren’t as dedicated to making her lead it, she still succeeds for the most part though. It’s the converse thing with Falco and Cox, the writers want it to be their shows, but they keep getting derailed by the far more interesting (and dare I say, outperformed?) by her supporting cast. Greig is phenomenal in Episodes. True, she can’t touch the top 2 but she plays excellently. It’s wrong to call Linney’s Cathy a revelation, we know she’s brilliant. When she nails those scenes on The Big C, I still can’t help but feel like I’m seeing her be brilliant for the first time and it’s sort of the same thing with Poehler who’s grown over the past three years into the finest female lead on television for me.
Runners-Up: Tina Fey in 30 Rock / Marcia Cross in Desperate Housewives

OUTSTANDING COMEDY
Nominees:
The Big C
Cougar Town
Entourage
Episodes
Nurse Jackie
Parks & Recreation
    
I think this is an eclectic bunch. Episodes and Entourage are probably the ones that least people would consider mentioning, the former because few have started watching and the latter because few have continued watching. They both had good seasons, both examining the difficulty of show business but in different beats. The two showtime series are next, both focusing on a woman but with good ensembles to back them up. For the first two seasons Nurse Jackie felt decidedly more dramatic, but it’s found its comedic bone and worked it well in season 3. And, sure, The Big C has a main character stricken with cancer but it’s never mawkish and rarely overdramatic – always consistently humorous, even if morbidly so. Cougar Town managed to find itself, then top itself continuously in its sophomore season becoming ABC’s best show and…thenParks and Recreation. It’s in a class of its own, really.

Runners-Up: Modern Family / The Office / Glee /Community
           
What would your choices look like?

Emmy Chatter: Supporting Actresses

We started off with the nominees and ended up talking about my hatred for Betty White and the bipolar nature of Glee... and Ryan and I are back with Emmy predictions, the last group of potential acting nominees - the supporting women. The actual nominees are scheduled to be revealed on Thursday, here's what happened when we sat down to discuss the group.
   
Andrew: So, we saved the supporting women for laugh and it's not mistake. I think the field for supporting actresses in both categories is pretty stacked and thought there are some potential nominees I don't care for I think Emmy will choose wisely.

Ryan: I agree. I mean I actually didn't find it hard to narrow down to the 6 or so I think the Emmy would go for, but you can definitely do another list of 6 and still have great performances. With that said, I don't think the Emmys will go for too much new blood for Comedy.

Andrew: So odd you say that because the comedy bunch is the weaker of the two. And, I have to think that it's because Betty White's the frontrunner. I apologise to all concerned parties, but I am not a fan of her comedic work.

Ryan: I do love her, but there CAN be too much Betty White. And I'm totally giving away my picks early, but oddly enough she's the ONLY new blood I see making it in... and saying Betty White is new anything is hilarious.

Andrew: I don't watch the show, but if the show makes a killing maybe Wendie Mallick could make it in. I know I shouldn't knock White when I've not seen the show....but I always find her doing the same smart aleck-old woman shtick

Ryan: Which people love.

Andrew: Phyllis Somerville of The Big C does a fine job with the same shtick...but with more heart.

Ryan: I actually have only seen the premiere episode of Hot in Cleveland and it's just not my type of show even though I love all the women involved. I have no idea how much love the Emmys will give that show. I'm actually afraid.

Andrew: I'm worried it could be a Two and a Half Men situation, but maybe it's a good show.

Ryan: Maybe. We'll see. Now for a random jump... Glee. I love Jane Lynch, but this wasn't her season. Most episodes where she didn't make an appearance were good. Or "good" in Glee terms.

Andrew: But when she was good she was brilliant. I could list of three episodes I think she's phenomenal in – “Furt”, “The Substitute”, “Funeral”...in that order.

Ryan: So true and it's hard to not like her, the actress, not the character.

Andrew: But, I get you on how she's been a bit underwhelming at times. At least she still has things to do, poor Jayma was awesome last season and had nothing to do this year.

Ryan: Which is crazy because they could've mined so much from her OCD-ness and deciding over two guys, etc. But speaking of Glee ladies, Naya Rivera and Heather Morris brought me SO MUCH joy this season.

Andrew: But only in small bits for me. That's the thing about Glee the characters created are great but it's the follow through that's worrisome.

Ryan: I won't disagree with that point. I still love them though.

Andrew: Imagine what more conversations with Rachel and Santana could be like? Or Brittany and Finn?

Ryan: I don't think I'd want to sit in a room where Finn and Brittany are having a conversation.

Andrew: They'd have some cute and dumb children.

Ryan: Haha. Still, I was much more into the Santana/Brittany storyline than I was with Kurt/Blaine at times. So there's that. So it's weird that I predict Chris/Darren to be nominated and not those two. It's just... how it is I guess.

Andrew: Rivera and Morris have brilliant chemistry, but I hated that “Sexy” episode. I mean, Santana always seemed to voluminously interested in both guys and girls (remember how possessive of Puck she was?) so that "I'm in love with Brit thing just seemed odd.

Ryan: It's definitely a sharp turn for the character, but since then I think they've committed. Hopefully no more sharp turns. HAHA, with this show though? HA.

Andrew: Slippery slope.

Ryan: Let's talk about another show! You pick!

Andrew: Well, do we even need to TALK about Modern Family? Sure I'm all for Bowen>Vergara, but they're both in.

Ryan: I'm actually the opposite (but barely since I love them both).

Andrew: I haven't met anyone who loved Bowen...so, not surprised.

Ryan: Well any actresses you WISH could get in? How about those Community ladies?


Andrew: I like Alison Brie, but there are so many ladies I love more - the duos from Cougar Town and Parks and Recreation and United States of Tara and the trio from Nurse Jackie would all be worthy nominees.

Ryan: Busy Phillips and Christa Miller. Ugh. I'd die if happiness if they'd get nominated.

Andrew: I'm not even going to try to hope. Lost causes.

Ryan: If they are so in love with Jim Parson's Sheldon Cooper in Big Bang Theory then they might love Mayim Bialik who essentially played a female version of the character. And she's funnier at times. Plus she's Blossom! But won't happen.

Andrew: What WILL happen. Predict, sonny. (Yup, I just called you sonny.)

Ryan: Wait! I wasn't done spewing random things.

Andrew: Sorry, lad. (I'm feeling so fatherly today.)
           
Ryan: Like this is Vanessa William's first eligible year for Desperate Housewives. They may not like the show any more but... Vanessa Williams.

Andrew: Vanessa Williams is the season's MVP so I'd have no problem with her getting a nod. She's woefully underused, but there were a few episodes where she and the series' second in command (Cross) were going at it. It was EXCELLENT comedy.

Ryan: And finally... Amy Ryan. If this year the Emmy goes wild for Steve Carrell and The Office... anything can happen. Though she was foolish not to submit herself in Guest Actress.

Andrew: I know. Denis O'Hare, I don't agree with his submission, but I get it. Amy is in, what...seven episodes? Phenomenal in all but ... I don't know. And she wasn't nominated on her last tries for the show...

Ryan: I know! It was almost an easy Emmy nomination with the sentiment surrounding the show. Anyways, my predictions.
Julie Bowen Modern Family
Jane Krakowski 30 Rock,
Jane Lynch Glee
Sofia Vergara Modern Family
Betty White Hot in Cleveland
Kristen Wiig Saturday Night Live
We didn't talk about Wiig, but she's this summer's movie sweetheart. That might matter.

Andrew: Seeing Bridesmaids tomorrow...I don't have a problem with her or SNL, but it's unfair to have them be allowed to submit in the acting categories...it just doesn't make any sense and robs some other actors a chance for recognition. And isn't it weird how Jane K has turned into a default nominee? Wish she'd have won by now, but the category is so packed so often.

Ryan: And I think she had a very good season. As for SNL, I think only a few years ago they had their own separate category? Maybe? I don't know.

Andrew: Okay: I predict
Julie Bowen Modern Family
Jane Krakowski 30 Rock,
Jane Lynch Glee
Sofia Vergara Modern Family
Betty White Hot in Cleveland
Kristen Wiig Saturday Night Live

Andrew: Oy, we have the same nominees.

Ryan: Wow. So unexpected.

Andrew: This is lame.

Ryan: Ha. That's the thing about this category, I could probably come up with a list of 6 other names that'd be just as awesome and definitely more exciting.

Andrew: DAMN YOU, Emmy (as Marlene Dietrich in Witness For the Prosecution). I know, there are some great women who won't be recognised. In case you didn't realise, I'm preparing for the drama category with theatrics.

Ryan: I felt it. But speaking of the drama category, I'm thinking they'll be more new blood here. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part though.

Andrew: Why do I think I know who you're speaking of...hmm...anyhow...last year's winner Panjabi is obviously back.

Ryan: Yeah, most definitely. She won't win again, but she's definitely back.

Andrew: See how professional I'm being..? "Panjabi"

Ryan: Professionalism is overrated.

Andrew: But, Kalinda is not. I actually think she's a serious threat for a second win.

Ryan: Well I wouldn't hate it! I'd love it in fact, but for someone who wasn't a household name (she is now a bit) to repeat? That'd be amazing. Will Christine Baranski join her?

Andrew: It's possible, based on goodwill for the show. And Diane was brilliant in some episodes, everything leading up the Derek Bond firing... She's phenomenal in “VIP Treatment” and “9 Hours”, both of which are submitted for writing and directing...

Ryan: She's like the Jane Lynch of this category except she didn't win last year. She had meatier stuff last year.

Andrew: I know, I'm still surprised she didn't win last year. Panjabi is better this year than last, and Baranski was better last season than this. But, she has an Emmy and she's so good-natured I'm sure she hardly grudges Archie the win.

Ryan: Oh God, yeah. That cast is sunshine and rainbows off-camera. I refuse to believe in anything different.

Andrew: So do, I. The chemistry shows. Since, we're talking about a show with chemistry... isn't it a bummer than Grey’s Anatomy is being ignored since Sandra Oh should be at least considered for her work this past season?

Ryan: Yeah, she was great. And who knows they might. And I know they don't look at episodes yet this time around, but Sara Ramirez has a great one in the musical episode. It wasn't a perfect episode, but she was fantastic in it.

Andrew: And Ramirez has been on fire this season.

Ryan: Oh thank God you agree too. There are way too many Callie-haters out there.

Andrew: Chandra Wilson has been a bit ignored, and Callie has turned into a character that's essential. For me, the episode after the musical was her high-point.

Ryan: Dealing with it all, yeah. Perfect segue to another Shonda Rimes show... Now I don't watch Private Practice anymore but I saw a few episodes dealing with the rape/abuse of one of the women played by Kadee Strickland. Just wonderfully acted by her.


Andrew: I used to watch for Audra, but Kadee stepped up this season...but I wonder if the show is on their radar because s1/s2 had some great work by Audra and Kate Walsh and that was when everyone loved Shonda...so, I don't know?

Ryan: Yeah, it's definitely not on their radar, but I at least wanted give her props in our chat. She deserves at least that.

Andrew: She does, she's a fine actress. And she has one of the nicest Southern accents I've ever heard,

Ryan: Now neither of us watch Justified, but apparently Margo Martindale is the critics' pick. The love is deafening. And I love her, so I'm good. She was great in Dexter.

Andrew: The love is loud, but I'm always iffy about that critical love thing.

Ryan: Well the show seems to be doing hardcore campaigning, so who knows?

Andrew: Indeed, and remember how everyone was shocked that Panjabi was even nominated maybe Martindale can make it.

Ryan: If she does, I think she might win it. Like Panjabi incidentally! But that's thinking way too much ahead.

Andrew: It's a possibility. Then there's Hendricks, who just won the critics’ choice.

Ryan: She tied with Margo Martindale.

Andrew: I still don't LOVE Mad Men but Christina was easily the season's MVP for me.

Ryan: I'd probably agree with you if it was LAST season, but I think Moss really stepped up this season. With that said, Hendricks would be my 2nd MVP. And it helps her Jones and Moss are duking it out in the Lead Actress category.

Andrew: True. Two news shows could make a supreme killing.

Ryan: Reading my mind again, but go ahead.

Andrew: Forbes for The Killing and Kelly MacDonald for Boardwalk Empire. Either would be worthy of nominations or a win.

Ryan: I wish I had seen more of their performances! I mean Forbes killed me during those first three episodes of The Killing I saw. And she's always great to me. And I'm expecting a billion nominations for Boardwalk Empire with one of them going to Kelly MacDonald...

Andrew: MacDonald is the opposite, starts off a bit underwhelming but by halfway through she does some excellent emoting. And a billion nominations...That would be interesting...

Ryan: That reminds me of another actress that may have a chance depending on how the Emmys like the show... Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones. Not sure I'd call her the MVP of that show, but she's up there, especially towards the second half of the season. And the last scene of the season, a scene critics, fan, and everyone really, just absolutely LOVED. And it's ALL Emilia Clarke.

Andrew: Hmm. Ready for me to predict?

Ryan: Go ahead!

Andrew: Here goes:
Archie Panjabi The Good Wife
Kelly MacDonald Boardwalk Empire
Michelle Forbes The Killing
Christina Hendricks Mad Men
See how much I'm mulling over?
I say Martingale gets snubbed and
Sandra Oh Grey’s Anatomy and Christine Baranski The Good Wife make it in.

Ryan: Great. Of course I also say that top 4:
Archie Panjabi The Good Wife
Kelly MacDonald Boardwalk Empire
Michelle Forbes The Killing
Christina Hendricks Mad Men
But I'm going to risk it on a few new blood on shows that the Emmys may or may not love:
Margo Martindale Justified
Emilia Clarke Game of Thrones
 I'm sure you didn't see that coming.

Andrew: Anything could happen. I think this is continuously one of the toughest categories to predict.

Ryan: Well last year... Sharon Gless for Burn Notice. Where did that come from?

Andrew: They love Sharon Gless. You know that.

Ryan: I know. I know. But Burn Notice! How random!

Andrew: Especially since Anwar is/was much more deserving

Ryan: I don't watch the show, but sure. Oh and I wanted to end our convo by bringing up Amy Ryan again. She submitted herself here too for her work in In Treatment.

Andrew: Yeah, along with Debra Winger.

Ryan: I think 2-3 years ago, they'd be in.

Andrew: I think either could be a surprise, Winger more likely.

Ryan: And though she is NOT going to be nominated, how amazing would it be if they actually honoured Kristin Bauer van Straten? Oh man.

Andrew: Ha. I love KBvS, but she's never in enough episodes.

Ryan: Or in enough scenes. They seem to be doing a bit better this season SO FAR. Keep it up, True Blood.

Andrew: About to watch the episode.

Ryan: I thought you watched it last night! Or was that Weeds?

Andrew: What did I watch last night...oh, The Big C.

Ryan: That's it?

Andrew: Well, I also watched some old episodes of Damages....but nothing new.

Ryan: Gotcha. I finished watching S1 of Luther. So good.

Andrew: GAH,I didn't talk about Chloe Sevigny. If anyone is looking at the show Sevigny should be considered...

Ryan: Totally. No argument here.

Andrew: And it's the last season, with surprises rampant it could happen.

Ryan: But as you said before, Emmy hasn't noticed her before.

Andrew: Indeed. Quelle dommage.
         
Are you as in love with the small screen's supporting women as we are? Who'd you nominate?