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: Lead Actresses

...there's always a woman...so, we're on to the Lead Actress predictions. The field looks good, but it seems a bit simple predicting who Emmy is going to fall for. Ryan and I are back with more predictions....
             

Andrew: Lead actress is always interesting because, women on TV are usually given opportunity to do much.

Ryan: Except in comedy apparently. Because wow, was that submission list short.

Andrew: That's actually what I was coming to, because my shortlist for comedy (and my own personal ballot) is horrendously short.

Ryan: And that's even including those Showtime shows that aren't really comedies! I mean it was easy enough to narrow down my list, but wow, that's crazy.

Andrew: Even though there are rarely repeat winnners for lead actress in a comedy, the nominees are often fairly predictable.

Ryan: Which again makes it easy to predict, but not as much fun.

Andrew: It's really a case of five actors who're assured nods and one who's probably going to get in, I think.

Ryan: Yeah, I think it's all about who we think that last person will be. Looking forward to seeing your picks, but before we reveal so quickly... Showtime should make a big showing, no? Two of the most recent winners + newcomer and Emmy beloved Laura Linney. They're guaranteed 3 spots right there.

Andrew: Yeah, and I don't mind. For me, United States of Tara is the one that's least funny and it's still funny enough to not be a straight drama (even if I called it a drama in my own personal ballot). So, I'm fine with the showtime ladies getting love.

Ryan: For me, I would be happy nominating them in Drama, so it's not about me not wanting to nominate them. I just feel for non-Showtime ladies that aren't really asked or get the opportunity to do something such as the Bryce storyline in United States of Tara.

Andrew: The reason I'm essentially fine with it is because I see it as as best performance in a comedy, not funniest performance. Some comedies have actors who have the straight roles (people love Colfer, but his humour is not what they love) or some dramas have comic relief (Alan Cumming in The Good Wife). So, overall, I'm fine with it.

Ryan: I've started to come around to it, but it still bugs me. In any case, thoughts on the Showtime odd-woman out (possibly) Mary Louise Parker?

Andrew: I have not watched Weeds in years so I'm neither here nor there on that.

Ryan: Well after getting nominated 3x in a row, they skipped her last year. Death knell. And she didn't really offer up anything new last year, except for perhaps the finale.

Andrew: Shame that Courteney Cox might have zero chance of getting in.

Ryan: You read my mind. I was just going to ask you if there was somebody you wanted to make it in that won't. She's my pick, too.

Andrew: But, I'm really okay with who I THINK will make it. Care to go first with your predictions?

Ryan: Predictions:

Toni Collette United States of Tara

Edie Falco Nurse Jackie

Tina Fey 30 Rock

Laura Linney The Big C

Lea Michele Glee

Amy Poehler Parks and Recreation

Andrew: My predictions:

Toni Collette United States of Tara

Edie Falco Nurse Jackie

Tina Fey 30 Rock

Laura Linney The Big C

Lea Michele Glee

Amy Poehler Parks and Recreation

Yup, we've got the same bunch.

Ryan: I actually picked Martha Plimpton over Lea Michele, but I just changed my mind last minute. Predictable indeed.

Andrew: I actually don't mind Lea getting in...it's predictable, but I think the lineup is golden. I want Lea to be nominated not just because I like her but she manages to overcome some harrowing bits at time.

Ryan: It is, but other than Collette and Poehler, I'm OKAY with a few surprises in the mix.

Andrew: Who knows, maybe Plimpton could make it in - what with The Good Wife / Company goodwill.

Ryan: Though I feel that if she does, Poehler will be punished. Which is just all kinds of wrong.

Andrew: But, Andrew: Really, Poehler getting snubbed...that would be J$O%TJ$Y^O^#$J%OTJ%YOR!!!!!!!

Ryan: I'd throw something at the TV, because the whole medium would become literally useless at that point if that were to happen.

Andrew: That would be horrific. We'd get Robert, Jose, Luke, Nathaniel and a slew of others to protest. I'd fly out illegally if I must.

Ryan: That'd be beautiful. So since we're being all melodramatic now, let's jump to Drama!

Andrew: Do you watch The Closer?

Ryan: I do not.

Andrew: One of my favourite procedurals on air, Kyra's the defending winner so I warrant that she'll back for her seventh nomination...along with the love of your life...

Ryan: She's hardly the love of my life.

Andrew: Tut, tut, tut. Don't make me pound my gavel.

Ryan: I do enjoy Julianna Marguilies performance though so yeah she's in.

Though to be honest, I'm much more in love with one Elisabeth Moss who upgraded to Lead after submitting and getting nominated for Supporting last year.

Andrew: Well, she's been nominated in lead before so she's more than just a contender. I've never watched a season of Sons of Anarchy but Katey Segal is flirting with chances of a first time Emmy nomination after her Golden Globe win.

Ryan: It all depends on what they think about the show I think. It'd be a great story if she and Ed O'Neill were to both be nominated this year.

Andrew: Umm why (he asks embarrassedly.)

Ryan: Both starred in Married with Children back in the 80s? 90s? The decades are starting to blur. I'm old.

Andrew: (PS. Was Married with Children the one with Christina Applegate?)

Ryan: Yup. Back to Mad Men for a second, it's so weird January Jones didn't category hop like Moss. She belongs in Best Supporting.

Andrew: I know. It sort of sucks for January because the writers don't know what to do with her, and she's done fine good work this past season but then, supporting actress is even more packed and she’s sort of half-and-half. If they go batshit for Mad Men...you never know.

Ryan: It definitely is, but I think she'd have a good showing there too. Oh well. Speaking of lead-supporting roles, I know you don't watch it but it's also weird for Lena Headey to submit herself here rather than supporting for Game of Thrones.

Andrew: Whereas I'm more willing to bet on Chandler being nominated, I'm not as certain that Connie Britton is in.

Ryan: Well when you're saddled with a non-starter storyline like Epyck or however you spell her name, yeah Britton didn't have much to do.

Andrew: Hahahaha. (*Applause*)

Ryan: (I'm here all night!) Any thoughts on Sally Field and Jeanne Tripplehorn for their last seasons? Field is a former winner while they don't know Tripplehorn exists.

Andrew: Field. Brothers and Sisters was so weak and Big Love was so strong. Even though Sevigny will always be MVP in the latter Barb had a powerful year, but you're right. They don't know she exists...and they hardly care for the show.

Ryan: And speaking of non-existent show and performance, I'm clinically depressed knowing that Anna Torv's exception work on Fringe will 100% be ignored.

Andrew: I'm actually sad that Anna Paquin will be ignored, Globe win in 2010 and all.

Ryan: Yeah, but at least she has been recognized somewhere. Torv is getting much love from critics, but that's not the same.

Andrew: I'm praying that Mariska Harigaty doesn't make it back. It's so weird how they'll keep nominating her, but after her win Patricia Arquette was virtually ignored for Medium.

Ryan: Hargitay is such a perennial favourite though and it helps that her show will give her a gut wrenching episode here and there for her to submit.

Andrew: But the nominees are based on overall seasons, they don't submit episodes until they're actually nominated (or shortlisted). Still. aaargh.

Ryan: Well that's even more confusing then. WHY DO THEY KEEP nominating her then?

Andrew: I DON'T KNOW...but, let's ignore her. And finally, 3 lawmakers in series premieres: Dana Delaney Body of Proof, Kathy Bates Harry's Law and Mireille Enos The Killing.

Ryan: Enos if they appreciate that kind of quiet performance. Bates if they go for name recognition.

Andrew: Having seen only three episodes, what did you think of Enos?

Ryan: I think I need to see more. She didn't get to do much, at least relatively. Plus I'm still trying to get used to her as someone who isn't a

polygamist's wife.

Andrew: Episode 11 (Missing) takes a break from the case and she's brilliant in it.

Ryan: And if being a movie star helps in the Comedy section (see above for Linney), thoughts on Oscar winner Melissa Leo's chances? Don't watch her show though.

Andrew: She didn't get love last year, but I'm wondering if The Fighter love AND Mildred Pierce love could help her.

             

Ryan: Well she wasn't an Oscar winner last year, was she?

Andrew: True. So, ready for me to p-p-predictions (pretending I'm wrapping, don't ask). RAPPING. Good lord, Andrew.

Ryan: Nice. I'll wait to see your picks.

Andrew: Random order:

Julianna Margulies The Good Wife

Kyra Sedgwick The Closer

Elizabeth Moss Mad Men

Mireille Enos The Killing

Mariska Hargitay Law and Order SVU

January Jones Mad Men as a surprise inclusion

Ryan: VERY interesting. My predictions:

Connie Britton Friday Night Lights

Mariska Hargitay Law and Order: SVU

Julianna Margulies The Good Wife

Elisabeth Moss Mad Men

Emmy Rossum Shamless

Kyra Sedgwick The Closer

Ryan: And I just realize we didn't talk about young Emmy Rossum.

Andrew: That's what happen you don't watch quality shows Andrew (head to table).

Ryan: I think she has a good chance, if they watch the show.

Andrew: Is Shameless really that much of a threat?

Ryan: Only if they watch the show.

Andrew: What's it about?

Ryan: A group of kids with a drunk dad and an absentee mom, trying to raise themselves as lower middle class family in... Chicago? Detroit? Whatever. Rossum plays the oldest child and acts as the mom to the rest. It's a remake of a British show.

Andrew: I guess I should give that a watch sometime. Added to Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.

Ryan: She gets to be fun, fierce, sad, angry, sexy, everything.

Andrew: oooooh, oooooh before I go or forget...did you watch the preview for Smash?

Ryan: If by preview, you mean that long-ish trailer that NBC showed the TV crix a few weeks back... then yeah. If it's something new they released recently... no?

Andrew: I don't know. Saw it on you-tube (it's like 5 minutes long). Did you like it? I have a feeling it could seriously bomb, but I watched it like ten times.
                
Ryan: LOVED IT. Glee for adults... with brains.
           
Andrew: and by ten times, I mean 50.
            
Ryan: It's one of my favorite new fall show preview. Probably second to Awake. You should see that.

Andrew: I'll get on that. Are there any shows premiering this summer that I should keep an eye on?
Ryan: I honestly don't know. Only thing I can think of is Torchwood: Miracle Day.

Andrew: Cool.

Ryan: Oh and there's this new show, Wilfred, starring Elijah Wood. Heard it was supposed to be good.

Andrew: Ah, yeah - that I've got to check up on. (A/N: Reviews coming tonight.)

Ryan: I didn't mean to make that rhyme.

Andrew: Ha. Now I'm thinking of Pushing Daisies, I was watching "Girth" earlier, the Halloween episode where the narrator was rhyming.

Ryan: Aw. Miss that show. My DVDs are circulating around my friends so I can't immediately re-watch.

Andrew: Did you see the preview of KC in Good Christian Belles?

Ryan: Yeah. I don't know. I mean it could be okay, but doesn't feel like the type of show I'd be into.

Andrew: It seems a bit drab, but I shall watch for Kristin. So weird seeing her being mean.

Ryan: BTW I'm pretty sure I saw most of the new fall shows previews. I made that a priority a few weeks back. Yeah, I'd totally check it out for KC. Hope it surprises.
           
Who are you hoping is going to get a Best Actress nomination?                   

Encore Emmy Ballot: Dramas (Pt. 1)

Ryan and I still are doing our Emmy predictions, but I'm back with my own personal ballots - now headed over to the drama categories. If you love Boardwalk Empire, True Blood, United States of Tara or even Mad Men look out below...

        

OUTSTANDING CASTING

Nominees:

-Boardwalk Empire

-Big Love

-The Good Wife

-The Killing

-Mad Men

-True Blood

Johnny Lee Miller and Julia Stiles alone would secure Dexter a mention here. The two period dramas, Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire, both depend on casting the players to participate in their businesses – one legal, and the other not so much. Regardless of where you stand on The Killing its excellent casting was imperative to its run through this past season but The Good Wife and True Blood rule this category. Both have expansive casts and both depend so much on getting the right people to play opposite their regulars. And both succeed.

Runners-Up: Parenthood / Dexter / United States of Tara

             

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR

Nominees:

-Eddie Izzard in United States of Tara

-Zach Grenier in The Good Wife

-Jonny Lee Miller in Dexter as Jordan Chase

-Denis O’Hare in True Blood as Russell

-Dallas Roberts in The Good Wife

-Peter Weller in Dexter

Sure, Miller’s Jordan Chase was the real villain on the past season of Dexter but Weller’s Liddy was just as distressing. Dexter is a show that often thrives on its guests and both men were worthy foes to Dexter. Both Roberts and Grenier have that sarcastic charm that works so excellently on The Good Wife. The entire fiasco with Derek Bond was brilliant for two reasons, giving Baranski material and allowing Grenier to work all the caustic witticisms the writers could come up with and other than Panjabi Roberts is the best actor to bring out the warmth in Margulies. At first Izzard seemed intent on playing his character in broad strokes but the closer it got to his exist the more personal his performance became leading to that phenomenal performance in “Bryce Will Play” and everything about Russell was superlative. A villain for the ages.

Runners-Up: Kevin in The Closer; Michael J. Fox in The Good Wife; Dennis O’Hare in The Good Wife

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS

Nominees:

-Frances Conroy in United States of Tara

-Mary McDonnell in The Closer

-Gretchen Mol in Boardwalk Empire

-Mamie Gummer in The Good Wife

-Alfre Woodard in True Blood

-Anika Noni Rose in The Good Wife

This category is always filled with greatness. Mol and Woodward both play mothers but they’re worlds apart. Woodard does well as Lafayette's mom, her few scenes she manages to create an affecting relationship with Ellis. Mol does the same with Pitt in Boardwalk Empire. She plays a more significant character, with a number of facets, but it’s her work as an atypical mother precipitating a slight oedipal arc which is strongest. McDonnell and Rose both play working women in high positions. One of the great things about The Good Wife is how they steered clear of making Rose’s Wendy a villain without making her two perfect. Rose does wonderfully in her scenes and manages to play well against the big names in the cast – her scenes with Margulies are especially taut. The same goes for McDonnell who’s best when opposite Sedgwick. Gummer might not be her mother, but she’s a fine actress and her interesting quirks have made her work incredibly well in the fabric of The Good Wife. Conroy’s done a few guest spots this season, but it’s her work opposite the Gregson clan that was most memorable. In fact, the entire of “Crunchy Ice” seemed dedicated to giving her more to do and she succeeded excellently.

Runners-Up: Evan Rachel Wood in True Blood / Mary Kay Place in Big Love / Frances Conroy in Grey’s Anatomy / Mary Beth Peil in The Good Wife / Doris Roberts in Grey’s Anatomy

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR

Nominees:

-Alan Cumming in The Good Wife as Eli Gould for “Wrongful Termination”

-Keir Cilchrist in United States of Tara for “Crunchy Ice”

-Vincent Kartheiser in Mad Men for “The Rejected”

-Ryan Kwanten in True Blood for “Trouble”

-Michael Shannon in Boardwalk Empire for “Paris Green”

-Sam Trammell in True Blood for “Hitting the Ground”

True Blood has such an expansive cast (and a principally male ensemble) that the actors have little time to make their mark. Kwanten and Trammell have been most effective for the past season. Watching Kwanten do his usual dance between melodrama and comedy continues to be interesting and Trammell has never been as interesting as he was this past season dealing with a family from hell. Kartheiser continues to be underrated on Mad Men but he’s been incredible in season 4. Pete can be arrogant without losing his humanity and Kartheiser makes his attempts to balance his work and family more than a repeat of Don’s issues. I’ve not been especially fond of Marshall this season, but Gilchrist has been phenomenal. Sure, he was good in the New York episodes and dealing with Lionel’s death but it’s the confrontation with Bryce that I remember most. Shannon reaches a new level of creepy on Boardwalk Empire when he gets religious fever and Eli Gould is, as always, untouchable.

Runners-Up: Joel Kinnaman in The Killing / Sam Jaegar in Parenthood / Justin Chambers in Grey’s Anatomy / Billy Campbell in The Killing / Brent Sexton in The Killing

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Nominees:

- Christine Hendricks in Mad Men for “The Good News”

- Brie Larson inUnited States of Tara for “Wheels”

- Kelly MacDonald in Boardwalk Empire for “Belle Femme”

- Sandra Oh in Grey’s Anatomy as Cristina Yang for “That’s Me, Trying”

- Archie Panjabi in The Good Wife for “Getting Off”

- Chloe Sevigny in Big Love as Nicolette Grant for “The Noose Tightens”

Brie Larson is the one member of the show whose comedic work has been more plentiful than her dramatic work this season but that doesn’t mean she’s not adept at both. Is there any sibling relationship more beautiful than Kate and Marshall? Brie manages to work that arc while being incomparable in what could have been a rote romance with Evan and on the topic of rote Cristina’s journey on Grey’s Anatomy this season could have fallen flat with a lesser actor but Oh is such a brilliant thespian (where, oh where, is her Emmy) that it lands with resounding force. I was uncertain of MacDonald in the first few episodes of Boardwalk Empire, but somewhere around the halfway point the series realised how to use her and she became astonishing trouncing Buscemi in their scenes together. The Roger/Joan fiasco seemed a bit too reprisal last season, but unlike Slattery Hendricks managed to make it works as moments of poignant development for her character, “The Good News” depends on her. It’s so tough to choose between Sevigny and Panjabi. Both play women with issues revealing their true selves, and both ruled their shows. In both cases I loved them most when their walls came down. Kalinda was continuously excellent, but that breakdown in the elevator in the penultimate episode is the stuff Emmy’s are made of as was Nicolette’s breakdown with Bill. They’re both difficult to understand, performed by excellent women.

Runners-Up: Julia Stiles in Dexter/ Rosemarie DeWitt in United States of Tara / Michelle Forbes in The Killing / Christine Baranski in The Good Wife / Ginnifer Goodwin in Big Love; Monica Potter in Parenthood

         

What are your drama favourites? Who wins in the supporting categories for you?

TV Week in Review: 19th - 20th June

Three season finales - The Killing, Nurse Jackie and United States of Tara, the latter of which is also a series finale. So many people keep talking about Game of Thrones and, who knows, maybe I will catch up with it at some time – but I don’t when.
           
The Killing: “Orpheus Descending”

It’s a bit difficult to get my thoughts in order as I write about the season finale for the show’s freshman season. It was mere happenstance that led me to Alan Spinewall’s site late last week – he’s not a fan of the show and after watching the season’s closer I couldn’t help but sidle over to see what he thought of it. Unsurprisingly, he loathed it. For me, The Killing continues to be a character study in vignettes as we are privy to only bits and pieces of characters’ lives. Thus, the possibility of Richmond legitimately being the murderer was 50/50. The hunt to prove his guilt was well established, though. Even as I wondered why some of the trails weren’t investigated two weeks ago, the show’s world makes sense of it happening now and everything right down to that tense phone call that Sarah received in the plane worked. And even as they revealed that Holder had tampered with evidence I was still willing to believe that Richmond was the killer nonetheless. It was that cliff-hanger of Holder’s apparent duplicity which left me agitated, not so much the lack of finding Rosie’s murderer. Publicity placement or no, The Killing holds my interest because of more than “who killed Rosie Larsen” – at least I tuned out of who killed her weeks ago. There was something vaguely off, but I’m not sure what. For example, as good as Sexton was it was so random having him in Ahmed's room and talking to his wife, even if the scene was excellently played. It has its moments of strangeness, but I’ve liked the first season (proof).
[B]


United States of Tara: “The Good Parts”

I did not shed a tear when the credits finally began rolling for the final episode of United States of Tara, not because the episode wasn’t every bit as emotional a closer as you’d expect from the Gregson’s but because the episode was as perfect a series’ finale as any fan of the show could have hoped for. Except for a few moments of Bryce at the beginning the episode featured Tara without any alters and it’s proof that Toni Collette’s Tara is the draw for the series – not the alters. More than Tara, though, the show is brilliant when it examines all the issues of Tara’s families – her states, her good parts and it’s so nice seeing the curtains closing on Kate, Marshall, Charmain and Max in such a fine fashion. Will Tara ever be cured? That blink-and-you’ll miss it glimpse of Tee, Alice and Buck in Max’s truck suggest otherwise. But, the episode wrapped it all up so well that even if it Tara’s life doesn’t develop to perfect we’re satisfied with the parts we got. The good parts.
[A-]
      
Nurse Jackie: “deaf blind tumour pee test”

Honestly, I can’t stand Jackie. Edie Falco is great in the role and I do love the show, but for a lead character I feel not the slightest bit of interest in the machinations of Jackie. The ending of the season hit us with a confession of an affair, not from Jackie but from Kevin and as Jackie tells him to pack his bags I’m wondering just how further out of control she’s going to spiral. Who knows? In other news Coop’s birthday/wedding came off without a bride, and it was difficult watching Facinelli deal with that. The ending with him and [ ] was nicely done. Gloria continues her tirade of being one ridiculous boss, and that ending was nicely played as she disposed of Jackie’s urine test. It’s been a good season, and the show continues to be well developed. It’s managed to make me understand it’s comedic roots and it boasts one of the finest supporting casts on the small screen (Best, Wever and Facinelli are particularly brilliant). I’m looking forward to see what comes next.
[B+]

        
Standout Performers
John Corbett in United States of Tara A-
Toni Collette in United States of Tara B+
Mireille Enos in The Killing B+
Rosemarie DeWitt in United States of Tara B+
Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie B+
Brian Sexton in The Killing B+
       
Anyone watched the closers for The Killing and Nurse Jackie? Any final thoughts on the glorious three year run of United States of Tara? What did you watch this past week?

TV Week in Review: (with a flashback to The Killing)

Once again it’s just two of the best shows winding down that I’m properly reviewing - United States of Tara and Nurse Jackie, and I’ve begun watching AMC’s The Killing and I’m finding it surprisingly good.

             

United States of Tara: “Crunchy Ice”

The grade that I give for this episode of the DID drama seems strange. Overall, the episode itself isn’t brilliant but it contains some excellent bits of growth for the main characters. Bryce continues to hold Tara’s body hostage killing Buck and Alice, so it’s all about changes and overall the episode feels a bit tense and not necessarily in a great way. Frances McDormand turns up to be brilliant, making good on the promise she teased us with earlier this season. It’s a performance worthy of Emmy consideration, I think. The episode teeters skilfully on the boundary between comedy and drama and John Corbett, Rosemarie DeWitt and Keir Gilchrist all do fine things. I’ve been a bit disinterested in Keir this season, but he was excellent especially in that fight with Buck. What will the series finale bring next week? Who knows?

[B+]

               

Nurse Jackie: “Batting Practice”

This week Nurse Jackie makes good on its comedic roots offering up an episode that manages to maintain those quirky dramatic hooks while still being especially funny. It’s Wever’s time to shine and though my allegiances ultimately lay with Eve Best and Peter Facinelli it’s nice seeing Wever serve up her usual comic bits. Anna Deavere Smith, too, is in fine form. I can’t say what will become of Kelly and Jackie’s liaisons and I’m worried about Kevin. Will Coop even follow through with that ridiculous wedding of his? It’s all question marks, but it’s a great episode.

[B+/A-]

The Killing Episodes 1 – 5

It took me two seasons to become especially interested in Mad Men, but five episodes in and I’m already loving The Killing. It’s all about atmosphere and the drama unfolds with so much interest to detail that I’m willing to forgive the red herrings necessary to ensure that a full season is spent working on a single murder. The acting is strong and direction is excellent. I’ve heard rumours that it goes downhill pretty soon, but I’m not really worried. So far, I’m glad I tuned.

Grading the Episodes:

“Pilot” A

“The Cage” A-

“El Diablo” B+

“A Soundless Echo” B/B+

“Super 8” B+

Grading the Performers:

Joel Kinnaman A-

Mirielle Enos A-

Michelle Forbes A-

Billy Campbell B+

Brent Sexton B+

Kristin Lehman B/B+

                    

I should be gearing up for some Emmy chatter soon. Jose only recently reviewed The Big C here. Watched any good TV recently?

“We Were On a Break”

No the title of this piece has nothing to do with Friends. I was planning on taking something a sabbatical from blogging, but then I remembered by weekly TV column. I’m still on my break, I just decided I’d drop in some random television rantings because a) Nurse Jackie and United States of Tara both offered up fine episodes this week and b) the Emmy’s are coming up and with the thirty odd shows I’ve followed for the last season I have to get my own personal Emmy list in order.
 
So, Bryce is continuing to be a little shit on United States of Tara, in a really bad way and as the show nears its end I now realise how much I will miss it. I still don’t like Marshall, but Gilcrhist was on fire this episode as was Corbett and it’s interesting seeing how the family is being affected by this. It’s interesting watching Charmain holding on to Tara when Neal is encouraging her to leave. Then, on Nurse Jackie Jackie gets what should be a wakeup call, but knowing her it’s probably going to eb as ineffective as Zoey. Well, I like Zoey but she’s a softie (which is why we love her). Eve Best was absolutely brilliant this episode and made me realise that Facinelli has good chemistry with EVERYBODY. I wish they’d both get Emmy nods, but I’m not crazy. I know they won’t. UGH!
Nurse Jackie B+
United States of Tara B+/A-
     
Performances
Eve Best in Nurse Jackie A-
Keir Gilchrist in United States of Tara B+/A-
John Corbett in United States of Tara B+
Peter Facinelli in Nurse Jackie B+
Toni Collette in United States of Tara B+

Just because I want to ensure that when my personal ballot comes about that it’s as eclectic as I’d hope I’m trying to catch up on some shows I missed. I’m watching the pilot of The Killing later to see if I should make the jump. I should start recapping the last season in TV soon, but right now I’m still on that break.

How’s this week been for you – in or out of TV?

TV Week in Review: “23rd - 25th May”

It’s a scant week, only five shows too review and three of them season finales. In case you haven’t already heard the awful news United States Tara of Tara has been cancelled. I can’t say it spoiled my week, but it’s really awful that that great cast is out of work – and the show is so innovative too. What a shame. On with the reviews...

             

United States of Tara: “Bryce Will Play”

Halfway through this season this show moved from offbeat comedy to offbeat drama and now I’m torn between what genre I think it fits into. Regardless of genre, it’s still a great show. Bryce is more disturbing that he seemed last week moving on to killing the some of the other alters. Shoshanna is my favourite of Tara’s alters, so it’ll be sad if she’s really gone. Watching Tara struggle with Dr. Hatteras was an excellent arc and the closing with Bryce was brilliant. Kudos to DeWitt in that scene, too. She didn’t have a great number of scenes this week, but she had three great scenes all of which she sold. Once again, Marshall is annoying me. I don’t get how he didn’t see the fact that the movie would hurt his father’s feeling. Corbett, too, is doing some fine work this season. For me, he’s finally falling into “Leading” status.

[A-]

Nurse Jackie: “Have You Met Ms. Jones?”

It’s weird, I feel no great interest in Jackie as a character but I love those shows. I keep wanting Eve Best to get more screen time, she’s especially on point with her short scenes this episode – especially loved her drinking her bubbly by her lonesome. Jackie’s getting desperate, but the thing with her is that I’m never sure if she’s sincere or not. Kelly might be on to her secret, which is surely going to be interesting. Zoey’s arc with her boyfriend was very cutesy, but Merrit is so much fun to watch. Then, there’s Coop and his new facebook friend and future wife which is just the sort of nonsense that Facinelli can sell. It seems like that patient may be interested in him, which could be interesting. Anything for more Coop (and those little digressions with him and Thor which are always hilarious).

[B+/A-]

Glee: “New York”

I could probably pontificate ad nauseum on the topic of Glee, the season generally, the finale specifically and a number of other things. I’ll probably get to some generally ruminations before the Emmy nominations are announced, but for now – on the finale. It’s a generally tepid closing and I broke my own rule and read three reviews of which, all of which were essentially pans. The logic of the New Directions and their original song machinations is ridiculous and all but assures their lack of success at the competition (although, I can’t praise Vocal Adrenaline. Obviously Jesse’s Adrenaline > Sunshine’s Adrenaline. They’ve been planning on this for so long, it seems like a lopsided conclusion to the journey to nationals. It had its moments, though. Sure, Quinn’s “plan” for destruction was especially disappointing but it was nice seeing the original Cheerios back together, sort of. I always find Colfer least taxing when he’s opposite Michele and their scenes were lovely. The Finchel drama was awfully trite, even though the boys’ serenading them was great (only because of Salling and his accordion). Rivera kind of stole the show with her Lima Heights tirade and it’s generally enjoyable, but still sort of blah. Eh, hopefully they use the summer to regroup.

[B]

Modern Family: “The One That Got Away”

The episode is generally solid, but I don’t know if it’s the excess love I’ve gotten for Cougar Town but I’ve gotten a bit immune to the antics of the Dunphy/Pritchett clan. Sure, things like Claire and Mitchell bonding was excellent or seeing Manny and Cameron share those sweet pseudo-father/son moments was a nice change. And of course, Phil talking about his cheerleading past is always appreciated. It’s solid, I say, but it’s not feeling like must-see episode. Definitely enjoyable, and considering that the season was fine it doesn’t do it any harm. I felt entertained, but not especially so.

[B/B+]

Cougar Town:“Something Good Coming”

What could be better than a one-hour Cougar Town? This felt like such a brilliant throwback to those 90s sitcoms where the zany group would relocate to some vacation place and go crazy and it was the good sort of crazy. Everything was on point, from the unholy trinity of Andy/Ellie/Bobby to Jules and Grayson’s baby issues to Laurie stealing the episode with her vacation boyfriend and getting Travis to come back home it was all just excellent. Then, there were those great side gags like that guy making all those songs sound depressing (“Love Shack” as a soulful ballad was brilliant) and Ellie’s toothbrush rantings or the candle holder functioning as a sort of wineglass. It was just a fine closing to a great season. I hate that it won’t be coming back until the middle of the next season. I really hope it’s not suggesting an imminent cancellation.

[A-]

            

Standout Performances

Toni Collette in United States of Tara A-

Busy Philipps in Cougar Town A-

Christa Miller in Cougar Town A-

Ty Burrell in Modern Family B+

Courtney Cox in Cougar Town B+

Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie B+

            

Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Modern Family B+

Naya Rivera in Glee B+

Peter Facinelli in Nurse Jackie B+

Lea Michele in Glee B+

Rosemarie DeWitt in United States of Tara B+

John Corbett in United States of Tara B+

Eve Best in Nurse Jackie B+

          

Next week my two showtime shows are off until the week after and most of the network shows are on hiatus. Any new shows I should pick up? Any shows that I watched, but didn't review this season you'd like me to write about? (The Big C, Boardwalk Empire, The Closer, True Blood, Mad Men among others) I just recently decided to watch last year’s recent Entourage season 7 (their last will be this summer) and I have to say, I still think it’s a great show.

           

What did you watch this week?

TV Week in Review: “15th - 19th” (and leftovers from last week)

It was a week of finales, the on ABC, CBS and NBC I got packed with a slew of finales some were perfect closers to great seasons and others were surprisingly disappointing. But before, I’ve got two overdue reviews from the week before.

            

Cougar Town: “Damaged By Love”

Watching Ellie deal with Andy’s family – particularly his officious sister-in-law ends up being a left-field arc for a show that’s often so insular but one which is also quite hilarious. Moreover, it ends up leading to a brilliant moment of niceness between Laurie and Ellie. Their relationship is an interesting thing to watch, and it’s great seeing how much they’ve grown over the two seasons. Jules father is always good for a laugh, and his strip club antics were great to watch especially when it led to the softer moment at the end. Grayson’s arc was a bit silly, but in a good way. I have to give props to Josh Hopkins who I often used to think of as the show’s albatross. He’s been bringing the funny recently.

[B+]

         

Parks & Recreation: “Road Trip”

I missed the second of this, and it was a great one. Not as enjoyable as “The Fight” but it saw two important things happy. Ben and Leslie’s relationship finally got on track (a whole year after he arrived and I noticed their brilliant chemistry) and it’s fun watching Chris be the ultimate cockblocker, naturally oblivious to everything. The arc of Tom’s gameshow wasn’t as joyfully hilarious as his other ideas, but it’s great how the writers are treating the April/Andy marriage with sincerity and her showing up at Ann’s house was a nice touch.

[B+]

           

Desperate Housewives: “And Lots of Security...”

Desperate Housewives: “Come On Over for Dinner”

Well, the seventh season of Desperate Housewives wrapped goes out in a decidedly disappointing double feature. I couldn’t help but wonder why the second episode couldn’t have been tightened up and used as the next season’s premiere. The Felicia and Paul drama came to a whimpering close (not even a return of the great Cody Kasch) and so does Lynette and Tom’s marriage. The divorce plot seems tired but I don’t see it as especially terrible because that entire relationship has become awfully annoying to watch. The Gaby drama is vaguely random but not overly so and the rotating dinner is a nice touch. The latter episode is superior, but something still feels off although I do give props to Vanessa Williams for being the episode’s MVP working hard with the silly storylines she’s given. I keep praying that this show can rein itself in and find some structure. I don’t know, though...

[C/C+]

[B-]

United States of Tara: “Chicken ‘n’ Corn”

Well, things are definitely reaching to a head and it sure is turning into something chilling. Tara’s new alter is distressing, but it was the early scene with Chicken which was more upsetting. It was an episode of things being troubled, though, like the usually calm Max being derailed by that plain right or Kate being similarly ill at ease with Evan’s demon-son or Marshall feeling badly because of Max’s ostensible lack of support. Marshall’s really annoying me this season, go figure. Even Charmain’s attempts at a day out were capsized first by her worrying about Wheels and then her returning home to Hatteras in her house and a palpably upset Tara there.

[B+]

            

Nurse Jackie: “The Astonishing”

This episode was filled with some great small bits featuring things that you wouldn’t likely see. O’Hara looking at her bruised chest in the bathroom was deep and then there was that awkward lunch with her, Jackie and Zoey and then a somewhat random but surprisingly effective moment with his toys. Jackie was running on a single pill today and that’s probably why her mood was so sour. I feel badly for Gracie, but she’s such an annoying character that I wasn’t that invested in her saintly plight. Gloria and Thor bonding was a genius move as was the conversation between Kelly and Zoey which led to the latter reminiscing on her days of being jailbait. Wever is such a trooper.

[B+]

Glee: “Funeral”

I’ve stopped reading reviews of Glee because I end up almost always liking the hated episodes or hating the liked episodes and what not. “Funeral” was a lot more placid than you’d expect, and maybe it’s because I’ve been feeling a bit downer for the entire week (what with the rapture, and what not) but with its attention to the softer side of the show it ended up being less cloying to me and surprisingly moving. The arc of Sue’s sister dying on its own doesn’t move me as much but Lynch turns in a fine performance, and I did love the season’s opener when she and Will were “friends” so I’d love to see that return and it ties in nicely with Terri’s exit which saddens me. I’m a fan of Jessalyn, she’s had sinfully little do this season but she’s Morrison’s best acting partner and I will miss her when (if?) she leaves. The smaller relationship drama was a bit eclipsed, but Jonathan Groff brings the funny (without singing) and as harsh as his comments were every single one of them made sense if you put serious thought into it. Don’t care for the Finn/Quinn drama, I keep hoping Rachel and Finn don’t hook up and destroy the show – but it seems inevitable (them hooking up, not the show’s destruction. Ha.)

[B+/A-]

       

The Good Wife: “Closing Arguments”

I've come to love The Good Wife, I think my general antipathy towards Julianna Margulies (don't ask) made it difficult for me to initially love the show in its premiere season. Still, I've grown to love it and I was highly anxious to see the season's closer. The set-up is excellent. Fresh of their "break-up" Alicia and Kalinda must work together on judge murder which their client is charged for. Just as closing arguments for the case are given new evidence (in the form of a bloodied glove) ends up on Alicia's desk leading the team into a fresh new investigation. It sounds good, but the episode is something of a let-down, a fine episode - certainly, but it sort of fizzles in contrast to last week's episode. For me, The Good Wife is always at its best when it touches on the concepts of friendship - Kalinda/Alicia, Diane/Will, Eli/Peter or general politics and as a viewer the Will/Alicia dynamic is decidedly secondary for me. So, even though we get some suggestions of brilliance like Cary and Diane's cutesy banter or Eli and Alicia's pseudo face-off or Cary noticing Kalinda's coldness the fact that the end-all of all that could be is a lip-lock between Will and Alicia

[B/B+]

Modern Family: “See You Next Fall”

It’s a solidly fair episode and it’s great when the entire comes together – this time for Alex’s graduation. Hyland was great this episode helping Alex to see how terrible her original graduation speech would have been. The Claire/Phil arc wasn’t as precise as I’d hope but Bowen and Burrell (the MVPs on the show, for me right now) really can make anything work. Jay’s Botox seems a bit out of left-field but I love Mitchell’s reaction. The Cam/Mitchell arc was a bit silly, but Ferguson is hilarious when he comes as vaguely insensitive and the best part of the episode was him trying to convince everyone how Cam’s fall could have been funny.

[B/B+]

Cougar Town: Free Fallin'

This was an episode of classic greatness and even the potentially freaky arc of Grayson, Ellie, Tom and the chalk children didn’t end up hindering. On one hand Jules and Travis have concurrent bonding and sparring when he decides to drop out of college. This leads to a hilarious gag where Grayson pretends to be Travis and he and Jules end up making up. It is as weird as it sounds, even Ellie agrees. Then, Penny Can went national as Lou Diamond Philips became the face of the new and improved Penny Can and though in theory it’s Bobby’s arc it leads to a string of hilarious Laurie moments. It will be interesting see Bobby in an apartment now, and Travis on the boat.

[A-]

The Office: “Search Committee”

Krasinski, I always maintain, is a brilliant actor because he knows how to react to the madness around him and having him on the search committee responding to a host of madness and giving the camera his wan expressions was just great. This one hour didn’t top the Christmas episode – nothing this season did. But, in its placidity it was a fine close to the season. One of the surprising arcs which hit home was the potential for Phyllis and Erin to be mother and daughter. I’ve never been a fan of Phyllis but the arc ends up being funny and moving. Little things were excellently done, like Pam having to be the one to save the office from Creed or every bit character have their moment from Kelly and Ryan (I will always love those two) to Oscar and Darryl. It was perfectly orchestrated which serves as fine proof that as brilliant an addition Michael was the office is filled with a host of brilliant members. They can handle another season...but who will lead them? I hope it’s James Spader. He was brilliant!

[B+/A-]

Parks & Recreation: “The Bubble”

Parks and Recreation: “’Lil Sebastian”

A double episode closing for the greatest comedy on television at the moment seems about right. Ben meeting Leslie’s mother was all sorts of great. Scott is doing such great work on the show, I keep praying at least one cast members get Emmy love but damn they’re all worthy. That’s why the concept of them working like crazy on the funeral of ‘Lil Sebastian is both silly and fantastic. The cliff-hangers are striking but not exasperating because they’re so realistic. Leslie running for office is an excellent idea, which could be a problem with the Ben liaison. Tom leaving the office is logical, although I wonder how successful he would be. And then we get added pieces of greatness like Ron’s moustache burning off along with the return of Megan Mullally and Tammy I (whoever that is) and Chris mourning the loss of his youth which is too funny. Here’s an even better season four, but before that here’s praying for some Emmy love. Fingers crossed.

[A/A-]

[A-]

Grey’s Anatomy: “Unaccompanied Minor”

I swear I’ve been crazy emotional this week, it’s like all my aloofness has worn off over time and it’s all gone and that scene with the room waiting for that solitary minor made me really, really, really sad. It’s been a while since a one hour season finale and this one seemed especially un-seismic but still excellently solid. It’s a sensitive closing to a season that’s seen the show trying to find its way and by ending on softer note it works excellently. I’m worried about Alex, and I wish he and Meredith could have had it out. Hopefully next season doesn’t see him get crazy because I’d hate it if April got chief resident over me. But there’s bigger fish to fry, like Meredith’s suspension, Derek’s leaving and the baby’s arrival. All things handled sensitively and with great skill. But this week it’s Sandra Oh who delivers home. Her conflict makes sense to me, but I can see Owen’s point and it’s just all complicated for her – just as Meredith keeps stressing about her issues. It’s not black-and-white, it’s a murky deluge and I can’t wait to see what they do with the next season. I feel as if, finally, they’re back on track.

[A-]

Private Practice: “To Change the Things I Can”

Naomi’s departure wasn’t as big a thing as I’d hoped; I suppose having Audra leave quietly is the best thing for the show and Addison already has her issues of semi-depression. The practice’s move to a change is interesting, although I wonder if that’s going to be as big a change as they’re making it out to be. It’s weird, I don’t have much to say about the episode but it’s a good one. Violet and Pete’s drama is an interesting problem and Charlotte and Coop’s troubles at works makes for an interesting arc. The thing about this show, though, is that it’s so dedicated to being calm that sometimes it can come off seemed anaesthetised. This episode avoids that, hopefully season 5 continues on that.

[B+/A-]

             

Outstanding Writing

Grey’s Anatomy: A/A-

Parks & Recreation: A/A- (“The Bubble)

Cougar Town: B+/A-

Glee: B+/A-

The Office: B+/A-

            

Outstanding Performances

Amy Poehler in Parks & Recreation B+/A-

Sandra Oh in Grey’s Anatomy B+

Adam Scott in Parks & Recreation B+

Eve Best in Nurse Jackie B+ 

Jane Lynch in Glee B+

John Krasinski in The Office B+

John Corbett in United States of Tara B+

Nick Offerman in Parks & Recreation B+

Ty Burrell in Modern Family B+

                

Kate Walsh in Private Practice B+

Courtney Cox in Cougar Town B+

Toni Collette in United States of Tara B+

Busy Philipps in Cougar Town B+

Vanessa Williams in Desperate Housewives B+

Dan Byrd in Cougar Town B+

Christa Miller in Cougar Town B+

Rosemarie DeWitt in United States of Tara B+

         

What did you think of all these finales? Any stood out?