Well, I know that's it's been a very long time since I made any additions to this blog, and my few but faithful followers may have thought that I've abandoned it all together. My only excuse is that there has been a lot going on in my life, and that while I've been able to spend a fair amount of time watching TV, I have not had enough time to write about it.
But now, the holiday season is upon us, and there are two things that are sure to come with the arrival of December: the supposed 'War on Christmas (which because this is not a political forum, I've not going to take a side on) and the coming of award nominations. A lot of the major critics groups in this country, most of them having to do with films have announced nominations, but a few deal with TV. I've seen more than my fair share of films this year, so I might be able to comment with some degree of wisdom about the films that will be in this years Oscar race. I may even do that a little later on. However, for the moment, I will stay within the borders of TV, which has also been getting recognition.
I will focus on the Golden Globes, which on occasion will right some of the more obscure wrongs that the Emmys often make, and sometimes will demonstrate that the Hollywood Foreign Press can live on Mars.
First the good things. While admit that this has been a piss-poor year for new network TV offerings, the Globes has seen fit to recognize two of the stronger shows: Boardwalk Empire, HBO's best new drama since Big Love, and AMC's The Walking Dead, which has become the most popular series on AMC---- ever. They also recognized Dexter, Good Wife, and Mad Men, three of the best shows currently on TV.
I've got no problem with the Best Actor noiminees. I'm glad to see Bryan Cranston finally getting some love (after three straight Emmys, it would be surreal to be ignored in favor of Simon Baker again). But Piper Perabo for Best Actress? I'm not even sure Covert Affairs was renewed for a second season. Glenn Close caught shunted aside for her?
And Damages being completely shut out after one of its finest years? Martin Short, having given one of the finest performances I've seen on TV last year ignored? There are always problems in the Supporting categories, but come on, Scott Caan for Hawaii Five-0? Alan Cumming or Aaron Paul would make sense, but Scott Caan? I'm pretty sure even his father wouldn't vote for him, given the opportunity.
I'm similarly baffled by Thomas Jane getting a best actor nod for Hung. It didn't make any sense last year, and it makes even less sense this year. The only explanation I can come up with is the shortage of candiates for Best Actor in a comedy, but David Duchovny's work in Californication was superior, and seen by a larger audience. What bizarro world mentality does this fit? Here's hoping there are more candidates with the coming of 2011.
Nurse Jackie deserved to be nominated for Best Comedy, so they got that right. I'm less certain about The Big C. At times, it was very funny, but it's behavior was erratic. Still, Laura Linney deserved her nomination, and now it's becoming clear that Showtime has a lock on comedies centered around fascinating woman with big problems. Without question Showtime is the real winner of the Globes this year, and continues to demonstrate that it is the real powerhouse in the pay cable world.
Nods that just made me feel good: Chris Colfer's for Glee. He is without question one of the best actors of a very strong cast, and watching him is probably the most enjoyment on one of TV's best rides. I was also glad to see Chris Noth and Julia Stiles nominated in the Supporting categories and I hope that when the Emmy judges get around to honoring them (and trust me, they will) they'll remember where they were. And though I still don't watch it loyally, it's good to know that the Foreign Press has finally recognized the superb Big Bang Theory as one of the Best Comedies of the year. I don't pay as much attention to the TV movie side of this, but I was glad to see Idris Elba nominated for his work in Luther, not just because it was just good work, but because I'm glad to see any alumni of The Wire getting recognized for something. (Hint, hint)
One last thing Foreign press, you might want to consider creating a whole new categories for Supporting Actors and Actress in TV movies. Yeah, it might add a few extra minutes to your show, and it was just be another category for HBO to dominate... you know what, forget I mentioned it. Few years, they'll all be gone anyway. Such is the balance of power in the TV industry.
That's enough for the Golden Globes. I'd try and run through the SAG awards as well, but the sad truth is, considering how wide a base they use, and how leads and supportings get shunted into the same category, I've given up getting worked up or excited by them. Besides, how seriously can you take a group that considers Hot in Cleveland one of the Best comedies of the year?
Stay tuned to this spot for my ten best list for 2010. But first, some classic antidotes for the Christmas themed episodes.
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Just wanted to let you know that David Duchovny and Californication were not eligible this year becasue the series did not play in 2010 at all. It does not come back until Jan 2011. If it had been there and Duchovny overlooked i would be pissed! Its the Emmy's that i have a problem with. They never seem to give Duchovny his due. I also wish they would have a seperate catagory for shows like Californication, Nurse Jackie and Weeds. To me they just don't fit the comedy label. They have enough series that are both comedic and dramatic to have a dramedy catagory. To put a show like Cali up against The Big Bang Theory or Two and a half men is just not fair in MHO.
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