For me this is the most wonderful time of the year. Awards seasons always get my blood pumping, partly because of the hope that some of the greatest television around will be recognized for their skill. Furthermore, the predictions that I made were about the same results. They did nominate the old standbys, but their was for the first time in awhile, a much needed infusion of new blood. Let's go over some of the things that made me feel warm inside.
Glee --- Is there ever a more accurate description? Few shows have deserved so much joy, and they'll probably win a good deal of those 19 nominations. I was perhaps happiest to see that Chris Colfer earned a nomintion for his work as Kurt, the member of New Directions who is responsible for some of the most superb moments. I was also gratified to see Mike O'Malley get honored for his work as Kurt's father. This guys come a long way from Yes, Dear. I don't know if Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele will win, but they deserve a chance at the big prize.
Mad Women--- Yes, the men at Sterling Cooper are ultra cool, but the woman of this show are even more appealing. January Jones work as Betty Draper has been ignobly ignored for the past two seasons, so I was glad to see that she got recognized. Elisabeth Moss continues to wow as Peggy, who I'm convinced by the end of the series will be running an agency of her own. And Christina Hendricks is the epitome of svelte on this show as Joan Holloway, especially when she left her husbands side to join the new agency Sterling is founding. Let's hope they recognize her talent as welll as her figure.
The REAL Showtime powers---- Last Season of Weeds was probably it's most unfunny, so I'm glad the voters didn't just cut and paste it's nominations from last year, and instead recognized Edie Falco and Nurse Jackie. And it's also good that Dexter, which had it's best season, racked up eight nominations (Still, John Lithgow, best Guest Actor, not Supporting? Really? I know they did it for Jimmy Smits last year, but I kind of think that was misplaced as well? Oh well...
Lighting up Fridays --- I'm not a big fan of the show, but I can't help but feel impressed that Emmy Voters finally got their heads out of the sand, and recognized real talent in an unwatched you, when they nominated Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton for their work on Friday Night Lights. Show aside, I've been a big fan of these actors work for over a decade in countless solid performers, and they might be able to run an upset to pull off a victory.
Damages Done? ---- F/X still won't say whether the brilliant legal drama has a future, even though it is, for the third year running, the networks most recognized show. I do think they could've recognized Campbell Scott and Lily Tomlin's work really belonged in the Supporting Actress category, and it deserved a Best Drama nod, certainly more than True Blood. Here's hoping this earns them one last bite at the apple
Guest Actors --- Traditionally, Guest ACtor and Guest Actress are given away in an earlier ceremony, but considering some of the nominees this year, the Academy might want to rethink that stratagem.
Consider: In Best Guest Actor in a Drama, we have Dylan Baker and Alan Cumming for the Good Wife, Robert Morse for Mad Men, Ted Danson for Damages, John Lithgow for Dexter, and Gregory Itzin for 24, and Beau Bridges for a swell one-shot on the Closer. Best Guest ACtress isn't as flashy, but we still have Sissy Spacek, the one good thing about Big Love this season, Elizabeth Mitchell for Lost, Lily Tomlin for Damages, and Ann Margaret for Law and Order:SVU. I'd pay to see who comes out on top in either of those matchups. . Comedy isn't as flashy, but with Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin Chenowith, Christine Baranski, Jane Lynch, Jon Hamm all double dipping, they'd have some reason to watch. I know it ain't gonna happen, but the show could be so much more fun.
Out of their grooves---- And with this influx of new blood, the Emmys seem to have shaken some habits that I have been wishing they'd break for years. Finally, Grey's Anatomy, House, and Entourage are out of the Emmy Gods systems after years of diminishign returns. Maybe we can have some proof that the awards aren't stuck in a five years ago. And in the ultimate screw you, Conan O'Brian got nominated for the Tonight Show, and Jay Leno didn't. Conan if you win anything August 29, just say something like: "I would like to thank NBC for all the faith they had in us." Though personally I'll be routing for Bill Maher or Stephen Colbert.
That's it for recognition. Next post, I'll discuss some of the biggest snubs. (Treme, anyone?)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Final Five. I thought quite a bit over these
It's taken me nearly six months, but I've finally reached the end of this list. Glad that I did it, but I really want to hear is how horribly you disagree with me, or which ones I left out. For several of these shows, I could have picked multiple episodes, but I tried to find the one that may have had the greatest impact. You've got any better ideas, let me have it
24--- Day 5: 6:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.
This one probably presented the greatest challenge of all the shows: how do you pick the best from what is essentially eight different shows? And how do you choose an episode from one where every piece is integral to overall effect? You choose the one that has the moment that probably resonated more in the middle of what the series greatest day. We see the Vice President arrive on the scene raised to appear to be the probable villain. You put Jack Bauer in the same room with the daughter he betrayed when he faked his own death nearly eighteen months earlier. You make one of the most insidious attacks on the most daring group of terrorist--- CTU's been attacked from within and without, but never quite like this. And then you kill everyone with nerve gas --- including one particular CTU tech. Considering how many regulars the creators had axed so far this season (people we'd known for longer and were more invested in) it's surprising that chubby Edgar Stiles who we hardly know really meant so much to us. Perhaps it's just the way he dies--- his running on to the scene with no way of escape, his slow little cough as he doubles over, and the horrified expression on Chloe O'Brian's face as this man she feuded with dies right in front of her eyes. Her look made that scene. We didn't need the ticking clock to go silent; her look was so devestating that it really said it all.
Lost --- There's No Place Like Home, Part 2 and 3
Say what you will about the last episode--- the finales that Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof designed for this jigsaw of a show were positively brilliant, and this one shined brighter than most. We thought that rescue had come for some of the Oceanic survivors, instead all it seemed to bring was death, but there were so many set pieces Sawyer's swan dive of the helicopter to allow his fellow passengers to be rescued, Ben's act of revenge against the mercenary who killed his daughter, the helicopter flying off the freighter just in time for Sun to (apparently) see her husband get blown to smithereens--- all of this shock, balanced by the awe when Desmond was reunited with his beloved Penelope after nearly eight years, the apparent moving of the island (still not sure where it actually went) and, oh yeah, the revelation that in the future John Locke was the man in the coffin. All of this seems byzantine when I describe it (and believe me, even when you know what's happening , it's still confusing) but this demonstrated better than any other how remarkable an accomplishment Lost truly was. Even knowing the ultimate fate of all the characters that were involved, it's still a hell of a shock and watching it blows my mind and brings a tear to the eye. Episodes like this are why we watch series like Lost in the first place.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer --- Hush
There are at least six or seven episodes of this series that register as some of the most landmark in television, so choosing this one--- the only one of this series to even earn an Emmy nomination --- may seem a bit obvious. But it's not just that Joss Whedon elected to due an episode of his series without dialogue for nearly forty minutes. It's that he elected to do this series--- where the rapid fire repartee was ninety percent of thefun--- without dialogue. Amazingly, none of the series trademark humor got sacrificed--- there are at least a dozen brilliant sight gags locating throughout the episode. It also happened to have one of the scariest standalone monsters--- the Gentlemen, with faces that looked like they were right out of German horror films. This also celebrates the introduction of Tara, the shy little woman who would become Willow's greatest love, and finally reveal the exsistence of the Initiative, which has been stalking Buffy since the beginning of Season 4. And considering how much of the brilliance of this show centers around the general kick-ass nature of the heroines, it's rather ironic that the key to stopping what was the most dangerous threat was a woman's scream. This was a landmark episode, and demonstrated why Joss and Sarah Michelle Gellar should have been wracking up an Emmy a year. Another blog.
The Wire --- Middle Ground
This is an even harder pick than 24. How do you separate a show that tells so many intricate interlocking stories with so many characters, and then try to pick out one that is the most amazing. That may have been one of the reasons this show got even less Emmy love than Buffy. Watching Major Colvin try to justify the establishment of a drug free zone than led to a major reduction of crime is hard enough because even though it worked, the city councilman he's selling it to will deliver enough information to bury it and him. The case to try and bring down Stringer Bell--- an investigation that essentially had to have the Major Case Squad sell pre-tapped cell phones to a bunch of drug dealers is creative marketing, to the say the least. But what makes this episode last in the mind is Stringer Bell's fate. For years, he's been trying to negotiate a middle path to sell drugs with less death. He believes every solution can be solved with money. Which is why there's something tragic about his eventually dying by being in a situation with the bloodthirsty Omar Little that he just can't negotiate out of. The best laid plans of mice and Baltimore detectives are not able to get him in jail in time to stop him from meeting his fate at the end of two shotguns. And the fact that so many fans of the show were horrified that this murderous, cold-blooded drug dealer met his end just goes to show how brilliant David Simon is as a writer. There is no good and evil in the world of The Wire, and the fact that Simon thinks both Bell and Colvin's approaches might have merit in this world, only guarantees that they will be ground into dirt by the system they are both locked into.
Homicide --- Crosetti
Another flashpoint for debate--- this police drama was the best television of the nineties. And even though it should so many episodes demonstrating the effect of murder, none-- not even their billiant 'Subway' episode in 1997, matched the power of this earleir episode. Detective Crosetti hasn't come back from a supposed vacation in Atlantic City. Which is why it comes as a huge shock that a bloated, waterlogged corpse dragged out of the harbor belongs to the detective. Everyone in Homicide knows what has happened, but Meldrick Lewis can not accept that his partner has killed himself. He spends most of the episode trying to convince all of Crosetti's associates that he was all right, while Stan Bolander tries to convince him otherwise. The moment when the autopsy's results are revealed finally break him, and leads to a wrenching moment of agony for everybody. The rest of the episode is dealt with what seems to be part of the mundane, Lieutenant Giardello trying to get an honor guard for his fallen detective, and ultimately failing, Munch trying to get a coffin from his undertaker brother, Pembleton and Bayliss trying to buy cookies for the wake. All of this is balanced by Frank Pembeleton (the peerless Andre Braugher) appearing to act like a self-righteous jerk for almost the entire episode, refusing to go to church because of his own personal antagonism towards God. Which makes the last two minutes of this episode so moving. As the funeral procession walks by the Homicide Unit, standing there is Pembleton in full uniform, performing a one-man honor guard. No matter how many times I watch this episode, I can't see the last couple of scenes without crying. I've seen a lot of beloved characters deis on TV (many of them mentioned in these posting, but this one, more than any of the others hits the hardest. It's been over sixteen years since I first saw it, but it's still arguably the most wrenching moment I've ever seen.
Please by all means tell me how wrong I am. Tomorrow I will be ranting (or cheering) at this year Emmy nominations. Stay tuned to this site for more diatribes
24--- Day 5: 6:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.
This one probably presented the greatest challenge of all the shows: how do you pick the best from what is essentially eight different shows? And how do you choose an episode from one where every piece is integral to overall effect? You choose the one that has the moment that probably resonated more in the middle of what the series greatest day. We see the Vice President arrive on the scene raised to appear to be the probable villain. You put Jack Bauer in the same room with the daughter he betrayed when he faked his own death nearly eighteen months earlier. You make one of the most insidious attacks on the most daring group of terrorist--- CTU's been attacked from within and without, but never quite like this. And then you kill everyone with nerve gas --- including one particular CTU tech. Considering how many regulars the creators had axed so far this season (people we'd known for longer and were more invested in) it's surprising that chubby Edgar Stiles who we hardly know really meant so much to us. Perhaps it's just the way he dies--- his running on to the scene with no way of escape, his slow little cough as he doubles over, and the horrified expression on Chloe O'Brian's face as this man she feuded with dies right in front of her eyes. Her look made that scene. We didn't need the ticking clock to go silent; her look was so devestating that it really said it all.
Lost --- There's No Place Like Home, Part 2 and 3
Say what you will about the last episode--- the finales that Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof designed for this jigsaw of a show were positively brilliant, and this one shined brighter than most. We thought that rescue had come for some of the Oceanic survivors, instead all it seemed to bring was death, but there were so many set pieces Sawyer's swan dive of the helicopter to allow his fellow passengers to be rescued, Ben's act of revenge against the mercenary who killed his daughter, the helicopter flying off the freighter just in time for Sun to (apparently) see her husband get blown to smithereens--- all of this shock, balanced by the awe when Desmond was reunited with his beloved Penelope after nearly eight years, the apparent moving of the island (still not sure where it actually went) and, oh yeah, the revelation that in the future John Locke was the man in the coffin. All of this seems byzantine when I describe it (and believe me, even when you know what's happening , it's still confusing) but this demonstrated better than any other how remarkable an accomplishment Lost truly was. Even knowing the ultimate fate of all the characters that were involved, it's still a hell of a shock and watching it blows my mind and brings a tear to the eye. Episodes like this are why we watch series like Lost in the first place.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer --- Hush
There are at least six or seven episodes of this series that register as some of the most landmark in television, so choosing this one--- the only one of this series to even earn an Emmy nomination --- may seem a bit obvious. But it's not just that Joss Whedon elected to due an episode of his series without dialogue for nearly forty minutes. It's that he elected to do this series--- where the rapid fire repartee was ninety percent of thefun--- without dialogue. Amazingly, none of the series trademark humor got sacrificed--- there are at least a dozen brilliant sight gags locating throughout the episode. It also happened to have one of the scariest standalone monsters--- the Gentlemen, with faces that looked like they were right out of German horror films. This also celebrates the introduction of Tara, the shy little woman who would become Willow's greatest love, and finally reveal the exsistence of the Initiative, which has been stalking Buffy since the beginning of Season 4. And considering how much of the brilliance of this show centers around the general kick-ass nature of the heroines, it's rather ironic that the key to stopping what was the most dangerous threat was a woman's scream. This was a landmark episode, and demonstrated why Joss and Sarah Michelle Gellar should have been wracking up an Emmy a year. Another blog.
The Wire --- Middle Ground
This is an even harder pick than 24. How do you separate a show that tells so many intricate interlocking stories with so many characters, and then try to pick out one that is the most amazing. That may have been one of the reasons this show got even less Emmy love than Buffy. Watching Major Colvin try to justify the establishment of a drug free zone than led to a major reduction of crime is hard enough because even though it worked, the city councilman he's selling it to will deliver enough information to bury it and him. The case to try and bring down Stringer Bell--- an investigation that essentially had to have the Major Case Squad sell pre-tapped cell phones to a bunch of drug dealers is creative marketing, to the say the least. But what makes this episode last in the mind is Stringer Bell's fate. For years, he's been trying to negotiate a middle path to sell drugs with less death. He believes every solution can be solved with money. Which is why there's something tragic about his eventually dying by being in a situation with the bloodthirsty Omar Little that he just can't negotiate out of. The best laid plans of mice and Baltimore detectives are not able to get him in jail in time to stop him from meeting his fate at the end of two shotguns. And the fact that so many fans of the show were horrified that this murderous, cold-blooded drug dealer met his end just goes to show how brilliant David Simon is as a writer. There is no good and evil in the world of The Wire, and the fact that Simon thinks both Bell and Colvin's approaches might have merit in this world, only guarantees that they will be ground into dirt by the system they are both locked into.
Homicide --- Crosetti
Another flashpoint for debate--- this police drama was the best television of the nineties. And even though it should so many episodes demonstrating the effect of murder, none-- not even their billiant 'Subway' episode in 1997, matched the power of this earleir episode. Detective Crosetti hasn't come back from a supposed vacation in Atlantic City. Which is why it comes as a huge shock that a bloated, waterlogged corpse dragged out of the harbor belongs to the detective. Everyone in Homicide knows what has happened, but Meldrick Lewis can not accept that his partner has killed himself. He spends most of the episode trying to convince all of Crosetti's associates that he was all right, while Stan Bolander tries to convince him otherwise. The moment when the autopsy's results are revealed finally break him, and leads to a wrenching moment of agony for everybody. The rest of the episode is dealt with what seems to be part of the mundane, Lieutenant Giardello trying to get an honor guard for his fallen detective, and ultimately failing, Munch trying to get a coffin from his undertaker brother, Pembleton and Bayliss trying to buy cookies for the wake. All of this is balanced by Frank Pembeleton (the peerless Andre Braugher) appearing to act like a self-righteous jerk for almost the entire episode, refusing to go to church because of his own personal antagonism towards God. Which makes the last two minutes of this episode so moving. As the funeral procession walks by the Homicide Unit, standing there is Pembleton in full uniform, performing a one-man honor guard. No matter how many times I watch this episode, I can't see the last couple of scenes without crying. I've seen a lot of beloved characters deis on TV (many of them mentioned in these posting, but this one, more than any of the others hits the hardest. It's been over sixteen years since I first saw it, but it's still arguably the most wrenching moment I've ever seen.
Please by all means tell me how wrong I am. Tomorrow I will be ranting (or cheering) at this year Emmy nominations. Stay tuned to this site for more diatribes
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Top ten of the Past 20
Well, it's taken me nearly three months to get here, but I finally made it ---- the top ten TV episodes that, in my mind, are the high points of television in the past twenty years.. I don't know if I'll take the same kind of heat that TV Guide does (unlikely, even I'm not egocentric enough to think I've that big) I am just a humble scribe who has watched a LOT of TV in his life. I welcome any other opinions, or really justa response or too.
OK. I've stalled long enough. Here goes.
Mad Men ---- The Grown Ups
The minute I learned that Season 3 was going to take place in 1963 (and that Roger Sterling's daughter was going to get married in November) I knew they were going to interesect with the Kennedy assassination. It's one thing to know it; it's another to see it. Watching these characters (most of whom are rock ribbed Republicans) deal with perhaps the seminal event of the 20th Century was stunning. Seeing them crowd around the TV's, watching Sterling's wedding going on with only half the usual attendance--- it was mesmerizing. One of the key moments came when Pete's wife said: "I don't care what you're politics are --- you don't kill the President"--- we know how people can say something like this, because tragedy causes us to say things we know sound idiotic. This was a realism I hadn't expected, even from this show. And watching the Draper's marriage (which had been hanging by a thread all season) finally implode gave us a chance to see Jon Hamm and the criminally undervalued January Jones do some of their finest work in a year which had already demonstrated Emmy caliber work. Other episodes have gotten more publicity, but this one shown t he brightest
The Simpsons --- 22 Short Films About Springfield
It's been on the air at least five or six years too long, but it has produced some of the most endearing image in TV comedy. And no other episode demonstrate the true depth of the shows depth then this little gem. Taken as a riff on all of the background characters that the Simpsons has, they try to do a lot of little vignettes on how Springfield really operates. From Apu's five minute party to Mr. Burns 'helping' Smithers practically kill himself, Moe finally collecting some of Barney's 14 billion dollar bar tab only to immediately be robbed by Snake, the Tarentino like bit in the Krusty Burgers, Wiggums ineptitude even in getting runover by a hoodlum--- this demonstrates how versatile the Simpsons cast really is, even with the first family getting little more than walkons. There may have been other Simpsos that had more hysterical moments, but this one better than anything else demonstrates the quintessential Simpsons
The X-Files --- One Breath
Darin Morgan's episodes were landmarks in TV history, and rightfully so, but some of the best scripts in the shows early years were written by his brother Glen and collaborator James Wong. Few demonstrated better how clearly the X-Files would work, which is odd, because there really isn't much supenatural that's in it. Rather, it's a character piece as Scully, missing for three months is finally returned to a DC hospital, just clinging to life. The episode focuses on Mulder's desperate efforts to find out who did this, and spends almost the entire episode considering giving into his dark side. Most of the quasi-regulars on this show--- the Lone Gunmen, the Cigarette Smoking Man, Skinner, X (my favorite of all of Mulder's informants) and Maggie Scully give some of their finest performances in this episode. In the end, Mulder is left with a choice between dark and light--- he can kill the men who abducted Scully, or he can spend what might be her last night by her bed. He chooses the latter. We never know what helped Scully come back from the jaws of death, and for once, we don't need to know. And for those people who believed David Duchovny's face is unexpressionless, his look of pure joy when he hears Scully is alive speaks volumes. In that moment, I knew--- all evidence to the contrary--- Mulder was in love with Scully. Why'd it take them six more years to realize it? THat's another blog
The West Wing --- In Excelsius Deo
The Thanksgiving episodes are required viewing at my house, but the Christmas episodes of this series would lead to some of the finest moments in TV history. The majority of them would focus on the relationship between chief of staff Leo and his deputy Josh. Knowing a scandal is coming involving Leo, Josh tries to run a counterstrike by going to a friend of Sam's who's is also a call girl. Leo tells him not to, Sam tells him not to, Josh does it anyway, the girl chews him out royally, and later Leo does the same. But when Josh asks if this was supposed to mean something, Leo said: "It did." These are two people who will go to the ends of the earth for each other. Of course the meat of this episode occurs when Toby gets a call from the DC polcie and learns a homeless man has died wearing a coat he gave to Goodwill. The normally stoic Toby goes into this, learns he was a Korean war vet, and uses his power to give him a military burial. The final sequence, intercutting that funeral with Little Drummer Boy, may have been the finest the show ever did, and still raises a lump in my throat every time I watch it. Plus CJ learns her Secret Service names is Flamingo, Donna tries to get Josh to go Christmas shopping for her, and the President visits a rare book store. Really you couldn't ask for more from this series, and Aaron Sorkin did his damnedest to give it to us.
Frasier ---- An Affair to Forget
I'll probaby get derided by this til the day I die, but I've always held that this show--- not Seinfeld, not Friends, not Everybody Loves Raymond--- was the funniest show of the 90s. It hat a slightly higher intellectual tone that other shows didn't, while constantly putting its characters through situations that could only be described as pure farce. No episode demonstrated this better than this one where Frasier comes to believe that Niles' never-to-be-seen wife Maris is having an affair with a Bavarian fencing instructor. Frasier goes to extremes to keep this from Niles, but their maids trouble with pronouns and a sensory deprivation tank leads to the truth coming out. Urged on by Martin, Niles tries to engage in a fight with him--- only to learn he speaks no English. This leaders to the maid translating the instructors German into Spanish, which Frasier ends up translating into English. The two engage in a duel after Niles insults him to the following brilliant exchange--- Niles: En garde! Frasier: Oh yes, that's all we needed: a fourth language! There have been brilliant comic moments on almost every season of this spinoff, but none matched the pure comedy gold of this episode. David Hyde-Pierce, please come back to TV
Tomorrow, the final five. ALmost there now.
OK. I've stalled long enough. Here goes.
Mad Men ---- The Grown Ups
The minute I learned that Season 3 was going to take place in 1963 (and that Roger Sterling's daughter was going to get married in November) I knew they were going to interesect with the Kennedy assassination. It's one thing to know it; it's another to see it. Watching these characters (most of whom are rock ribbed Republicans) deal with perhaps the seminal event of the 20th Century was stunning. Seeing them crowd around the TV's, watching Sterling's wedding going on with only half the usual attendance--- it was mesmerizing. One of the key moments came when Pete's wife said: "I don't care what you're politics are --- you don't kill the President"--- we know how people can say something like this, because tragedy causes us to say things we know sound idiotic. This was a realism I hadn't expected, even from this show. And watching the Draper's marriage (which had been hanging by a thread all season) finally implode gave us a chance to see Jon Hamm and the criminally undervalued January Jones do some of their finest work in a year which had already demonstrated Emmy caliber work. Other episodes have gotten more publicity, but this one shown t he brightest
The Simpsons --- 22 Short Films About Springfield
It's been on the air at least five or six years too long, but it has produced some of the most endearing image in TV comedy. And no other episode demonstrate the true depth of the shows depth then this little gem. Taken as a riff on all of the background characters that the Simpsons has, they try to do a lot of little vignettes on how Springfield really operates. From Apu's five minute party to Mr. Burns 'helping' Smithers practically kill himself, Moe finally collecting some of Barney's 14 billion dollar bar tab only to immediately be robbed by Snake, the Tarentino like bit in the Krusty Burgers, Wiggums ineptitude even in getting runover by a hoodlum--- this demonstrates how versatile the Simpsons cast really is, even with the first family getting little more than walkons. There may have been other Simpsos that had more hysterical moments, but this one better than anything else demonstrates the quintessential Simpsons
The X-Files --- One Breath
Darin Morgan's episodes were landmarks in TV history, and rightfully so, but some of the best scripts in the shows early years were written by his brother Glen and collaborator James Wong. Few demonstrated better how clearly the X-Files would work, which is odd, because there really isn't much supenatural that's in it. Rather, it's a character piece as Scully, missing for three months is finally returned to a DC hospital, just clinging to life. The episode focuses on Mulder's desperate efforts to find out who did this, and spends almost the entire episode considering giving into his dark side. Most of the quasi-regulars on this show--- the Lone Gunmen, the Cigarette Smoking Man, Skinner, X (my favorite of all of Mulder's informants) and Maggie Scully give some of their finest performances in this episode. In the end, Mulder is left with a choice between dark and light--- he can kill the men who abducted Scully, or he can spend what might be her last night by her bed. He chooses the latter. We never know what helped Scully come back from the jaws of death, and for once, we don't need to know. And for those people who believed David Duchovny's face is unexpressionless, his look of pure joy when he hears Scully is alive speaks volumes. In that moment, I knew--- all evidence to the contrary--- Mulder was in love with Scully. Why'd it take them six more years to realize it? THat's another blog
The West Wing --- In Excelsius Deo
The Thanksgiving episodes are required viewing at my house, but the Christmas episodes of this series would lead to some of the finest moments in TV history. The majority of them would focus on the relationship between chief of staff Leo and his deputy Josh. Knowing a scandal is coming involving Leo, Josh tries to run a counterstrike by going to a friend of Sam's who's is also a call girl. Leo tells him not to, Sam tells him not to, Josh does it anyway, the girl chews him out royally, and later Leo does the same. But when Josh asks if this was supposed to mean something, Leo said: "It did." These are two people who will go to the ends of the earth for each other. Of course the meat of this episode occurs when Toby gets a call from the DC polcie and learns a homeless man has died wearing a coat he gave to Goodwill. The normally stoic Toby goes into this, learns he was a Korean war vet, and uses his power to give him a military burial. The final sequence, intercutting that funeral with Little Drummer Boy, may have been the finest the show ever did, and still raises a lump in my throat every time I watch it. Plus CJ learns her Secret Service names is Flamingo, Donna tries to get Josh to go Christmas shopping for her, and the President visits a rare book store. Really you couldn't ask for more from this series, and Aaron Sorkin did his damnedest to give it to us.
Frasier ---- An Affair to Forget
I'll probaby get derided by this til the day I die, but I've always held that this show--- not Seinfeld, not Friends, not Everybody Loves Raymond--- was the funniest show of the 90s. It hat a slightly higher intellectual tone that other shows didn't, while constantly putting its characters through situations that could only be described as pure farce. No episode demonstrated this better than this one where Frasier comes to believe that Niles' never-to-be-seen wife Maris is having an affair with a Bavarian fencing instructor. Frasier goes to extremes to keep this from Niles, but their maids trouble with pronouns and a sensory deprivation tank leads to the truth coming out. Urged on by Martin, Niles tries to engage in a fight with him--- only to learn he speaks no English. This leaders to the maid translating the instructors German into Spanish, which Frasier ends up translating into English. The two engage in a duel after Niles insults him to the following brilliant exchange--- Niles: En garde! Frasier: Oh yes, that's all we needed: a fourth language! There have been brilliant comic moments on almost every season of this spinoff, but none matched the pure comedy gold of this episode. David Hyde-Pierce, please come back to TV
Tomorrow, the final five. ALmost there now.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Said I'd Finish it And I will
Many moons ago I started this site with an intent to name the 50 greatest episodes on TV in the last 20 years. Truth is, the closer you get to greatness the harder it is to measure up, and I've been trying to pick and choose. After several weeks and some analysis, I think I've finally narrowed it down.
So here, in no particular order, are the next five:
Quantum Leap --- Lee Harvey Oswald
Perhaps naturally enough, because it was the seminal event of an entire generation, the events surrounding JFK's assassination are at the heart of two of them. I've always had a soft spot for this show, and I've always considered this episode, it's finest hour. For the first time, Sam leaps into a 'famous' person, and there's a good chance that he's not alone this time We see Oswald in the midst of his long path, and watching Sam become more intermeshed is one of the most frightening events the series did. We see that Sam come this close to committing the ultimate horror, only to fail in the last minute. This takes the more frightening, and (at least in the shows creators mind) more plausible scenario that Oswald was the sole orchestrator of the events of November 22, 1963, and it is by far the most realistic look (from an erstwhile scifi show!).
Once and Again ---- Let's Spend the Night Together
Never mind all the sex and lust that pervade cable about having a relationship. This unjustly ratings deprived so by TV geniuses Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskowitz depicted romance in one of the most realistic ways I've ever seen on any medium. Watching Sela Ward and Billy Campbell as two forty-something divorced parents trying to give love a second chance led to some fairly genius work, and this episode demonstrated how great it could be. Watching them wind their way to their first sexual encounter was good enough, but the last ten minutes are among the most realistically sexual--- and romantic--- moments of TV relationships I've ever seen. It had a good run, considering its ratings, but shows like this don't come around as often as this.
Picket Fences --- The Dancing Bandit
I'd have a special place in my heart for this series even if it wasn't for, a bright shining moment, one of the truly great series of all times. I was fourteen when this episode aired, and found the stories and the character of Marlee Matlin's 'Dancing Bandit' bank robber so engaging, that I started watching this series regularly the following week--- this is the wellspring of my fascination with great television. But even seperate my feelings, this was a great show as David E. Kelley would for the first time demonstrate the true power of his genius. If nothing else this show demonstrated what a brilliant actress Matlin is --- it's hard to imagine some shows without her. This was a great moment in a fine series, and hopefeully, it'll make it to DVD someday
30 Rock --- Rosemary's Baby
Pretty much any episode from Tina Fey's laugh a second series is a masterpiece, but this diamond shown more brightly than most. I'm not sure which plotline is more side-splitting--- Liz getting in an argument with Jack, and leaving the show to write with her favorite idol--- only to realize in the past twenty years, she's gone completely round the bend, or Tracy's decision to take up dogfighting that leads to his therapy session, which leads to Alec Baldwin's hilarious reenactment of the Jordan household in the wildest group therapy session you'll ever see. And we know watching Carrie Fisher that she was going to send up Star Wars somehow, but the waY she does it--- that's comedy genius.
L.A. Law --- God Rest Ye Little Gentlemen
Technically, I shouldn't be counting this because I only watched it in syndication, but that doesn't change the fact that it was one of the formative shows of TV history, and this episode has a good measure of why it was. Of particular interest is Victor's case involving a doctor suffering with Elephant Man's disease. He's on the wrong side for once, and it's interesting to watch the show from that perspective. Or you can just watch Jon Glover's Emmy-nominated performance,; same difference. From watching the death of Roxanne's father (a good one, as he was spared the tortures of Alzheimers) to the annual Christamas party, this episode is one of the few that shows genuinely at peace with eac other. Which is good, because Rosalind Shays is about to reenter their lives, and once they do, disorder and chaso will shake the firm to it's foundation.
Stay tuned for the last ten episodes. Some real greats among them.
So here, in no particular order, are the next five:
Quantum Leap --- Lee Harvey Oswald
Perhaps naturally enough, because it was the seminal event of an entire generation, the events surrounding JFK's assassination are at the heart of two of them. I've always had a soft spot for this show, and I've always considered this episode, it's finest hour. For the first time, Sam leaps into a 'famous' person, and there's a good chance that he's not alone this time We see Oswald in the midst of his long path, and watching Sam become more intermeshed is one of the most frightening events the series did. We see that Sam come this close to committing the ultimate horror, only to fail in the last minute. This takes the more frightening, and (at least in the shows creators mind) more plausible scenario that Oswald was the sole orchestrator of the events of November 22, 1963, and it is by far the most realistic look (from an erstwhile scifi show!).
Once and Again ---- Let's Spend the Night Together
Never mind all the sex and lust that pervade cable about having a relationship. This unjustly ratings deprived so by TV geniuses Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskowitz depicted romance in one of the most realistic ways I've ever seen on any medium. Watching Sela Ward and Billy Campbell as two forty-something divorced parents trying to give love a second chance led to some fairly genius work, and this episode demonstrated how great it could be. Watching them wind their way to their first sexual encounter was good enough, but the last ten minutes are among the most realistically sexual--- and romantic--- moments of TV relationships I've ever seen. It had a good run, considering its ratings, but shows like this don't come around as often as this.
Picket Fences --- The Dancing Bandit
I'd have a special place in my heart for this series even if it wasn't for, a bright shining moment, one of the truly great series of all times. I was fourteen when this episode aired, and found the stories and the character of Marlee Matlin's 'Dancing Bandit' bank robber so engaging, that I started watching this series regularly the following week--- this is the wellspring of my fascination with great television. But even seperate my feelings, this was a great show as David E. Kelley would for the first time demonstrate the true power of his genius. If nothing else this show demonstrated what a brilliant actress Matlin is --- it's hard to imagine some shows without her. This was a great moment in a fine series, and hopefeully, it'll make it to DVD someday
30 Rock --- Rosemary's Baby
Pretty much any episode from Tina Fey's laugh a second series is a masterpiece, but this diamond shown more brightly than most. I'm not sure which plotline is more side-splitting--- Liz getting in an argument with Jack, and leaving the show to write with her favorite idol--- only to realize in the past twenty years, she's gone completely round the bend, or Tracy's decision to take up dogfighting that leads to his therapy session, which leads to Alec Baldwin's hilarious reenactment of the Jordan household in the wildest group therapy session you'll ever see. And we know watching Carrie Fisher that she was going to send up Star Wars somehow, but the waY she does it--- that's comedy genius.
L.A. Law --- God Rest Ye Little Gentlemen
Technically, I shouldn't be counting this because I only watched it in syndication, but that doesn't change the fact that it was one of the formative shows of TV history, and this episode has a good measure of why it was. Of particular interest is Victor's case involving a doctor suffering with Elephant Man's disease. He's on the wrong side for once, and it's interesting to watch the show from that perspective. Or you can just watch Jon Glover's Emmy-nominated performance,; same difference. From watching the death of Roxanne's father (a good one, as he was spared the tortures of Alzheimers) to the annual Christamas party, this episode is one of the few that shows genuinely at peace with eac other. Which is good, because Rosalind Shays is about to reenter their lives, and once they do, disorder and chaso will shake the firm to it's foundation.
Stay tuned for the last ten episodes. Some real greats among them.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Emmy Posts --- Part 2
Sorry for the delay--- Here is my second round of Emmy Picks, the comedies this time
Best Comedy
30 Rock --- Four years in, and it still sparkles like a diamond. What do they need to get viewers, have all musical episodes?
Glee --- Take away the fact that it's a phonemon, and you'd still have one of the best shows on TV. Never has being a loser been so much delightful.
How I Met Your Mother --- I wish that Ted would hurry up and meet her, but the byplay between the basic five characters is so brilliant, I could still wait forever.
Modern Family --- Any other year, this would have been the breakout show. It still features one of the best group of comic actors I've ever seen
Nurse Jackie --- This is the Showtime dramedy that deserves to be recognized because it is funny and as addictive as, well, a snort full of Percocet. Don't ever change, Jackie
The Office ---- Still funny after all these years. What else do I need to say?
Best Actor, Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock --- Does everything on this show but sing and dance, and I'm pretty convinced he could do that, too.
Steve Carell, The Office --- Considering that next year may be the sitcoms final taste, we might want to consider honoring him for six years of awkward genius.
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm--- I liked the Seinfeld storyline too, but this guys quirks still make this show shine after nearly a decade.
Matthew Morrison, Glee --- I've loved watching him thrill all season, and he can do anything to make us laugh.
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory --- This is the Jim Lorre performer who should be recognized for his skill. Let's hope the focus is off Charlie Sheen.
Tony Shalhoub, Monk --- Never much cared for it, but I have to admit his work in the final two episodes was a good mix of comedy and drama as it promised all those years ago
Best Actress
Toni Colette, United States of Tara --- Showtime is where all of the abrasive, complex woman hang out, and watching Tara deal with all her crisis --- and two more personalities is always fun.
Courtney Cox, Cougar Town -- Forget the icky title, and revel in her glory. Besides, we owe her for ignoring her decade of work at Friends
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie --- A character with bigger issues that Carmela Soprano? Only she could have played Jackie Peyton, even though she'll have to buy a new trophy case for the prizes she'll win here.
Tina Fey, 30 Rock --- Oh, Liz Lemon, will you ever find love? Or relative normality? She hasn't changed in four season, to which I can only say huzzah
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, The New Adventures of Old Christine --- This was a good show that deserved a better fate. Let's hope she's around for one last bow.
Lea Michelle, Glee --- Rachel can fill up a room just by being there, and watching her perform is astounding. She deserves to be recognized.
Best Supporting Actor
Chris Coifer, Glee --- The show's secret weapon. He's a great performer and comic, but the most marvelous moments of this series have come between Kurt and his fathers relationship, any one of which was Emmy worthy
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother --- This guy can sing and dance. And host award shows. And made one of the most indelible characters on the TV landscape. Will the fourth time be the charm?
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock --- It's not easy to play things as daffy as he can. This guy deserves as much credit for this shows working as Baldwin and Fey. How else is he going to complete his GOTE?
Kevin McHale, Glee--- Doesn't take center stage often enough, but when we watch Artie, the heart melts. He's a lot more than the guy in the wheelchair
Ed O'Neill, Modern Family--- Any member of this cast is brilliant, but I've been in this guys corner since Married With Children. This is another perfect marriage between show and actor.
Rainn Wilson, The Office --- You can never have too much Dwight Schrute.
Best Supporting Actress
Diana Agron, Glee --- If you watch the show from Pilot to Season end, Quinn took the greatest journey of any character this year. This is a woman with a lot of range.
Eve Best, Nurse Jackie --- It's not easy to steal scenes from Edie Falco and Anna Deveare Smith, but this doctor can do it. She's a diamond in the rough, this one.
Julie Bowen, Modern Family --- Again this is a personal preference--- the whole cast is brilliant, but I've been a fan of hers through four different TV shows. She deserves to be recognized for her work sometime
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock --- Has been at the top of her game for four years, and her romance was one of the most screamingly funny highlights of the show.
Jane Lynch, Glee --- The most stunning character of a great cast. She's deserved this nod from the first time we saw here. That's not just how Sue sees it.
Amber Riley, Glee --- No shrinking violet, Mercedes has owned the stage every time she steps on it. There are going to be a lot of awards in this woman's future.
Tune in to this blog soon, when I will discuss a couple of more shows to disappear prematurely from the screen this season.
Best Comedy
30 Rock --- Four years in, and it still sparkles like a diamond. What do they need to get viewers, have all musical episodes?
Glee --- Take away the fact that it's a phonemon, and you'd still have one of the best shows on TV. Never has being a loser been so much delightful.
How I Met Your Mother --- I wish that Ted would hurry up and meet her, but the byplay between the basic five characters is so brilliant, I could still wait forever.
Modern Family --- Any other year, this would have been the breakout show. It still features one of the best group of comic actors I've ever seen
Nurse Jackie --- This is the Showtime dramedy that deserves to be recognized because it is funny and as addictive as, well, a snort full of Percocet. Don't ever change, Jackie
The Office ---- Still funny after all these years. What else do I need to say?
Best Actor, Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock --- Does everything on this show but sing and dance, and I'm pretty convinced he could do that, too.
Steve Carell, The Office --- Considering that next year may be the sitcoms final taste, we might want to consider honoring him for six years of awkward genius.
Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm--- I liked the Seinfeld storyline too, but this guys quirks still make this show shine after nearly a decade.
Matthew Morrison, Glee --- I've loved watching him thrill all season, and he can do anything to make us laugh.
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory --- This is the Jim Lorre performer who should be recognized for his skill. Let's hope the focus is off Charlie Sheen.
Tony Shalhoub, Monk --- Never much cared for it, but I have to admit his work in the final two episodes was a good mix of comedy and drama as it promised all those years ago
Best Actress
Toni Colette, United States of Tara --- Showtime is where all of the abrasive, complex woman hang out, and watching Tara deal with all her crisis --- and two more personalities is always fun.
Courtney Cox, Cougar Town -- Forget the icky title, and revel in her glory. Besides, we owe her for ignoring her decade of work at Friends
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie --- A character with bigger issues that Carmela Soprano? Only she could have played Jackie Peyton, even though she'll have to buy a new trophy case for the prizes she'll win here.
Tina Fey, 30 Rock --- Oh, Liz Lemon, will you ever find love? Or relative normality? She hasn't changed in four season, to which I can only say huzzah
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, The New Adventures of Old Christine --- This was a good show that deserved a better fate. Let's hope she's around for one last bow.
Lea Michelle, Glee --- Rachel can fill up a room just by being there, and watching her perform is astounding. She deserves to be recognized.
Best Supporting Actor
Chris Coifer, Glee --- The show's secret weapon. He's a great performer and comic, but the most marvelous moments of this series have come between Kurt and his fathers relationship, any one of which was Emmy worthy
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother --- This guy can sing and dance. And host award shows. And made one of the most indelible characters on the TV landscape. Will the fourth time be the charm?
Tracy Morgan, 30 Rock --- It's not easy to play things as daffy as he can. This guy deserves as much credit for this shows working as Baldwin and Fey. How else is he going to complete his GOTE?
Kevin McHale, Glee--- Doesn't take center stage often enough, but when we watch Artie, the heart melts. He's a lot more than the guy in the wheelchair
Ed O'Neill, Modern Family--- Any member of this cast is brilliant, but I've been in this guys corner since Married With Children. This is another perfect marriage between show and actor.
Rainn Wilson, The Office --- You can never have too much Dwight Schrute.
Best Supporting Actress
Diana Agron, Glee --- If you watch the show from Pilot to Season end, Quinn took the greatest journey of any character this year. This is a woman with a lot of range.
Eve Best, Nurse Jackie --- It's not easy to steal scenes from Edie Falco and Anna Deveare Smith, but this doctor can do it. She's a diamond in the rough, this one.
Julie Bowen, Modern Family --- Again this is a personal preference--- the whole cast is brilliant, but I've been a fan of hers through four different TV shows. She deserves to be recognized for her work sometime
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock --- Has been at the top of her game for four years, and her romance was one of the most screamingly funny highlights of the show.
Jane Lynch, Glee --- The most stunning character of a great cast. She's deserved this nod from the first time we saw here. That's not just how Sue sees it.
Amber Riley, Glee --- No shrinking violet, Mercedes has owned the stage every time she steps on it. There are going to be a lot of awards in this woman's future.
Tune in to this blog soon, when I will discuss a couple of more shows to disappear prematurely from the screen this season.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Emmy Posts--- Supporting ACtors
Best Supporting Actor, Drama
Nestor Carbonell, Lost --- I didn't think he had a brilliant performance in him, but seeing the epic story of the islands ageless wonder was probably the highlight of a strong season. There's a reason I'll miss Lost
John Goodman, Treme--- There's a lot of talent on this show, but so far, watching this embattled New Orleans writers struggle with his book while ranting about New Orleans n YouTube are among the high points of this series.
John Lithgow, Dexter --- He's played psychos before, but rarely one quite like Arthur Richmond, aka Trinity. And the episode where he walked into Miami Metro, saw the photos of his victims, and just... smiled. Most chilling scene of the season. It's been six months and I still can't get it out of my head
Chris Noth, The Good Wife--- The 'bad husband', its been fascinating watching Noth play a character with a little sleaze in him for once. Sometimes I care more about his election than Alicia's casework, and I'm not alone.
John Noble, Fringe --- Long shot, I know, but his stunning performance in the episode where Walter lost his son, and the finale where we finally met the Walternate probably the most brilliant work of an already strong series.
Martin Short, Damages --- He can do a serious role, and because the character he played was putting on a performance of his own, that gives us another reason to revel in this evil lawyers schemes.
Best Supporting Actress
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife--- Took what could have been a cliched part and has really made it her own. Deserves to have credit for this next to all the nominations she's gotten for playing comedy.
Rose Byrne, Damages --- This season Ellen dealt with some pretty big demons of her own, on top of her dance with Patty. If this is the series last hurrah, let's give her the love she deserves
Cherry Jones, 24--- Not as good as the last year; watching the final eight episodes and her moral collapse was mesmerizing. Just another example of when bad things happen to good presidents
Melissa Leo, Treme--- Don't get me wrong; Khandi Alexander and Kim Dickens are brilliant too, but watching Leo's lawyer try to get through the morass of the New Orleans justic system is one hell of a windmill to tilt at it. Besides, I've been a fan of hers since Homicide; she deserves a nomination for something.
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men --- Always fascinating to watch, at the rate she's going, Peggy will be the head of her own agency by the end of the 60's. She can do just about anything
Lily Tomlin, Damages --- Watching the Tobin matriarch preside over a crumbling family situation while trying to hold on to her money and dignity was quite memorable, particularly when it became clear thats she couldn't. And she's never won for any major show. Sensing a theme?
Tomorrow, I take up the comedies.
Nestor Carbonell, Lost --- I didn't think he had a brilliant performance in him, but seeing the epic story of the islands ageless wonder was probably the highlight of a strong season. There's a reason I'll miss Lost
John Goodman, Treme--- There's a lot of talent on this show, but so far, watching this embattled New Orleans writers struggle with his book while ranting about New Orleans n YouTube are among the high points of this series.
John Lithgow, Dexter --- He's played psychos before, but rarely one quite like Arthur Richmond, aka Trinity. And the episode where he walked into Miami Metro, saw the photos of his victims, and just... smiled. Most chilling scene of the season. It's been six months and I still can't get it out of my head
Chris Noth, The Good Wife--- The 'bad husband', its been fascinating watching Noth play a character with a little sleaze in him for once. Sometimes I care more about his election than Alicia's casework, and I'm not alone.
John Noble, Fringe --- Long shot, I know, but his stunning performance in the episode where Walter lost his son, and the finale where we finally met the Walternate probably the most brilliant work of an already strong series.
Martin Short, Damages --- He can do a serious role, and because the character he played was putting on a performance of his own, that gives us another reason to revel in this evil lawyers schemes.
Best Supporting Actress
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife--- Took what could have been a cliched part and has really made it her own. Deserves to have credit for this next to all the nominations she's gotten for playing comedy.
Rose Byrne, Damages --- This season Ellen dealt with some pretty big demons of her own, on top of her dance with Patty. If this is the series last hurrah, let's give her the love she deserves
Cherry Jones, 24--- Not as good as the last year; watching the final eight episodes and her moral collapse was mesmerizing. Just another example of when bad things happen to good presidents
Melissa Leo, Treme--- Don't get me wrong; Khandi Alexander and Kim Dickens are brilliant too, but watching Leo's lawyer try to get through the morass of the New Orleans justic system is one hell of a windmill to tilt at it. Besides, I've been a fan of hers since Homicide; she deserves a nomination for something.
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men --- Always fascinating to watch, at the rate she's going, Peggy will be the head of her own agency by the end of the 60's. She can do just about anything
Lily Tomlin, Damages --- Watching the Tobin matriarch preside over a crumbling family situation while trying to hold on to her money and dignity was quite memorable, particularly when it became clear thats she couldn't. And she's never won for any major show. Sensing a theme?
Tomorrow, I take up the comedies.
The Season is Over-- Emmy Time begins
It's been another good year for TV--- Jay Leno wars at NBC non-withstanding. And now we've reached the time of year that often fills me with the most anticipation--- the period where the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences gives its picks for this years Emmy nominations.
Now I know that while this organization is supposed to celebrate the best and the brightest, it has a nasty habit of ignoring quiet great shows for flashier, birghter show, and the better shows are usually ignored. (For my first witness, I call Joss Whedon) But they've shown better sense the last few years with gives me hope that might be refocused. And this season will give them a chance to make up for some past slights.
So here are the shows and actors that I think should be nominated this year, along with my logic. Because this is a big project I'll do it in two posts
First, the Dramas
Damages --- I still don't know if this show has a future, but it doesn't change the fact that this may have been its finest season. This show has redefined what a legal drama can do.
Dexter--- This show gets better with every year. And this season dealing with the Trinity Killer may have presented us with Dexter Morgan's most worthy adversary. Plus the finale still has me reeling.
The Good Wife -- Just when you thought there were no good courtroom dramas anymore, this show comes back to redefine both legal and political drama. This has a formidable future ahead of it
Lost --- Even if you had a problem with the final episode, it doesn't change the fact that this magical mystery tour ended stronger than any other series before it. And it deserves to be honor for its superb six years on the air
Mad Men--- I don't know what there is that's left to say about this show that hasn't been said before, save that watching the Drapers marriage implode while simultaneously dealing with JFK's assassination was a landmark episode even for a series which sets the bar high each year. And that wasn't even their finest hour this year.
Treme--- All right, it's not as good as The Wire, but David Simon's latest series demonstrates that he truly is one of the most important writers of any generation. And honoring him for this would make up for ignoring him twice before.
Best Actor, Drama
Matthew Fox, Lost--- His work on this series was always excellent, but he surpassed it this year. Considering he will probably never do another show, we should honor one of the most undervalued actors in one of TV's finest shows
Michael C. Hall, Dexter --- I thought that there wasn't anything that Dexter could do that could surprise me. But watching Dexter's confrontation with Trinity and it's immediate aftermath was devestating. I still get shakes thinking about i
Jon Hamm, Mad Men --- The real man in the grey flannel suit, he dealt with the loss of his liberty, the revelation of his true identity, the death of his marriage, and started a new Sterling Cooper. What the hell does he have to do to get an Emmy?
Peter Krause, Parenthood --- This generation's Henry Fonda, his dignified work on this rapidly improving series is special. Three brilliant series, no Emmy love: come on
Hugh Laurie, House -- Turns out House off Vicodin is just as fascinating on Vicodin. He alone makes this fading series engaging six years later
Kiefer Sutherland, 24 --- This is a sentimental favorite, but come on, watching Jack Bauer on a vengeance kick showed us why we followed him for the last nine years.
Best Actress, Drama
Glenn Close Damages -- What can I say about her that hasn't been said the last three years?
Lauren Graham, Parenthood--- Her work on this series isn't quite as good as it was on Gilmore Girls, but give her time. She may not have been the first choice for the role, but it's hard to believe it now
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace --- Why are they killing this show after just three seasons? This may be the last chance we get to honor the most gutty policewoman on TV.
January Jones, Mad Men-- Frankly, she should have gotten a nomination the last two years, and her work was not significantly better than it was this year. That's how high she sets the bar. Betty Draper may never find happiness, but we do just watching her.
Julianna Marguilies, The Good Wife --- It's hard to believe, but Alicia Florrick makes all those years being the heart of ER seem like she was being underutilized. The heavy favoritr.
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer--- I actually feel sorry for some of the murderers that Brenda Leigh Johnson interrogates. And I feel for someone who is so fixed in her routines she can't bear to witness her cat be put down. These are the reasons I love her.
Now I know that while this organization is supposed to celebrate the best and the brightest, it has a nasty habit of ignoring quiet great shows for flashier, birghter show, and the better shows are usually ignored. (For my first witness, I call Joss Whedon) But they've shown better sense the last few years with gives me hope that might be refocused. And this season will give them a chance to make up for some past slights.
So here are the shows and actors that I think should be nominated this year, along with my logic. Because this is a big project I'll do it in two posts
First, the Dramas
Damages --- I still don't know if this show has a future, but it doesn't change the fact that this may have been its finest season. This show has redefined what a legal drama can do.
Dexter--- This show gets better with every year. And this season dealing with the Trinity Killer may have presented us with Dexter Morgan's most worthy adversary. Plus the finale still has me reeling.
The Good Wife -- Just when you thought there were no good courtroom dramas anymore, this show comes back to redefine both legal and political drama. This has a formidable future ahead of it
Lost --- Even if you had a problem with the final episode, it doesn't change the fact that this magical mystery tour ended stronger than any other series before it. And it deserves to be honor for its superb six years on the air
Mad Men--- I don't know what there is that's left to say about this show that hasn't been said before, save that watching the Drapers marriage implode while simultaneously dealing with JFK's assassination was a landmark episode even for a series which sets the bar high each year. And that wasn't even their finest hour this year.
Treme--- All right, it's not as good as The Wire, but David Simon's latest series demonstrates that he truly is one of the most important writers of any generation. And honoring him for this would make up for ignoring him twice before.
Best Actor, Drama
Matthew Fox, Lost--- His work on this series was always excellent, but he surpassed it this year. Considering he will probably never do another show, we should honor one of the most undervalued actors in one of TV's finest shows
Michael C. Hall, Dexter --- I thought that there wasn't anything that Dexter could do that could surprise me. But watching Dexter's confrontation with Trinity and it's immediate aftermath was devestating. I still get shakes thinking about i
Jon Hamm, Mad Men --- The real man in the grey flannel suit, he dealt with the loss of his liberty, the revelation of his true identity, the death of his marriage, and started a new Sterling Cooper. What the hell does he have to do to get an Emmy?
Peter Krause, Parenthood --- This generation's Henry Fonda, his dignified work on this rapidly improving series is special. Three brilliant series, no Emmy love: come on
Hugh Laurie, House -- Turns out House off Vicodin is just as fascinating on Vicodin. He alone makes this fading series engaging six years later
Kiefer Sutherland, 24 --- This is a sentimental favorite, but come on, watching Jack Bauer on a vengeance kick showed us why we followed him for the last nine years.
Best Actress, Drama
Glenn Close Damages -- What can I say about her that hasn't been said the last three years?
Lauren Graham, Parenthood--- Her work on this series isn't quite as good as it was on Gilmore Girls, but give her time. She may not have been the first choice for the role, but it's hard to believe it now
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace --- Why are they killing this show after just three seasons? This may be the last chance we get to honor the most gutty policewoman on TV.
January Jones, Mad Men-- Frankly, she should have gotten a nomination the last two years, and her work was not significantly better than it was this year. That's how high she sets the bar. Betty Draper may never find happiness, but we do just watching her.
Julianna Marguilies, The Good Wife --- It's hard to believe, but Alicia Florrick makes all those years being the heart of ER seem like she was being underutilized. The heavy favoritr.
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer--- I actually feel sorry for some of the murderers that Brenda Leigh Johnson interrogates. And I feel for someone who is so fixed in her routines she can't bear to witness her cat be put down. These are the reasons I love her.
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