Jamie's Emmy Nod Highlights

While most of the west coast slept, the nominations for this year’s Emmys (which take place September 23^rd) were announced this morning.  I have some initial reactions for you.  Of course.

Modern Family domination – Proving that they are truly a brilliant ensemble; all 6 of the principal adult actors on Modern Family are nominated in the supporting actor in a comedy series categories.  You can talk all you want about Mad Men & American Horror Story racking up 17 nominations each, but that is the real story to me.  No lead actors and everyone gets recognized.  Well, except the scene stealing younger cast members.  I would argue they deserve to be there as much as the adults, but regardless I love seeing this intelligent and hilarious show get recognition through its talented cast. (Even though I don’t watch it regularly, shhh… don’t tell or they’ll take away my TV card)

Supporting Actor – I am elated to see Max Greenfield here for the New Girl.  I love this show and Schmidt has definitely developed into one of the funniest characters on TV.   I am disappointed that yet again, Nick Offerman (Parks & Rec’s Ron Swanson) was overlooked.  I have noted my love for the adorable Adam Scott (Ben Wyatt on Parks & Rec), and I would knock on doors for Leslie Knope, but that show is made by Offerman’s brilliantly hilarious, steak eating, secret saxophone playing, government hating, government bureaucrat.  He’s amazing.  Also notably left off was Neil Patrick Harris. I feel like he could have fit in there somewhere amongst all those Modern Family guys, because I just want NPH to win all the awards. 

Mini-series/Movie vs. Series – This year I am finding the mini-series vs. series thing to be a little strange. Sherlock, American Horror Story, & Luther are all in the mini-series/movie category, even though they all have had or are going to have multiple seasons/series.  I guess I don’t really understand how that works.  It’s not like they are just picking on the British shows because of their strange schedules (and because they call their seasons “series), since Downton Abbey is sitting in the drama series category, and as noted, American Horror Story is not.  That said, I am convinced the 17 nominations pretty much means that this award will go to American Horror Story instead of my favorite, Sherlock, but that’s okay because…

Benedict Cumberbatch – The man with the greatest name in the history of names is totally going to walk away with the award in his category.  Kacey & Meryl assure me that Luther is fabulous, and I am a big fan of Stringer Bell, I mean, Idris Elba (I mean, how could you not be?) but I’m putting my money on Cumberbatch all the way.  I bet I could actually put my money on him in Vegas.  But I probably won’t, the odds would probably not result in a very big payoff.

Drama, Drama, Drama – Have you seen the drama category?  The subtitle should be: 6 examples of how TV is kicking film’s ass in the game of quality.  I don’t even watch most of these, but their reputation precedes them.  I think this is easily the most anticipated category of the night; any one of these shows could walk off with the award. 

Big Bang Theory – I would be remiss to not mention my favorite show, as the Big Bang Theory was nominated for best comedy and the incomparable Jim Parsons (well, maybe I would compare him to one Mr. Cumberbatch, but no one else) is up again for his role as the, well, also incomparable Sheldon Cooper.  However, mostly, I am super excited to see Mayim Bialk (Amy Farrah Fowler on the Big Bang Theory) up for best supporting actress.   I really think the addition of Amy & Bernadette as regular characters has pumped new life into the show, which continues to be funny week in and week out.  It’s a great blend of allowing the characters to evolve and change, but not losing what made it so brilliant in the first place.  Also, if she wins, I hope she gets a shiny new tiara (to be honest though, I kind of hope it goes to the late Kathryn Joosten, how can you not want Mrs. Landingham to win?).

The rest – Apparently, I need to see Game Change.  And American Horror Story.  I wasn’t sure about it, and I am sure that I will need to watch it when it’s light outside, but let’s consider it officially “on the list.”  Supporting actor in a drama is a tough category.  I’m partial to the gentlemen from Downton Abbey or Tyrion (partially because Peter Dinklage is amazing and partially because he is my favorite character in the books), but I know that the Breaking Bad guys are highly regarded.  Plus I think that John Noble should be on there for Fringe, but the Emmys are a little slow with the sci-fi love.  And when I say “slow” I mean, they pretty much ignore it.  I don’t understand how you could ignore Walter. 

Looking forward to watching who wins in September, but of course I’ll be changing the channel when they get to the “reality” awards.

Books read: 32 (finally finished a Storm of Swords, but I’m still ahead of pace and working on the Dovekeepers for book club)

Coming soon:  Sarah reviews The Dark Knight Rises with a particular focus on the character of Bain. Oh, I’m sorry, it’s not a liberal conspiracy against Mitt Romney and the character is Bane?  Well, I’m sure that her piece will still be riveting. We hope that you can respect her opinion so that we don’t have to turn off the comments like Rotten Tomatoes.  We’re confident our readers are more mature.