In looking at the Emmy nominations, I realized I've actually seen a vast majority of the nominated shows and performers (at least on the drama side). As with the Oscars, I feel like I can actually have an informed opinion on the "races", at least in the major categories. So, why not blog about it? I'll also be providing the GoldDerby.com favorites as well, something I checked after writing my predictions.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad.
Gunn transformed the formerly loathed Skylar White into a truly sympathetic character, which I truly admire. In years past I'd say Hendricks, but 2013 was sadly light on Joanie. Also, why is Morena Baccarin here? (GoldDerby.com: Gunn)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad.
The only threat I can see to Paul is maybe Mandy Patinkin, probably the standout on Homeland this season. Jonathan Banks possibly too. But I'll go with Paul to repeat. He truly transforms Breaking Bad for the better, where a lesser actor would be a pushover. (GoldDerby.com: Patinkin)
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama: Jane Fonda, The Newsroom.
There is no contest here. I love Margo Martindale and Joan Cusack (who should be in supporting), but Fonda owns absolutely everything she was in on The Newsroom. (GoldDerby.com: Fonda)
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama... I'm not qualified to judge this one, as I haven't seen half the nominees. I'd go with Harry Hamlin from Mad Men based on the ones I have seen, though. (GoldDerby.com: Michael J. Fox, The Good Wife)
Outstanding Actress in a Drama: Clare Danes, Homeland.
I am picking this because I think she will win, not because I think she should win. Personally, I would vote for Robin Wright, someone I thought dominated the fantastic House of Cards. I'd say Danes was down from season 1 of Homeland, though I won't say she would be an undeserving winner. (GoldDerby.com: Danes)
Outstanding Actor in a Drama: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad.
I want to vote Jon Hamm (maybe next year). I want to vote Jeff Daniels (I really do). But I'd be shocked if Cranston doesn't win this. Cranston has said in interviews that Walt White is the role of a lifetime... and he isn't kidding. But his performance is the performance of a lifetime. I don't know if Breaking Bad is eligible next year or not, but he'll win next year, too. And can we retroactively go back and give him Damian Lewis's win from last year? I still don't get that one. (GoldDerby.com: Cranston)
Outstanding Drama: Breaking Bad.
I want to vote House of Cards. I want to acknowledge Mad Men's return to sheer greatness... but doing so would deny Breaking Bad. Again, I have no idea how the eligibility of Breaking Bad will be handled for next year's Emmys, but the first half of the final season of the show was absolutely spectacular in every way. This is an easy choice. But where is the nomination for The Americans? SNUB. (GoldDerby.com: Breaking Bad)
I wish I could make picks on the comedy side, but I don't watch as many comedies as I do dramas. Plus, I see Parks and Recreation isn't nominated for Outstanding Comedy where Girls is, so it's a flawed exercise anyway. If this was a pool and you got points for right answers, though, I'd go all in on Modern Family, because it's obviously going to win everything anyway. Veep should, though. Veep is excellent.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
My Top TV Shows of 2012-2013
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| Artwork by Francesco Francavilla And yes, this is a spoiler for my #1 show. |
These rankings are completely subjective, a ranking of my general approval over the entire season. These are different than my Emmy picks... I'm not even considering the Emmys in this list. I simply went through the master list of shows that I watch and put them into three categories (excellent, decent/solid, and eh) without paying attention to the number of shows in each category. Then within those categories, I put them in some semblance of an order. I'm going from Emmys-to-Emmys... shows premiering between early September 2012 and late August 2013 (and in the case of shows that are still running right now, like Dexter and Breaking Bad, I'll evaluate them based on what they've aired thus far).
Without further adieu...
Official timmmc.com 2012-2013 TV Show Rankings.
23. Smash (NBC)
If this show wasn't about my beloved Broadway, I would have given this the Glee treatment and kicked it out of my life without the slightest bit of hesitation.
22. House of Lies (Showtime)
Absolutely loved the first season of this show, but the change in tone for season 2 was really off-putting. Still a show I enjoyed watching, but it was a bit more of a chore than the first season.
21. Girls (HBO)
Another case of enjoyed the first season, but the second didn't do it for me. Perhaps it's part of a larger plan, but the character development in season 2 made me want to punch someone in the head.
20. New Girl (FOX)
More of the same. I found season 1 full of charm and quirkiness, but season 2 was tiresome by the end, as they tried to make the characters actual people. Problematic.
19. Elementary (CBS)
A noble attempt to capture what the BBC's Sherlock does effortlessly, modernizing Sherlock Holmes. CBS succeeded in that, but the end result was yet another twist on the CSI formula CBS has in abundance.
18. Doctor Who (BBC America)
The early Amy/Rory episodes (save for Asylum of the Daleks) lacked focus, a trait shared with the later Clara episodes. The middle episodes, however? Good stuff. Uneven series (British!) as a whole.
17 (tie). 30 Rock (NBC - Final Season)
17 (tie). The Office (NBC - Final Season)
Both series, for me, returned to form a bit by the end of their runs. The Office, especially, should be commended for it after a run of bad stuff since Steve Carrell left the series.
16. Dexter (Showtime - Final Season)
The closing moments of episode 11 worked, and the finale may well be fantastic, but it's too little, too late for the show. It was a season of false starts, the storylines never quite building to something that would send the show off right.
15 (tie). Boardwalk Empire (HBO)
These two shows have nothing to do with each other, so they get separate blurbs. While I understood the need to tear Nucky's world down, the end result seemingly changed the character altogether. I get it, but I didn't enjoy the season as I did previous ones.
15 (tie). Downton Abbey (PBS)
To be honest, PBS is the reason this show is so "low" on my list. Had the twist at the end of the Christmas special not been spoiled by months due to PBS airing on a 6 month delay, my memories of the season might not be as tainted. Alas, that is it's reality.
14. Veep (HBO)
This is an example of a show building on a strong first season, changing tone a bit, and still getting it right. Loved Selina as a moron, loved her even more as an actual politician.
13. Homeland (Showtime)
Despite a major (and probably expected) drop off from season 1, Homeland was still a must-watch. Not many shows on this list where you have literally no idea what the end-game is, and that's great.
12. True Blood (HBO)
12? Really? I know. But I absolutely loved this season. Maybe it was the shortened length, but the re-focusing on the core characters really helped. The new showrunner also seemed to embrace the inherent cheesiness a bit more than in the past, which is certainly welcome. Fantastic rebound.
11. Shameless (Showtime)
Emmy Rossum's performance the entire season was top-notch. The show suffers a bit by Frank never changing, but his dastardly deeds went to new lengths this year. Made for delicious if nauseating TV.
10. Arrow (The CW)
Obviously, I'm a sucker for superhero fare. The split-focus storytelling gets old after a bit, but both stories are compelling enough to warrant time. And a fantastic finale certainly keeps things fresh in my mind.
9. Fringe (FOX - Final Season)
Truly fabulous finale for a truly fabulous series. Tragically disappointing ratings, but massive kudos to FOX for letting this show conclude right.
8 (tie). The Walking Dead (AMC)
8 (tie). Game of Thrones (AMC)
The genre shows packaged together. Both shows had their strengths of the season, but the actual close to their seasons were not them. Game of Thrones suffered from the let-down from the Red Wedding, and Walking Dead made the puzzling decision to let The Governor live. That said, the latter provides for some interesting stuff in the new season.
7. The Americans (FX)
Fantastic suspense, great performances, didn't get the buzz it deserved. I wonder about the long-term options for the show (like Homeland), but I'm excited to see it through.
6 (tie). The Mindy Project (FOX)
6 (tie). How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Perhaps it was The Mindy Project's high enjoyment level that hurt New Girl. Quite possible. But I love it. Mindy Kaling is used perfectly, coming off quirky and adorable while simultaneously human. Whereas some shows had disappointing finales that leave a bad taste in your mouth, How I Met Your Mother didn't have that. In fact, the long-awaited reveal of the mother made for one incredibly long summer of waiting.
5. The Newsroom (HBO)
I didn't love the pace the overall story unfolded at, but the content of the episodes were top-notch. I know Aaron Sorkin's writing has its detractors and I fully acknowledge its faults (females, relationships, too smart, etc), I absolutely love it.
4. Parks and Recreation (NBC)
I read something at some point that P&R was on a Cheers-like run of constant laughs... and that is 100% accurate. Best comedy on television, for my money.
3 (tie). House of Cards (Netflix)
3 (tie). Orange is the New Black (Netflix)
These totally count. In both cases, I actually looked up how they ended up on Netflix, and I still don't get it. Did networks actually pass on these shows? House of Cards is great drama and better performances, and OITNB had the best blend of characters I've seen on a show in a long, long time. Top notch, both of them.
2. Mad Men (AMC)
Another return-to-form season. Mad Men set the bar really, really high in the past... and this season might have been the show's best. I could have used more Joan, but minor quibble.
1. Breaking Bad (AMC - Final Season)
The season isn't over yet, I know.... but it doesn't matter. I initially thought that there was no topping the shootout episode, but I was proved incorrect the next week. I've never watched a show that left me in physical pain before. Breaking Bad does just that, and it's a GREAT thing.
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