This past television season saw women take a more active role on screen. Although they can be love interests, mothers or friends, these performers displayed the multi-faceted layers of the female psyche and deserve a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Patricia Arquette, Medium (NBC)
Edie Falco, The Sopranos (HBO)
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer (TNT)
Possible Alternates: Minnie Driver, The Riches (FX) and Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Patricia Arquette was authentic and credible as someone who really could talk with the dead. Edie Falco proved a mafia wife could be more lethal than a hitman. Sally Field showed vulnerability and strength as a widow and mother trying to keep her family together. Ellen Pompeo shed light on her alter ego's "dark and twisty place" and faced her biggest demons. Kyra Sedgwick was an arresting presence as the clever cop who's rotten at romance. Keep in mind Minnie Driver as the wife and mother, who along with her family, began the biggest con of her life. Last, but not least, last year's winner Mariska Hargitay delivered another solid season as the veteran detective who's seen the best and worst in life.
Friday, July 6, 2007
The Good Humor Guys
They say laughter is the best medicine. If that's true, then these men could heal the world with their performances worthy of a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
Steve Carell, The Office (NBC)
Jason Lee, My Name Is Earl (NBC)
Tony Shalhoub, Monk (USA)
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Possible Alternates: Zach Braff, Scrubs (NBC) and Ricky Gervais, Extras (HBO)
Alec Baldwin displayed comic genius as the network TV exec with a flair for the dramatic. Steve Carell continued to create chaos as the boss who desperately needed to get a clue about interpersonal dynamics. Jason Lee charmed as the man with a mission to make up for his mistakes. Triple Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub brought new meaning to obsessive compulsive disorder as the detective with more than a few hang-ups. Charlie Sheen sparkled as aging playboy jingle writer with a Peter Pan complex. Zach Braff showed why his young doctor persona was the heart of Sacred Heart. Ricky Gervais provided belly laughs as a struggling actor trying to get a break in show biz.
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
Steve Carell, The Office (NBC)
Jason Lee, My Name Is Earl (NBC)
Tony Shalhoub, Monk (USA)
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Possible Alternates: Zach Braff, Scrubs (NBC) and Ricky Gervais, Extras (HBO)
Alec Baldwin displayed comic genius as the network TV exec with a flair for the dramatic. Steve Carell continued to create chaos as the boss who desperately needed to get a clue about interpersonal dynamics. Jason Lee charmed as the man with a mission to make up for his mistakes. Triple Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub brought new meaning to obsessive compulsive disorder as the detective with more than a few hang-ups. Charlie Sheen sparkled as aging playboy jingle writer with a Peter Pan complex. Zach Braff showed why his young doctor persona was the heart of Sacred Heart. Ricky Gervais provided belly laughs as a struggling actor trying to get a break in show biz.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Men of Distinction
The leading man in a drama series has to take command of the action, drive the story forward and grab the viewers' attention. These performers did all that and more, which is why they're my picks for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
Matthew Fox, Lost (ABC)
James Gandolfini, The Sopranos (HBO)
Michael C. Hall, Dexter (SHO)
Hugh Laurie, House (FOX)
Denis Leary, Rescue Me (FX)
Possible Alternates: Eddie Izzard, The Riches (FX) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, The Tudors (SHO)
Matthew Fox found new depths in his character and reminded viewers why they first went nuts over Lost. James Gandolfini stunned, horrified and amazed the audience with his portrayal of a made man coming undone. Michael C. Hall made a serial killer seem like not such a bad guy to have around. Hugh Laurie was outrageous, audacious and stupendous as the cantankerous physician who wished he could heal himself. Denis Leary's searing portrayal of a firefighter, professionally and personally, was burned into television history. Keep in mind the Brits. Eddie Izzard as a con man stole our hearts. Jonathan Rhys Meyers was the Tudor to die for. This may be the toughest category to predict this year.
Matthew Fox, Lost (ABC)
James Gandolfini, The Sopranos (HBO)
Michael C. Hall, Dexter (SHO)
Hugh Laurie, House (FOX)
Denis Leary, Rescue Me (FX)
Possible Alternates: Eddie Izzard, The Riches (FX) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, The Tudors (SHO)
Matthew Fox found new depths in his character and reminded viewers why they first went nuts over Lost. James Gandolfini stunned, horrified and amazed the audience with his portrayal of a made man coming undone. Michael C. Hall made a serial killer seem like not such a bad guy to have around. Hugh Laurie was outrageous, audacious and stupendous as the cantankerous physician who wished he could heal himself. Denis Leary's searing portrayal of a firefighter, professionally and personally, was burned into television history. Keep in mind the Brits. Eddie Izzard as a con man stole our hearts. Jonathan Rhys Meyers was the Tudor to die for. This may be the toughest category to predict this year.
Tickling Our Funny Bones
The 2006 -2007 season gave viewers many reasons to laugh (although not all of it was intentional). However, these series could be counted on for a weekly dose of high quality humor.
Outstanding Comedy Series:
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Possible Alternates: Extras (HBO) and 30 Rock (NBC)
Desperate Housewives had moments of pure hilarity from all the women on Wisteria Lane. Entourage proved how funny (funny ha-ha AND funny strange) Hollywood could be. Last year's Emmy winner, The Office made going to work a treat. Two and a Half Men was consistently one of the top-rated shows on television. Ugly Betty was the belle of the ball of the freshman shows this year. But don't forget Extras, which was created by Ricky Gervais, the genius who created the British version of The Office. Also in the running is 30 Rock, which got a rocky start, but ended up on top.
Outstanding Comedy Series:
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Possible Alternates: Extras (HBO) and 30 Rock (NBC)
Desperate Housewives had moments of pure hilarity from all the women on Wisteria Lane. Entourage proved how funny (funny ha-ha AND funny strange) Hollywood could be. Last year's Emmy winner, The Office made going to work a treat. Two and a Half Men was consistently one of the top-rated shows on television. Ugly Betty was the belle of the ball of the freshman shows this year. But don't forget Extras, which was created by Ricky Gervais, the genius who created the British version of The Office. Also in the running is 30 Rock, which got a rocky start, but ended up on top.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
A Most Definitely "Grey" Matter
When I learned that Isaiah Washington was going to appear on Larry King Live, I admit I wanted to hear what the actor had to say for himself. I was trying to keep an open mind and allow for the fact that maybe we haven't heard the whole story yet about the controversy behind the scenes at Grey's Anatomy.
Not more than a quarter way through the interview and Washington blew his credibility, at least with me. He said that before the incident he had never talked with T.R. Knight and hardly had any scenes with him. Seriously? Their characters, Burke and George, have had numerous scenes together. In fact, at the end of Season Two, George had moved in with Burke and Cristina temporarily.
Washington also stated that ABC put a gag order on him in January after the incident at the Golden Globes and he was not allowed to talk about it while he was an employee of Disney/ABC. If the network issued a gag order, why was T.R. Knight allowed to go on The Ellen DeGeneres Show? Why did Katherine Heigl go off on Washington after the Golden Globes? If things went down the way Washington claimed they did, why wouldn't the show and ABC want the "real" story out there? Wouldn't it be better for the image of the series and the network to have this incident seen as two guys (Washington and Dempsey) losing their tempers over bad work habits than to be portrayed as a homophobic tirade? Washington also seemed to hint that it was possible that race played a part in the handling of the situation.
Nothing is ever just black or white, just many shades of grey. However, I'm not inclined to buy Washington's version of events because something about it just doesn't ring true. But I'm glad he had his say and I hope this is the last anybody hears about it again.
Not more than a quarter way through the interview and Washington blew his credibility, at least with me. He said that before the incident he had never talked with T.R. Knight and hardly had any scenes with him. Seriously? Their characters, Burke and George, have had numerous scenes together. In fact, at the end of Season Two, George had moved in with Burke and Cristina temporarily.
Washington also stated that ABC put a gag order on him in January after the incident at the Golden Globes and he was not allowed to talk about it while he was an employee of Disney/ABC. If the network issued a gag order, why was T.R. Knight allowed to go on The Ellen DeGeneres Show? Why did Katherine Heigl go off on Washington after the Golden Globes? If things went down the way Washington claimed they did, why wouldn't the show and ABC want the "real" story out there? Wouldn't it be better for the image of the series and the network to have this incident seen as two guys (Washington and Dempsey) losing their tempers over bad work habits than to be portrayed as a homophobic tirade? Washington also seemed to hint that it was possible that race played a part in the handling of the situation.
Nothing is ever just black or white, just many shades of grey. However, I'm not inclined to buy Washington's version of events because something about it just doesn't ring true. But I'm glad he had his say and I hope this is the last anybody hears about it again.
Minor Surgery on "Private Practice"
Your eyes won't be playing tricks on you. Come this fall when the Grey's Anatomy spin-off Private Practice makes its debut, there's something different about Dr. Addison Montgomery's best gal pal. Merrin Dungey, formerly of Alias fame, has been replaced as Dr. Naomi Bennett by four-time Tony winner Audra McDonald. Word has it that one of the criticisms of the show, which was part of an extended episode of Grey's, was a lack of chemistry, namely between Dungey and Kate Walsh.
Since McDonald and Taye Diggs, who plays her ex-husband and partner in the medical practice, both have Broadway ties, is there a possible karaoke night out for the whole office? Tune in to ABC this fall to find out!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Are They Worthy?
Despite the proliferation of "reality shows" this season, television really has had quite a number of quality programs and performances to choose from for the 2006-2007 Emmy nominations.
Let's start things off with my picks for Outstanding Drama Series:
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Heroes (NBC)
House (FOX)
Lost (ABC)
Possible Alternates: The Sopranos (HBO) and 24 (FOX)
Friday Night Lights is the critics' darling. Grey's Anatomy had plenty of drama on and off screen to keep it in contention. Heroes is one of the breakout shows of the year. House consistently maintains a level of excellence and has great ratings (thanks in part to American Idol as its lead-in). Lost is the comeback story of the year. After a long hiatus, the show returned with jaw-dropping episodes up to, and including, the finale. However, The Sopranos, in its final season, could make a run at the prize, despite mixed reviews from fans and critics. And don't count out last year's winner, 24 . Remember, when it comes to the Emmys, expect the unexpected.
Let's start things off with my picks for Outstanding Drama Series:
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Heroes (NBC)
House (FOX)
Lost (ABC)
Possible Alternates: The Sopranos (HBO) and 24 (FOX)
Friday Night Lights is the critics' darling. Grey's Anatomy had plenty of drama on and off screen to keep it in contention. Heroes is one of the breakout shows of the year. House consistently maintains a level of excellence and has great ratings (thanks in part to American Idol as its lead-in). Lost is the comeback story of the year. After a long hiatus, the show returned with jaw-dropping episodes up to, and including, the finale. However, The Sopranos, in its final season, could make a run at the prize, despite mixed reviews from fans and critics. And don't count out last year's winner, 24 . Remember, when it comes to the Emmys, expect the unexpected.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Smackdown: The Critics Vs. The Academy
The Television Critics Association, comprised of 200-plus member critics and journalists, will bestow honors upon those performers and programs they deem to be television's best and brightest on July 21, two days after the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announce their nominees for this year's Emmy Awards. The TCA Awards don't separate actors from actresses or lead roles from supporting roles. Therefore, nabbing one of these prizes seems to be a more difficult feat. Past winners up for honors this year include Jon Stewart (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), Hugh Laurie (House), NBC’s The Office, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, HBO’s The Sopranos, and ABC’s Lost.
Here are the nominees for the 23rd Annual Television Critics Association Awards:
PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
American Idol (FOX)
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Heroes (NBC)
Planet Earth (Discovery)
The Wire (HBO)
When the Levees Broke (HBO)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY
30 Rock (NBC)
The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Heroes (NBC)
Lost (ABC)
The Sopranos (HBO)
The Wire (HBO)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT MOVIES, MINI-SERIES AND SPECIALS
Broken Trail (AMC)
Planet Earth (Discovery)
Prime Suspect (PBS)
The State Within (BBC America)
When the Levees Broke (HBO)
OUTSTANDING NEW PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
30 Rock (NBC)
Dexter (SHO)
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Heroes (NBC)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report)
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Jon Stewart (The Daily Show)
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Helen Mirren (Prime Suspect)
HERITAGE AWARD (recognizes a long-standing program that made a lasting cultural or social impact)
M*A*S*H (CBS)
Roots (ABC)
Sesame Street (PBS)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS)
The Sopranos (HBO)
Do the people who are paid to watch and analyze pretty much anything and everything that has to do with television share the same sensibilities as those who create the material the critics watch? Which group's picks will more viewers agree with? Check back on July 21 to find out.
Here are the nominees for the 23rd Annual Television Critics Association Awards:
PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
American Idol (FOX)
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Heroes (NBC)
Planet Earth (Discovery)
The Wire (HBO)
When the Levees Broke (HBO)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY
30 Rock (NBC)
The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Heroes (NBC)
Lost (ABC)
The Sopranos (HBO)
The Wire (HBO)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT MOVIES, MINI-SERIES AND SPECIALS
Broken Trail (AMC)
Planet Earth (Discovery)
Prime Suspect (PBS)
The State Within (BBC America)
When the Levees Broke (HBO)
OUTSTANDING NEW PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
30 Rock (NBC)
Dexter (SHO)
Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Heroes (NBC)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)
Stephen Colbert (The Colbert Report)
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty)
Tina Fey (30 Rock)
Jon Stewart (The Daily Show)
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA
Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights)
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights)
Michael C. Hall (Dexter)
Hugh Laurie (House)
Helen Mirren (Prime Suspect)
HERITAGE AWARD (recognizes a long-standing program that made a lasting cultural or social impact)
M*A*S*H (CBS)
Roots (ABC)
Sesame Street (PBS)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS)
The Sopranos (HBO)
Do the people who are paid to watch and analyze pretty much anything and everything that has to do with television share the same sensibilities as those who create the material the critics watch? Which group's picks will more viewers agree with? Check back on July 21 to find out.
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