Fabulous Finales

It seems weird to be discussing season finales just as the 2007-08 season is about to begin. However, since the cable networks seem to operate on an alternate schedule (which is only fitting since it provides alternate viewing from the broadcast network fare) many of those series are on hiatus for a few months. While there are many excellent programs to be found on cable, two of the best had their finales last week: TNT's The Closer and FX's Rescue Me.

The Closer broadcast part 2 of its third season finale, which was excellent as usual. Kyra Sedgwick imbues Brenda with such passion, quirkiness and intelligence that it's difficult, no virtually impossible, to not fall under her spell. What made this two-part finale especially satisfying for me was Jon Tenney. I have been a fan of his for some time from previous work, but I've always thought he was a bit underused in this role. However, the powers-that-be finally wised up and gave him some pretty terrific material, upon which he delivered a magnificent performance. Don't be surprised if Tenney's name is among the Academy's picks for next year's Emmy Awards.

The other astounding series to bow out was Rescue Me. This show never ceases to surprise me. Usually, it's regarding an outrageous or controversial plot point. However, what left me awestruck this time was the simplicity of the final scenes between Denis Leary and Charles Durning. Tommy and his dad went to a minor league baseball game, spending "quality time" together, something they never really did as Tommy was growing up. You could see how much it meant to both of them, though neither would come out and say it directly. How perfectly fitting, sad and touching that, after getting his wish to see the game with his son, that Tommy's dad smiled bowed his head and passed away. Since the new chief at the firehouse is already filling out Section 8 papers for Tommy, will his father's death be the final straw that pushes him over the edge? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out!

Day of Reckoning, Pt. 2

The time has finally come! In just one day, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will reveal the recipients of the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

Pundits and fans around the country have varying opinions, theories and picks as to whom will go home with Tinseltown's favorite gal, Emmy. I am no different, so here goes it for my predictions.

Outstanding Drama Series:
Boston Legal (ABC)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Heroes (NBC)
House (FOX)
The Sopranos (HBO)
Should Win: Since Lost so egregiously is ineligible, I vote for Grey's Anatomy, with Heroes being the possible upset.
Will Win: The overwhelming majority of critics are picking outgoing series The Sopranos for the top spot. I'm hedging my bet and going with either The Sopranos or Grey's Anatomy.

Outstanding Comedy Series:
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
30 Rock (NBC)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Should Win: Ugly Betty has become a cultural phenomenon in its first season and is the only nominee that is in an hour format, as opposed to the traditional half-hour for comedy.
Will Win: The Office is the odds-on favorite.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
James Gandolfini (The Sopranos, HBO)
Hugh Laurie (House, FOX)
Denis Leary (Rescue Me, FX)
James Spader (Boston Legal, ABC)
Kiefer Sutherland (24, FOX)
Should Win: For me, It's got to be Hugh Laurie. After not getting the nomination last year AND having won the Golden Globe AND SAG awards this year, Laurie is definitely overdue.
Will Win: The Academy is a capricious and maddening body of voters, so I would not be surprised if James Gandolfini nabs a 4th Emmy.

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock, NBC)
Steve Carell (The Office, NBC)
Ricky Gervais (Extras, HBO)
Tony Shalhoub (Monk, USA)
Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Should Win: This is absolutely Alec Baldwin's to lose. He is far and away the overwhelming favorite. Baldwin is what kept viewers tuned in while the show was going through growing pains. If it's not Baldwin taking the prize, I'd be VERY surprised.
Will Win: The only other actor who really has a shot of stealing this from Baldwin would be Steve Carell, who many feel got robbed last year by Tony Shalhoub.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Patricia Arquette (Medium, NBC)
Minnie Driver (The Riches, FX)
Edie Falco (The Sopranos, HBO)
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters, ABC)
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU, NBC)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer, TNT)
Should Win: Kyra Sedgwick's performance is flawless every week and makes the entire show.
Will Win: Though both Sally Field and Edie Falco don't have a lot of screen time in the episodes they submitted, both ladies are previous recipients and are favored to win.

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty, ABC)
Tina Fey (30 Rock, NBC)
Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives, ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine, CBS)
Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, SHO)
Should Win: America Ferrera virtually has this in the bag.
Will Win: It's really all about America, the Beautiful.

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
William Shatner (Boston Legal, ABC)
Masi Oka (Heroes, NBC)
T.R. Knight (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Michael Emerson (Lost, ABC)
Terry O'Quinn (Lost, ABC)
Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos, HBO)
Should Win: I am not normally a big William Shatner fan. However, based on the episodes submitted, Shatner was amazing.
Will Win: This is one category that I think anyone who wins is a valid choice. If the Academy is feeling sentimental, they'll go with Michael Imperioli.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:
Kevin Dillon (Entourage, HBO)
Jeremy Piven (Entourage, HBO)
Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother, CBS)
Rainn Wilson (The Office, NBC)
Should Win: I'm going with Neil Patrick Harris. He's finally gotten rid of the Doogie Howser image and steals every scene he's in.
Will Win: Jeremy Piven continued to shine as Hollywood's favorite agent. However, Rainn Wilson's Dwight has become so popular that he even has his own bobble-head doll.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters, ABC)
Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Aida Turturro (The Sopranos, HBO)
Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos, HBO)
Should Win: I think it's going to be Chandra Wilson. Not only was she nominated last year, but she won the SAG Award, in which they lump lead and supporting together. And the SAG voters are Academy members.
Will Win: It's going to be Wilson, or her equally deserving co-star Sandra Oh, since the third time is supposedly the charm.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl, NBC)
Jenna Fischer (The Office, NBC)
Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Conchata Ferrell (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty, ABC)
Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds, SHO)
Should Win:Vanessa Williams truly shines in her diva role and makes you forget that she started out as a beauty queen and a singer.
Will Win: Everybody loves the girl next door, and in this case, that's Jenna Fischer.

Tune in tomorrow, September 16, to FOX and find out if my crystal ball really works.



Image courtesy of www.abc.com