I've never put a whole hell of a lot of faith into awards shows, what with the nominations being total and utter bullshit so very often, but can't help but to weigh in on them regardless.
I couldn't care less about film (although I think we were all scratching our heads at The Tourist's nomination in the Comedy category... I assume they meant the "Unintentional Comedy" category), so it'll be largely ignored here, but then there the TV nominations.
Must... comment...
BEST DRAMA
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
The Good Wife
Mad Men
The Walking Dead
Well, where to begin? I think the slate they've selected is quite strong, although I admittedly don't watch Mad Men (it's in my Netflix queue, has been for ages, with the disappointing distinction of being a "very long wait"). I still have several episodes of The Walking Dead saved on my DVR... I just can't seem to get into it. It's very well made, and once I delve into an episode, I find that it's quite entertaining, but I'm just not that excited about the show. I guess zombies just aren't my thing... Anyway, of the shows that were nominated, I'd give the win to The Good Wife, with Boardwalk Empire as a close second. Both are tremendous shows that are worthy of the honor, but I'm guessing Boardwalk Empire is going to take the cake. What's most important here, and is a secondary reason that I'm pulling for The Good Wife is that CBS doesn't have a whole lot of representation on the nominees list without it. The Good Wife's total ratings are quite good, but the show skews older and its key demo numbers are not as high as other CBS shows. This would make me worry a bit if it weren't for the critical love the show gets. Seriously, The Good Wife is responsible for 3 of CBS' 6 nominations, and is the only network program to be nominated in this category (which means that CBS has bragging rights over the other Big Four networks who apparently can't compete with cable). That it can hold its own against basic and pay cable is impressive and I don't think CBS would be dumb enough to give it the axe when it's their one critical trump card. On my nominations wish list, I'd have loved to have seen Terriers get a nod (not that it would have, but it was certainly good enough to make the cut), and in just an unlikely a turn, The Vampire Diaries. Speaking of vampire shows, and for as much as I enjoy True Blood, it is deservedly left off this list. It's more of a campy farce than anything else, and last season was by no means their best.
BEST COMEDY/MUSICAL
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
The Big C
Glee
Modern Family
Nurse Jackie
I'm probably going to get some flack for this, but the only nominee in this category that shouldn't really be there is The Big Bag Theory (which, to this day, I still type as The Big Bank Theory every goddamn time!). Even at its best, it was only ever okay. It has its moments, but overall, it's incredibly one-note and could do with about 30% less Sheldon. He's the only real shining star on the show, but he's best in small doses. He's basically the whole show these days and it's fairly untenable. I would have much preferred to see Community not only get nominated, but possibly win. I love Modern Family and Nurse Jackie, but they've already received accolades up the wazoo. Community is one of the funniest shows on air and got completely shut out. Such a shame. Of the nominees included, I'm pulling for Nurse Jackie. I think Glee is sure to take it though. I love Glee, but as the only musical on the list, it's kind of in a different class. In terms of straight up comedy, it wouldn't be my top choice. The good news is that The Office was omitted from the list. I broke up with that show quite a while back and with good reason.
BEST LEAD ACTOR--DRAMA
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House
A respectable list, but I would have liked to have seen Donal Logue nominated for Terriers and walk away the winner. House lost its magic a couple of seasons ago, but that's hardly Hugh's fault. Still, it's an aging series that has lost its luster and shouldn't be receiving accolades any longer. I'd love to see some new blood in the pack. I haven't seen Breaking Bad yet (it's on my list), but I hear it's excellent. Of those nominated, on shows that I watch, I'm going to have to go with Steve Buscemi on this one, and I think he'll end up taking it home. I wouldn't mind seeing Dexter win though. Michael C. Hall has always been the heart and soul of the show and he does an incredible job. In truth, I'd love to see Josh Charles win for The Good Wife.
BEST LEAD ACTRESS--DRAMA
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Piper Perabo, Covert Affairs
Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Okay, seriously, I almost feel bad for Piper Perabo. After the nominees were announced, I think just about everyone took issue with her nomination and called it laughable. That can't be an easy position to be in and I don't envy her that. Seriously though, WTF? Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy Covert Affairs and all, but it's barely a drama and her performance on the show, while completely adequate, is by no means worthy of this nomination. Seriously, she gets a nod and Anna Torv and Nina Dobrev don't? I agreed that True Blood deserved to get shut out of the Drama category, but Anna Paquin works a lot harder than Piper Perabo, and I'm not even that fond of Anna. Hell, in terms of performance, I'd say Maggie Q blows Piper out of the water. I appreciate giving some love to USA network, but this was not the way to do it. How about Gabrielle Anwar instead. Wow. Just wow. Anyway, aside from her, it's a strong field. I'm definitely pulling for Julianna Margulies, but think Katey Sagal is going to take it home.
BEST LEAD ACTOR--COMEDY/MUSICAL
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Thomas Jane, Hung
Matthew Morrison, Glee
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Okeedokee, there are some problems with this. Almost nothing but problems. Alec Baldwin is an expected entry, but I think he's been nominated enough, thanks. The Office is unwatchable these days, so it makes very little sense to give props to the acting. I never could get all that attached to Thomas Jane or his show, and am a little perplexed at his inclusion on the list. I guess Matthew Morrison fills the "or musical" niche because he really isn't all that funny (and gets more annoying with each passing episode, it seems). And Jim Parsons simply over does it. I would still include him on the list because frankly, he's the whole show, but I can only handle so much Sheldon at a time. The men from Community were all more deserving of nominations than most of the people on this list and while last season of HIMYM was less than stellar, the current season has been a delightful return to form that should have seen some love. I honestly don't care who wins this one.
BEST LEAD ACTRESS--COMEDY/MUSICAL
Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Lea Michele, Glee
These are all pretty solid nominations, but again, combining comedy and musical makes for strange bedfellows. Lea just seems like a fish out of water in this crowd. And once again, I'd have rather seen any of the funny ladies on Community make the list. I try to enjoy The United States of Tara, and Toni does a respectable job with a difficult part, but I just can't seem to care about that show. I'd love to see Edie take it, but Laura Linney is going to win. Which I'm okay with. The Big C isn't my favorite show or anything, but it's good, and she's wonderful in it.
Supporting Actor — TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Scott Caan, Hawaii Five-0
Chris Colfer, Glee
Chris Noth, The Good Wife
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
David Strathairn, Temple Grandin
If there's one thing the Golden Globes doesn't know how to do, it's the supporting categories... Seriously, what the hell is this list? It's basically just men who are sort of supporting players on anything that has ever aired on TV ever. It's a weird category, so it's hard to even articulate who should be nominated. Geez, I, uh, guess I'd like to see Chris Noth take it? Or Eric Stonestreet? Or Chris Colfer? Because yeah, those performances should be in the same category... It's nice to see Scott Caan get some recognition, because really, he's the only redeeming factor on that show, but he really doesn't deserve a nod here. Not when that means that so many more deserving actors get slighted. I would have loved to have seen some of the Boardwalk Empire crew on the list. Agent Van Alden deserved a nod. I can't think of the actor who played him, but he played him very very well. My dream winner would be Matt Czuchry for The Good Wife though. I just love him.
Supporting Actor — TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Hope Davis, The Special Relationship
Jane Lynch, Glee
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Julia Stiles, Dexter
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Again, how do you have a category that pits Kelly Macdonald against Sofia Vergara?! They're both excellent and deserving of attention, but in the same category? Ooo-kay... I, uh, guess I'd like to see Kelly take it? I'd honestly like to have seen The Good Wife and Community get some attention here, but it's just such a silly hodgepodge that it's hard to know what to say. Every single person on The Good Wife deserves recognition, so they could honestly fill the whole category (assuming I ever figure of what this category is actually for)...
I couldn't care less about film (although I think we were all scratching our heads at The Tourist's nomination in the Comedy category... I assume they meant the "Unintentional Comedy" category), so it'll be largely ignored here, but then there the TV nominations.
Must... comment...
BEST DRAMA
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
The Good Wife
Mad Men
The Walking Dead
Well, where to begin? I think the slate they've selected is quite strong, although I admittedly don't watch Mad Men (it's in my Netflix queue, has been for ages, with the disappointing distinction of being a "very long wait"). I still have several episodes of The Walking Dead saved on my DVR... I just can't seem to get into it. It's very well made, and once I delve into an episode, I find that it's quite entertaining, but I'm just not that excited about the show. I guess zombies just aren't my thing... Anyway, of the shows that were nominated, I'd give the win to The Good Wife, with Boardwalk Empire as a close second. Both are tremendous shows that are worthy of the honor, but I'm guessing Boardwalk Empire is going to take the cake. What's most important here, and is a secondary reason that I'm pulling for The Good Wife is that CBS doesn't have a whole lot of representation on the nominees list without it. The Good Wife's total ratings are quite good, but the show skews older and its key demo numbers are not as high as other CBS shows. This would make me worry a bit if it weren't for the critical love the show gets. Seriously, The Good Wife is responsible for 3 of CBS' 6 nominations, and is the only network program to be nominated in this category (which means that CBS has bragging rights over the other Big Four networks who apparently can't compete with cable). That it can hold its own against basic and pay cable is impressive and I don't think CBS would be dumb enough to give it the axe when it's their one critical trump card. On my nominations wish list, I'd have loved to have seen Terriers get a nod (not that it would have, but it was certainly good enough to make the cut), and in just an unlikely a turn, The Vampire Diaries. Speaking of vampire shows, and for as much as I enjoy True Blood, it is deservedly left off this list. It's more of a campy farce than anything else, and last season was by no means their best.
BEST COMEDY/MUSICAL
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
The Big C
Glee
Modern Family
Nurse Jackie
I'm probably going to get some flack for this, but the only nominee in this category that shouldn't really be there is The Big Bag Theory (which, to this day, I still type as The Big Bank Theory every goddamn time!). Even at its best, it was only ever okay. It has its moments, but overall, it's incredibly one-note and could do with about 30% less Sheldon. He's the only real shining star on the show, but he's best in small doses. He's basically the whole show these days and it's fairly untenable. I would have much preferred to see Community not only get nominated, but possibly win. I love Modern Family and Nurse Jackie, but they've already received accolades up the wazoo. Community is one of the funniest shows on air and got completely shut out. Such a shame. Of the nominees included, I'm pulling for Nurse Jackie. I think Glee is sure to take it though. I love Glee, but as the only musical on the list, it's kind of in a different class. In terms of straight up comedy, it wouldn't be my top choice. The good news is that The Office was omitted from the list. I broke up with that show quite a while back and with good reason.
BEST LEAD ACTOR--DRAMA
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House
A respectable list, but I would have liked to have seen Donal Logue nominated for Terriers and walk away the winner. House lost its magic a couple of seasons ago, but that's hardly Hugh's fault. Still, it's an aging series that has lost its luster and shouldn't be receiving accolades any longer. I'd love to see some new blood in the pack. I haven't seen Breaking Bad yet (it's on my list), but I hear it's excellent. Of those nominated, on shows that I watch, I'm going to have to go with Steve Buscemi on this one, and I think he'll end up taking it home. I wouldn't mind seeing Dexter win though. Michael C. Hall has always been the heart and soul of the show and he does an incredible job. In truth, I'd love to see Josh Charles win for The Good Wife.
BEST LEAD ACTRESS--DRAMA
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Piper Perabo, Covert Affairs
Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Okay, seriously, I almost feel bad for Piper Perabo. After the nominees were announced, I think just about everyone took issue with her nomination and called it laughable. That can't be an easy position to be in and I don't envy her that. Seriously though, WTF? Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy Covert Affairs and all, but it's barely a drama and her performance on the show, while completely adequate, is by no means worthy of this nomination. Seriously, she gets a nod and Anna Torv and Nina Dobrev don't? I agreed that True Blood deserved to get shut out of the Drama category, but Anna Paquin works a lot harder than Piper Perabo, and I'm not even that fond of Anna. Hell, in terms of performance, I'd say Maggie Q blows Piper out of the water. I appreciate giving some love to USA network, but this was not the way to do it. How about Gabrielle Anwar instead. Wow. Just wow. Anyway, aside from her, it's a strong field. I'm definitely pulling for Julianna Margulies, but think Katey Sagal is going to take it home.
BEST LEAD ACTOR--COMEDY/MUSICAL
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Thomas Jane, Hung
Matthew Morrison, Glee
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Okeedokee, there are some problems with this. Almost nothing but problems. Alec Baldwin is an expected entry, but I think he's been nominated enough, thanks. The Office is unwatchable these days, so it makes very little sense to give props to the acting. I never could get all that attached to Thomas Jane or his show, and am a little perplexed at his inclusion on the list. I guess Matthew Morrison fills the "or musical" niche because he really isn't all that funny (and gets more annoying with each passing episode, it seems). And Jim Parsons simply over does it. I would still include him on the list because frankly, he's the whole show, but I can only handle so much Sheldon at a time. The men from Community were all more deserving of nominations than most of the people on this list and while last season of HIMYM was less than stellar, the current season has been a delightful return to form that should have seen some love. I honestly don't care who wins this one.
BEST LEAD ACTRESS--COMEDY/MUSICAL
Toni Collette, United States of Tara
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Lea Michele, Glee
These are all pretty solid nominations, but again, combining comedy and musical makes for strange bedfellows. Lea just seems like a fish out of water in this crowd. And once again, I'd have rather seen any of the funny ladies on Community make the list. I try to enjoy The United States of Tara, and Toni does a respectable job with a difficult part, but I just can't seem to care about that show. I'd love to see Edie take it, but Laura Linney is going to win. Which I'm okay with. The Big C isn't my favorite show or anything, but it's good, and she's wonderful in it.
Supporting Actor — TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Scott Caan, Hawaii Five-0
Chris Colfer, Glee
Chris Noth, The Good Wife
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
David Strathairn, Temple Grandin
If there's one thing the Golden Globes doesn't know how to do, it's the supporting categories... Seriously, what the hell is this list? It's basically just men who are sort of supporting players on anything that has ever aired on TV ever. It's a weird category, so it's hard to even articulate who should be nominated. Geez, I, uh, guess I'd like to see Chris Noth take it? Or Eric Stonestreet? Or Chris Colfer? Because yeah, those performances should be in the same category... It's nice to see Scott Caan get some recognition, because really, he's the only redeeming factor on that show, but he really doesn't deserve a nod here. Not when that means that so many more deserving actors get slighted. I would have loved to have seen some of the Boardwalk Empire crew on the list. Agent Van Alden deserved a nod. I can't think of the actor who played him, but he played him very very well. My dream winner would be Matt Czuchry for The Good Wife though. I just love him.
Supporting Actor — TV Series, Miniseries or TV Movie
Hope Davis, The Special Relationship
Jane Lynch, Glee
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Julia Stiles, Dexter
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Again, how do you have a category that pits Kelly Macdonald against Sofia Vergara?! They're both excellent and deserving of attention, but in the same category? Ooo-kay... I, uh, guess I'd like to see Kelly take it? I'd honestly like to have seen The Good Wife and Community get some attention here, but it's just such a silly hodgepodge that it's hard to know what to say. Every single person on The Good Wife deserves recognition, so they could honestly fill the whole category (assuming I ever figure of what this category is actually for)...
