Top 5 Shows and Actors That Deserve Emmy Recognition...But Won't Get It
Abe Fried-Tanzer - July 9, 2009
It's almost guaranteed that names like Jeremy Piven, Tony Shalhoub, Sally Field, William Shatner, and Tina Fey and popular shows like Two and a Half Men and 30 Rock will get Emmy nominations next Thursday. Last year, Bryan Cranston was nominated – and won – for the acclaimed but underseen AMC drama Breaking Bad. That kind of success story isn't all that common. HBO's critically-lauded series The Wire earned only two Emmy nominations over the course of its five-year run. It's too late for that show, but what series and stars can muster support and upset bigger, buzzier shows this year? Here are the top five shows and their stars that deserve but won't get Emmy recognition. To be optimistic, let's call them the hopefuls.
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Best Drama Series |
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Why It Should Get Nominated: Science fiction has never been so cool. Plus, this gritty update of the original 1970s series finished out its fourth and final season with tremendous intensity and some of its finest episodes to date. Why It Might Not: Emmy voters shy away from geeky science fiction, and it's been 15 years since Star Trek: The Next Generation managed a Best Drama Series nomination for its final season. Is BSG as hip as House or Lost? |
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Best Actress in a Drama Series: Mary McDonnell as Laura Roslin |
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Why She Should Get Nominated: President Roslin's cancer flared up again as humanity was headed towards the brink of extinction – but it didn't diminish her resolve one bit. Why She Might Not: McDonnell was so close last year. She placed as a top-ten semifinalist but was not one of the five nominees. This year, Emmy rules have expanded the nominee pool to six names. Can McDonnell be that sixth name? |
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2. The Shield
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Best Drama Series |
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Why It Should Get Nominated: Its final season was extremely powerful, and its final episode, "Family Meeting," should be treasured as one of the most shocking and memorable series finales ever. Why It Might Not: Last year, FX made history when Damages earned a Best Drama Series nomination, and it's doubtful that another long-overdue FX network show can join it (or take its place) so soon. The Shield hasn't been nominated for any Emmys since 2006. |
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Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Walton Goggins as Shane Vendrell |
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Why He Should Get Nominated: Shane had a bigger role than ever this year as he went rogue, equally motivated by cold-blooded bitterness and heart-wrenching devotion to his family. Why He Might Not: Goggins will have an uphill battle wading his way through the most contender-heavy Emmy category, but his recent Television Critics Association honor may give him a leg up on the competition. |
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3. Chuck
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Best Comedy Series |
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Why It Should Get Nominated: While it's not a traditional comedy, this action-packed spy series is the most entertaining show on television, with a terrific cast and wickedly fun storylines. Why It Might Not: It's not as obviously funny as 30 Rock or Two and a Half Men. However, the show could experience a surge in support if enough Emmy voters were also fans who ate at Subway to get the series renewed. |
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Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Zachary Levi as Chuck Bartowski |
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Why He Should Get Nominated: Chuck is charming and irresistibly sweet, and he always finds a way to take care of his family and friends while he's trying to save the world. Why He Might Not: People tend to focus on his action sequences rather than his funny lines, but it's hard to assemble a list of more than four lead comedy actors with a strong shot. Levi could take one of the remaining two slots. |
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4. Secret Diary of a Call Girl
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Best Comedy Series |
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Why It Should Get Nominated: It doesn't go too far in detailing its sexual scenarios to the point of indecency, but it remains a compelling and appealing comedy with a dark twist. Why It Might Not: It's not clearly a comedy, and it's an import from the UK. In addition, the category is woefully crowded with bigger, more well-known sitcoms. |
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Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Billie Pipper as Belle |
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Why She Should Get Nominated: She carries the show single-handedly, and she always has a pleasant smirk on her face while detailing her extraordinary life. Why She Might Not: British television is often overlooked, and Piper has another newcomer to contend with – the wildly popular Amy Poehler from Parks & Recreation. |
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5. Rescue Me
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Best Drama Series |
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Why It Should Get Nominated: The show was immensely captivating as it returned to its roots with a renewed focus on 9/11 and its impact on New Yorkers. Why It Might Not: There isn't enough room for three FX series on the Best Drama Series list, and Rescue Me only aired seven episodes during the eligibility period. |
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Best Actor in a Drama Series: Denis Leary as Tommy Gavin |
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Why He Should Get Nominated: Tommy decided he was no longer an alcoholic and started drinking again, making the show and Leary's performance a must-see. Why He Might Not: Leary has been nominated twice, but missed out last year, and there's a whole long line of emoting actors he'll have to edge out in order to make the list again. |
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It's asking too much that all five of these shows could actually earn nominations. It's probably a safer bet to put money on the actors instead of the series, since every drama series that was nominated last year – Boston Legal, Damages, Dexter, House, Lost, and Mad Men – is eligible again this time. This year, Emmy rules have expanded the categories to six nominees. Can these shows fill those new slots?
