john elliott looks at his favorite and least favorite moments from this morning’s noms …
Okay, so let’s be honest here: The Emmy nominations this morning were a little bit boring. There’s a lot of stuff that we expect to see, and it’s pretty easy to comb the categories and take a look at years’ past and know who’s going to have a shot, if not win outright.
So, I’m going to skip with the pleasantries of analysis and just jump to five points of interest, namely:
MY FOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT THE 2012 EMMY NOMINATIONS
1. LOUIS C.K.’S BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES NOM
I love Louie. You should, too. It’s maybe the most daring and uncomfortable thing on television, and its humor comes from a place of honesty and unpredictability. And the fact that Louis C.K.’s meteoric rise from cult hero to A-lister is recognized here is pretty cool.
2. CLAIRE DANES’ NOMINATION FOR HOMELAND
You’ve come a long way since pining for Jordan Catalano, Ms. Danes. Homeland is the best thing on Showtime, and Danes is the emotional core of this edgy and dangerous show. It’s good to have her back in a place where her talent really shines.
3. MARGARET CHO’S NOM FOR KIM JONG-IL ON 30 ROCK
It’s been a bumpy two years for what used to be my favorite TV comedy, as it’s devolved into something like a live-action Family Guy. But every time Cho showed up as Kim, she brought the house down, in bite-sized increments. If she doesn’t win, it’s criminal. This was casting genius at work.
4. KRISTEN WIIG’S NOM FOR SNL
We’ll miss you, Kristen. Bigger and better things ahead.
Now, let’s get to:
ONE THING THAT REALLY SUCKS.
1. GIRLS GETTING ATTENTION
Gang, this show is terrible, racist, poorly written, weirdly assembled, and lazy. Its nominations are a sign that the empress has no clothes, and no one cares. Also, it’s nominated as a comedy series. That’s like calling a fork a back-scratcher.
So, folks, what do you think? All in all, a list that has few unexpected twists, but I’m looking forward to the awards.
For a complete list of the nominations, click here.
Apparently no comedy aside from Modern Family has any supporting actors. Where’s the love for Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, Rob Lowe, Aziz Ansari, and Adam Scott? Another snub in my opinion is The Walking Dead. It has to be one of the highest rated shows on television and last I checked had great reviews. In my opinion, Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal and Norman Reedus turned in some pretty solid performances. As for Breaking Bad, I’d love to see Cranston win his 4th consecutive (when eligible) Emmy. As much as I’d also love to see Aaron Paul win another, I’d be shocked if he beats out Giancarlo Esposito AND Peter Dinkladge (I don’t even watch Game of Thrones, but I love Dinkladge.) I’m excited to see Community get a nomination though, even if only for writing.
I’m a fan of Girls and while both the cast and the New York it portrays are definitely lily-white, it’s certainly not a racist show. Lena Dunham reminds me a bit of a young, female Larry David – often selfish and shitty, but intelligent, witty, and self-deprecating enough to still be charming.
Also, Michael Pitt totally should have gotten a best supporting actor nom for his final season of Boardwalk.
You’re hate for Girls is disappointing. Certainly, you are entitled to your opinion, but to call it “racist” is unfounded, and reveals that you’re either jumping on the backlash bandwagon, never invested any time watching the show, or are a little fuzzy on the definition of the word. My wife and I looked forward to and enjoyed every episode for its excellent cast of characters, honest and awkward depictions of friendships and sex, and the comedy of errors that usually mark coming of age. The season was loaded with gems. Hysterical moments, uncomfortably real moments, and lots of genuine emotion. There’s a reason ms. Dunham is receiving this attention. She wrote a critically acclaimed hit show that had people talking. If it’s not your thing, that’s fine. But to write it off as if somehow the multitudes of fans like myself (not to mention the seasoned critics behind it) are fools for watching and her emmy nods are unearned is rather pompous of you. I would love to know how many episodes you watched before you came to this severe conclusion.
I have no idea why you would think those things about Girls. It’s really really well written, really smart, very honest and refreshing, (I have NO idea where the racist thing is coming from – That makes no sense)
And really, it is the funniest thing on TV – hands down – I am a fan of Louis CK but his show never has me in stitches the way Girls does.