Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Dream Emmy Ballot 2015: Outstanding Directing and Writing in a Comedy Series


The Comeback LIsa Kudrow HBO SeasonComedic television about women, and gay men (plus Louis C.K.) rule!  I have an odd feeling
 that my dream ballot for writing and directing in a Comedy series will look nothing like the Emmy nominations, but dare to dream.  

This year The Comeback made well, a comeback to HBO.  In the final episode we see Valerie Cherish get "what she really wants."  Cherish represents different aspects of women working in the industry today, and it was in this final episode we got to see every level of her humanity.  This character's journey had a perfect climax (I hope), and the last episode of the season, maybe series, was easily the best written episode of comedic television this year.

Women were represented better than ever in comedic television this year, just look at the range of great performances that could compete in Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.  Yet there was one show that represented women better any television series this year, Jane the Virgin.  Jane and its female characters represent the depth and breadth of a variety of cultures and personalities.  There are few shows with perfect first years, but but Jane is one of them.  This show's wit, and heart channel and energy that is often missing in television.  

On a closing note Parks and Recreation was the only network television show to make this list, and not many on network TV hold a candle to this series.  Network television has made a jump in quality on the dramatic  side, but many outside of CBS have left comedy in the dirt.  Network television needs to step up their game if they would like to compete.

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
The Comeback-Valerie Gets What She Really Wants -Michael Patrick King
Jane the Virgin-Chapter One-Brad Siberling
Getting On-The 7th Annual Christmas Card Competition-Becky Martin
Looking-Looking for a Plot-Andrew Haigh
Parks and Recreation-Leslie and Ron-Beth McCarthy-Miller
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-Kimmy Goes to a Party! – Nicole Holofcener

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Broad City-In Heat-Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer
The Comeback-Valerie Gets What She Really Wants -Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow
Jane the Virgin-Chapter One-Jennie Snyder Urman
Louie-Bobby’s House-Louis C.K.
Parks and Recreation-Leslie and Ron-Michael Shur
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt-Kimmy Goes on a Date-Jack Burditt and Robert Carlock

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