Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2012-2013)

Much like the year without a Santa Clause, this is the first year without a supporting actor from Modern Family.  Modern Family is still a solid show, but the show and its actors have hit a plateau, Phil is still the goofy dad, Mitch and Cam still have some of the best quips, and Jay remains old and cranky.

While none of those men made my final list this was the toughest comedy category to narrow down this year.  I could have had ten nominees in this category, proving that even though it may be a tough job constantly supporting these men are up to the task time and time again!

Will Arnett as Gob Bluth in Arrested Development

The MVP of Development's return on Netflix.  Both of the Gob episodes were some of the funniest television episodes I have seen all year, and while the writing had a lot to do with that funny, Arnett deserves a lot of credit.  Arnett has starred, and guest starred in numerous roles in a post Development on Fox, pre-Netflix era, and while Devon Banks (30 Rock) was a great character, nothing comes close to Arnett's portrayal of Gob.  Watching him pretend to be gay, while actually maybe being gay with Ben Stiller proved to be comic genius.  His magic trick to get out of his wedding to Ann rocked too.  Arnett is great and he deserves a nomination.

Max Greenfield as Ted Schmidt New Girl

Watching Schmidt fight for CeCe, and find himself more and more this year was a great acting achievement for Max Greenfield.  Schmidt needed to go back to his roots with Elizabeth (Merrit Wever) find himself and no longer cling to what he thought made him desirable to women.  There were of course other moments earlier on where he realized he need to have feelings for someone in order to have hot sex again, which was hilarious to watch Schmidt realize how feelings make sex even better.  Greenfield is great at this role, and this season showed more growth in Schmidt, making him a richer, and even funnier character,  Greenfield is a rock star at playing this bro!

Simon Helberg as Howard Wolowitz in The Big Bang Theory

Howard in spaaaaace! Loved watching Howard journey through the depths of space being teased, dealing with his paranoia, and then of course being a newlywed and potentially moving out of his mother's house.  Helberg has grown well as an actor, and given further depth to this character throughout the years, watching him interact with his father-in-law who only answers things in short sentences is priceless. Helberg is great in this role, and after six seasons finally deserves a place on this list as one of the funniest supporting actors in television.

Alex Karpovsky as Ray Plonshansky in Girls

On a show centered around, well let's say, girls without any digs about how shallow and self absorbed they, oh wait whoops, Ray is one of the most interesting characters on the show.  At the beginning of season Shoshanna was dealing with Ray's inability to commit, and Ray dealt with his own hang ups. Karpovsky's Ray soon comitted and became the man Shossanna wanted, delving into the relationship world.  Karpovsky was brilliant as Ray this season adding a little more depth to his sarcasm from season one.  While most people focused on Hannah's ex Adam, Ray was the boy in this show who provided the most heart and laughs this season.

Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation

As Ron meets Diane, there was an instant shine that was added to his character, unlike all the Tammy's Diane was sane, had children, and Ron soon became Ron with a little added care.  As much as Ron could give, with his regular Libertarianism. Watching Ron attempt to help baby sit Diane's two young girls was hilarious, and will provide great context for Ron as a father next season.  Ron's level as protector to Leslie was also upped, especially when he punched Councilmen Jamm who was breaking up Leslie's wedding.  While some will argue a lack of growth in Ron, I see this season as a year of development with one of the greatest Libertarians of all time.

Damon Wayans Jr. as Brad Williams in Happy Endings

Another sad write-up, as Happy Endings has been cancelled.  Brad's character blends the confidence of a great man and the comfort of being able to be stay at home husband with ease, well almost.  Brad was fired from his job at the end of season two, and throughout this season he was a stay at home husband, a hilarious "trophy wife," working at a children's birthday party funplex, amping up Bar Mitzvahs, and then eventually back to business world.  Brad is on funny guy, and I loved getting to watch Damon Wayans Jr. tackle this more fleshed out character, which unlike anyone makes you laugh more than anyone before.  He was the glue to this cast, and this character will be missed.

Runners Up: Mike White-Enlightened, Ty Burrel-Modern Family

Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2012-2013)

Time for the comedy categories, and what better way to start than the Supporting Actresses?  This year's group of women is almost completely different from last year.  With Modern Family hitting the middle ground, newer shows, and their actors will be making there way to both of my supporting list this year.

Elisha Cuthbert as Alex Kerkovich in Happy Endings 

Writing two of these are going to make very sad, this is one, namely because Happy Endings was officially cancelled this past week.  While many focus on Jane, this season was all about Alex for me.  Cuthbert simple naive, but hilarious Alex is one of the best characters on the show.  Alex and Dave got back together, and it was hilarious watching them navigate their awkward reunion, but Cuthbert was hilarious navigating this endeavor.  My favorite episode with Alex was where she orchestrates all of the pranks pulling a Kaiser Soze at the end, sheer brilliance.  Cuthbert has grown into her own, and I am sad to see the end of this character.

Kaley Cuoco as Penny in The Big Bang Theory 

After years upon years playing Penny, Cuoco deserves some recognition, and this year fits.  Cuoco is one of the most talented comediennes on the air; she plays off the boys club within the show well, from Leonard to Raj.  Watching Penny drop Leonard off at the airport, and confessing her love for him was one of the most beautiful moments showing the way that this couple and her character have grown.  One of my other favorite moments was when Leonard tries to get Penny into Buffy; she walks with Bernadette about Leonard and his passions, and her jealousy of how he has them, and then talking about her own passions.  This was some of the deepest I have seen Penny, rock on Kaley, great work.

Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy in Modern Family 

Forget Vergara and Bown, Sarah Hyland owned this season as the you Hayley on Modern Family.  As Hayley went to college, fell on someone, and eventually got kicked out of college, this young girls journey was hilarious but filled with great character growth.  Watching Hayley develop into her own person as an adult trying to take care of Luke, and preventing him from having a party, or be an adult on a night out with her mother, Hyland has grown into her own with this character, and it's been fun to watch her hone her comedic timing.

Jessica Walter as Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development

If one thing is for certain, it's that Lucille Bluth was back with awkward wink.  Sadly there was only one episode of Arrested Development, which focused on Lucille, but it was one of the best episodes.  Walter takes to this character like a drunk fish to water, spectacularly.  I would love to say that there is depth to this character, but the point of this show is that there does not need to be, and it's always great to watch her fight with Lucille II, control Buster, and star in a prison reality series.  Walter's portrayal of Lucille is one of the best supporting characters ever.

Allison Williams as Marnie Michaels in Girls 

Oh Marnie, Marnie, so pretty, but so naive.  Marnie had an interesting journey this past season on Girls; she lost her job at the gallery, became a hostess, was used by one "boyfriend" as trophy piece, and once her ex-boyfriend became successful she went after him, and did one of the most awkward musical performances I have seen in a television series.  Williams is a talented young actress; she plays Marnie with vulnerability, meanwhile there is a vapid nature to her character, which makes her one of the funniest characters on this series.  In season one Marnie was a bit one note, but in this most recent season you get to see more of a realistic vulnerable side to her character, props to Williams.

Casey Wilson as Penny Hearts in Happy Endings 

What will I do without you Penny Hearts?  No more awkward relationships where you attempt to base jump, then fall down the stairs, and get "Miseryed" by Max.  No more hilariously awkward symbolic plays when you break up with your fiance, which you do not realize the connection until you are on stage.  As LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood sang "How will I live?"  Wilson is one of the funniest ladies out there, and I have no doubt she will find some great work, but this character is one of the best; she played her so well, with awkward vulnerability like no other.

Runners Up:  Melissa Rauch-The Big Bang Theory, Eliza Coupe-Happy Endings 

Travels with Kevin Part 14: The City of Brotherly Love (from SCOTUS to Canceled Television Shows)

These past few weeks, I have been outside of the world of popular culture traveling to visit friends, and going to a work conference.  I have not had as much time to go to the movies, and had to catch up on any of my summer shows through my TiVo.

A a few weekends ago I went to visit my friend Dominic in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.  The slogan of the city resonated even more because it was Pride.  Philly was a blast, and Dominic is a great friend.  I watched his softball team play, we drank a lot, ate a lot, everything a vacation should be and more.  Visiting Philly helped continue my tradition of going to a different city for Pride every year. My first Pride was in New York City, then Columbus, then Boston and St. Louis, and finally Philly this year.  My goal is either DC or Chicago next year. As I look back at the fun times in Philadelphia, and Pride itself it has made me me think about what is going on in the country at the moment, and a bit of popular culture.

Any day now the Supreme Court will be ruling on two major cases for LGBT folks, one pertaining to a challenge of Proposition 8 in California, and one pertaining to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  Both of these rulings will have an impact on marriage equality, but in an era when more and more states are passing legislation allowing gay marriage, could striking down either of these challenges be seen as antiquated?  I think so, but no matter which way the court rules I have faith that this country has come along way, and I believe more than ever that my nation is willing to step up to bat to protect me.  Look at Russia and the way they are treating their citizens, and many other countries in Africa, which are proposing laws called "Kill the Gays."  LGBT folks are more vocal and visible than ever before, and the United States is moving in the right direction.

In an ironic twist of fate many shows with lesbian and gay characters were cancelled this May.  This list of shows shows include the following: The New Normal, Go On, Smash, The Office, 1600 Penn, Happy Endings, Don’t Trust the B___ in Apartment 23, 90210, Emily Owens, M.D., The L.A. Complex, Partners, and Southland. 

These shows on many levels tackled issues and stories, which highlighted a diverse array of characterizations. Happy Endings did a great story in one episode where Max (Adam Pally) searched for identity within the gay community showing how fitting, or having someone to connect with matters on all levels.  The New Normal tackled gay fatherhood well, and the struggles parents face.  Go On tackled the subject of loss of a partner, and how important this can be to anyone.

With all of these shows off the air, the battle for representation continues, does LGBT representation matter?  It sure does, especially on network television where the majority of folks can access this material.  In a day when people still need role models, popular culture is an important medium to help spread the word.  I hope television can challenge themselves to work harder to keep quality programming.  I am alright with them canceling 1600 Penn and Partners (they were terrible).

Things Kevin is Thankful For in Movies, Music, and TV 2012

As today is officially thanksgiving, here is the list of things in movies, music, and television that I am thankful for:

Movies 

One of the best year's for action films (with brains and braun) The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Looper, and Skyfall

-The summer started with a Hulk smash. When Joss Whedon, one of the ultimate comic book fan boys, was picked to direct The Avengers I was as giddy as a school girl.  There is always a little fear that your dream film will not be made, but Joss did a fantastic job, and set the ball rolling.

-Up next was The Dark Knight Rises.  While the film did not hit the same mark as The Dark Knight, the conclusion to the trilogy was brilliantly executed, and Nolan should be pleased as punch (although he will not get an Oscar nomination.

-Rian Johnson's Looper had one of the best original screenplays of the year.  The trailer for this film made me nervous, but with good word of mouth I had to check out this film.  To my surprise this was one of the best films I have seen this year.

Last but not least was the third installment in ever changing James bond franchise.  While some will gripe that the film steers away from the traditional Bond mentality, I argue that film does the impossible, diverting from the traditional while maintaining and establishing the Bond lore.

Ben Affleck (director/actor/writer, extraordinaire) Argo

Is this the the same guy Family Guy made fun of about writing the Good Will Hunting screenplay?  Argo was not only a smart film, but one of the most entertaining of the year.  This was one perfect blend of thriller/humor/drama, something almost impossible to do, but this film achieves the goal.

The Year of the Men (isn't that every year?) Bradley Cooper, Daniel Day Lewis, John Hawkes, Joaquin Phoenix, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Denzel Washington

I am not going to highlight the brilliance about each of these performances, but these men have proven themselves this year, and are going to be part of the most competitive Best Actor line-up at the Oscars since I have been alive.  Last year was seen as the year of the women, but this year the men have strong armed things, but with these performances, I will allow them their day!

Music

Before I write my list I have to state that I am disappointed in most of the music that was released within the 2012 calendar year, most of the albums I liked were released at the end of 2012, so this list is going to be rather short.

Frank Ocean-Channel Orange-He's been Thinking bout Me!

One of the most beautiful, and powerful albums to be released in 2012.  While most of the news about this artist centered around his sexual orientation, the album and music within it transcend this story, and have proven to be one of the strongest albums of the year.

Television

Chevy Chase is Gone from Community, and October 19th aka January Return!

Today the story went on to state that Chase would not show up in most of the last episodes, and while I am sad the show is going off the air, I am done with this old man's crank attitude.  With that said I am beyond excited the show's return date was set, but this also makes me sad because the show is closer to the end than the beginning.

Oliver Queen's Green Arrow

Stephen Tramell is not only one badass, but he is probably sexier than Tom Welling's Superman, inhabiting a Bruce Wayne like playboy role.  The show is one of my favorite new series on the air.

Mindy Kailing belief is Rom Com's

Every week tuning in and watching Mindy Kailing on The Mindy Project helps me to believe that I am not a crazy single, but like her someone who believes in happy endings.

Boys II Menorah 

Speaking of Happy Endings, can I hire Max and Brad to amp up my Bar Mitzvah, I can go back and be 16 again for this, correct?

ABC soaptastic line-up-Once Upon a Time, Revenge,  and Scandal

I have been told I am missing out on Nashville, but for now I will stick with wonderfully magical fairytale world, the coniving world of Emily Thorn, and the wickedly clever/smart Olivia Pope.

HBO girl's Lena Dunham and Julia Louis Dreyfuss

How could you not be thankful for two of the funniest women on television.  HBO has really only had Sex and the City with strong female comedic leads, but these two shows have proven they need to do more of that.  These two women star in two of the best shows of the year, and they are great!

Emmy Week 2012: Who Should Have Been Nominated

This year there were of course a bunch of shows/actors/writers/directors who should have been nominated, but they were not.  Ironically most of the people or shows on this list received nominations in other categories, but missed out in the key categories posted below.

Drama Categories

Outstanding Drama Series : The Good Wife (CBS) No network television show made it into this category this year for the first time in this categories history.  The Good Wife was nominated for the shows first two seasons, but missed out on a nomination this year.  The show proved that it can play with the big dogs, and has accomplished a lot, and should have been a nominee.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Kelsey Grammer-Boss-The biggest shock the day the nominations were announced was that this 12 time nominee did not get a nomination when he proved his dramatic chops on the Starz drama.  Grammer made people forget about Frasier Crane proving that this guy should have made this list.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Kate Sagal-Sons of Anarchy-Another comedic icon who shed her laughs for this dark role, Sagal has been ignored by this voting body time and time again for some reason.  Gemma is one bad ass, and Sagal's performance is one of the strongest female acting on television today.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Mandy Patinkin-Homeland-Saul is the quiet one of the bunch.  Unlike Carrie and Brody he does not have the flash in his story, but Patinking proves that he is the quiet rock.  Patinkin is one incredible actor, and people seem to forget him in this show for some reason, but his performance is incredible.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Lena Headey-Game of Thrones-This Lady Macbeth type character was a little one note in season one, but Headey provided a lot more depth in season two.  Her interactions with Dinklage always used to have me saying "Wow he's great."  This year she stepped up her game, and proved her talent.

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: Breaking Bad-Box Cutter-Vince Gilligan-The season four premiere kicks off where the intensity from season 3 ended, and Vince Gilligan starts strong as he knows how to do.  This show was snubbed in the writing category (although the show's direction is stronger), but should be given credit for the almost often well crafted self contained world.

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series: Game of Thrones-Blackwater-Neil Marshall-The epitome of what could defined as one of the best directed television episodes ever!  This larger than life battle was brilliantly crafted, and built up the tension perfectly.  My winner of the year would be this episode.

Comedy Categories 

Outstanding Comedy Series: Community-The Emmy Awards always seem to forget the Greendale 7.  This is going to be regarded as one of the funniest series of all time to not get a nomination in this category, but like the Greendale 7 this show is rebellious, and not ever getting a nomination will keep its hip factor alive.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Adam Scott-Parks and Recreation-Ben Wyatt's dorky/nerdy side could give Sheldon Cooper and the gang from Big Bang for their money.  Scott's loveable dork/love interest for Leslie Knope was the highlight of season four; he ran Leslie's campaign, cried dressed up like Batman, and so much more.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Laura Dern-Enlightened-I have said this before and I will say it again, I loathe this show, and just think there is something about it that makes me cringe.  With that said Dern does a fantastic job of making a show I hate bearable enough.; she is a great actress, and this is one terrific role.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Nick Offerman-Parks and Recreation-Who leaves Ron Swanson off the ballot?  Ron Swanson would actually leave his own name off so maybe the voters got thrown by his persona.  Offerman has created one of the funniest, most distinct characters in television history, I do not know what the Emmy voters do not get.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Casey Wilson-Happy Endings-Watch out for this show next year!  Last season the show hit full steam and was one of the best shows on television, namely because of its great ensemble including the lovelorn Penny Hartz.  Wilson is one funny lady, and this character is no Phoebe she is her own crazy persona.

Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series: Veep-Chung-Sean Gray & Armando Iannucci & Will Smith-The writing on this show was spot on, I am shocked voters did missed it in this category, especially the funniest episode of season, "Chung."  This episode follows the Veep herself as she may be replaced by a Senator named Chung with whom she makes a racially driven comment about on television, I cried with laughter.

Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series:Community-Remedial Chaos Theory-Jeff Melman-The show got its first major nomination in the writing category this year for this episode, but how can you forget Melman's direction?  The direction in this episode was the glue to the framework.  This was one of the shows strongest episodes ever, and Melman deserves just as much credit.

Fall 2012 TV Preview

Last year I highlighted the show returning that I am was anticipating, and the new shows I was excited about or had potential.  Of the four new 2 were cancelled (Terra Nova, The Ringer), one is now more of a mini-series or hybrid (American Horror Story), and NBCs Up All Night, was not must see television except for Maya Rudolph.

What exciting things lie ahead for this fall television season?

Sunday:

Once Upon a Time-The curse is lifted, and magic has become unleashed on Storybrook.  The trailer for the new season looks action packed/exciting.  I am ready to see some of my favorite fairy tale characters return, and also watch some new ones grace the screen! (8 pm on ABC starts Sunday September 30th)

The Good Wife-Carey is back at Lockheart/Gardener, Kahlinda's ex husband is in the picture, and Alicia and Peter have started to have a much more cordial relationship.  All of this along with Lockheart/Gardener facing financial difficulty will bring viewers to edge of their seat as Peter seeks to be elected to the governorship. (9 pm on CBS starts on September 30th)

Dexter-Deb knows! There is no turning back, Dexter's dark secret has been discovered by his sister, where does the dark messenger go now?  Can he outsmart her, so many burning questions (9 pm on Showtime starts on September 30th)

Revenge-The haunting ending of season one still plays back in my mind.  Did Victoria Grayson go down with the plane?  Meeting Amanda's mother is going to be on intense roller coaster ride.  Faux Amanda is really pregnant.  Did Charlotte overdose?  This soapy night time drama has a lot to live up to. (10 pm on ABC starts September 30th)

Homeland-Watching the first two minutes proved why this is the most bankable program on Showtime.  Carrie is doing well and out of the CIA, but how long can she really stay away?  Brody is a congressman, and a potential VP candidate.  How will this cat and mouse meet again? (10 pm on Showtime starts on September 30th)

The Walking Dead-Last season ended with some shocking revelations, and some surprising zombie-fications.  The second part of season 2 was much darker, and it looks like the show has only one direction to go, dark! (10 pm on AMC starts on October 14th)

Monday:

How I Met Your Mother-Barney is going to marry Robin, but first we have to watch his relationship with Quinn fall apart.  Lilly and Marshall are parents.  The most important question is why have we not met the damn mother?  Time for this show to make good on the title.(8 pm on CBS starts September 24th)

Partners (new show)- The other LGBT show from Ryan Murphy was a flop, let's see how this one from the creators of Will and Grace does.  I am betting this one will do well in the ratings because of the CBS comedy strong hold, but will it be good? (8:30 pm on CBS starts September 24th)

Revolution (new show)-Another J.J. Abrams creation set in a world where technology has gone away.  Will Gus Fring be enough to save this show?  I feel like this show relies too much on a gimmick, and will not just let the plot unfold. (10 pm on NBC starts September 17th)

Tuesday:

Happy Endings-This show has been missing for way too long.  It will be AMAHZING when it returns so I can watch Brad look for a job, while Jane takes on another.  I love watching Penny's love life too; she tries so hard, and gets so many laughs.  Dave and Alex are looking for an apartment together, will it last ?Love this great comedy. (9 pm on FOX starts October 23rd)

New Girl-The return of the quirk!  Nick moved out to be with his girlfriend, and the gang has to try and cope with this.  Schmidt is newly single ladies, so look out, and Jess is on the market, can't wait to watch her have a slew of awkward dates! (9 pm on FOX starts September 25th)

The Mindy Project (new show) Mindy Kailing is on funny lady, and of the new network comedies this show looks to have the most promise.  I am excited to watch this hopeless romantic struggle to search for love! (9:30 pm on FOX starts September 25th)

Wednesday:

Arrow-The CW has done the super hero genre well on the small screen, and this show looks to prove to keep up the strong tradition, way to capitalize on a genre!  (8 pm on the CW starts October 10th)

Modern Family-Gloria pregnant, sign me up!  Having more adventures with the Dunphies and Pritchertts is always a good time.  (9 pm on ABC starts September 26th)

Nashville-Nashville could be this years Revenge, the soapy night time drama that just gets it right, the cast is great, and I think this could be one fun show. (10 pm on the CW starts October 10th)

American Horror Story-The show that added the chill that ran down your spine returns with some truly terrfying story from an insane asylum.  Most of the cast is returning, but the story is new, this should be good!
(10 pm on FX starts October 17th)

Thursday: 

30 Rock-The last season will be upon us soon.  Liz seems happy in her relationship, hopefully that will last.  Jack's story ended weird last year, I hope they come up with some quality stuff for the gang at TGS to close things out well. (8 pm on NBC starts October 4th)

The Office-Another show in its last season, NBC is losing two major players at the end of this season.  After Michael Scott left this show lost a lot of character.  Greg Daniels has promised a lot for this final season, and I hope the ending pays off.

Grey's Anatomy-Did everyone whose left survive the plane crash?  Eric Dane is leaving the show so odds are that Mark has been hit hard.  Arizona's fate is still up in the air.  What doctors will stay at Seattle Grace and how will they cope as attendings. (9 pm on ABC starts September 27th)

Glee-In true Ryan Murphy style the show has become fractured, and lost its purpose caring too much about actors and big names, like Kate Hudson, and Sarah Jessica Parker. This show is getting to the boot from my TiVo, but give it a try if you dare. (9 pm on ABC starts September 13th)

Parks and Recreation-A march onto DC, as Ben becomes a big time campaign major, Leslie steps up to city council and the parks department will need to take a new direction as Leslie leaves.  I am proud of this show for evolving smartly. (9 pm on ABC starts September 20th)

Scandal-Who is Quinn?  What deep secret is she hiding?  The show left with some major cliffhangers, and spoilers surrounding Olivia Pope and crew.  Shona knows how how to pulp up the drama. (10 pm on ABC starts September 27th)

Friday:

Community-Friday is usually a dead night, but now that it has Community, I actually will have a Friday night show.  This will most likely be the last year for the Greendale 7, I hope the new show runner who has replaced Dan Harmon can fill his shoes. (8:30 pm on NBC starts October 19th)