Jumping the Shark Part 4: A New Hope.... to Improve

This part of of my "jumping the shark" entry is going to be a little different.  In the past I called for the end of shows, which had moved past their prime in more ways than one.  Most of the shows in parts one, two, and three have been cancelled, or on the road to ending.  My goal with this entry is to push hope that these few shows will bounce back, and achieve greatness once again.  I am not calling for these shows to cancelled, I am just challenging them to think about their current state, and the direction they are heading.  Be mindful of of spoiler midfield!

Community (2009-Present)-NBC  Dan Harmon is back! I removed this show from a previous list, because there is hope with Harmon back that this show will climb out of the abyss from the wreckage of the fourth season to be the show that it once was.  If I were Harmon I would make the fourth season part of one of the alternate time lines, or something more clever.  Dan Harmon was the genius behind the show, and when NBC canned him I was nervous.  The cast stated that in productions things were feeling and looking the same even without Harmon, but a true fan can see this show has lost something, the fire which made it the wittiest, independent show on television.  The plots are still outlandish, and there are still elements of the original Community, but the show has lost its edge.  The new show runners pulled a Britta, but with Harmon back I have hope this show can be better.

Update: Guess what NBC, bringing Dan Harmon made this show better, who would have thought that the creative mind behind the show, would have done that, sarcasm intended!  From GI Jeff to MeowMeowBeenz, and getting rid of Pierce this show is back, and better than the previous season.  6 seasons and a movie!

Downton Abbey (2010-Present)-PBS/BBC-Season one, or series one was epic, and great.  Series two was solid, but not as great.  Series three was depressing, and just did not hold my interest the way the show has in the past.  The fourth series/season is currently playing in the UK, but it will air starting on January 5th in the States.  My hope is that the show will be able to capture the magic even with Matthew gone.  The love story of Matthew and Mary was what made season three watchable.  These two characters had finally gotten together, but at the end of the third season Matthew dies.  My hope is that the show captures the evolving era well, and the way it influences the traditions/societal norms of the residents of Downton Abbey.

Update: Oh wait, what's that I just barely woke up after watching the most boring season of this show. The only character who even made it worth watching was Jim Carter's Mr Carson.  Raping Anna was pointless.  Julian Fellowes with Robert Altman is drowning in his lack of creativity.  Time to end things, there is no hope.

Girls (2012-Present)-HBO-Season two ended on odd, but interesting note.  Hannah is her own worst enemy; she wants to be a writer, but can't get there.  I know people find this show, and the characters vapid, but I look at it as an interesting sociological study on my generation.  With that said I can see this show faltering, and not lasting long, its niche.  My hope is that is that Lena Dunham continue to use her unique voice, but to not let it over power that natural occurrences within the series.

Update: Season 3 was great, and the finale showed Hannah growing in more ways than ever before.  Hannah reminds me of my Caitlin on many levels, Caitlin is a much better person though.  Should the show have ended here?  I often think shows should end while on top, and this show redeemed itself.  While the show got better I wonder if it should have ended this season.

Homeland (2011-Present)-Showtime One word, Dana. Enough already.  Fans of the show tell you they hate a character, and you give audiences more of her?  I am baffled on this one, fans of a show do not always know best, but in this instance they are correct.  While some of you may think I am as crazy as Carrie for putting this show on the list, there is something that has happened to this show post the episode entitled "Q&A" which have pushed this show on a slight downward spiral in quality.  The acting is great, and Mandy Patinkin is killing it; he is the reason I watch this show now.  I have faith in the show runners, that there is always a plan but the third episode of season entitled "Tower of David" was a clunker, a boring way to tie Carrie and Brody's story together.  A show can not always maintain a high level of quality, and I will stick by this show, but at the moment I am just holding out hope that the creative minds behind this show will push in the right direction.  Now Carrie is pregnant?  How did this not come out while she was being treated?

Update: Season 3 was a creative fail, but Brody is dead, does that mean things will get better? Probably not.  I like that this show can start from a fresh place in season 4, but is one more season enough for this show?  Probably, my prediction it ends at 5 or 6.

Mad Men (2007-Present)-AMC- Season 6 of Mad Men tackled the fall of Don Draper, as he became a shell of himself, losing touch with his suave nature, and becoming unable to hide who he truly has been all his life, Dick Whitfield.  The show also tackled the different civil rights movement well.  Beyond these things characters like Joan, and Peggy felt wasted.  The show felt more lost than usual, the writing less punchy.  The show seemed to spiral in the sense that it just felt like it went nowhere for most people.  I know I am not alone in the feeling that this last season of Mad Men was off.  Mad Men has one two part season left, much like Breaking Bad.  I hope Mad Men can end on top like Breaking Bad did.

No updates for Mad Men, still waiting for the premiere, which airs April 13th.  Critics were allowed to see the first episode only and the reactions have been mixed.  I have heard the general tone is good character development, no plot development.  Which is the shows biggest critique recently.  Only time will tell, but there are only 7 episodes, which could be tricky for this show.

Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Drama Series (2012-2013)

Dramatic television has upped their game, to the level where film makers are saying many television series are better than films today.  You can look at this list and see that cable, pay cable and other providers are responsible for most of these changes.  Only one network series made this list, and it comes from CBS.  

My one recent critique would be with critics themselves.  Critics have turned into fan boys becoming far too harsh on some series (The Newsroom, Homeland).  I think being "critical" is important, but there is such a thing as being overly critical.  The show I have been the most critical of this season was Mad Men, the show just did not have enough oomph, like with past seasons.  This seemed to be a consensus from both fans, and critics.  I do not want to pat myself on the back, but this is one area where we agree.  There are other shows where this is not the case.  As many of this "year's" shows come to an end it will be interesting to see how Emmy rates these shows.

Breaking Bad (AMC)

This past week on twitter, Bryan Cranston tweeted, there would be no Walter White without Tony Soprano.  Cranston is correct, but in my opinion Breaking Bad has surpassed the greatness of The Sopranos.  This past season Walt took an even darker road, in a post Gus world.  As we moved toward the end of a one year experience, inching toward's Walt's 51st birthday, there was such an interesting analysis of what drives the characters within this series.  Skylar realized her greed/husband's evolution were the wrong path, her quiet jump into the pool, left me speechless as you watch these characters lose themselves in the darkness of this world.  The revelation at the end of the season (no spoilers) was one of the most intense yet subtle moments, proving throughout the many years of this shows history, they can still knock out the intense drama in the most spectacular ways.

Game of Thrones (HBO)

The best season in the shows history? The shows critiques have always been, too slow.  The way the novels are set up, never allow this to be a action packed always on the go show, but it does not need to be.  This seasons "red wedding" is reason enough to place this show in this category.  Watching the intensity of the last moments of this episode as Rob and his mother Catelyn Stark as they are faced with their darkest hours is one of the most emotional scenes in television history.  Then there is the journey of Jaime and Brienne as they head back to King's Landing.  Then of course there is the "mother of the dragons."  Each of these stories along with the other journeys provide some of the most intense and interesting character journeys.  Thrones is at the top of its game, no pun intended, and this series is must watch television.

The Good Wife (CBS)

There was pang of nervousness at the beginning of the fourth season of Wife, Kahlinda's husband Nick, who should have given things a jolt, was a drain.  Michelle and Robert King heard the outcry from fans, and Nick soon disappeared.  Beyond this small blip, Wife was one of the best shows of the year.  You will often hear that guest stars bog down a show, but the King's know how to integrate them well.  From the firm's financial woes, their always interesting cases, Cary and Alicia vying for partner (and eventually doing something more bold, to Peter's gubernatorial race, this show fired on all cylinders.  The show blends character development, and the procedural better than most shows I have ever seen.  This is one of the best ensembles on television, and while Marguiles is the titular character, each of the other actors contributes to the brilliance of this show. This year's drama led you further into getting to know who these people are, and keeps you invested in wondering where they are going next.

Homeland (Showtime)

Homeland received a lot of criticism for delving into the will they or won't they drama between Carrie and Brody.  People cried out that this show is not about a love story, but my argument is that isn't this show about an intense cat and mouse relationship between these two characters?  The answer is simply, yes, and the show delivered on the continued development of this relationship.  The episode entitled "Q&A" is one of the most intense confrontations between these two characters and put their relationship at a cross roads.  The show is a rip of the band-aid, let's mess with everything type series, and this season proved that this show is brave enough to tackle and to move story forward without getting bogged down in the difficult aspects of these characters.  The show explores domestic terrorism so well, and within the last episodes when an attack actually occurs you are left speechless wondering how things can be recovered.

  

House of Cards (Netflix)

Netflix has entered the game, in a big way.  House of Cards is the first original series from the rental system, and boy did they start things right.  While many will give most of the credit to the performance from Kevin Spacey, as Francis Underwood, the show is an interesting look at the complexity of the modern political system.  While Aaron Sorkin examined complex issues within The West Wing, this show from Beau Willimon (Ides of March) examines the modern politician, and the virtues and vices they confront within this modern era of politics.  Willimon wisely made Kate Mara's character, a journalist, a central character within this series, because as you will observe, the journalists drive the story, and politics as much as a the politicians do today.  Cards breaks the fourth wall, provides excellent deep characters like Peter (Corey Stoll) a conflicted Congressman, and at the end of the day makes you wonder how our system became as flawed as it is today, brilliant show.

The Newsroom (HBO)

This show had the most mixed reviews on this list, critics trashed many aspects of this series, but I thought this was an excellent analysis of the blending between quality journalism and the trying to deal with the style over substance method used today.  Will (Jeff Daniels) is a pompous arrogant asshole, he is not typically a like able guy.  Daniels is fantastic in the role, never letting you forget the passion Will has for this business.  The writing is always stellar, and is a great looking glass back in time on how news was covered, could be covered, and just how personal it can become.  The main critiques of this show were the hooky romance plot lines, and the way women were portrayed.  While some of these critiques were valid I do not think Sorkin and his writing time missed the mark on portraying a variety of different men and women within this series.  While the women are not always the strongest, the men are sometimes, or often assholes.  Sam Waterston's Charlie Skinner brings this group together, and helps focus most of this show's energy.  If for nothing this got Dan Rather's stamp of approval for realism, and that's enough for me.

Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2012-2013)

I feel as though I say this every year (but I don't), the roles for women in television have only gotten better.  If you look at these six women, they represent a wide variety of women, and represent different character distinctions along with having their own journeys.  Some of these women are working mothers, bad ass CIA agents, spies for other governments, or fixers.  

Kerri Washington is the first lead African American actress to be a part of this category in all of the years I have watched dramas (or should be a part of this category.)  Washington's Olivia Pope is one of the few strong lead African American or black actresses to be a major lead on any television series cable, basic or pay.  This is odd considering the way television has grown, but I think this is a great advancement, and should be recognized.   Take note television it's time for more representation, and not just the supporting characters!

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison in Homeland 

Danes performance was made fun of mercilessly by Ann Hathaway on SNL this past year.  While the dig was funny, I think one thing is true, Danes intensity has created on of the most fantastic characters on the air. Watching Carrie grapple with her suspension, and then get sucked right back into the CIA game.  There is no greater performance than watching her go after Brody, attack him using her more together prowess then interrogate him and use him as an agent of the agency.  The episode Q&A proves just how great Danes is within this role, and beyond the romantic connections, she plays every movement, tick, anxiety ridden instance with ease.

Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates in Bate's Motel

I have to say from the first time I saw previews of this show, and heard they were doing a modern take on Psycho, I was against it from the start.  I watched the show, and caught up on most of it, and while I still am not a fan, Farmiga makes me want to tune in, week after week.  Farmiga's dark motherly ways make this one twisted relationship, and give an interesting context to the Psycho story.  Was it needed, no, but Farmiga gives one of the best performances of the year, making a so-so show even better with her strong performance. While Highmoore is great as Norman, it's Farmiga and Norma who week after week make this show something of a great character study.

Julianna Marguiles as Alicia Florick in The Good Wife 

After four years not many characters stay relevant, or as fresh as when they started, but Alicia is one of those characters who continues to develop.  While Robert and Michelle King have a lot to do with that development, Alicia would be nothing without Marguiles.  Alicia fighting for partner, dealing with her mother, her growing children, her husband's gubernatorial election, betrayal of a new friend, her love for Will, and striking out on her own in a new firm with Carrie.  What a year!  Marguiles has created one of the most dynamic female characters in television history; she is so complex, and does a fantastic job with this role.  Marguiles is a pro, and she is fantastic as Alicia! 

Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning (and many more) in Orphan Black

What can I say about this performance, that critics, bloggers have not said.  Maslany plays Sarah Manning and many girls who are said to be clones.  Maslany kicks ass, is a soccer mom, a cop, and many more roles; she is a true chameleon within each of these of these different roles, none of them feel the same, and that's an incredibly hard accomplishment to achieve.  While the show is solid it's Maslany's performance which keeps you hooked; she takes each of these roles with ease, and looks like is having a blast doing this.  I burned through an entire season of this show because I was enthralled by Maslany, and I can't wait to see what she does with this role, when the show returns.

Kerri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings in The Americans

Watching Russell play the other half of the married couple pretending to US citizens while really being Soviet Spies is impressive.  Russell is incredibly stoic, while being vulnerable as she deals with the trials and tribulations of finding the balance in being a mother and spy.  While Rhys has gotten more credit (I agree during the evolution of the show he is better), Russell battling the thought of her rape, and dealing with this as she approaches the man who took advantage of her was one of the most intense scenes.  Russell is dynamic in this role, proving she can stretch her acting muscle to newer levels.

Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope in Scandal

I know I may get shit for this one because of the "soapy" nature of this show, but Washington is a force to be reckoned with, and after a roller coaster year dealing with her married lover's assassination attempt (yea he is the President too), and being forced to admit her own fault in helping rig the election; she is was off the charts great.  Washington is no victim, and even though most of her emotional choices may be driven by her love for Fitz she is one strong woman, and fights back in some of the most realistic ways.  Washington's performance is real, and that's one of the major reasons people tune into this show week after week!

Runner Ups: Elisabeth Moss as Peggy in Mad Men, and Emmy Rossum as Fiona Gallagher in Shameless

Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2012-2013)

The men of drama caused quite a stir this year, ranging from a man battling a zombie apocalypse and losing his wife to man posing to a regular everyday American, but is actually Soviet spy in an arranged marriage.  This year's list is filled with many new comers ousting out some old favorites.  These men while complex and flawed prove that there are still great roles for men out there....wait, that's always been true.  What's most important about the evolution of this category is the wide range of men who have filled these five or six spots over the last decade have become more and more interesting.  Please note not one of these men is from a network television series.

Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad

Cranston is the only veteran returning for a fifth time; he has the most nominations, and has not missed a year in my own personal awards.  Cranston took Walt to new levels with Gus dead, and him in charge.  Walt took to new levels of darkness while trying to cling to being a part of his family.  As Skylar zoned out, Walt turned into a darker more intense man who is starting to get hooked into the game.  Watching him with that look in his eyes as he took control, and even killed was one of the most intense experiences of the last season of Breaking Bad.  Cranston takes Walt to new levels and is one of the best working in actors in all of television and film today.

Jeff Daniels as Will McAvoy in The Newsroom

While some called Will one note, I think he is one of the most interesting characters of the 2012-2013 television season.  Daniels has become a force to reckoned with on stage and screen, and he has developed one great character within this show.  Will's rant alone in the first episode about the collapse of our society and journalism is reason enough for him to score a nomination, it is one of my favorite monologues from a television series.  Daniels is great in this show, and I love the way he flexes his pen is mightier than the sword wit on the camera it is truly a work of art.

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead

Wow, is all I can say.  While Walking Dead started to lose me with all of that Andrea/Mayor stuff, Lincoln kept me engrossed in the show.  Andrew Lincoln was the reason to watch this past season of Dead, his performance when he lost his wife Laurie was heart wrenching, and the after math even more.  Watching Rick struggle through not only the loss of his wife, but the battle with "the Mayor" was also worth the watch.Lincoln is one of the most underrated actors working on television, and this past season is proof that people need to take him more seriously.

Damien Lewis as Nicholas Brody in Homeland

The episode "Q&A," nuff' said.  While many folks complained that Homeland was soapier than season one, and that is namely because of the back and forth romance between Carrie and Brody, but the performances took things beyond that level.  Lewis was the all star of season one, and that level performance continued this season as he tried to not only play a double agent but stay true to his mission.  During the interrogation the intensity in Brody was some of the best acting Lewis has ever done, and watching him slip as he lost everything, or was about to lose everything including his family was some great acting.

Matthew Rhys as Phillip Jennings in The Americans

Kevin Walker, is that you? What a transformation.  While the show itself had growing pains in my opinion, the acting was top notch and Rhys himself was one of the best performers of the year.  Watching him fight to keep his family together, and avoid being found out as a Communist spy was some of the most intense television of the year.  One of Rhys best scenes was where he confronts the man who raped his wife, and kills him.  The intensity in Phillip's face as he kills the man proves that there is more this than an arranged marriage.  Rhys proves his acting chops here, and makes this show even better with his performance.

Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood in House of Cards

Who said you can't break the fourth wall?  This works so well in this show, and Spacey is a master of the theatrical.  Franics Underwood is representative of what I assume most politicians in DC to be like, sneaky, manipulative, and mainly out for themselves.  There is honestly nothing redeeming about this character; he uses people and spits them out, all on his way to getting what he wants.  Yet over the course of the season Spacey creates one of the most layered anti-heroes on television (well Netflix) proving like with Don Draper being a "good guy" or having redeeming qualities can be over rated.  Spacey hits every note and action with grace making you remember why he has two Academy Awards.

Runner Ups: Hugh Dancy as Will Graham in Hannibal, Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshall Raylan Givens, 

Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Writing and Directing in a Drama Series (2012-2013)

The people behind the scenes, putting the words to paper, or their computers, then those who bring the action to life through their vision of the script.  Over this past television series writing and directing within dramatic television series have become even more sophisticated.  Men who, and I stress men because I have not seen any high profile women within this arena, have started to transition from their work in film to the smaller screen more, as writers and directors.

Over the past few years men like Spielberg, and Scorsese have brought things to life on the small screen from mini-series like Band of Brothers, to dramatic series like Boardwalk Empire.  This year there was a one two punch from Beau Willimon (Ides of March) and David Fincher (Seven, The Social Network, Fight Club) with the Netflix original series House of Cards.  Cards, not only put Netflix on the map, but the show upped the ante making the political arena one of the most interesting.  Willimon's creation of Franic Underwood feels as though you are in the intimate reality of DC, and Fincher's direction takes direction of a television series to a whole new level, making this intimate series feel much more large scale, an impressive feat for both men.

Some writing was a bit more controversial, namely television producer/writer Aaron Sorkin who has also made a name for himself in film writing both The Social Network and Moneyball, Network scored him a win, and Moneyball a nomination.  Aaron Sorkin was praised for his television series The West Wing, but his newest creation The Newsroom received mixed reviews.  Newsroom was seen by some as misogynistic, and manipulatively liberal.  While watching this series I could see the critiques having merit, but this show was just too compelling, and Sorkin's writing style is too brilliant to ignore.  Sorkin creates an accurate representation of the real life news world. Even seasoned news anchors like Dan Rather praised the show, for being realistic, that's an impressive affirmation.

Sorkin is not alone in the world of transitioning from television to film seamlessly; he is joined by writer/director Rian Johnson (Looper, Brick).  Johnson made his first foray into television in 2010 directing episodes of Breaking Bad, and Terriers.  Johnson has returned this year to Breaking Bad directing the season finale entitled Fifty-One.  In Fifty-One Johnson creates a sequence mirroring the genius story transition of the film Goodfellas.  Johnson shows his mastery of the show through elegant, but gritty direction, which highlights the show perfectly.  The episode takes television to a higher level raising the the bar for style and substance like no show, proving once again television has become an elevated art form.

Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

Breaking Bad- Fifty-One-Sam Catlin

The Good Wife-Red Team/Blue Team-Robert King and Michelle King

Homeland-Q&A-Harry Bromell

House of Cards-Chapter One-Beau Willimon

Justified-Decoy-Graham Yost & Chris Provenzana

The Newsroom-5/1-Aaron Sorkin

Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series

Breaking Bad-Fifty-One-Rian Johnson

Dexter-Are You….? -John Dahl

Game of Thrones-The Rains of Castamere-David Nutter

The Good Wife-What’s in the Box? -Robert King

House of Cards-Chapter One-David Fincher

Homeland-Q & A- Leslie Linka Glatter 

Emmy Dream Ballot: Outstanding Guest Actor and Actress in a Drama Series (2012-2013)

 I decided to separate these categories from the writing and directing this year.  All I can say is that The Good Wife could fill all twelve spots on these lists.  The Good Wife's use of their recurring/guest stars is handled better than any other television series on the air.  Wife seamlessly blends together the guest with their main characters.  Whether you are watching Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) a lawyer who often work with Lockhart Gardener, or is sometimes represented by them, or Clarke Hayden as Lockhart Gardener's trustee.  These are just two of the many memorable guest performances from this past television season.

What makes a memorable guest performance?  Hard to say, but these twelve people do a great job, and represent some of the best I have ever seen in these categories.  William Daniels is a person on few people's radar, but as Dr. Craig Thomas a mentor to Christina Yang he made your heart melt as someone Christina finally believed in without sleeping with him.  Game of Thrones has so many moving parts, but Diana Rigg who played Lady Olenna Tyrell stood out as a larger than life character in the few scenes she has had.  While Daniels was on Grey's Anatomy for several episodes, and Rigg has had only a few scenes their impact on the season has been important, and they have made an impressive showing.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama

Jim Beaver-Justified

William Daniels-Grey’s Anatomy

Rupert Friend-Homeland

Nathan Lane-The Good Wife

Ray Romano-Parenthood

Ray Stevenson-Dexter

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama

Alison Brie-Mad Men

Jane Fonda-The Newsroom

Margo Martindale-The Americans

Martha Plimpton-The Good Wife

Carrie Preston-The Good Wife

Diana Rigg-Game of Thrones 

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

This is the best line-up I have seen in this category in a long time, and everyone of the 6 actors could be named a winner.  These six men come from a variety of worlds, some as royalty in King's Landing, others attempting to be kings of DC.  There are of course those who restraint tries to help keep calm within their world whether they be killers helping sell meth, or protectors of the news.  This year is filled with some incredibly complex men who may be the support, but within their shows, but they were some of my favorite performances of the year.

Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad

In previous seasons Mike was merely the hired gun, but once Gus went goodbye, and Walt started to run the show we got a deeper look into Mike.  Banks quiet desperation as he tried to be a grandfather while avoiding being hauled into jail was incredibly well played.  Yet in this very season this love able grandfather was terrorizing Laura Fraser's character, threatening her life and attempting to take her away from her daughter.  Gilligan knew how to add layers to Mike, but it was Banks performance which sealed the deal.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones

Tyrion aka Peter Dinklage always gets most of the credit for the acting chops in this show, and he he was close  to making this list, but Nikolaj has knocked it out of the park as Jaime this season.  Jaime went from being this monster who pushed a child out a window to someone giving a beautiful soliloquy while held captive, to Brienne.  This shows Jaime's vulnerability more than ever.  Jaime's connection with Brienne has not only brought the best in Jaime, but with Nikolaj's acting; he is cocky, but has shed that one note level creating a depth to his character that will jump into a bear pit.  Nikolaj has had a great season.

Walton Goggins as Boyd Cowder in Justified

Boyd and Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) have one of the best dynamics on television, you want to route for the them both, but you just can't, the same way you can't route for Patrick Dempsey and Josh Lucas in Sweet Home Alabama.  Boyd's battle to get Drew Thompson lead him and Ava down the rabbit hole and forced him to lose something so valuable to him.  Watching boyd beaten down at the end of the season to the point of no return, the way he was as a child was some of the best acting.  Goggins is a pro, and one hell of a scene stealer; he is one of the most under appreciated actors working in television.

Corey Stoll as Representative Peter Russo in House of Cards

One of the most complex roles of the 2012-2013 television season, while make talk about Francis Underwood, watching Corey Stoll tackle Peter Russo's decline is one of the most brilliant supporting performances ever.  Peter is just a like able guy trying to right by his family, his constituents, while doing blow and succumbing to DC's political games.  Watching the yo-yo effect of Petter Russo was brilliant, and thanks to Corey Stoll handled with great aplomb.  Stoll hits the high and low notes with little effort; he makes you want Peter to succeed, you route for him because of Stoll's performance, and yet in the end you can't help but realize you knew outcome.

Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson in Homeland

How can you not love Saul; he is the rock of this show.  Saul is there for Carrie when he needs her most, a surrogate father at work always look after her.  Saul is an incredible character, and while some may miss the great acting, it's because Mandy Patinkin is that good.  Patinkin's effortless style helps you to get lose in triumph of the creation of this character.  Saul is a truly supporting character; he watches as things happen, but often is the one who provides that insightful wisdom.  Watching Saul try bargain with the woman who was going to attempt a terrorist attack, was such a gut wrenching moment, realizing he was never going to succeed, and seeing the sorrow within his face, was all the proof Patinkin is the most under rated character in this show.

Sam Waterston as Charlie Skinner in The Newsroom

Charlie Skinner is the heart of this new Sorkin show, and was always my favorite part week after week.  Charlie is a tough talking, whiskey drinking, old school television guy.  Charlie believes the news has meaning, and he fights for Will (Jeff Daniels) and his team to put together the news the way it should be done, as actual news.  Charlie reminds of me of the Leo McGarry type character, the wise friend to the central character.  While he may be reminiscent of an old Sorkin archtype Charlie is brilliantly formed by Waterston's give em hell performance.  Watching him fight Fiona (head of the network), or dealing with the change in the news cycle this man has been around for years, and Waterston plays him pitch perfect.

Runner Ups: Noah Emmerich-The Americans, Kevin Rahm-Mad Men, and Peter Dinklage-Game of Thrones