Could pretty much go one of five ways.
You heard my spiel in the video I posted, and it’s true: once the nominees are set and they (and their “people” and/or the network) pick the one episode for Emmy voters to judge their past year’s performance on, I watch all of them. Yes, ALL. (Nerd alert!)
I figure, if you’re going to be an armchair awards prognosticator, you need to do your homework. Thank goodness for summer travel and all its trains, planes and subways, because that, my friends, is a lot of TV.
So, after watching over eight hours of the year’s great shows, here are some musings from the Pop gallery:
- “Big Bang Theory”: A ratings juggernaut, I came to be a reluctant fan of “Big Bang Theory” watching the show’s submissions this year, which revealed multi-dimensional characterizations, smart just-left-of-laugh-track-quality writing and high production values. The multi-camera approach works against it, but it’s fans are fanatics.
- “Louie”: A great showcase for a fantastic comedian, “Louie” has seen better days, going a bit off the rails this season and stirring up mondo criticism for it’s portrayal of women. Another year, perhaps.
- “Modern Family”: Funny as ever after a season or two of coasting along, “Modern Family” delivers big laughs from an ensemble of actors giving wonderfully lived-in performances rooted in top-shelf writing. It isn’t as fresh as it once was, but it’s a cup of tea that any voter can sip and enjoy.
- “Orange Is The New Black”: The break-out hit of the year, “Orange Is The New Black” would be only the second hour-long comedy to score the top prize in Emmy history (following “Ally McBeal” at the height of its late-’90s popularity). I’m sure it will turn some voters off, and the dramatic elements bring up questions about proper category placement, but it has the quality and the heat to get to the podium.
- “Silicon Valley”: A hysterical, insightful under-the-radar series that surprised many by making the cut, “Silicon Valley” is an upstart about a start-up that delivers quality on all levels. But will the “Big Bang” gang cancel it out for the geek squad vote?
- “VEEP”: The show was on fire this past season, raging on all cylinders as Selina and her merry band (seemingly) closed in on the Oval Office. There isn’t any reason to not vote for it.
The Breakdown: My money is on “Orange Is The New Black,” a risky choice due to the type of content, it’s first season status and hour-long running time. On the safer route, watch out for “VEEP” and, yes, stalwart “Modern Family.” The latter doesn’t have a shelf full of Best Comedy Series Emmys for nothing.
This could go in any one of many directions. Do you think “Orange” is in the black when it comes to winning odds?