So yesterday I shed some light on some of the worst Emmy submissions that could make or break potential nominees. And, through some discussions over at the Gold Derby forums, it is clear that some people actually submitted quite well, and maybe they should be highlighted as well. Since I’m all for equal opportunity Emmy coverage, let’s spend some time investigating who understands this Emmy process well enough to submit powerhouse episodes worthy of consideration.
Elizabeth Mitchell – “One of Us”
As Juliet on Lost, Mitchell received two flashbacks that turned her character from recurring Other to full blown cast member. “One of Us”, however, was the easy choice: she has highly emotional scenes on both the present and the past, and it sheds a lot of light on her character that she embraces with a nuanced performance.
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Elizabeth Mitchell
How I Met Your Mother and Cobie Smulders – “Slap Bet”
Robin Sparkles was the absolute best thing to happen to How I Met Your Mother, and Supporting Actress candidate Cobie Smulders, in terms of its Emmy chances. Both are unlikely to break the Top 10 (The show itself has an outside shot), but this episode’s conclusion and build-up are irresistible.
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Cobie Smulders
Steve Carell – “Business School”
The star of The Office picked poorly last year, selecting the episode where he grilled his foot. There he was unsympathetic and annoying. In Business School, Michael gets to interact with the public (Always a plus), argues with Ryan (Another good relationship for his character), and his moment with Pam at episode’s end perfectly encapsulates why Michael, despite being flawed, is still a good boss in the end. Perfect submission.
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Steve Carell
Terry O’Quinn – “The Man From Tallahassee”
Learning how Locke ended up in a wheelchair seems like an easy choice for O’Quinn to make, but that isn’t the episode’s only Emmy-worthy quality. His discussions with Michael Emerson are philosophical and powerful, and the episode could well get both men nominated…although Emerson could have picked better (“Man Behind the Curtain”)
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Terry O’Quinn
Jeremy Piven – “Manic Monday”
Every now and then, Entourage gives Ari an episode that’s basically all his: that episode in the show’s 3rd season was “Manic Monday”. He flips out on his therapist, appears vulnerable with his therapist, flips out on her again, and then delivers a momentous firing for his character. Last year’s winner knows how this game works, apparently.
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Jeremy Piven
Jack Coleman and Hayden Panettiere – “Company Man”
As the mysterious Mr. Bennet, Jack Coleman was often sidelined by the prettier and younger stars of NBC’s Heroes. However, in “Company Man”, his backstory emerged as one of emotional resonance and drama of a less supernatural nature. Heroes should have submitted this episode for series consideration, but Coleman and his TV daughter Panettiere’s decision to do so makes both fierce Top 10 contenders.
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Jack Coleman and Hayden Panettiere
Ellen Pompeo – “Wishin’ and Hopin'”
Meredith Grey is 90% of the time Grey’s Anatomy’s weakest link, a character that only a mother could love. Ironically, it is the episode in which her mother clearly displays her lack of love for her after momentarily waking from her Alzheimer’s haze that finally has Pompeo deliver a worthwhile performance. Faced again with her mother’s criticism and pressure, Pompeo’s performance is good enough to overcome even this cynical TV writer.
Michael C. Hall – “Born Free”
While I might have liked him better in other episodes, the show’s season finale shows Dexter at his most vulnerable and accessible, which will work better for voters not quite able to swallow liking or enjoying the performance of a serial killer. Watching Dexter break down and learning what occured in his past requires a subtle touch, and Hall has it in this fantastic showcase for his talent if not my favourite parts of his character.
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Michael C. Hall
Scrubs – “My Musical”
To be honest, I felt that this Musical episode of Scrubs could have been better; some of the songs were memorable, but the story of the episode didn’t feel like it was coming through in the songs. That’s neither here nor there for Emmy voters however: this feels like an “event” episode and paints the show and its cast in a positive light likely to garner them serious Emmy attention.
30 Rock and Jane Krakowski – “Hard Ball”
No other episode of 30 Rock stands as more representative of the show’s best qualities. Copious amounts of time are spent with Kenneth, Tracy, Liz and Jack working together, and Jenna (Krakowski) is funny without being annoying. The show’s best elements are highlighted and its worst (Often Jenna) are wonderfully absent. If I was going to sell someone on this show, I would show them this episode, and it’s a great showcase for Krakowski as well.
Cultural Learnings’ FYC: Jane Krakowski
Lost – “Through the Looking Glass”
Selecting the season finale probably wasn’t an easy decision, considering that Lost was screwed over with the Season Premiere last year. However, “Through the Looking Glass” stands on its own as a tense two hours of dramatic tension. Michael Giacchino’s score and Jack Bender’s direction make this into a thrill ride: its story beats are strong and dramatic in traditional ways, and while voters might not enjoy the flashforward reveal as much as we did I think the episode is so strong on its own that Lost shall not be snubbed another year.
Cultural Learnings 