I had wanted to launch my entertainment blog all summer,
but something always came up. I waited and waited-watched summer slip by. When
would the time be right? July 19, 2012. Why? The announcement of
the 2012 Emmy nominations. I woke up at 6:30 this morning-especially
impressive because I teach and have the summers off. I made a cup of coffee and
prepared to get serious. Would my favorites be singled out? Would the
shows and stars I have come to love (not stalk) make the cut?
I enjoy tracking (not stalking) my Hollywood friends, and
certainly one highlight is watching award ceremonies. On Sept. 23 I will
check out (meaning I will go downstairs), ask my husband to make supper, and
virtually have no communication with my family for six hours. My 12-year-old
daughter likes to watch the red carpet coverage with me and we ooh and aah over
dresses. Once the show starts, she loses interest after best comedy
nominations because "Modern Family" is the only show she is really
familiar with. She always wants to know if Selena Gomez or "Toddlers
and Tiaras" is nominated. Novice.
Back to the topic. I am crossing my fingers and hoping the
best for the following shows and actors: "Modern Family," "Mad
Men," "Hatfields and McCoys," Kevin Costner, cast of Modern
Family, Amy Poehler, Jon Hamm, Julianna Marguiles. I know there are many
more, but I consider the above the most important.
Comedy Series
I enjoy all the nominations with the exception of the "Big
Bang Theory." I don't get it. I find it
one-dimensional----all story lines deal either with sex or the
galaxy. No thanks. My pick is "Modern Family." The show
continues to grow and is the only show I rewind several times during a viewing
to hear dialogue again. I think the married couples nail their roles, and
the pre-teen and teenage characters are right on. It is clever and
honest. No talk about the periodic table or going to the moon. The show
presents scenarios that are familiar, yet thankfully not quite the life you
lead. Christopher Lloyd and
Steven Levitan are co-creators and writers for the show. The wit and
pacing of the show is perfect. The fact that all adult characters are
also nominated for individual Emmys (as supporting characters) is a
further testament to this solid, smart comedy.
I think the lead actress for a comedy will go to
Amy Poehler. Poehler's campaign on "Parks and Recreation" was a
pleasure to watch. Poehler's character wins the election for city
council, and the summary remarks she delivered during the final debate were so
incredibly earnest, I forgot she was only one of my Hollywood friends.
I want politicians to speak like Poehler.
I am really feeling disloyal to Julia Louis-Dreyfus
at this point. I have watched HBO's VEEP, and I think it is incredible.
Dreyfus has recreated herself again (after Elaine and Christine) and her
portrayal of a vice-president made me smile throughout. I simply think
the show needs more time.
One last note: I see that Lena Dunham is
also nominated for HBO's "Girls"; I like the show, but I think she
shines as writer and co-creator--I don't see her as the top female comedy star.
Mini-Series
For those of you who don't know me, you probably
are unaware of my biggest Hollywood crush: Kevin Costner. I live in South
Dakota where "Dances with Wolves" was filmed, so I think that makes
us practically married. PLUS I did get to meet him at a film festival. I
actually petted his arm, but it wasn't as weird as you might think. Or
maybe it was. Costner starred in History Channel's "Hatfields and
McCoys" early this summer. The series was compelling on a number of
levels, but I was drawn to Costner. The series should win, and he should
have enough clout to pull an individual win.
I don't have a cute tagline, so I will just end
with thanking you for reading my thoughts.
