Podcast Episode 72: Winding Down: The 2014 Video Music Awards and the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards

In this week's episode we discuss the 2014 VMAs (1:46), the cast and twist announcement of Survivor 29 (7:51), and the potential Full House revival (14:51). We also wind down the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards that took place on Monday, August 25th 2014 (19:52).



You can also listen to past episodes of the podcast on iTunes or on our YouTube channel.

Emmys 2014: The Ten Biggest Snubs in Emmy History

By: David Allen (@eastwoodmcfly)

Every year despite awarding some exceptional people and work in the television industry, the voting body for the Emmys still overlooks some great work. Here is a list of my top ten Emmy acting injustices (in no particular order).

Jason Alexander as George Costanza in Seinfeld

I probably should start off with the man that inspired this post to begin with. Originally a stage actor, Jason Alexander jumped to the small screen to play Jerry Seinfeld’s frugal best friend George Constanza for 170 episodes. Despite being a “short, stocky, slow-witted, bald man” and “lord of the idiots” George dreamed of one day draping himself in velvet and biting into a block of cheese the size of a car battery.

Alexander meanwhile dreamed of winning an Emmy for his portrayal, but after seven consecutive nominations from 1992 to 1998, yada yada yada, he never won. As a teenager watching Seinfeld I loved Michael Richard’s very physical performance of Kramer however, watching reruns today I am amazed by what Alexander did with what began as a blatant Woody Allen impression. Just like the sea that day my friends, I’m still angry over this injustice.

Steve Carell as Michael Scott in The Office

“Do I need to be liked? Absolutely not. I like to be liked. I enjoy being liked. I have to be liked, but it's not like this compulsive need to be liked, like my need to be praised.” - Michael Scott

20 years after the Seinfeld finale NBC had another Thursday night hit sitcom and another character that deserved some Emmy love. While originally based on Ricky Gervais’ David Brent from the BBC series, Carell decided not to watch any of Gervais performance in order to make it his own and he did just that!

Despite being the self-proclaimed “world’s best boss” and winner of several Dundie awards, after six nominations and no wins I began screaming “no God! No, God, please no! No! No! NO!” Even during his final chance it was rumored that Alec Baldwin picked a weaker episode submission for himself so Carell could finally win. However, that year Jim Parsons won for a second year in a row. It's a crime that Carell never won for Michael Scott especially since he always left me satisfied and smiling...that's what she said!

Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation

In 2007 NBC asked Greg Daniels to create a spin-off of The Office, which lead to the creation of Parks and Recreation. While many found comparisons between Michael Scott and Leslie Knope (especially during the very rocky first season) Nick Offerman’s Ron Swanson took an early life of its own.

While his character has said that “awards are stupid” it is hard to believe that not only has Nick Offerman never won an Emmy for his portrayal of this deadpan and masculine libertarian, but he has also never been nominated either! But don’t cry over this fact! Crying to Ron is only acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.

Hopefully as Parks and Rec enters its final season we can finally give Nick Offerman Emmy love. Wait. I worry what you just heard was: give Offerman an Emmy. What I said was give Nick Offerman all the Emmys you have. Do you understand? If he does finally win come Emmy night this will be me.

Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney in 30 Rock

Listen up 5s a 10 is talking! Keeping the channel tuned to NBC there was another injustice for their Thursday night comedy block. No, I’m not talking about the annual cancellation of Community. I’m talking about the lack of a win for the real star of The Girlie Show.

30 Rock was nominated for 103 Emmys and had wins for Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin but their co-star Jane Krakowski never received the first initial of her EGOT (she does have a Tony for Nine). Even on the show Krakowski’s character could never catch a break despite the “cah-mah-rah” loving her. Maroney could not even win an award herself despite being in such “hits” like The Rural Juror and Kidnapped By Danger, now available on Sega Genesis. If only we could have bribed the Academy for Krakowski to win at least one of her four Emmy nominations but as her character found out “if they could be bribed, I would have won a Golden Globe for my Lifetime Original Movie, Sister Can You Spare A Breast?

Kaitlin Olson as Deandra Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

By 2017 there will be (at least) 12 seasons of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia but despite being the second-longest-running live-action comedy in television history, it has only been nominated for two Emmys (both in stunt coordination for a comedy).

If receiving ridicule for being the only female in the gang was not enough, Kaitlin Olson or for that matter Martina Martinez does not have any acting nomination to prove she is good enough to almost be a “featured extra” in M. Night film! While it is sometimes hard to root for these depraved egomaniacs, I would like to see Olson finally attain the recognition she deserves! I mean how awesome would Emmy night be if her acceptance speech was anything like her stand-up!

Martin Sheen as Josiah “Jed” Bartlet in The West Wing

So far this list has focused a lot on the comedy the Television Academy has failed to laugh at. Now it’s time to move into the dramatic performances and where better to start then with the President of the United States!

Originally creator Aaron Sorkin did not intend to feature the President at all but after feeling it would become “hokey” to constantly miss the President, Martin Sheen signed on for four episodes. After seeing Sheen’s dailies as Jed, Sheen became a regular and his take as POTUS lead to this two-term president becoming arguably the most popular fictional president.

Yes, Sheen won a Golden Globe for his portrayal but after six nominations he failed to score an Emmy win. However, Emmy voters did not impeach the show. In their first season the show earned a record nine Emmys and throughout their run the series tied the record for most wins in drama series with four. While co-stars Alan Alda, Stockard Channing, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, and Bradley Whitford all walked home with a statue, Sheen went back to the White House empty-handed.

Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men

The West Wing is currently tied for drama series wins with Mad Men but they still has two chances to break free and make their own record. Speaking of two more chances let me introduce you to Dick Whi- I mean Don Draper.

Before Rick Grimes and Walter White, Don Draper and Mad Men led to the success of both AMC and a career breakthrough for Jon Hamm. Hamm used memories of his father to portray the somewhat arrogant yet suave advertising pitchman. Hamm has proved season after season of how well he can portray someone who looks like he has everything, only to really have a dark history inside.

Not only has Jon Hamm been nominated for each of Mad Men’s seven seasons but Mad Men has received 105 overall Emmy nominations without any actor for the show scoring a win! But don’t cry Jon! Hopefully with category rival Bryan Cranston out of the running for next year’s final season, Jon Hamm will gain some recognition for this iconic character. Emmy voters it is time to “shut the door, have a seat” and vote for Hamm in 2015! P.S. While you are there can you please finally nominate Vincent Kartheiser?! He could really use the break…

Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House in House

Much like Jon Hamm, Hugh Laurie often lost the Emmy for drama actor to someone like Bryan Cranston. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes and played by English actor Laurie, Dr. Gregory House was probably the one doctor you wanted to have. No, not for his narcissism or curmudgeonly ways, but for how brilliant he was diagnosing/not diagnosing you with lupus.

Despite two Golden Globe and Screen Actor Guild awards, Laurie had just as a hard time beating his Vicodin addiction as he did of beating his competitors the six times he was nominated. Not only was his portrayal iconic and lead the show to eight seasons and four drama series nominations, but Laurie was once named by Guinness World Records as the most watched leading man on television. Just like how it was never lupus, it was never in the cards for Hugh Laure to win an Emmy.

Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore in Gilmore Girls

While I could write about how much I have heard from my podcast co-host about how Lauren Graham (and the rest of the Parenthood team) deserves some Emmy recognition, I’ll focus just on Graham’s role of Lorelai Gilmore for this spot.

Many may look down on a show that premiered on the WB, but for those who watched the seven seasons of The Gilmore Girls many would argue at how well Graham showed off her ability to shift between the show’s comedic and dramatic elements. In a town filled with colorful characters her natural and subtle work earned her a Golden Globe nomination (and two Teen Choice Awards).

Perhaps when Parenthood concludes their final season this upcoming television year we could see a nomination for her history of work.

Tatiana Maslany as Various in Orphan Black

I have yet to start Orphan Black (if only there was a way to clone myself so I could have more time). I however, like most of the Internet, heard the cries of many fans about the annual snub for Tatiana Maslany.

Maslany plays several identical people and while many actors can barely play one three-dimensional character, she is playing multiple characters in the same scene with herself. Even with a Golden Globe nomination and two wins at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards, Maslany, like the BBC series, is Emmy-empty handed. To put things in perspective Hawaii Five-0, Last Man Standing, The Originals and 2 Broke Girls have more Emmy nominations this year than both Maslany and Orphan Black. Good job Television Academy!

Honorable Mentions: The Casts of Arrested Development & Six Feet Under

When compiling this list I tried to focus on individual achievement in television but when you look back at some of the ensembles you begin scratching your head too. While I could go at lengths about the mistakes Emmy voters made with Happy Endings, The Wire, Hannibal, etc. I picked two of the biggest offenders.

Now the story of a show with 25 Emmy nominations and the one category it failed to ever win one in…it’s Arrested Development! Despite rightfully earning six awards including one for comedy series, none of the Bluths ever received a frozen Emmy statue, dipped in chocolate and covered in nuts. Even though the show won an Emmy for casting and creating this ensemble, the individual actors never won! This includes Jason Bateman’s straight man performance as Michael, Will Arnett as the magician/honey entrepreneur Gob or David Cross as the struggling actor and “straight man” Tobias.

Although it’s sad to think Jim Parsons already has (at least) three for yelling “bazinga” there is however a bright spot for the Bluth family. Even though many found Tony Hale’s Buster “odd and alienating” he disregarded the publicists advice to stay out of the spotlight. As for everybody else, the Television Academy made a huge mistake.

I’m currently working my way through Six Feet Under, the HBO drama series that followed the members of a different family; The Fisher’s. For five seasons the show received critical acclaim and 44 Emmy nominations including three for drama series.

Many of this success can be attributed in part to the outstanding cast including Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, and Rachel Griffiths. While the ensemble won 2 SAG awards and two Emmys for drama series casting, the main group never received an Emmy win (Patricia Clarkson was the only acting winner in guest actress).

The worst Six Feet Under mistake the Television Academy made was for Peter Krause. While he was nominated for season three, the very emotional (and NSFW) season finale “I’m Sorry, I’m Lost” was ineligible because it aired the day after Emmy eligibility. Under these old rules this episode could not be submitted for consideration. To make matters worse since that was the only episode during that year’s period the episode was unable to compete at all. Since then he has yet to score a nod for his work on Parenthood with other Emmy snub Lauren Graham.

Do you agree with this list? Is there anybody I have forgotten? Comment below with your picks and/or tweet them to me @eastwoodmcfly.

Podcast Episode 71: Predictions for the Unpredictable 2014 Primetime Emmy Awards (66th Primetime Emmys)

Every year David and Mike try to predict the very unpredictable Emmys in a very special episode of Dual Redundancy. This year they try and forecast who will take home the Emmy in all the major categories for the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards. The ceremony will be on Monday, August 25th on NBC and will be hosted by Seth Meyers.

We first discuss how Seth will do (1:52) and give our miscellaneous predictions for various smaller categories (5:02). We then predict (in order) drama supporting actress (10:36), drama supporting actor (15:05), comedy supporting actress (20:04), comedy supporting actor (26:40), drama lead actress (31:25), drama lead actor (37:13), comedy lead actress (42:25), comedy lead actor (47:57), drama series (52:24) and comedy series (57:00). Along the way we also veto a nomination in every category and replace the nominee with another who we believe deserves that spot.



You can also listen to past episodes of the podcast on iTunes or on our YouTube channel. This includes coverage of over 30 Emmy nominated shows plus an Emmy nomination reaction podcast. As an added bonus be sure to print out your very own Emmy ballot where you can keep track of our predictions and have an easy guide to follow along during the show!

Podcast Episode 69: Reacting to the 66th Primetime Emmy Nominations: The Good, the Bad and the Snubs

In this week's episode we react to the 66th Primetime Emmy nominations that were announced on July 10th 2014. After giving some overall stats (2:50), we look at the good (10:28), the bad (19:20) and the snubs/surprises (29:50).



You can also listen to past episodes of the podcast on iTunes or on our YouTube channel.

Emmys 2014: Catch Up on the Nominated Shows!

Earlier this week the 66th Emmy Award nominations were announced. What are our thoughts on a variety of episodes from these Emmy nominated shows? Here are links to past podcasts for some of the nominated shows:

Outstanding Comedy Series
Louie (Premiere & Fourth Season)
Modern Family (Season Five Finale)
Orange is the New Black (Season One)
Silicon Valley (Series Premiere)
Veep (Season Three Premiere & Finale)

Outstanding Drama Series
Breaking Bad (The Final Season)
Game of Thrones (Season Four Premiere, Episode Eight & Finale)
House of Cards (Season Two)
Mad Men (Season Seven Premiere & Finale)
True Detective (Series Premiere & Finale)

Outstanding Miniseries
Fargo (Series Premiere & Finale)

Other nominated shows we discussed this Emmy season include The Americans, Archer, Bob's Burgers, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Community, Cosmos, Girls, Glee, The Good Wife, Homeland, How I Met Your Mother, Justified, Masters of Sex, Nurse Jackie, Portlandia, Scandal, Sherlock, Survivor, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Walking Dead.

All of these episodes are available on a variety of platforms including iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube. Stay tuned for even more Emmy coverage including nomination reactions and predictions!

Emmys 2014: Filling Out the Emmy Ballot - Who & What Should Be Nominated?

via Emmys.com

The deadline to submit ballots for the 2014 Emmy Awards is Friday, June 20th. For any Academy members still on the fence over what names to write down, here's a run-down of TV's best and brightest talent from the last season of TV, complete with some liner notes on why some picks were made and who/what just missed the cut.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES:
1. Breaking Bad, AMC
2. Hannibal, NBC
3. The Americans, F/X
4. The Good Wife, CBS
5. True Detective, HBO
6. Game of Thrones, HBO
7. Masters of Sex, Showtime
8. Mad Men, AMC
9. Boardwalk Empire, HBO
10. Orphan Black, BBC America

All of these shows wowed with their writing, directing and acting this year. But the Top 6 all had a sense of urgency about them, a boldness that demands their place in the sun. Masters and Mad Men  and Boardwalk were all subtly stellar, but with so many quality contenders in play, that's not enough for a nomination.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
1. Veep, HBO
2. Orange is the New Black, Netflix
3. Girls, HBO
4. Community, NBC
5. Louie, F/X
6. Enlisted, FOX
7. Looking, HBO
8. Parks and Recreation, NBC
9. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, FOX
10. Getting On, HBO

Please, please, please, let this be the year Modern Family is usurped. Everything in slots 1-5 broke new comedic ground. Enlisted gets the last spot because it was genuinely fun and funny and maybe some Emmy love could bring it back somewhere.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Bryan Cranston as Walter White, Breaking Bad
Jon Hamm as Don Draper, Mad Men
Matthew McConaughey as Rust Cohle, True Detective
Mads Mikkelsen as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Hannibal
Matthew Rhys as Phillip Jennings, The Americans
Michael Sheen as Bill Masters, Masters of Sex

This was a pretty easy category to narrow down, as these gentlemen are leagues and bounds ahead of anybody else on TV (or, realistically, film) today. The toughest omission was Hannibal's Hugh Dancy, whose character's half-season stint in jail limited his screen time.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Lizzy Caplan as Virginia Johnson, Masters of Sex
Julianna Marguiles as Alicia Florrick, The Good Wife
Tatiana Maslany as Sarah, Beth, Cosima, Rachel (and More), Orphan Black
Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson, Mad Men
Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings, The Americans
Robin Wright as Claire Underwood, House of Cards

Kerry Washington's baby bump really hampered her performance this season and allowed Robin Wright to sneak in, as the latter's monologue about a terminated pregnancy was the season's most gripping sequence. Caplan balanced vulnerability and strength with grace. Russell played nearly as many characters as Maslany this season and will probably get half the credit. Moss still managed to charm while Peggy got nastier, up until her cathartic, triumphant Burger Chef pitch. And Marguiles is just plain outstanding.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Louis C.K. as Louie, Louie
Jonathan Groff as Patrick, Looking
Jake Johnson as Nick Miller, New Girl
Joel McHale as Jeff Winger, Community
Chris O'Dowd as Tom Chadwick, Family Tree
Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, Parks and Recreation

This category needs a drastic upheaval from last year. Keep C.K., because he's essentially the second-coming, and add these other hysterical, lovable, charming guys.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Malin Akerman as Kate, Trophy Wife
Lena Dunham as Hannah Horvath, Girls
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, Veep
Laurie Metcalf as Jenna James, Getting On
Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation
Taylor Schilling as Piper Chapman, Orange is the New Black

Akerman balanced being quirky and straight in this role perfectly, perhaps alienating viewers who were accustomed to one extreme or the other. Dunham is finally fully comfortable making the rest of us uncomfortable. JLD is an MVP and will probably walk away with her third straight trophy. Metcalf channeled Steve Carell's Michael Scott in a thankless role on an outlier program, but damn if she wasn't great. Poehler is coasting on goodwill but still finds ways to draw humor from the Pawnee stone. Schilling's hilarity is understated but potent, if that makes any sense, and she belongs here waayyy more than she does in Drama Actress.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Josh Charles as Will Graham, The Good Wife
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones
Dean Norris as Hank Schrader, Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, Breaking Bad
Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene, Scandal
Jeffrey Wright as Valentin Narcisse, Boardwalk Empire

Charles Dance (Game of Thrones' Tywin Lannister) was painfully omitted from the lineup because he just didn't have enough to do. Everything he did do, however, was marvelous. He nearly bumped Jeff Perry, whose show is far from perfect but holds things together with his signature brand of arrogance. Jeffrey Wright was also on the fence (along with his co-star Michael K. Williams) but left a huge impact after all these months that his exclusion would be unforgivable. Josh Charles may have left The Good Wife, but don't forget the vehemence he closed the role out with in episodes like "Hitting the Fan." The Breaking boys did fine work and should be lauded eternally. And Peter Dinklage roared back into the awards conversation with his monologue at Tyrion's trial. Should his character really be offed Sunday night, this could be his last chance to win in this role.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart, The Good Wife
Anna Gunn as Skyler White, Breaking Bad
Monica Potter as Cristina Braverman, Parenthood
Gretchen Mol as Gillian Darmody, Boardwalk Empire
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark, Game of Thrones
Bellamy Young as Mellie Grant, Scandal

Sophie Turner had the GoT slot locked up until Williams' literal death glare in the season 4 finale really showed off her chops. Bellamy Young's drunk monologues are the highlight of Scandal. Gretchen Mol made incestuous, murderous, drug-addled Gillian Darmody a likable character by the end of season 4. Christine Baranski handled her show's change of tone admirably. Monica Potter kept the tears flowing. And Anna Gunn just destroyed her competition.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Fred Armisen as Various Characters, Portlandia
Raul Castillo as Richie, Looking
Adam Driver as Adam Sackler, Girls
Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer, Parks and Recreation
Timothy C. Simons as Jonah, Veep
Parker Young as Randy Hill, Enlisted

Pratt has been so great for so long, his absence in the first half of this Parks season left the show worse off. Simons is a lightning rod of nasty jokes, taking a beating so the show can rise above. Young's show may be dead but his performance was so alive and fun that it must be remembered. Driver normalized Adam this year and turned out even stronger performances. Armisen was just uproariously funny in every sketch. On the other hand, Castillo wasn't even the slightest bit funny, but he brought an honesty to his role that made Richie lovable.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Danielle Brooks as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson, Orange is the New Black
Carrie Brownstein as Various Characters, Portlandia
Anna Chlumsky as Amy Brookheimer, Veep
Kate McKinnon as Various Characters, Saturday Night Live
Kate Mulgrew as Galina "Red" Reznikov, Orange is the New Black
Michaela Watkins as Jackie, Trophy Wife

The two OITNB ladies act their butts off in both comedic and dramatic moments. The two sketch comedy ladies constantly reveal new layers of humor behind their beautiful exteriors. Watkins, an SNL alum, brought the goofy to network comedy, and Chlumsky brought the venom. All these women are equal parts talented and hilarious.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Jeremy Davies as Peter Bernardone, Hannibal
Harry Hamlin as Jim Culter, Mad Men
Robert Morse as Bert Cooper, Mad Men
Joe Morton as Eli Pope, Scandal
Michael Pitt as Mason Verger, Hannibal
Ray Romano as Hank Rizzoli, Parenthood

Davies won for Justified two years ago and, frankly, could have won again for his reappearance this year, but why not spread the love to an under-appreciated Emmy newcomer? Same goes for Pitt's diabolical Mason Verger. Hamlin played diabolical in a much smarmier way, shedding all stigmas associated with his early roles. Morse is the favorite here, a splendid performer on a chaotic Mad Men season. Romano has quickly ascended the ranks of beloved Parenthood characters, and if Jason Ritter could get a nomination for playing one of Sarah (Lauren Graham)'s beaus, why not Ray? And Joe Morton's role is a Shakespearean POWER. HOUSE. of epic proportions.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Gillian Anderson as Dr. Bedelia Du Maurier, Hannibal
Allison Janney as Margaret Scully, Masters of Sex
Margo Martindale as Claudia, The Americans
Hettienne Park as Beverly Katz, Hannibal
Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni, The Good Wife
Gina Torres as Bella Crawford, Hannibal

For as macabre and "bromantic" as Hannibal inherently is, Bryan Fuller casted some fabulous actresses in several meaty roles. Preston's character won last year and is strong enough to be spun-off into a companion series. Martindale is consistently great, though those who only know her from The Millers may be surprised. And Allison Janney's portrayal of an unsatisfied woman's journey to self-acceptance was a marvel to witness.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jonathan Banks as Professor Buzz Hickey, Community
Steve Buscemi as Marty, Portlandia
Gary Cole as Kent Davison, Veep
Mitch Hurwitz as Koogler, Community
Stephen Merchant as Leslie Higgins, Modern Family
Pablo Schreiber as George "Pornstache" Mendez, Orange is the New Black

Hurwitz isn't even an actor and he out-shone every other guy here. Banks did more subtle work but fine work nonetheless. Buscemi's celery salesman was classic wonky Buscemi that just fit together nicely. Merchant's memorable turn as an over-eager hotel employee helped make "Las Vegas" Modern Family's best episode in years. Cole and Schreiber were arguably supporting actors in their respective seasons, but since they're eligible here, they absolute need inclusion.

OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Uzo Aduba as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren, Orange is the New Black
Sarah Baker as Vanessa, Louie
Laverne Cox as Sofia Burset, Orange is the New Black
Gaby Hoffman as Caroline Sackler, Girls
Patti LuPone as Herself, Girls
Taryn Manning as Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett, Orange is the New Black

More OITNB love, as its ensemble is TV's current best. LuPone parodied herself perfectly. Hoffman let everything go on screen. And Sarah Baker's "So Did The Fat Lady" monologue was such a watercooler moment of this TV season, an Emmy snub would be an egregious slight.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad, "Felina" (Vince Gilligan)
Breaking Bad, "Ozymandias" (Rian Johnson)
Homeland, "The Star" (Lesli Linka Glatter)
Mad Men, "Waterloo" (Matthew Weiner)
True Detective, "Who Goes There" (Cary Fukunaga)

Skyler choosing between phone and knife. Walt's last stand. Brody's devastating end. Bert's fantastical goodbye. Rust's 6-minute descent into madness. Wow.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Community, "Geothermal Escapism" (Joe Russo)
Girls, "Two Plane Rides" (Lena Dunham)
Modern Family, "Las Vegas" (Gail Mancuso)
Orange is the New Black, "Can't Fix Crazy" (Michael Trim)
Veep, "Crate" (Chris Addison)

Troy falling back into the lava. Hannah with her acceptance letter. The farcical comings and goings in the Las Vegas hotel. The Christmas pageant (and the battle in the prison yard). Everyone's reactions to Selina's change of status. Double wow.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
The Americans, "Echo" (Joel Fields & Joe Weisberg)
Breaking Bad, "Felina" (Vince Gilligan)
Breaking Bad, "Ozymandias" (Moira Walley-Beckett)
The Good Wife, "The Last Call" (Robert King & Michelle King)
Mad Men, "The Strategy" (Semi Chellas)

Where's "Hitting the Fan" for The Good Wife? That's a much stronger episode of TV than "The Last Call", which is an extremely strong episode of TV. Everything here is great, but that was a home-run, even against Breaking Bad. Perhaps Jared's reveal and Don and Peggy's dance are enough to knock down the meth kingpins.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
Community, "Cooperative Pollygraphy"(Alex Rubens)
Girls, "Beach House" (Jenni Konner & Lena Dunham & Judd Apatow)
Looking, "Looking for the Future"(Andrew Haigh)
New Girl, "Mars Landing" (Josh Malmuth & Nina Pedrad)
Orange is the New Black, "I Wasn't Ready (Pilot)" (Liz Friedman & Jenji Kohan)

Most of these deal with relationships. The study group's relationship to their dead friend and to each other in his absence. Old friends realizing their lives are changing. New relationships budding. Old relationships dying. And isolation from all relationships and the effect that has on someone. All these shows handle character consistently well, these are just the best exampled.

Who are you hoping gets nominated this year? Sound off in the comments or give me a ring on Twitter, @miketvladue. And be sure to check back at Dual Redundancy for all your Emmy awards coverage!

Podcast Episode 55: Winding Down: "Girls" "The Good Wife" & the series finale of "How I Met Your Mother"

You're busy. We get it. Not everyone can spend hours all day monitoring and watching everything in television and entertainment news. That is why Mike and Dave are here to do it all for you. At the end of every week we will wind down all the important things you may have missed in a week full of entertainment.

In this week's episode we recap the Emmy category changes for True Detective, Orange is the New Black and Shameless (1:55). We also review some House of Cards legal drama (12:41) and University of Iowa's problem with HBO's Girls (16:58). Finally, we wind down Girls' season three finale "Two Plane Rides" (16:58), The Good Wife's "Dramatics, Your Honor/The Last Call" (32:19) and the How I Met Your Mother series finale "Last Forever" (41:47).



You can also listen to past episodes of the podcast on iTunes or on our YouTube channel.