Thursday, July 8, 2010

Emmy 2010: Forward Thinking with a Fond Look Back

Not a lot of surprises in many categories this morning with the Emmy announcements, but yet I see a hopeful trend for anyone who’s ever been Other (and I’m not just referring to Lost’s Juliet). The Gleeks and Geeks got their due, too (although I’m sad that David Tennant’s Hamlet wasn’t recognized--too over the top for the Academy?). Still, Glee and Modern Family did extremely well for new series, and Lost received enough attention to satisfy my six-season love affair. Everyone nominated should be congratulated, of course, but here are the nods that had me smiling the widest.

(So) Long Lost Loves

If only Michael Emerson and Terry O’Quinn wouldn’t have to continue to face off now that they’re away from the island. Just give them each an Emmy and be done with it. I couldn’t choose between them, and I’m afraid voters won’t be able to, either—resulting in neither taking home a well-deserved award for this season’s weirdest buddy TV.

In “The End,” it was all about Jack. He began and ended our story, and Matthew Fox ended what may be his stint of network TV acting with a nomination. As a leader who was sometimes difficult to follow but nevertheless redeemed my faith in network TV, Jack should be an award-winning role.

Director Jack Bender and composer Michael Giacchino also received nominations, but theirs shouldn’t be buried in the “also” category or relegated to those awards given while people head to the kitchen. Their stellar work enhanced my enjoyment of Lost to the point where I’ll never look at another TV series the same way. Their work taught me the importance of how the story is told, where the camera takes me—and when, and which emotions are being plucked like Lost’s harp.

Perhaps I’m not with the majority of Lost fans, but I loved “The End.” I cried—and I’m not a crier (and I didn’t shed tears over those Lost six years because the story didn’t end as I anticipated). Thank you, Darlton—and congrats on a well-deserved Emmy nomination for having the last word.

Lost did well in many categories, from the technical to the biggie—Outstanding Drama. How fitting that a series relying on details and diversity ended up receiving nominations for direction, editing, sound, music, writing, and acting—and I’m probably leaving out a few categories. Well done.


All the Others

It’s cool to like musicals. To keep using a word like “cool.” To buck stereotypes. To get mainstream recognition in a positive way. And maybe to get a few more viewers to pay attention to characters and actors who haven’t been in the spotlight quite so much, but should be.

I’m pleased that Modern Family received so many nominations, even if it and Glee will also face off in several categories. I’m especially happy that Jesse Tyler Ferguson was nominated. I adore Mitchell, even as I want to see him unwind a bit more next season.

Neil Patrick Harris got (only?) two.

What would an awards show be without a nomination for Ian McKellen?

Maybe Emmy will be singing a new tune after Glee gets more recognition for its first season. The odds are good, with so many nominations: Leah Michelle (lead actress), Matthew Morrison (lead actor), Chris Colfer (supporting actress—unfortunately in a category along with Neil Patrick Harris and Jesse Tyler Ferguson), Jane Lynch (supporting actress), and plenty of noms for writers, designers, directors, creators, and guests (an especially big Yay for Kristin Chenoweth). The series also has been nominated as Outstanding Comedy.

Some people may grouse that these nominations are for comedy, a lighter category than Drama with a capital D. I disagree, in light of memorable poignant moments, many by Colfer. Glee is making Main Street grudgingly agree that it’s OK to be who we are (and now “Single Ladies” is stuck in my head for the rest of the day, thank you very much).


Awards shows come and go, and today’s trend is tomorrow’s quaint flashback. Still, maybe this September’s statues will recognize the stature of those who, like Lost, Modern Family, and Glee, pave the way in so many diverse directions for the storytellers of seasons to come.