TV Angel

Wow, so the 2008 Emmy noms are out and you know what? I don’t watch most of those shows. I have these uncharacteristic moments of synchronicity with popular culture (like blogging or owning an iPod) but for the most part, I am completely out of the loop.

Speaking of “out of the loop,” the vaunted Academy took the step this year of announcing top 10 Emmy contenders in two categories so we could all know exactly who did not make the cut. Um, ouch. It’s kinda like finding out you had the 11th highest score in the Miss America pageant, y’know? So here are the shows currently wearing the title of Miss Close-But-No-Cigar:

(Not the) Best Comedy Series

Family Guy (FOX)
Flight of the Conchords (HBO)
Pushing Daisies (ABC)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Weeds (Showtime)

Thoughts:
Family Guy? Really? Even though I’m glad to see animated series gaining parity with their live-action counterparts, Family Guy is not the best representative of the genre. Although with the animated shows presently on television, it may be the best of a bad bunch. Personally, I’d have gone with King of the Hill. (Someone deserves an Emmy just for creating Boomhauer!)

I don’t know if it’s the first time Family Guy has made the Emmy “short list” in the comedy category but in the past it’s been nominated for and/or won awards for Outstanding Animated Series, Outstanding Voice-over, Outstanding Music and Lyrics, and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation. That much I’ll buy. But one of the best comedies on TV today? Not so much.

I don’t watch Flight of the Conchords, Weeds, or Ugly Betty so no comment there.

Which brings us to Pushing Daisies. Pushing Daisies got robbed! I know every year there is someone saying that about their favorite show. But just because I’m paranoid, doesn’t mean no one’s out to get my show. OK, not really, but Daisies certainly deserves not only Emmy nom, but a win.

Firstly, it’s one of the most original shows on network television today. It’s visually unique and employs the surreal and fantastic type of storytelling usually reserved for Tim Burton films. Secondly, it’s entertaining. Daisies offers a satisfying balance of comedy, romance, and mystery that made the show a bright spot of a lackluster 2007-2008 television season. The fact that Daisies was considered for an Emmy with only nine episodes having aired says a lot about the show. Hopefully a full compliment of episodes next season will secure the show a nom in 2009.

(Not the) Best Drama Series

Friday Night Lights (NBC)
Grey’s Anatomy (NBC)
The Tudors (Showtime)
The Wire (HBO)

Thoughts:
See, I’m in a bit of a stick wicket here because I don’t watch any of these shows. (I know, I know, I’m missing out.) But if I had to pick one of the above dramas to watch, I would probably go with The Tudors. I’m generally not into period pieces but I have to admit, Henry Tudor is an interesting historical figure. And I think Jonathan Rhys Meyers is a talented actor.

There’s enough gritty crime dramas on network for me to pass on The Wire. Grey’s is lacking (just ask Katherine Heigl) and Friday Nights Lights is too much about football for a show that’s not-really-about-football.

I’m actually going to go with the Academy’s list on this one and keep my fingers crossed for Dexter (even though I think Mad Men has this one on lock.) But I have to admit Dexter’s first season was well superior to the show’s second season. In fairness, comparing Dexter S2 to Damages S1, I might actually have to go with Damages. But I’ll be happy if either show wins.

Anywho, just wanted to take a moment to reflect on the shows that just missed a shot at and Emmy. May they all have better luck next year!