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Zap2it
July 7, 2003
TV Gal is a Drama Queen
by Amy Amatangelo
Last night I had a dream that I was best friends with Justin Timberlake. We had gone to high school together. That's right: In this dream not only was I chums with pop culture's poster boy, but I was also a good 10 years younger.
That dream is about as far-fetched as the idea that "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or its stars will be nominated for an Emmy. So I've let that fantasy go and started a support group (repeat after me: "Buffy will not be nominated and that's okay.") Not that I've learned my lesson. This year I'm hanging my hopes on "Boomtown" and wishing that this will be the year the Emmy nominations don't disappoint.
This week I'll tell you who should be nominated in the drama categories, and next Monday, I'll predict who I think WILL be nominated. You can get in on the action by participating in Zap2It's Emmy Shadow Poll.
Remember in keeping with the "if I ruled the Emmy world philosophy," I'm putting everyone where I think he or she belongs.
Here are my picks for the drama nominees:
Outstanding Drama Series
"Alias"
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
"Boomtown"
"NYPD Blue"
"The Sopranos"
How can you not be big on "Boomtown"? The best new drama of last season is also one of the best dramas on television. In its 10th season, "NYPD Blue" is better than ever. "Alias" remains the perfect fusion of an outrageous fantasy world of undercover agents, crazy costumes (the better to show off Jennifer Garner's well-toned body) and wicked government plans with the very real emotions of friendship, romance and family.
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Dennis Franz, Andy on "NYPD Blue"
James Gandolfini, Tony on "The Sopranos"
Anthony LaPaglia, Jack on "Without a Trace"
Gregory Smith, Ephram on "Everwood"
Kiefer Sutherland, Jack on "24"
Donnie Wahlberg, Joel on "Boomtown"
Dennis Franz and James Gandolfini are no-brainers. They've created two of television's most memorable characters, which they continue to fine-tune season after season. Without my friend Kiefer, there would be no series to talk about. While I still think "24" was flawed this season, my Lost Boy still rocked. Wahlberg shines as the quietly simmering Detective Joel Stevens. The creases in his world-weary face reveal a troubled man frantically trying to control all the aspects of his life. As I believe I've told you before, Gregory Smith is the find of the television season. He eloquently captures the angst of adolescents and always rises above even the most mundane material.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Amy Brenneman, Amy on "Judging Amy"
Edie Falco, Carmela on "The Sopranos"
Jennifer Garner, Sydney on "Alias"
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Maura Tierney, Abby on "ER"
Every year, this category reminds me how few leading ladies there are on television. Where I could easily make a case for David Boreanaz, Michael Chiklis, Michael C. Hall and Noah Wyle in the Outstanding Lead Actor category, I'm picking from a much smaller pool of candidates in this category. Again Gellar and Garner are givens. Each carries her show with grace and some serious girl power. As I've always said, if we didn't believe them, we wouldn't believe their shows. Garner's great gift is that she's the kind of gal both women, who want to be her best friend, and men, who probably wouldn't mind being something more, love. She can defeat her enemy with a swift kick, find out a horrifying secret about her father, tentatively pursue a relationship with her mom, flawlessly speak yet another language, comfort a friend, tease a colleague and never seem false. And Tierney has created one of the most real characters on television. She's the reason I'll never completely check out of the "ER."
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Xander Berkley, George on "24"
Alexis Denisof, Wesley on "Angel"
Victor Garber, Jack on "Alias"
James Marsters, Spike on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Neal McDonough, David on "Boomtown"
Ron Rifkin, Sloane on "Alias"
Rifkin is deliciously evil on "Alias." He concurrently convinces us of his cruelty and vulnerability. Xander Berkeley skillfully transformed George Mason from a weak middle manager out simply to save himself to a dead man walking to a tragic hero who saved the day.
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Tyne Daly, Maxine on "Judging Amy"
Merrin Dungey, Francie on "Alias"
Alyson Hannigan, Willow on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
Laura Harris, Marie on "24"
Janel Maloney, Donna on "West Wing"
Lena Olin, Irina on "Alias"
Sonja Sohn, Shakima on "The Wire"
Think about what Dungey had to pull off this season. In September, she was Syd's best friend just trying to open her restaurant; by January she was a cold-blooded killer. Of all the people on all the shows we won't see next season, I'm going to miss Alyson Hannigan the most. Think of that scene where Willow sat on Xander's hospital bed and looked up at Buffy. Without any words, the expression on Hannigan's face was positively devastating. Deftly able to handle humor and horror, there's not a better actress on television. Let's hope she doesn't stay away long.
© Zap2it 2003
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