Catching Up: Heroes

This show has gone off the deep end without any hope of coming back. There are so many things to decry – I’ll do my best to capture most of them without ranting too much. Why there always needs to be an eclipse I’ll never understand, and the fact that everyone’s powers get taken away and then so easily returned is ridiculous. Sylar should have stayed a good guy, since that was so much more interesting than him being the same exact villain he was in season one. To kill off Elle is unforgivable – she was one of the only strong, solid characters on the show and she kept Sylar in check. I can’t comprehend why she needed to go (perhaps Kristen Bell will finally star on “Lost” now). HRG’s pursuit of Sylar and Elle, the only legitimate thing that occurred during the eclipse, was a great insight into all their characters, and it makes it even more of a pity that it was all thrown away so easily. Sylar’s cat-and-mouse game was poorly out and even more clumsily executed. There’s no call for that kind of simple setup on this show. The rest isn’t really worth talking about, except to say that things have reached such a messy point that there’s no recovery. Most inexplicable is Nathan’s sudden shift from hero to villain, and the volume four introduction indicates that he actually thinks he’s looking out for the welfare of the heroes. The trailer for “Fugitive” looks like it’s been ripped out of “Brazil,” and it could be okay, but I sincerely doubt it. While I’ve considered giving up on this show, I feel it’s safer for me to keep up to avoid getting it spoiled.

Heroes returns on Monday, February 2nd.

Catching Up: Chuck

I totally called that Jill was a spy (spoiling the surprise for the person I was watching with, unfortunately), and I thoroughly enjoyed the sequence where it was revealed. I was impressed by Chuck’s ultimate victory over Jill after she betrayed him time after time and that he locked her in the car instead of letting her go. The Employee of the Month initiative was fun because of the laziness it inspired in all the employees. The guest appearance by a Delorean was terrific, and Gary Cole was pretty good as Sarah’s father. I very much enjoyed the teamwork in the final episode, especially the awesomeness of Captain Awesome. Sarah killing the Fulcrum agent who knew Chuck’s identity is another fantastic confirmation that Sarah really does care about Chuck, and I look forward to seeing more of their romance in the future.

Chuck returns on Monday, February 2nd.

Catching Up: Desperate Housewives

This show hasn’t gotten much better since I last checked in with it. The fire in the club was decent because of the insight into Dave’s character it provided, and Porter’s subsequent arrest is a nice twist, though what’s happened recently with Parker taking his place in court doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Steven Weber, and for that matter, Andrea Bowen, were unfortunately wasted in their brief guest spots when Julie returned to Fairview for an episode. I remember Andrea Bowen being one of the highlights of season one, and for her to have been so abruptly cut out of this season along with Lyndsy Fonseca’s Dylan seems unwise. Focusing in on the Scavo twins as the default children (along with the fairly useless Solis kids and puny MJ) is hardly interesting, and plotlines would come a whole lot easier if Julie and Dylan were once again the supporting stars of the show. The return of Carlos’ sight doesn’t have as much of an impact since he only really lost it a handful of episodes back. This five-year jump has its advantages and its disadvantages, but after all is said and done, Gabrielle is still going to be the same selfish spoiled brat who occasionally happens to do nice things for her family. She’s not exactly a multi-layered character. The only real high point of this stretch was the Hodge family introduction to Andrew’s fiancée, which came out of nowhere but resulted in the a respectable comedy-to-drama shift with Andrew’s realization that Bree actually cares about him and wants the best for him. Back to Dave, the only real reason I’m still watching: I suspected that Mike was a hitman who was hired to take out Dave’s brother in his earlier life, but it would appear instead that Dave’s wife and child may have been collateral damage. I sort of wish it had been someone other than Mike who had so irked Dave since he always seems to be the only one with any good mysterious drama. It was intriguing to see Dave save Mike from the fire only to ensure that he could gain his revenge at a later point, but at the same time it’s a bit much to believe that he wouldn’t just let him die in the fire. I keep asking myself now what’s keeping me attached to this show, and I’m considering it dropping it in January when it returns since I’ll be out of the country next semester and TV watching may be more difficult. It’s still a decently entertaining story that might keep me interested, but I wish it could return to its old positive quality.

Desperate Housewives returns on January 4th.

Summing Up: Californication

I had some qualms with “Californication” midway through this season, but it managed to pull itself together by season’s end. Charlie’s whole plotline with Daisy got pretty ridiculous and out of control, though it may all have been worth it to see Marcy’s awesome takedown of Charlie in the bar. I do like Charlie, but he sort of deserves it because of how ridiculous he’s been this season. The character of Lew Ashby was cool, and Callum Keith Rennie was a terrific addition to the cast. I enjoyed seeing him and David Duchovny interact on a weekly basis. Add into that mix Madeline Zima as Mia and Natasha McElhone as Karen and this makes quite an excellent ensemble. Lew’s untimely demise was unfortunate, but he did make for quite a good book for Hank to write and a good arc for the show to explore. Paula Marshall was another strong force this season as the pregnant Sonja, and her birth scene was pretty great (awfully similar to a previous “Nip/Tuck” finale). I particularly loved Hank’s cheering and his subsequent declaration of “I love you” to Karen repeated right back to him by her. I’m saddened that they’re not both moving to New York together, since I would have loved to see the show back in New York, but I’m impressed by Hank’s willingness to stay. Their relationship is so awesome, complex, and entertaining and I’m thrilled to see that again come next summer.

Season finale: B+
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: David Duchovny

Summing Up: Dexter

For some reason, I never quite loved this season of “Dexter.” Jimmy Smits is a masterful actor (just look at the final season of “The West Wing”), and while there were some impressive moments throughout the season, I wouldn’t consider it one of his best. It’s bizarre to me that this is the first year that the cast gets a Screen Actors Guild nomination for Best Ensemble since they’ve been far better in the past (I just watched the pilot again in an attempt to get other people into it, and they used to be REALLY good). Supporting storylines involving Batista’s new flame and anything with Deb just weren’t really as exciting as they’ve been before. Masuka trying to be taken seriously was sort of fun, and it was nice to see Dexter gain a true friend in Miguel, at least for a while. The downward turn when Miguel was revealed to have been deceiving Dexter the whole time sort of mirrored last year’s unfortunate twist with Lila becoming insane all of a sudden. This one worked for a bit, and it was enticing at first to see Miguel’s fascination with Dexter’s drive to kill, but it went over the edge as the season approached a close. That Miguel would go so far as to let the Skinner go and even give him Dexter as a target is rather far-fetched (not to suggest that the rest of this show isn’t), and it was interesting only to a point. The finale sort of wrapped things up a tiny bit too neatly and conveniently, but set things in a good new direction. I’ve read a lot already about the blood dripping down from Dexter’s hand onto Rita’s dress being symbolic for the way he affects her life, and I do think it’s an example of terrific imagery. There’s no clear setup for next season, but I guess neither season one nor season two did that either, and the main plotlines (the Bay Harbor Butcher, Miguel) were introduced in the season premieres. This was a decent but not spectacular season, but the mythology of “Dexter” is hopefully something that can continue for a while.

Season finale: B+
Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Michael C. Hall

Summing Up: Entourage

I don’t have much to say about “Entourage” since this season really sucked, with the exception of the first few episodes. Jeremy Piven continued to dominate, especially in “The All Out Fall Out.” I’m not sure what made Kevin Connolly receive his first-ever Golden Globe nomination since this season was really sub-par. I was disappointed by the wasted use of Stellan Skarsgard as ridiculous director, and how it didn’t even matter how pointlessly cyclical “Smoke Jumpers” was. The fact that both new studio head Dana and the powerful John Ellis liked Vince means nothing if the movie doesn’t get made. Gary Cole also hasn’t had a chance to warm up and do anything yet. The finale with the return to New York was sort of stupid, and Eric’s dramatic quitting and then so quickly taking Vince back is an obvious waste of time. Gus Van Sant seemed a bit too stubborn, and it was all a setup for a completely unexpected twist that makes next season so exciting while making this one completely irrelevant. I’m shocked that Martin Scorsese decided to be on this show, but it’s great for Vince, especially after this dry, unlucky spell he’s been having this whole season. Side plotlines like E’s other client and Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s romance with Turtle weren’t terrific, and did little to improve an entirely unnecessary season of this show. Is it beyond saving? Hardly. There were a few small glimmers of hope this year, and hopefully one of the greatest directors of all time can light this show up for season six.

Season finale: C
Season grade: C
Season MVP: Jeremy Piven

Summing Up: True Blood

This show was an oddball entry from the start, but I’m wildly impressed by how it turned itself around from merely fascinating to truly superb in both its plotting and execution. The finale is what I really want to talk about here, but I’ll first mention the run-up in the second-to-last episode. Amy’s murder was extremely tragic since the character was one of the best on the show and Lizzy Caplan was astounding in the role, but the lead-up to her death was a visceral and amazing montage. The show’s ability to capture and show the effects of this vampire blood drug V are mesmerizing. The reveal of the killer as Rene didn’t do much for me in the second-to-last episode, but in the finale, that was all rectified.

I absolutely loved this finale and found it perfectly exemplary of how good this show can be. It invested from its opening moment in Rene as a major character, focusing in on his face and thoughts and filling in his back story throughout the episode. We knew Sookie was in danger, but it never felt more real than during this episode. Sookie flashing to Rene’s memories while in the house with him was a great way of revealing his past. Only on this show would Sookie run out of her house in her waitress uniform. I find the colors on this show quite terrific. It was also thrilling to see Arlene discover her kids watching the videotape and finding the Cajun dialect for actors tape all at the same time. What I loved most about the Rene/Sookie chase was how both Sam and Bill leapt to her rescue. Sam using his sense of smell and taking off all his clothes while Bill actually went out in the daylight to try to save Sookie, knowing full well what it would do to him were wonderful examples of just how unique this show is. Only on this show would you see either of those things, and I love it. I’m happy that Bill isn’t dead since Sam had the good sense to bury him right away so that he could heal properly.

This season one arc was awesome and it resolved itself so well. I like the introduction of Mary-Anne as a new mysterious character, particularly because Michelle Forbes is a terrific actress, especially in a role like this. It was fascinating to watch her try to shape-shift and telling Sam that he knew she’d find her and calling him a “silly dog.” She’ll be an awesome addition to the cast next season. Lafayette’s disappearance is troubling, but I suppose it wouldn’t be the worst thing if he didn’t come back. The return of Bill’s protégé should be fun as long as it doesn’t get old quick. I absolutely loved the end of this episode, which perfectly set things up for season two. Andy Bellefleur has always been a so-so minor character, but here he’s given a spotlight to close out the first season and moan about how no one ever respects him. He can’t find his car but when he finally does it’s an incredible ending that captures the show’s tone remarkably: he says “that ain’t mine” right when a dead body’s leg falls out the door, and both Sookie and Tara let out high-pitched screams. This show has always been fun, and I’m sure that next season will be just as terrific. I’m so excited.

Season finale: A
Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Anna Paquin/Lizzy Caplan

Summing Up: The Shield

I’ve always considered “The Shield” to be the best show I’ve ever seen, since there’s never been a bad episode and it’s stayed consistently good throughout its entire run. “Six Feet Under” ranks a close second, while “The Sopranos” had a weaker final season and poor final episode, and “24” and “Scrubs” would be at the top of this list if only if their early seasons were considered. But “The Shield” went in on top and came out on top. I wouldn’t necessarily say it got even better, but I was incredibly impressed at the end of the show’s sixth season when the game was completely changed yet the show stayed just as good. The show’s second-to-last installment was incredibly powerful if only for the way that it made me feel so bad for Ronnie. For five seasons, he was sidelined in favor of Shane and Lem, but last year he took the spotlight and did a terrific job with it. This year, he’s been the only one who Vic could really count on, and to see Vic get tricked by Corinne into trying to save her and sell out Ronnie in the process was gut-wrenching. Hearing Vic confess to all his sins was intense enough, but then to realize that Ronnie, who’s always been a nice guy, would be the one who would have to pay for them drove the power of the episode home. The closing line of the penultimate episode was also a great preparation for the series ender: Olivia asks Vic if she realizes what he’s done to her and he simply replies, “I’ve done worse.”

On to the series finale: it aired almost a month ago now but my thoughts are still fresh in my mind and I’ve ever headed over to YouTube to browse for some clips to refresh my memory. I’ll point out first in simple bullet-points what I loved about the episode:

• Billings gets some appropriate resolution for his character. It’s nothing terrific, but altogether fitting since he was always comic relief, but here it turns out that he’s just sort of a sad sack, but a lovable one who’s come to make peace with Dutch. Dutch, for that matter, also gains a potential new love interest.
  
• Claudette and Dutch’s last onscreen case go unsolved, but you know they’ll get there. Instead of trying to wrap things up neatly or make this one case seem so much more important because it’s a series finale, it’s simply left that Claudette and Dutch know that this kid is guilty and they’re determined to put him away, whatever it takes. Claudette’s taunt for him to get ready for his close-up and Dutch’s call for him to pick a name for himself are not glorifications of the killer himself, but of the way that they work as a truly unbeatable team.
  
• Along the same lines of a continuing narrative, Claudette congratulates Aceveda on his victory despite the election not having happened yet, Dani blows out the candles when she calls all the officers away to a robbery, and Claudette proclaims her determination to keep coming back until she can’t. These characters will continue living on even after the show is long gone.
  
• It was heartbreaking to watch, but Ronnie’s arrest was an incredibly moving scene. He’s crying because of Shane and Vic tries to comfort him, and he feels better once he remembers that they’re clear of all this and they’ll be free soon. Once again, Ronnie’s always been a nice guy, but Claudette uses his arrest as a way to get back at Vic. In that last second, Vic finally tries to warn Ronnie, but it’s no use. Ronnie screaming at Vic that they were supposed to rot together is just another reminder that Vic is going to be alone in his future.
  
• Shane was never going to have a happy ending, but I never expected this. His family meeting (the title of the episode) leads to the deaths of the entire Vendrell family. Watching Shane shoot himself as the cops burst in didn’t prepare me for the sight of Mara and Jackson lying lifeless on the bed and the real horror in the eyes of the cops who knew them. Seeing it all over again through Vic’s eyes is just as traumatizing.
  
• Vic’s fate is the final component of the episode and the series, and it’s a perfect though entirely unexpected one. He has complete immunity for all his crimes, but he’s being punished by not being able to see his family and having to come to a boring job every day for three years without a single friend in the world. The sight of Vic in a plain suit is shocking (he wore a far more stylish one to Terry’s funeral, if I remember correctly), and the mundane nature of his job is all the more saddening. Vic’s an anti-hero, but he’s very much sympathetic. No one wanted to see him end up like this. The pictures he puts on his desk are only of the people who were too innocent to have ever betrayed him – his kids and Lem – and omit the people who he’s betrayed, like Ronnie. Going over to that window and looking out at life on the streets is an incredible reminder of where Vic should be, and how unfortunate for him it is that he’s confined to this life. The last few moments were nerve-racking, but all he does is sternly put his gun in his pocket and walk out ferociously, seeming determined to make it through the next day.
  
• The end credits are a wonderful way of paying tribute to a terrific show. The shots of all the characters who came and went is an excellent method of recognizing such fantastic talents as Glenn Close, Anthony Anderson, Forest Whitaker, and Alex O’Loughlin who had recurring roles on the show, and of remembering dearly departed characters like Lem and even people like Connie. What a great way of showing that this show valued all its participants.
  

Putting it simply, this was an amazing finale. Maybe not as good as “Six Feet Under,” but certainly close. I’d love to go back and watch the whole series, since it was completely awesome through and through. I’m still comfortable saying this is the best show I’ve ever seen. I’d hope no one who hasn’t seen the show has read this far, but if you haven’t watched it, go do it right now. It’s that good. I really hope that come Emmy Awards time, people remember how incredible this show really was.

Series finale: A
Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Michael Chiklis
Series grade: A+
Series MVP: Michael Chiklis

SAG Nomination Reactions (In Brief)

As I suspected, the film nominees are very excited but the TV ones just aren't. For starters, only one new show was recognized, and it wasn't "Breaking Bad," "In Treatment," or "True Blood." Voters finally decided to recognize David Duchovny (Californication) and the ensembles of "Dexter" and "House" (as well as "The Closer" again). The real shocker is Tracey Ullman (State of the Union) to fill the last comedy actress slot) and Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) instead of January Jones in the drama field. Not much more to say about all this. My Internet's down, so read the nominees at your leisure here.

SAG Nomination Predictions

The Screen Actors Guild Award nominations will be announced Thursday morning, and while they're exciting in terms of which films will prevail, they're hardly invigorating at all on the TV side. I count only three new serious contending shows, all in drama: "Breaking Bad," "In Treatment," and "True Blood." I'm giving a leg up to "True Blood," thinking that picking out standouts from "In Treatment," however much I'd love to see Blair Underwood, Mia Wasikowska, and especially Michelle Forbes recognized. The problem is that the Globes picked (along with Underwood) Gabriel Byrne, Dianne Wiest, and Melissa George. Wouldn't it be cool if all the nominees were from the show? And Boston Legal got shut out? Nah. I'd love to see "The Closer" get another nomination for Best Drama Ensemble, but I think it will be like "24" and only get nominated every other year, or maybe just for years one and three. I'm not sure how much SAG will still hold on to long ago abandoned shows like "Desperate Housewives," "Ugly Betty," and "Grey's Anatomy," which seemed prime to repeat in the ensemble categories, but I just can't see any other contenders. "Californication" would be a cool show to recognize, but it couldn't even get a nomination for David Duchovny last year. Maybe "Weeds" will come back just like it did at the Golden Globes last week. Many are predicting "Brothers & Sisters" for Best Drama Ensemble, but if it's sat out this long, I'm not sure now's the time. Neil Patrick Harris' buzz, however, is high, and he should expect a shot at a nomination. I'd be much more thrilled if a show like "Brotherhood" or "Battlestar Galactica" was able to make enough noise to snag a spot, but I think I should stick all my hopes behind "True Blood" winning over the guild with its odd, offbeat nature. Oh, and I'm not predicting stunt ensemble just because I have no clue.

Predictions:

Best Actor in a Drama Series
BRYAN CRANSTON, BREAKING BAD
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
JON HAMM, MAD MEN
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
JAMES SPADER, BOSTON LEGAL

Best Actress in a Drama Series
SALLY FIELD, BROTHERS & SISTERS
HOLLY HUNTER, SAVING GRACE
JANUARY JONES, MAD MEN
KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER
ANNA PAQUIN, TRUE BLOOD

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK
STEVE CARRELL, THE OFFICE
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
JEREMY PIVEN, ENTOURAGE
TONY SHALHOUB, MONK

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, SAMANTHA WHO?
TINA FEY, 30 ROCK
AMERICA FERRERA, UGLY BETTY
MARY-LOUISE PARKER, WEEDS
VANESSA WILLIAMS, UGLY BETTY

Best Actor in a TV Movie/Mini-Series
RALPH FIENNES, BERNARD AND DORIS
PAUL GIAMMATI, JOHN ADAMS
KEVIN SPACEY, RECOUNT
DENIS LEARY, RECOUNT
TOM WILKINSON, JOHN ADAMS

Best Actress in a TV Movie/Mini-Series
EILEEN ATKINS, CRANFORD
JUDI DENCH, CRANFORD
LAURA DERN, RECOUNT
LAURA LINNEY, JOHN ADAMS
SUSAN SARANDON, BERNARD AND DORIS

Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series
30 ROCK
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
ENTOURAGE
THE OFFICE
UGLY BETTY

Best Ensemble in a Drama Series
BOSTON LEGAL
GREY’S ANATOMY
IN TREATMENT
MAD MEN
TRUE BLOOD

Golden Globe Nominees: Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 3/5, missing returning nominees “The Office” and “Weeds”
Who’s missing? “Pushing Daisies,” “Ugly Betty”

So, my rule about shows not getting nominated after being left off the year before has clearly been broken. Both “The Office” and “Weeds,” the latter of which definitely had a critical resurgence, are back. I didn’t expect the lack of any love for “Pushing Daisies,” but I guess last year was it for the show. Thrilled to see “Californication” still in the mix, and I’m also glad to say that these are five shows I happily watch on a weekly basis whenever they air.

Who will win? I’ll guess 30 Rock.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best TV Series – Drama

My predictions: 5/5 (technically), though I predicted “Breaking Bad” also for six nominees
Who’s missing? “Breaking Bad,” “The Tudors,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost”

I mentioned in my Best Actor reactions that I think “Breaking Bad” may not have in fact been eligible. This is almost like the Emmys this past year, where my predicted five and my alternate all got in, but here I predicted six and only five made it. I’m thrilled for “Dexter” and especially the awesome “True Blood.” I can get around “House” and then it’s a pretty terrific list. This was great for “In Treatment,” which got the most nominations of any series with four acting nods.

Who will win? I’d love to say “True Blood,” but I think I’ll go with “In Treatment”

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Miniseries or Made-for-TV Movie

My predictions: 5/5
Who’s missing? “24: Redemption”

It seemed pretty simple to meld the two Emmy categories into one, and it’s a good list. I’ve only seen the first episodes of “Cranford” and “John Adams,” as well as “Recount,” but it’s clear which miniseries and TV movies were popular this past year.

Who will win? I’m not sure anything can beat John Adams.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actress in a Miniseries or Made-for-TV Movie

My predictions: 4/5, missing Catherine Keener, my alternate
Who’s missing? Phylicia Rashad (A Raisin in the Sun)

Simple math here as well, take the Emmy list and factor in Shirley MacLaine (Coco Chanel), and you have to get rid of one of the nominees. I didn’t expect it to be Phylicia Rashad; I much more thought it would be Catherine Keener. Regardless, it’s still a great list of actresses (I may not be the biggest Judi Dench fan, but I know that most do love her).

Who will win? “John Adams” sweep: Laura Linney.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a Miniseries or Made-for-TV Movie

My predictions: 5/5
Who’s missing? Sean Combs (A Raisin in the Sun)

Simple math here, take the Emmy list from this past year, subtract Ricky Gervais (“Extras” aired its series finale in 2007), and add in Kiefer Sutherland, the only real new contender. As a former “24” lover, I can safely say that Sutherland didn’t come close to doing awards-worthy work in the dreadful TV movie, and at least it’s not up for an award itself. I still haven’t seen “Bernard and Doris” but the other three nominees are a fine bunch.

Who will win? “John Adams” sweep: Paul Giammati.

Golden Globe Nominations: Best Supporting Actress

My predictions: 3/5, missing returning nominee Rachel Griffiths and Melissa George
Who’s missing? This category isn’t significant in relation to the Emmys, so the only omissions worth noting are a lack of love for special events “A Raisin in the Sun” and “House of Saddam.”

Some great choices here in terms of Eileen Atkins (Cranford) and Laura Dern (Recount). Griffiths isn’t a big surprise, I guess she’ll just keep on coming back until she doesn’t. The inclusion of the two “In Treatment” women is nice, though I wish that my preferred actresses Mia Wasikowska and Michelle Forbes had gotten in over Dianne Wiest and the so-so Melissa George, whose nomination comes as a huge shock (the only TV inclusion that truly surprised me, save for Kevin Connolly of “Entourage”).

Who will win? I would go with Laura Dern, but Eileen Atkins won the Emmy, so I’m wary of predicting Dern again, but for the moment, I think I will.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Supporting Actor

My predictions: 3/5, underestimating the love for Neil Patrick Harris and Denis Leary
Who’s missing? This category isn’t significant in relation to the Emmys, so the only sort of big thing is that Harvey Keitel didn’t get in for “Life on Mars”

I’m ecstatic that someone finally recognized Blair Underwood, whose performance was the thing that initially intrigued me about “In Treatment.” He deserves this award. Jeremy Piven has now managed five consecutive nominations for “Entourage,” which I consider quite impressive. Golden Globe voters clearly still like the show, but Piven’s performance continues to be well above the quality of the series. Tom Wilkinson and Denis Leary are direct imports from this past year’s Emmy list. It’s weird that Neil Patrick Harris gets included now, but I’m sure some people are thoroughly excited (reader JG probably loves this category, except for the lack of William Shatner).

Who will win? It might be Tom Wilkinson, but I’d like to predict Blair Underwood.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 4/5, missing Debra Messing
Who’s missing? Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies)

So they do like Debra Messing (The Starter Wife). Otherwise, a perfectly expected, “Housewives”-less list, save for the omission of Friel as per the “Pushing Daisies” shut-out. They’re hanging on to Christina Applegate and America Ferrera, and most excitingly, Mary-Louise Parker of “Weeds.”

Who will win? No clear frontrunner, so I think it might be Christina Applegate this year, or maybe (runner-up) Tina Fey again.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical

My predictions: 3/5, missing Kevin Connolly and Tony Shalhoub
Who’s missing? Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies) and I don’t think there was ever really any hope for Zachary Levi (Chuck)

Such an oddly-timed surprise to see Kevin Connolly finally nominated for “Entourage.” Everyone thought this was a terrible season yet they chose to reward him now. Tony Shalhoub is back in the mix, which isn’t too much of a shocker since it was his snub last year that was weird. Otherwise, I’m thrilled to see David Duchovny again (as I’m sure is reader CG) as well as Alec Baldwin and Steve Carrell. One last note: Here begins the “Pushing Daisies” shut-out. Too bad for that show.

Who will win? No clue, maybe David Duchovny again.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actress in a TV Series – Drama

My predictions: 4/5, missing Hargitay
Who’s missing? I think I need to check the eligibility rules here: Holly Hunter (Saving Grace) missed out, as did Minnie Driver (The Riches) and Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) in the best actor category, and all their shows only aired seven episodes. Coincidence?

I’m so delighted that Anna Paquin made it in since I do love “True Blood.” Ditto January Jones, who really should have gotten awards attention last year but is making up for it now. I’ll just ignore Sally Field (sorry, “Brothers and Sisters” lovers) and forget the surprising return of Mariska Hargitay. Rounding it out, Kyra Sedgwick continues to be great on “The Closer.”

Who will win? I hope it’s down to Anna Paquin and January Jones, in which case I’ll go with Paquin.

Golden Globe Nominees: Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama

My predictions: 4/5, missing Jonathan Rhys-Meyers
Who’s missing? Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), who I’m starting to think wasn’t eligible because his show only aired seven episodes

I didn’t know that Rhys-Meyers was still alive and kicking on “The Tudors.” Otherwise, this is a terrific list, the same one from the Emmys this past year minus Cranston and James Spader of “Boston Legal.” I’m glad “In Treatment” did well at the Golden Globes, even better than at the Emmys (as I’m sure a reader of mine is as well, JG). Once again, great list, but it’s hard to tell who the winner might be.

Who will win? It might be Jon Hamm again, but I’m going to go with Gabriel Byrne.

Final Golden Globe Predictions

I'm a bit worried about the potential nominees because I think they'll be, quite frankly, boring. There are so few new shows out there this year, especially in the comedy categories, and I'm thinking it will just be an unimaginative repeat of past performers. I'd love to see some creative picks ("Battlestar Galactica," "Brotherhood"), but I can only hope that the shows I'm pulling for manage to do well ("True Blood"). These nominees don't really mean anything since Emmy season is so far away and, as I said, there are so few new contenders. On top of that, shows like "Damages" and "24" don't come back until next month and haven't aired this year, leaving out other questionable contenders for the Emmys. Nominations are announced Thursday morning; I'll be back sometime that day with detailed reactions. Full predictions below:

Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama
BRYAN CRANSTON, BREAKING BAD
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
GABRIEL BYRNE, IN TREATMENT
JON HAMM, MAD MEN

Best Actress in a TV – Drama
SALLY FIELD, BROTHERS AND SISTERS
KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER
JANUARY JONES, MAD MEN
HOLLY HUNTER, SAVING GRACE
ANNA PAQUIN, TRUE BLOOD

Best Actor in a TV Series – Comedy
DAVID DUCHOVNY, CALIFORNICATION
ZACHARY LEVI, CHUCK
STEVE CARRELL, THE OFFICE
LEE PACE, PUSHING DAISIES
ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK

Best Actress in TV Series – Comedy
ANNA FRIEL, PUSHING DAISIES
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, SAMANTHA WHO
TINA FEY, 30 ROCK
AMERICA FERRERA, UGLY BETTY
MARY-LOUISE PARKER, WEEDS

Best Actor in a TV Movie / Mini-Series
RALPH FIENNES, BERNARD AND DORIS
PAUL GIAMMATI, JOHN ADAMS
KEVIN SPACEY, RECOUNT
TOM WILKINSON, RECOUNT
KIEFER SUTHERLAND, 24: REDEMPTION

Best Actress in a TV Movie / Mini-Series
SUSAN SARANDON, BERNARD AND DORIS
SHIRLEY MACLAINE, COCO CHANEL
JUDI DENCH, CRANFORD
LAURA LINNEY, JOHN ADAMS
PHYLICIA RASHAD, A RAISIN IN THE SUN

Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series
JEREMY PIVEN, ENTOURAGE
BLAIR UNDERWOOD, IN TREATMENT
TOM WILKINSON, JOHN ADAMS
HARVEY KEITEL, LIFE ON MARS
JOHN SLATTERY, MAD MEN

Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series
EILEEN ATKINS, CRANFORD
SHOHREH AGHDASHLOO, HOUSE OF SADDAM
DIANNE WIEST, IN TREATMENT
AUDRA MACDONALD, A RAISIN IN THE SUN
LAURA DERN, RECOUNT

Best Mini-Series or TV Movie
BERNARD AND DORIS
CRANFORD
JOHN ADAMS
A RAISIN IN THE SUN
RECOUNT

Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical
CALIFORNICATION
CHUCK
ENTOURAGE
PUSHING DAISIES
30 ROCK

Best TV Series – Drama
BREAKING BAD
DEXTER (6th nominee)
HOUSE
IN TREATMENT
MAD MEN
TRUE BLOOD

Golden Globe Predictions: Best TV Series – Comedy/Musical

Oddly enough, the only previously-nominated show recognized last year was Entourage, which has been nominated every year it’s aired for this award. The show’s reviews have been dwindling, but will Globe voters abandon the show? They tend to favor new, hot shows, something that’s missing entirely this year. Last year’s winner “Extras” ended, and this year’s hot new British show “Secret Diary of a Call Girl” didn’t air enough episodes in 2008 to compete (even if that’s not the reason, it’s not eligible). Last year’s nominees Pushing Daisies and 30 Rock are likely safe, and I do hope that Californication can get nominated once again. I think this is where Chuck comes in and breaks into the field, one year late, though that thunder could be stolen by The Big Bang Theory or Kath & Kim. The Globes don’t nominate shows they’ve given up on, but I don’t think it’s a complete lost cause for The Office, Ugly Betty, and Weeds.

Predicted five:
CALIFORNICATION
CHUCK
ENTOURAGE
PUSHING DAISIES
30 ROCK

Golden Globe Predictions: Best TV Series – Drama

Looking at last year’s list, forget “Big Love” and “Damages” because they didn’t air in 2008. Knock both Grey’s Anatomy and The Tudors down to unlikely contenders due to lack of critical praise and buzz, respectively. Keep Mad Men and House; they’re safe. Factor in new cable shows Breaking Bad, In Treatment, and True Blood and I think you have your list. I suspect that Dexter will be a sixth nominee this year. With its critical resurgence, Lost might have a shot at a comeback, like it did at the Emmys this past year, but I don’t think the Globes are likely to bring it back. I don’t see it, but other Golden Globe prognosticators are hedging their bets on the lone new buzz-worthy network TV drama, Life on Mars.

Predicted five:
BREAKING BAD
DEXTER (6th nominee)
HOUSE
IN TREATMENT
MAD MEN
TRUE BLOOD

Golden Globe Predictions: Best Supporting Actress

Even the Emmys forgot about Jaime Pressly after handing her a trophy last year, and I think the same is likely true for Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy), though it’s possible I’m completely underestimating the staying power of the show and someone like Sara Ramirez or Brooke Smith could show up here. I think this is a category that will be dominated by limited series events, starting with Laura Dern (Recount), Eileen Atkins (Cranford), Audra McDonald (A Raisin in the Sun), and Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Saddam). Rounding out the nominees should be Dianne Wiest (In Treatment), whose recent Emmy win and revered status should help her, guaranteed voters embrace the show. Last year’s nominee Rachel Griffiths (Brothers and Sisters) may not be down and out for the count, and awards forum posters seem pretty interested in Jessica Lange (Sybil). Recent Emmy-favored comedy actresses Jean Smart (Samantha Who) and Kristin Chenoweth (Pushing Daisies) may make the cut, but sometimes the Golden Globes are a bit slow on the uptake, and only come to shows after they’ve long declined (an example might be Jaime Pressly, though I think “My Name is Earl” sucked from day one). This is a category I’ve done horrendously in with past years, so expect to see a slightly, if not completely, altered list.

Predicted five:
EILEEN ATKINS, CRANFORD
SHOHREH AGHDASHLOO, HOUSE OF SADDAM
DIANNE WIEST, IN TREATMENT
AUDRA MCDONALD, A RAISIN IN THE SUN
LAURA DERN, RECOUNT

Golden Globe Predictions: Best Supporting Actor

This category takes its nominees from dramas, comedies, mini-series, and TV movies. Sometimes it’s dominated by the latter two (“Angels in America”), and others it’s only TV. In 2002, this category was expanded to fit 9 people. In other words, it’s an extremely volatile, unpredictable race, and I’m trying just for fun. Jeremy Piven (Entourage), last year’s winner and a four-time nominee, should return if voters haven’t completely given up on his show. Tom Wilkinson (John Adams) is likely to score a nomination, but he has tons of internal competition I haven’t even included within my top ten contenders. Both John Slattery (Mad Men) and Blair Underwood (In Treatment) should benefit from the critical love for each of their shows, but the chances of the latter are saddening since he somehow missed out on an Emmy nomination when the rest of the cast got in. Some of last year’s nominees like William Shatner (Boston Legal), Kevin Dillon (Entourage), and Donald Sutherland (Dirty Sexy Money) may have a shot, but I suspect voters have forgotten about their shows and performances (in Dillon’s case). Denis Leary (Recount) swore a whole lot and got an Emmy nomination, and if he can overcome the other few supporting men in the TV movie, he might just be in (a former nominee for “Rescue Me”). Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), whose popularity seems to be growing through the roof, has two previous nominations, one for “Doogie Howser,” and the other for a 1988 film, and voters may finally find him on their radar if they’re looking for contenders. Though I doubt this show’s chances, I think that this is the spot where Harvey Keitel (Life on Mars) represents one of the only new network television shows to make a stink at all. I could be wrong though, and we may see a whole lot of surprises here.

Predicted five:
JEREMY PIVEN, ENTOURAGE
BLAIR UNDERWOOD, IN TREATMENT
TOM WILKINSON, JOHN ADAMS
HARVEY KEITEL, LIFE ON MARS
JOHN SLATTERY, MAD MEN

Golden Globe Predictions: Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical

It seems to me that this year’s list should look exactly like last year’s: Christina Applegate (Samantha Who), America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Anna Friel (Pushing Daisies), and Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds). Three new faces to watch out for are Molly Shannon and Selma Blair (Kath & Kim) and Debra Messing (The Starter Wife), who received a nomination for the mini-series that preceded her show. Rounding out the contenders, voters may feel comfortable with old favorites Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine) and Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives)

Predicted five:
ANNA FRIEL, PUSHING DAISIES
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, SAMANTHA WHO
TINA FEY, 30 ROCK
AMERICA FERRERA, UGLY BETTY
MARY-LOUISE PARKER, WEEDS

Golden Globe Predictions: Best Actor in a TV Series – Comedy/Musical

From last year’s pool of nominees, only one isn’t eligible this year: Ricky Gervais (Extras). The other four should return, simply because there isn’t anyone else to compete. I can’t pick out a winner among them, but expect to see Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Steve Carrell (The Office), David Duchovny (Californication), and Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies). Slot five will likely go to either Zachary Levi (Chuck), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), or Jonny Lee Miller (Eli Stone). I’m personally pulling for James Roday (Psych), and I’m not so sure voters have forgotten about Tony Shalhoub (Monk). Minus other legitimate contenders, Justin Kirk might be promoted to lead actor (Weeds).

Predicted five:
DAVID DUCHOVNY, CALIFORNICATION
ZACHARY LEVI, CHUCK
STEVE CARRELL, THE OFFICE
LEE PACE, PUSHING DAISIES
ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK

Golden Globe Predictions: Best Actress in a TV Series – Drama

Last year’s list in this category contained seven names, two of which are ineligible because their shows did not air in 2008: Glenn Close (Damages) and Edie Falco (The Sopranos). The remaining five could get make up this year’s list, but I fear for Minnie Driver, whose show (The Riches) got cancelled after a tragically short seven-episode season. Patricia Arquette may also have been forgotten by voters because her show (Medium) hasn’t aired on NBC since May. The other three are probably safe: Sally Field (Brothers and Sisters), Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer), and Holly Hunter (Saving Grace). Though the Globes rarely reward shows they’ve given up on, Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU) may be fresh enough in voters’ minds. Though it’s hard to gauge how voters will react to Alan Ball’s new HBO series (True Blood), I think Anna Paquin will get in. My wild card prediction for the runner-up slot – an actress who has, along with her show, been gaining buzz for years now and almost got an Emmy nomination this year: Mary McDonnell (Battlestar Galactica). Last year’s hot show (Mad Men) has only gotten hotter, and I think it’s time lead actress January Jones got recognized, although she’ll have internal competition from Elisabeth Moss.

Predicted five:
SALLY FIELD, BROTHERS AND SISTERS
KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER
JANUARY JONES, MAD MEN
HOLLY HUNTER, SAVING GRACE
ANNA PAQUIN, TRUE BLOOD

Golden Globe Predictions: Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama

Expect previous nominees Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), and Hugh Laurie (House) to return. Last year’s nominee Bill Paxton is ineligible because his show (Big Love) didn’t air this year, and I think that Jonathan Rhys-Meyers won’t be nominated again because his show (The Tudors) may have lost buzz. It’s always possible that past nominees like Matthew Fox (Lost), Patrick Dempsey (Grey’s Anatomy), and James Spader (Boston Legal) could turn up again, but the Golden Globes rarely like to revisit once-adored shows once they’ve left them off their lists once. The only real new network TV show star in the running is Jason O’Mara (Life on Mars). Expect instead the actors of two highly-praised new cable series: Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment).

Predicted five:
BRYAN CRANSTON, BREAKING BAD
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
GABRIEL BYRNE, IN TREATMENT
JON HAMM, MAD MEN