Wednesday, August 17, 2011

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

This is the seventeenth category of the 5th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. For the directing and writing categories, I’ve included only honorable mentions rather than semi-finalists and finalists. Nominees are listed in the order I've ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Drama Series


Last year’s nominees: Mad Men, Parenthood, Sons of Anarchy, Treme, True Blood

Semi-finalists: The Chicago Code, Covert Affairs, Dexter, The Glades, Human Target, In Treatment, Rescue Me, Rizzoli & Isles, True Blood, Undercovers

Finalists: Parenthood saw its family unit experience considerable trials and tribulations, and the fine cast continually kept the stories grounded. Sons of Anarchy stretched its ranks thin and demanded even more of the best from its increasingly crowded ensemble. The Closer conducted a search for a new chief, and each of the players helped make that process all the more entertaining. Game of Thrones was stocked full of supporting players, all of whom made an impact, no matter has small their role. Lights Out brought together a disjointed home and work family that felt entirely authentic.

The nominees:

The Good Wife utilized every one of its cast members to their utmost potential to milk the most stirring and sensational storylines possible. Treme founds its characters exploring new possibilities while still well representing their roots. Boardwalk Empire brought the 1920s to life with a cast of colorful – and corrupt – characters. Justified amplified its cast with one hell of a wicked family and absolutely astonishing performances all around.

The winner:

Mad Men blazed into a new era with a new company and new challenges, kept company by the same superb actors and actresses.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

1 comment:

Andrew K. said...

The Good Wife wins this easily for me, I constantly amazed at how the show manages to use its players - even if some get sidelined (cough Christine Baranski) they're usually really on point.