AFT Awards: Best Comedy Series

This is the twenty-first and final category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Episodes, Hello Ladies, Orange is the New Black, Parks and Recreation, Veep

Emmy nominees: Louie, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, Silicon Valley, Transparent, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Veep

Semi-finalists: Girls, Grace and Frankie, Happyish, House of Lies, Married, Togetherness, Weird Loners, Wilfred, You're the Worst

Finalists: Transparent launched Amazon into television territory with an affecting and enjoyable dramedy with a stellar cast. Silicon Valley got more sure of itself as a show as its characters became less confident. Shameless entered season five with the same zeal as always and some great new depraved plotlines. Episodes added new characters and drama to its already brilliant and biting formula. iZombie could have been just the latest zombie show, but it ended up being one of the most entertaining and smartest comedies in the process.

The nominees:

Babylon was an enormously clever and unmissable skewering of the police force. Jane the Virgin turned an iffy concept into a superbly creative and wonderful soap. Orange is the New Black entered its second season with the same fiery energy that made everything about season one work so well. Veep infused an already successful operation with some terrific new faces and just as much sarcasm for its latest and newest chapter.

The winner:

Parks and Recreation aired its final season, a fitting sendoff for all of its characters and a wonderful way to remember TV’s best comedy of the last decade!

Next up: That’s a wrap! The Oscar race is getting started, so stick around here for pilot reviews and head over to MoviesWithAbe.com for everything on movies!

AFT Awards: Best Drama Series

This is the twentieth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Breaking Bad, Justified, Person of Interest, Ray Donovan, Sons of Anarchy

Emmy nominees: Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, House of Cards, Mad Men, Orange is the New Black

Semi-finalists: 12 Monkeys, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Banshee, Better Call Saul, Boardwalk Empire, Downton Abbey, Elementary, Game of Thrones, Hell on Wheels, House of Cards, Longmire, Mad Men, Person of Interest, Rectify, The Red Road, The Walking Dead

Finalists: Orphan Black took a big gamble with a new plotline and succeeded very well in enhancing its story. The Newsroom signed off with six final installments that combined excellent writing with superb acting. Parenthood went off the air with a heartfelt and heartwarming final season. The Flash redefined the superhero genre with a fresh and undeniably exciting take on a very likeable protagonist. The Bridge somehow got darker in its second season, which introduced new elements of corruption and intense drama.

The nominees:

Justified and Sons of Anarchy, two of FX’s most influential series, made the most of their final seasons, leaving viewers with a tremendously positive and unforgettable memory of the shows. Ray Donovan developed in its second season, charting new territory with the same calm cool and mesmerizing style. The Affair told a complicated story from multiple perspectives, a risky device that ended up more than able to weave an unbelievably watchable tale.

The winner:

The Leftovers took a questionable concept and turned it into searing drama and a completely captivating character study.

Next up: Best Comedy Series

AFT Awards: The “Threshold” Award for Best Cancelled Series

This is the nineteenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. This category is a special one, given out four times in the past six years, honoring those shows which died this past season. "Threshold", for those who do not know, was a fantastic science fiction drama that premiered in 2005 on CBS and was axed after only nine episodes (the DVD release contains four additional unaired episodes). Led by the great Carla Gugino and featuring a fun cast, the show began with an electrifying pilot surrounding an interesting type of alien invasion strategy. Unfortunately, the show premiered around the same time as two similar sci-fi series, the dreadful "Surface" and the impressive "Invasion." Both those shows outlived "Threshold" but ultimately did not make the cut for a renewal order. "Threshold" was the victim of a bad timeslot, and just to make it worse, CBS decided to renew a staggering six series from the 2005-2006 season. This category was suggested by a friend several years to be titled the "Firefly" award, but I hadn’t yet seen that show, which has a large enough fan base, thus, I would like to honor the memory of "Threshold" with this award. This year, this category includes shows that were cancelled during or immediately following their first or second season (with one notable exception below).

The “Threshold” Award for Best Cancelled Series

Babylon (SundanceTV): This blistering police parody was a superb and unequaled show that deserved much more than six episodes. There was plenty more storytelling to do, and it’s a shame that only a limited number of British and American audiences got to see the brilliance of this series and neither country wanted to keep it alive.

The Bridge (FX): Dramas on FX are of a certain caliber, and I don’t know why the network seemed to hold the latest excellent drama it offered in lower regard. Demian Bichir and Diane Kruger only get better in the show’s equally enticing second season, and this is just the latest great show to end on an intense cliffhanger that could have sent it into an even more compelling third season and beyond.

Happyish (Showtime): This show didn’t necessarily get to be the great series it could one day have become, but there were plenty of hints along the way that it had that potential. Showtime’s angriest new series starred Steve Coogan and Kathryn Hahn as people who couldn’t be more annoyed with their lives. Its incorporation of brands and famous historical figures was clever, and this show deserved another chance.

The Newsroom (HBO): This show doesn’t technically qualify for this category, but I see no reason why a show created by Aaron Sorkin should have such a short and unremarkable life. This show’s first season was excellent and its second slumped, but the six episodes in its final season were packed with superb material, a clear sign that this show had much more storytelling and speech-delivering to do.

Weird Loners (ABC): This show isn’t necessary worthy of comparison to the other series I’ve recognized in this category, but it was that broadcast network comedy of the season that I enjoyed a bit and looked forward to getting to enjoy for more than just a paltry six episodes. That and it’s always a treat to see Becki Newton back on television.

Next up: Best Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

This is the eighteenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Episodes, New Girl, Orange is the New Black, Parks and Recreation, Veep

Semi-finalists: Californication, Galavant, Girls, Grace and Frankie, Happyish, House of Lies, iZombie, Married, Modern Family, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Weird Loners, You're the Worst

Finalists: Orange is the New Black unified its inmates and those in their lives with an affecting and entertaining second season of storylines. Episodes got zanier than ever before with a few important cast additions and dependable lunacy from its returning regulars. Silicon Valley embraced its tech setting with hilariously on-key turns from all of its players. Shameless continued to grow in its fifth season with superb turns from the whole extended Gallagher clan. Togetherness was a soft-spoken, often awkward comedy aided tremendously by its actors.

The nominees:

Jane the Virgin was a surprisingly sweet and charming comedy with wonderfully animated and enjoyable performances. Parks and Recreation went off the air with a fantastic final effort from its cast. Veep was on fire with a few amazing additions to its already irresistibly sarcastic ensemble. Transparent wove an involving dramatic story with great comedic elements balanced very well by all of its actors.

The winner:

Babylon was populated by fast-talking people rarely saying what they actually meant, and all performers contributed exceptionally to the banter and fervor.

Next up: Best Cancelled Series

AFT Awards: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

This is the seventeenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Breaking Bad, House of Cards, Justified, Person of Interest, Ray Donovan

Semi-finalists: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Banshee, Better Call Saul, Boardwalk Empire, Daredevil, Downton Abbey, Elementary, Game of Thrones, Hell on Wheels, House of Cards, Longmire, Orphan Black, Person of Interest, The Bridge, The Good Wife, The Killing, True Blood, Tyrant

Finalists: The Affair assembled a group of people all facing a crisis of some sort, embellishing its ensemble just as strongly as its protagonists. Mad Men moved into its final era with committed performances all around. The Red Road delved deeper into its story with a cast ingrained in its themes and universe. Parenthood said goodbye with one last round of heartwarming family drama from its TV family. Rectify hit home more than ever with deep, intense portrayals of soft-spoken, complicated characters.

The nominees:

Justified, Sons of Anarchy, and The Newsroom all signed off with superb cast efforts that made their ensemble players invaluable. Ray Donovan intensified its storylines and got the best out of its dedicated performers.

The winner:

The Leftovers united a large and diverse group of actors to portray the remnants of humanity following the rapture, all of whom contributed such emotion and intensity to every moment of the show.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

This is the sixteenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Writing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Civil War (Family Tree), Fucksgiving (Orange is the New Black), Moving Up (Parks and Recreation), Pilot (Transparent), Crate (Veep)

Emmy nominees: Episode 409 (Episodes), Alive in Tucson (The Last Man on Earth), Bobby’s House (Louie), Two Days of the Condor (Silicon Valley), Pilot (Transparent), Election Night (Veep)

Semi-finalists: Election Night (Veep), Pilot (Married), Testimony (Veep), We Have Manners, We're Polite (Orange is the New Black), White Hat/Black Hat (Silicon Valley)

Finalists: Episode 3 (Babylon), Episode 5 (Babylon), Episode 6 (Babylon), Two Funerals (Parks and Recreation), Storms and Pancakes (Veep)

The nominees:

One Last Ride (Parks and Recreation)
Milk of the Gods (Shameless)
Pilot (iZombie)
Female Author (Girls)

The series finale of TV’s best comedy paid proper tribute to its characters with a fitting sendoff. The season premiere of Showtime’s edgiest dramedy was a strong and creative hour, and the pilot of the CW’s finest comedy return to form was clever and enjoyable. HBO’s comedy delivered its best hour in a long time with an eviscerating takedown of its Iowa tangent.

The winner:

Chapter One (Jane the Virgin) was a marvelously creative and enjoyable hour of television that took a clever concept and made it work exceptionally well.

Next up: Best Ensemble in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

This is the fifteenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Directing for a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Chapter 29 (Eastbound and Down), Moving Up (Parks and Recreation), The Pawnee-Eagleton Tip-Off Classic (Parks and Recreation), Optimal Tip-to-Tip Efficiency (Silicon Valley), Pilot (Transparent)

Emmy nominees: Alive in Tucson (The Last Man on Earth), Sleepover (Louie), Sand Hill Shuffle (Silicon Valley), Best New Girl (Transparent), Testimony (Veep)

Semi-finalists: 40 Oz of Furlough (Orange is the New Black), Leslie and Ron (Parks and Recreation), Milk of the Gods (Shameless), Two Funerals (Parks and Recreation)

Finalists: Episode 5 (Babylon), Episode 6 (Babylon), Election Night (Veep), Pilot (Married), We Have Manners, We're Polite (Orange is the New Black)

The nominees:

Pilot (iZombie)
Chapter One (Jane the Virgin)
One Last Ride (Parks and Recreation)
Kick the Can (Togetherness)

Two of the season’s best new shows impressed with their very first episodes, while the best comedy on the air went out in true style. HBO’s quietest new comedy encapsulated its themes and tone with one extremely memorable episode.

The winner:

Episode 3 (Babylon) turned a comedy into a drama with an intense and carefully-constructed hour that worked immensely well in both genres.

Next up: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Writing for a Drama Series

This is the fourteenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Writing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Ozymandias (Breaking Bad), The Beetle (The Bridge), Hitting the Fan (The Good Wife), Wrong Roads (Justified), A Mouth is a Mouth (Ray Donovan)

Emmy nominees: Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep? (The Americans), Five-O (Better Call Saul), Mother’s Mercy (Game of Thrones), Lost Horizon (Mad Men), Person to Person (Mad Men)

Semi-finalists: Alpine Shepherd Boy (Better Call Saul), Bingo (Better Call Saul), Episode 7 (The Affair), Episode 9 (The Affair), Gladys (The Leftovers), May God Bless and Keep You Always (Parenthood), Rakshasa (The Bridge), Sunny (Ray Donovan), The Captain (Ray Donovan), The Fire Trials (Banshee)

Finalists: Guest (The Leftovers), S U C K (Ray Donovan), If-Then-Else (Person of Interest), Collateral (Justified), Fugitive Number One (Justified)

The nominees:

Main Justice (The Newsroom)
Run (The Newsroom)
The Forecast (Mad Men)
Until You're Blue (Rectify)

Two of the final episodes of HBO’s drama covered so much enticing material. AMC’s period drama wrapped up a whole lot in its most memorable hour of the season, and Sundance’s soft-spoken series was more resounding and unforgettable than ever.

The winner:

The Garveys at the Their Best (The Leftovers) was an emotionally searing and harrowing hour of television that dug deep into all of its characters to flesh them out more fully and vividly during a brighter time.

Next up: Best Directing for a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Directing for a Drama Series

This is the thirteenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Directing for a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees:
Pilot (Almost Human), Granite State (Breaking Bad), All Shot to Hell (Justified), 4C (Person of Interest), You Are My Sunshine (Sons of Anarchy)

Emmy nominees: Eldorado (Boardwalk Empire), Mother’s Mercy (Game of Thrones), Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken (Game of Thrones), From A to B and Back Again (Homeland), Method and Madness (The Knick)

Semi-finalists: Arms of Mine (12 Monkeys), Gladys (The Leftovers), Guest (The Leftovers), Hardhome (Game of Thrones), Main Justice (The Newsroom), May God Bless and Keep You Always (Parenthood), Mother's Mercy (Game of Thrones), Pilot (12 Monkeys), Pilot (The Flash), Run (The Newsroom), S U C K (Ray Donovan), Sunny (Ray Donovan), The Captain (Ray Donovan), The Forecast (Mad Men)

Finalists: Fast Enough (The Flash), Certain Agony of the Battlefield (Orphan Black), Tribal (Banshee), Episode 9 (The Affair), Collateral (Justified)

The nominees:

If-Then-Else (Person of Interest)
Five-O (Better Call Saul)
Episode 7 (The Affair)
Rakshasa (The Bridge)

Format was key in the CBS procedural that showed multiple variations of what could happen in the most exciting and gripping way. AMC’s freshman drama filled in a very important backstory in dramatic fashion. Showtime moved its show along with blistering honesty, and FX’s short-lived drama had its most action-packed and impactful episode yet.

The winner:

The Garveys at their Best (The Leftovers) was an utterly devastating penultimate hour of the rapture drama that provided a heart-wrenching flashback to fill in all the important backstory at just the right moment.

Next up: Best Writing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Uzo Aduba, Linda Cardellini, Gaby Hoffmann, Taryn Manning, Tatiana Maslany

Emmy nominees: Pamela Adlon, Elizabeth Banks, Christine Baranski, Joan Cusack, Tina Fey, Gaby Hoffmann

Semi-finalists: Alice Wetterlund (Silicon Valley), Alicia Witt (House of Lies), Allison Mack (Wilfred), Desiree Akhavan (Girls), Kathryn Hahn (Parks and Recreation), Lennon Parham (Veep), Mary McCormack (House of Lies), Mary Steenburgen (Togetherness), Michaela Watkins (Married), Michaela Watkins (Transparent), Sophie McShera (Galavant), Suzanne Cryer (Silicon Valley), Tina Fey (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt)

Finalists: Natalie Morales (Parks and Recreation) was a sweet, cool, wonderful companion for the incomparable Tom Haverford. Barbara Rosenblatt (Orange is the New Black) made the onetime bank robber’s time in prison among the most endearing of her show’s plotlines. Valorie Curry (House of Lies) added a bit of non-Jeannie feminine energy to the pod, never content to back down from a war of words or to be judged by a man. Emily Robinson (Transparent) stole an uneven episode with her spirited performance as an unforgettable rebellious Bat Mitzvah candidate. Kiernan Shipka (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) was just as energetic as her sister but filled with so much hilarious hate rather than love for the world.

The nominees:

Yara Martinez (Jane the Virgin) was a frantic, wild mess who was irresistible to watch. Andrea Savage (Episodes) took charge of her network and the people involved with a scathing and fantastic fury. Gillian Jacobs (Girls) burst onto the scene as the friendliest, most intellectual threat to Hannah possible, a magnificent match for her. Sasha Alexander (Shameless) took Lip by storm in an extremely confident, alluring role.

The winner:

Bridget Regan (Jane the Virgin) was a superb part of her show, transforming a mogul father’s wife into something much more complicated, devious, and entertaining.

Next up: Best Directing for a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the eleventh category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Chris Diamantopoulos, Billy Eichner, Sam Elliott, Christopher Meloni, Henry Winkler

Emmy nominees: Mel Brooks, Louis C.K., Paul Giamatti, Bill Hader, Jon Hamm, Bradley Whitford

Semi-finalists: Billy Baldwin (Wilfred), Diedrich Bader (Veep), Hugh Bonneville (Galavant), Jake Lacy (Girls), Jon Bass (House of Lies), Nestor Carbonell (Wilfred), Patrick Fischler (Married), Steven Weber (House of Lies), Zachary Quinto (Girls)

Finalists: Chris Diamantopoulos (Silicon Valley) was perfectly cast as a wild, uninhibited millionaire who managed to sabotage everything he touched with maniacal madness. Sam Elliott (Parks and Recreation) showed up at just the right moment as Eagleton Ron to remind his Pawnee counterpart of everything he held dear and how he contradicted it all. Bradley Whitford (Transparent) turned in a heartfelt and subdued portrayal of a man trying just as hard as Maura to hide the woman he really was. Demetri Martin (House of Lies) was an entertaining egomaniac to drive Marty crazy. Fred Melamed (House of Lies) was a great father figure for Clyde, so dishonest and manipulative that he made his son look enormously genuine.

The nominees:

Jon Hamm (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) was a delightfully deranged cult leader more than capable of concocting a ridiculous defense for himself. Tim Blake Nelson (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) was the epitome of small-town mockery as a deputy who considered himself lower ranking than a police animal. Patrick Fischler (Shameless) was devoted and entertaining as a mourning father who found comfort in the company of the new owner of his son’s liver. Billy Eichner (Parks and Recreation) gave the anger-prone Craig a superb sendoff as he graduated to great and fitting things.

The winner:

Hugh Laurie (Veep) waltzed in as the smoothest talker there ever was, a popular politician who jumped onto the Meyer ticket with stonefaced enthusiasm and a desire to be more involved even though he had no idea what he was getting himself into.

Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

This is the tenth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Rosanna Arquette, Emily Bergl, Amy Smart, Brooke Smith, Alicia Witt

Emmy nominees: Khandi Alexander, Rachel Brosnahan, Allison Janney, Margo Martindale, Diana Rigg, Cicely Tysno

Semi-finalists: Alison Brie (Mad Men), Aya Cash (The Good Wife), Brooke Smith (Ray Donovan), CCH Pounder (Sons of Anarchy), Frances Fisher (Rectify), Jessica Pare (Mad Men), Julia Ormond (Mad Men), Julianne Nicholson (Masters of Sex), Kaitlyn Dever (Justified), Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men), Rosario Dawson (Daredevil), Vinessa Shaw (Ray Donovan)

Finalists: Mary Steenburgen (Justified) was just the right kind of villain for her show, one who could talk circles around anyone else and manipulate everything to her whim. Kerry Condon (Better Call Saul) was an important emblem of hope and promise caught in a violent and unforgiving world. Christine Woods (The Walking Dead) and Tovah Feldshuh (The Walking Dead) represented two very different leaders in this season of the zombie drama, each exuding authority with a few crucial flaws. Julie Ann Emery (Better Call Saul) feigned ignorance and innocence with such conviction that it was hard to tell whether her embezzler actually thought she had done anything wrong.

The nominees:

Kat Dennings (The Newsroom) was the perfect choice to play the entitled heir to a fortune who had no interest in apologizing for it or being talked down to. Evelyne Brochu (Orphan Black) stood out among a sea of women played by one actress as a character in her own right, complicated and well-meaning even if her actions didn’t always show it. Annabeth Gish (Sons of Anarchy) hopped aboard another FX show to try to infuse Charming with a bit of goodness as a sheriff well aware of ethical compromises that needed to be made. Odette Annable (Banshee) went out in glorious fashion that only her show could provide, fighting strong and intently up until the very end.

The winner:

Ashley Hinshaw (True Blood) showed up as the girlfriend of a fringe character not recently seen or featured, and she turned out to be a bright spot in an otherwise despicable universe who lit up the screen with her genuine sweetness.

Next up: Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

This is the ninth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Elliott Gould, Steve Harris, Jacob Lofland, Eric Lange, James Woods

Emmy nominees: F. Murray Abraham, Alan Alda, Beau Bridges, Reg E. Cathey, Michael J. Fox, Pablo Schreiber

Semi-finalists: Corey Stoll (Homeland), Damon Herriman (Justified), Denis O'Hare (Banshee), Eion Bailey (Ray Donovan), Jimmi Simpson (The Newsroom), Paul Lieberstein (The Newsroom), Richard E. Grant (Downton Abbey), Scott Glenn (The Leftovers), Tyler James Williams (The Walking Dead), Walton Goggins (Sons of Anarchy)

Finalists: Hank Azaria (Ray Donovan) made a fabulous legal nemesis for the Donovan family, clever, cunning, and shrewdly prepared to manipulate events to his advantage. Oliver Platt (The Good Wife) was a strong right-wing foil for Diane, delighting so much in bickering that the difference of opinions was made worthwhile. Patterson Joseph (The Leftovers) had the tough job of making Holy Wayne seem like a miracle worker with nothing more than a calming, authoritative aura. Ross Marquand (The Walking Dead) felt so out of place in a postapocalyptic society, a breath of fresh, trusting air. Bruno Bichir (The Bridge) was a bastion of good in a vicious place just like his real-life brother’s character.

The nominees:

One show definitely had the best casting, throughout its entire run and for this final season. These four villains were all magnificently portrayed by different actors: Jonathan Tucker’s gun-slinging smooth talker, Duke David Roberts’s childlike Choo Choo, Sam Elliott’s collected kingpin, and Garrett Dillahunt’s military muscle.

The winner:

Marc Pickering (Boardwalk Empire) did a spot-on impersonation of his character’s older self and made his young Nucky Thompson a vital and fascinating part of the final season of this show.

Next up: Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the eighth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Nina Conti, Cristin Milioti, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Laura Prepon, Christine Woods

Emmy nominees: Mayim Bialik, Julie Bowen, Anna Chlumsky, Gaby Hoffmann, Allison Janney, Jane Krakowski, Kate McKinnon, Niecy Nash

Semi-finalists: Dorian Brown (Wilfred), Emily Bergl (Shameless), Emma Kenney (Shameless), Fiona Gubelmann (Wilfred), Gaby Hoffmann (Transparent), Jane Krakowski (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Kate Mulgrew (Orange is the New Black), Kether Donahue (You're the Worst), Lorraine Toussaint (Orange is the New Black), Mircea Monroe (Episodes), Retta (Parks and Recreation), Sufe Bradshaw (Veep), Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black)

Finalists: Brooklyn Decker (Grace and Frankie) and June Diane Raphael (Grace and Frankie) tempered their mother’s craziness with their own antics, balancing sweet and frantic and controlled and cutthroat. Kathleen Rose Perkins (Episodes) contended with her latest obstacle – a female boss to sleep with – with typical frenzied panic and hilarious antics. Andrea Navedo (Jane the Virgin) made her young mother a much more complicated character than she ought to have been, sweet and still figuring out how to be an adult and a parent. Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation) grew up against her every inclination in the final season of her show, hanging out to her singular disdain for life and others but managing to actually accomplish something at the same time.

The nominees:
Amy Landecker (Transparent) energetically explored her own sexual confusion as her father came out in a much bigger way. Amanda Peet (Togetherness) could have been a caricature but instead ended up shaping the dramatic nature of her comedic show as an impulsive and childish adult.Jenny Slate (Married) showed up at all the right moments to paint a picture of marriage and friendship as two distinctly separate things. Anna Chlumsky (Veep) got her best material yet as she finally spoke her mind and realized there were other avenues for her in which she could be far less subtly brutal.

The winner:

Yael Grobglas (Jane the Virgin) made a clear-cut villain something much more complex, constantly swinging from conniving manipulator to gentle, sentimental soul with true commitment.

Next up: Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the seventh category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Aziz Ansari, Gary Cole, Kevin Dunn, Nick Offerman, Christopher Evan Welch

Emmy nominees: Andre Braugher, Titus Burgess, Ty Burrell, Adam Driver, Tony Hale, Keegan Michael-Key

Semi-finalists: Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation), Baron Vaughn (Grace and Frankie), Chris Pratt (Parks and Recreation), Ethan Cutosky (Shameless), Jay Duplass (Transparent), Jim O'Heir (Parks and Recreation), Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley), Martin Starr (Silicon Valley), Matt Walsh (Veep), Reid Scott (Veep), Stephen Mangan (Episodes), T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley), Timothy Simons (Veep), Titus Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Tony Hale (Veep), Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Zach Woods (Silicon Valley)

Finalists: Justin Baldoni (Jane the Virgin) turned a character who should have been a waste of space into a good-natured, flawed reformed playboy who ended up being one of the best aspects of his show. Bradley Whitford (Happyish) was full of fiery frustrated passion in a role that should have lasted longer. Steve Zissis (Togetherness) made an over-the-top personality bearable and endearing, toning him down whenever needed and letting him run wild the rest of the time. Gary Cole (Veep) was on call to point out the absurdity of everything around him, his voice permanently set at a sarcastic barometer. Timothy Omundson (Galavant) was silly and wild as a ridiculous king, having a blast and making the most of his wacky show.

The nominees:

James Nesbitt (Babylon) was stoic, poised, and permanently infuriated as a police commissioner with no patience for stupidity or obstacles. Jaime Camil (Jane the Virgin) was the definition of egomania, almost as effervescent about his new family as he was about himself. Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) turned up for one final character arc that gave Ron the perfect ending and a hilarious battle on the way to it. Ethan Embry (Grace and Frankie) stood out in his cast as an unhinged but sweet addict trying to get his life back together with the utmost energy.

The winner:

Sam Richardson (Veep) was always at the ready to say the wrong thing in the most oblivious, enthusiastic tone, meaning well but never having a clue about time and place.

Next up: Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

This is the sixth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Amy Acker, Erika Christensen, Caitlin FitzGerald, Annabeth Gish, Sarah Shahi

Emmy nominees: Uzo Aduba, Christine Baranski, Emilia Clarke, Joanne Froggatt, Lena Headey, Christina Hendricks

Semi-finalists: Abigail Spencer (Rectify), Adrianne Palicki (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Amy Acker (Person of Interest), Annabeth Gish (The Bridge), Deborah Ann Woll (Daredevil), Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood), Emily Kinney (The Walking Dead), Erika Christensen (Parenthood), January Jones (Mad Men), Jennifer Ferrin (Hell on Wheels), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Julianne Nicholson (The Red Road), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey), Molly Parker (House of Cards), Ophelia Lovibond (Elementary), Sarah Shahi (Person of Interest), Trieste Kelly Dunn (Banshee)

Finalists: Mae Whitman (Parenthood) anchored her large ensemble as a mother-to-be unsure of whether she was ready to be a grown-up. Adelaide Clemens (Rectify) embodied true kindness and compassion as she struggled with figuring out if she was in the right place in life. Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) refused to let a new administration compromise the values she had worked hard to build. Maura Tierney (The Affair) enhanced her supporting role by giving her wronged wife one hell of a personality. Emily Hampshire (Twelve Monkeys) was magnificently maniacal as a disturbed revolutionary with quite a manifesto.

The nominees:

Ann Dowd (The Leftovers) exhibited immense control over everything around her as a true believer intent on spreading her gospel, especially to those who didn’t want to hear it. Franka Potente (The Bridge) was an excellent villain for her show as an emotionless killer whose roles as murderer and mobster were equally compelling. Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) transformed into a new equally interesting person after her irreversible fall from grace. Olivia Munn (The Newsroom) was full of fast-talking energy and spirit as she delivered news and navigated an office romance.

The winner:

Carrie Coon (The Leftovers) conveyed extraordinary sadness and loneliness as a woman who lost her entire family charged with negotiating insurance settlements for those who lost their family members in the rapture.

Next up: Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

This is the fifth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Josh Charles, Peter Dinklage, Dean Norris, Peter Sarsgaard, Jon Voight

Emmy nominees: Jonathan Banks, Jim Carter, Alan Cumming, Peter Dinklage, Michael Kelly, Ben Mendelsohn

Semi-finalists: Ashraf Barhom (Tyrant), Craig T. Nelson (Parenthood), Michael Scott Kelly (House of Cards)

Finalists: Michael McKean (Better Call Saul) was focused and fascinating as the older brother of our budding lawyer with more than a few issues of his own. Joshua Jackson (The Affair) made a supporting character who could have been bland and tangential a layered and vital part of his show’s ensemble. Ari Millen (Orphan Black) had big shoes to fill on his shoe and preformed commendably as a few different variations of the same defective archetype. Sam Waterston (The Newsroom) went out with fiery passion for the work he did and the nobility of his enterprise. Nick Blood (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) was a fun full-time addition to his already unserious cast.

The nominees:

Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul) revisited an already superb character and gave him considerable depth and backstory in a role that started out as all too brief. Christopher Eccleston (The Leftovers) defined faith in his depiction of a preacher determined to make others see the same harsh light he did. Ted Levine (The Bridge) was a crucial part of his show, offering sardonic commentary but also a more serious sense of loyalty. Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) was an outcast with fewer soapboxes to speak on but still managed to let his fiery wit and spirit into the world.

The winner:

Walton Goggins (Justified) transformed Boyd into something more than just a villain, setting him up as a man with a plan whose ambition always got in the way of living a happy normal life, and his choice of words was thoroughly sophisticated and magnificent the whole time.

Next up: Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the fourth category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Zooey Deschanel, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tamsin Greig, Amy Poehler, Taylor Schilling

Emmy nominees: Edie Falco, Lisa Kudrow, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, Amy Schumer, Lily Tomlin

Semi-finalists: Becki Newton (Weird Loners), Emmy Rossum (Shameless), Judy Greer (Married), Kathryn Hahn (Happyish), Lena Dunham (Girls), Lily Tomlin (Grace and Frankie)

Finalists: Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) was amazingly bubbly and full of unflappable spirit in a way that made her show actually work. Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep) took on a new role with her same signature sarcastic, vicious nature that left none of her underlings lacking for insults. Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black) took a backseat to her ensemble but still infused Piper with spunk and intellect. Tamsin Greig (Episodes) contended with the latest American shenanigans to plague her show and an unfortunate new nemesis. Melanie Lynskey (Togetherness) was quiet and shy as a character who anchored her show with her well-meaning sweetness and yearning for adventure.

The nominees:

Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) was delightful as the dedicated lifelong public servant who closed out her show with a wonderful final season. Rose McIver (iZombie) was a different kind of hero, one who never displayed enthusiasm of her own but got to show it through other people’s emotions. Brit Marling (Babylon) was a force to be reckoned with as a communications director with attitude and a penchant for being cutthroat. Aya Cash (You're the Worst) was perfectly depraved as a selfish young woman utterly unconcerned with anyone else’s opinion of her.

The winner:

Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) was, above all else, genuine in her portrayal of an eager aspiring whose accidental insemination threw her whole life plan off course, anchoring this English telenovela with her likeable protagonist.

Next up: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

This is the third category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 season. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Matt LeBlanc, Danny McBride, Stephen Merchant, Chris O’Dowd, Adam Scott

Emmy nominees: Anthony Anderson, Don Cheadle, Louis C.K., Will Forte, Matt LeBlanc, William H. Macy, Jeffrey Tambor

Semi-finalists: Chris Geere (You’re the Worst)

Finalists: Nat Faxon (Married) made a mildly motivated father and husband feel real and funny. Don Cheadle (House of Lies) built up his company with no end in sight, eager to unapologetically bite the hand that fed him at every turn. Mark Duplass (Togetherness) was nervous and awkward as a competent stylistic anchor of his muted comedy. Steve Coogan (Happyish) hated everything around him with a passion but managed to turn his protagonist into a believable character over the course of his show’s sole season. Elijah Wood (Wilfred) wandered around wondering whether he was crazy in his show’s fourth and final season.

The nominees:

Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) made Ben a crucial part of Pawnee’s history in his show’s marvelous final season. Matt LeBlanc (Episodes) was selfish and oblivious as always as he started to see that maybe his career wasn’t headed where he thought it was. William H. Macy (Shameless) nearly let Frank become a good person but made sure to let his inner awfulness shine through. Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) was a meticulous mess, trying so hard to steer his startup right and failing in some way at every occasion.

The winner:

Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) delivered an immersive, heartfelt take on a woman trapped in a man’s body finally ready to reveal to those around her the true self she had been bottling up for decades.

Next up: Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

AFT Awards: Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

This is the second category of the 9th Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television during the 2014-2015 seasons. Finalists and semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.

Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Last year’s nominees: Lizzy Caplan, Diane Kruger, Julianna Margulies, Tatiana Maslany, Elisabeth Moss

Emmy nominees: Claire Danes, Viola Davis, Taraji P. Henson, Tatiana Maslany, Elisabeth Moss, Robin Wright

Semi-finalists: Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex), Lucy Liu (Elementary) Br />
Finalists: Amanda Schull (12 Monkeys) was a superb exemplar of the difficult task of reasoning science and logic with the seemingly impossible. Claire Danes (Homeland) was frenetic as ever in a new place with even more treachery and problems than her homeland. Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy) went off the deep end with her character but managed to keep her composed and collected at just the right moments. Emily Mortimer (The Newsroom) was strong-willed and envelope-pushing in her final arc as a dedicated news producer. Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife) braved a new landscape with her political career and brought plenty of naïve passion with her.

The nominees:

Ruth Wilson (The Affair) threw herself fully into the role of a depressed wife who saw the opportunity for something exciting and forbidden and couldn’t resist. Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men) sent Peggy Draper out in style, giving her one last shot at making her mark on advertising. Diane Kruger (The Bridge) dug even deeper into her dedicated detective as she faced new hurdles and deadly threats. Robin Wright (House of Cards) exerted her influence and role in her husband’s political career as he sidelined her and she refused to take it.

The winner:

Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) continued to portray a number of extremely different characters, making it seem each time like a different actor was on screen breathing life into a fresh, unique clone.

Next up: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series