Emmy nominations: The bad news

July 19, 01:42 PM

I don't hate Boston Legal. I think it's a decent show, albeit one given to the usual David E. Kelley tendency toward speechifying, and when I do watch it I rather enjoy the way James Spader and Co. tear into their performances.

But for me, Boston Legal is part of television's vast middle ground, neither especially bad nor particularly good, worthy of the occasional look but not of a season pass on my DVR.

You see where I'm headed here: In 2007, which is one of the richest in the history of television for drama, it really has no business among the five finalists for outstanding drama series at the Emmys.

Hell, I wouldn't put it any higher than the third- or fourth-best drama series on its own network (after Lost, Brothers & Sisters and Grey's Anatomy). Grey's is also nominated for best drama, but how Boston Legal is judged a better series than its other two ABC mates, or The Wire or Dexter or Friday Night Lights or Deadwood or Battlestar Galactica or The Shield, surpasses my understanding.

Not as much, though, as the zero -- that's nil, squadoosh -- nominations, in any category, for The Wire. Its fourth season last fall was -- and I swear I'm not being hyperbolic here -- the finest piece of work on television I have ever seen. I'm not surprised that none of its actors were nominated, although off the top of my head, Clarke Peters, Wendell Pierce (that's him up top), Michael K. Williams and Aidan Gillen were all worthy of supporting nods.

What shocks me, though, is that members of the television academy passed it over for writing and directing and in all the technical categories. For a minute I played the game -- similar to what my colleague Dan Fienberg did at his own blog -- of "What shows got one more nomination than The Wire?" After seeing According to Jim, The Class and -- dear lord -- On the Lot in that list, I got too depressed and had to stop.

The outcry over the dearth of nominations for Friday Night Lights has issued from many other quarters, so let me just add my voice to the chorus. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton were both more than worthy, as was the show for best drama. And like Dan I'm a little mystified at the lack of recognition for its technical merits. A show doesn't look and feel that naturalistic by accident.

My one-man TV Academy also would have nominated How I Met Your Mother and Weeds (or possibly Extras) for best comedy instead of Two and a Half Men and Entourage; found places for CCH Pounder, Justin Kirk, John Krasinski, Kim Dickens, Jack Coleman, Alyson Hannigan and Michael Hogan in the supporting-actor categories; given Michael C. Hall the lead-acting nomination he deserved; recognized the excellent directing and editing on The Shield -- which like The Wire got shut out; and found a way to get writing nods for Scrubs (particularly for the episodes dealing with the death of Nurse Roberts) and Everybody Hates Chris.

Given the way the series categories -- which the entire TV academy votes for -- shook out, it seems fair to conclude, again, that the Emmy nomination system is at least partly broken. I've made that argument before and won't restate it here; instead, the floor is yours -- on with the lamentations.

in Emmys

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Comments (50)

Comments

Seeing Boston Legal picked for best drama over Lost was shocking. But then I remember that Dubya won re-election. It just goes to show you, there's no accounting for taste. Oh, the humanity.

Lori | Jul 19, 2007 2:22:50 PM | #

I too was surprised with some of the nominations or lack of nominations for that matter. But on the whole, I think these noms are better than last year. Boston Legal may not be the best show on tv, but it is one of my favorites, so I'm alright with it. With all the bad, you gotta be happy with 30 Rock, Alec Baldwin, and Tina Fey all getting noms. Also, Locke and Ben on Lost definately deserve their noms. Lost was Much better in the second half of the season and at least the awesome season finale got some nods.

Aaron | Jul 19, 2007 2:27:49 PM | #

The Emmy nominations are a joke this year! Granted, some shows and actors deserved to be nominated, but the worst part are the actors who were NOT recognized. Many others have already mentioned Chandler and Britton from Friday Night Lights, but I still can't believe that Michael C. Hall was left out. Hall was amazing in Six Feet Under, and he's even better in Dexter.

Paige | Jul 19, 2007 3:05:59 PM | #

You failed to mention GERALD MCRANEY for his fabulous job as George Hearst in DEADWOOD and as Johnston Green in JERICHO.
I AM very happy about Hugh Laurie getting a nod. He got snubbed last year so I really hope he wins this year. That would be my only reason for watching the show.

Amanda | Jul 19, 2007 3:10:31 PM | #

The worst part? Boston Legal IS NOT A DRAMA!
Boston Legal IS A COMEDY.
COMEDY.

Yes, I shouted. No, I don't feel better. I swear, the Emmys have been stupid one way or another for as long as I can remember.

Steve | Jul 19, 2007 3:21:43 PM | #

The Emmys are a joke. They have been for many years. It's always the same people. same shows, etc. that are nominated. Going back to the 1960's - 8 nominations for Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitchd) and never won. Angela Lansbury (Murder She Wrote) 12 nominations and never won. It's all a BIG farce.

Ron | Jul 19, 2007 3:32:31 PM | #

BEST COMEDIES:

MY NAME IS EARL
30 ROCK
MONK
EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
THE OFFICE

BEST DRAMAS

THE SOPRANOS
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
THE WIRE
DEADWOOD
DEXTER

Nuff SAID

Craig | Jul 19, 2007 4:35:50 PM | #

How Lost doesn't get a nomination is beyond me. After the first 6 episodes, most fans were ready to give up on the show, but then the writers turned on the jets and the latter part of the season was better than even the magnificent first season...which by the way won Outstanding Drama Series that year.

Chris | Jul 19, 2007 5:42:57 PM | #

I agree - it's ludicrous that dreck like Boston Legal would be nominated over those far more worthy candidates, not the least of which is Lost.

And Elizabeth Mitchell was ROBBED.

Sanchez | Jul 19, 2007 6:33:06 PM | #

I disagree with all of you. Boston Legal is very deserving. When you look at a show on it's whole, (writing, directing, acting, etc.), in my opinion, Boston Legal is an A+ show. So are some of the others you mentioned, however, they can only pick 5. This season of Boston Legal was by far its best ever and James Spader is by far, the best actor on TV. A very deserving nomination from my end.

Michael | Jul 19, 2007 7:26:17 PM | #

How Elizabeth Mitchell wasn't nominated irks me, she didn't even make the Top 10 pre-noms. She created a rich character, that had you hating her one moment loving her the next, all guessing what she's up too. Crminal omission. There are no words for Boston Legals' nom, it's more fluff then drama. But was happy of the love shown 30 Rock, Heroes, and The Office.

JT | Jul 19, 2007 8:03:57 PM | #

I just have to say I'm freaking tried of Battlestar getting over looked every year for best drama...Boston Legal, seriously, I didn't even know it was still on. Lost, FNL, HIMYM, & Dexter all got screwed! I don't even won't to start with the actors and actress that got overlooked again! Not surprised though! Looks like another year that I will not be watching!

LB | Jul 19, 2007 10:31:27 PM | #

Iwas disappointed that neither Psych nor its star James Roday got a nomination. It is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen, and he is hilarous.

Diana | Jul 20, 2007 4:06:21 AM | #

I totally disagree, Boston Legal is most deserving of this nomination, unlike any other show on air it has comedy, drama and a social conscience. Their actors, especially James Spader, have the ability to turn on a dime from a comedic moment to a heartbreaking dramatic scene.

Marie | Jul 20, 2007 6:22:29 AM | #

unbelievable. I like Boston Legal, but it is not a drama and it is not anywhere near as good as several other shows on TV right now especially LOST. They must have pissed some people off to get railroaded these last two years. The only reason Michael Emerson and Terry O'Quinn managed to get nominated was because they are so superior to every other actor working on TV right now that the Emmy voters could not possibly deny them a nod. The only problem is they will probably split the vote and both lose. Every scene they were involved in was absolutely riveting and when they were together it was amazing. They are both like great point guards in that they raise the game of the actors they work with.

steve | Jul 20, 2007 6:25:21 AM | #

I agree with Ron, the Emmys are a joke (The only Entertainment Award that matters is the Oscar). However, after a while the complaining about who has been nominated and who hasn't gets a little old. Was anyone really surprised that The Wire or Friday Night Lights were not nominated? After 6 years of snubs, was the Gilmore Girls exclusion really a shock? We should take the Emmys for what they are: a meaningless but fun award show that rewards the most popular shows and maybe sometimes one or two not popular ones (Arrested Development, 30 Rock).

Calvin Q | Jul 20, 2007 8:07:57 AM | #

Lost sucks...I'm glad it got snubbed.

I hate lost | Jul 20, 2007 8:11:18 AM | #

I am more amazed that Heroes was picked for Best Drama over Lost. Lost has nominations in both best writing and best directing categories, whereas Heores has none, and yet somehow Heroes is nominated for Best Drama and Lost is not. That makes absolutely no sense. On top of that Lost's episode submission of the finale was far superior than Heroes submission of Genesis which was its pilot episode.

Chris | Jul 20, 2007 8:16:12 AM | #

sorry ive seen FNL, but fail to see the buz about it. I thought it was just OK. It will probally be gone by mid-season. It even failed during its summer run, that cant be good.

john | Jul 20, 2007 8:27:38 AM | #

Thanks for your well thought out and eloquent comment.

I am dissappointed to see Lost get snubbed, but it certainly hasn't been near as good as it was the first year. However, it is still easily one of the best five shows on TV. That's all I'll say about Lost, it's my favorite show so I know I'm too biased to look at it objectively.

Boston Legal is not a great show and shouldn't be nominated, it's a good show with great performances. Spader and Shatner take the same crap Kelley has been churning out since Ally McBeal and make it seem brillant. Many other shows were more deserving, Friday Night Lights, BSG, Dexter, and the list goes on.

What really gets to me though, is another nomination for Two and a Half Men. Scrubs, My Name is Earl, HIMYM and even Desperate Housewives, although I am happy to see that show shutout, are better than the tired, formulaic CBS drivel. My Two Dads was doing a better job with this same pitch 20 years ago. With so many clever and inventive shows out there, I don't know how this piece of junk gets into the top twenty, let alone the top five. It must just be that the highest rate show automatically gets a pass to help boast telecast ratings.

Ken | Jul 20, 2007 8:28:39 AM | #

Sorry John, the first line of my post was directed at I hate Lost, not you.

Ken | Jul 20, 2007 8:31:01 AM | #

I don't understand why everyone is upset that Boston Legal was nominated for outstanding drama but no one is complaining about Grey's Anatomy getting an Outstanding Drama nod. That show is terrible. At least that show only has 10 nominations this year instead of 21.

Nate | Jul 20, 2007 8:56:17 AM | #

Who in the world considers "Grey's Anatomy" one of the five best dramas on television? I call "shenanigans" on that nomination. That show is so nothing. Are you really going to tell me that it is better than "Rescue Me", "Dexter", "The Tudors" (no nominations, not even for Maria Doyle Kennedy?), "The Wire", or "Battlestar Galactica"?

They really need to bring back the cable ACE awards.

Brian | Jul 20, 2007 9:15:43 AM | #

Boston Legal's nom is a complete joke. I agree that there are a whole list of other shows that should have been nominated. It almost makes me not want to watch the Emmys

TJ | Jul 20, 2007 9:18:00 AM | #

Also, to the "Lost" lover who thinks that Terry Quinn and Michael Emerson are the only actors derserving best supp actor nods this year.

James Callis and Michael Hogan, not to mention a steller season by Jamie Bamber on "Battlestar" would have been well deserved nominations. Also, "The Wire" has several actors in its supporting cast that do better work than the work on "Lost". (Michael Williams, Aiden Gillen, Glynn Turman all did better work than either of "Lost's" nominees.) How about Sam Neil or Jeremy Northam on "Tudors", pretty damn good work.

If you are going to comment, allow it to make sense.

Brian | Jul 20, 2007 9:28:57 AM | #

The only thing this year's Emmy nominations prove is just how far out of touch they are with the audience out there. Cable doesn't just mean HBO and Showtime -- The Wire, The Shield and Battlestar Galactica had fantastic seasons.

To me, though, the biggest snub is the CW: if Desperate Housewives is the benchmark for dramedic performance for the Emmys, then why no nominations at all for Gilmore Girls' last season?

Brian from Canada | Jul 20, 2007 9:51:49 AM | #

The problem with the Emmys is that there are too many programs on broadcast and cable networks out there plus a lot of consistently excellent long-running shows to simply pare them down to five nominees. Long running shows should be shunted off to a series of new categories. There used to be categories in the 50s for "continued performance". This opens up the main categories for newer programs to be recognized. Five slots in four categories is no longer enough to spread the wealth around, particularly with the Emmys penchant for familiarity.

Terrence | Jul 20, 2007 10:15:12 AM | #

That having been said, the exclusions of Michael C. Hall of "Dexter" and Tichina Arnold of "Everybody Hates Chris" are an absolute insult to this standard of excellence by which contenders are to be judged. Granted, Arnold's snub speaks just as much to the Emmys CW snobbery (like the WB and UPN before it) as it does to the number of broadcast and cable networks in existence.

Terrence | Jul 20, 2007 10:18:48 AM | #

Lori, I can assure you that the same people who nominated Boston Legal did NOT vote for Dubya! :)

I love Boston Legal and am thrilled it's nominated. Now maybe ABC will quit treating it like a red-headed step child and do some actual promotion for the show. Boston Legal could be up in the comedy category as well, I agree, but it was submitted as a drama. Considering each hour is about 50/50, I can't argue. I do consider it the funniest show on television, however. I hope more people give this show a chance now. Sure, it can be outlandish at times, but it all comes together at the end of the hour and the silliness serves its purpose. I think the reason some viewers don't like it is because they don't give it enough of a change. Regular views of Boston Legal LOVE it. I really think it has a good chance of winning the category this year. There were some strong episodes. I'd have left Grey's off the list (weak this year) and put Lost on. Lost WAS robbed. But why all the hate for Boston Legal?

Jeff | Jul 20, 2007 10:53:57 AM | #

My bad. Didn't mean to post that twice. Sorry for the typos as well. I should have proofread! Any while I'm posting this, I'll add Matthew Fox was robbed as well.

Jeff | Jul 20, 2007 10:57:06 AM | #

what the hell about lauren graham?

Anthony | Jul 20, 2007 11:20:54 AM | #

Hey, I like Boston Legal. (Ok, Maybe it's not the single greatest thing to every be broadcast on a Television, but when it started it was funny, fresh and original and it still has as much steam in it as it did the beginning.) Whereas it's "bretheren" on ABC (in fact the show that replaced BL in it's original Sun. night timeslot) Grey's Anatomy started out as funny, fresh and original and within a few short months was had become such a cheap predictable soap opera that it's almost painful to watch. Grey's Anatomy shouldn't be beating out the Guiding Light for Daytime Emmy's this season. I like to think that everyone is entitled to there opinion and to each his own and all that..but anyone who says that GA is better than BL is WRONG. Even if BL isn't one of your top 5.

David | Jul 20, 2007 11:47:19 AM | #

Heroes More Deserving than Lost.

Not even going to claim that Heroes is a better show here. (Although time will certainly tell) however, we all know how horrendously bad LOST was the first half of this season. (So bad that I almost stopped watching and I'll watch ANYTHING!) But Heroes had an exceptional freshmen year, more dealing with exposition and creation of this "universe" than any major character or plot development. This is stuff that is usually simpler (more straightforward at least) to write and direct. That's why LOST gets writing and directing nominations for brilliantly using four episodes to dig them out of the 12 episode pit of despair that they'd been hanging in. Whereas, HEROES gets the Best Drama nod for introducing us to what may become America's next favorite T.V. show. This is clearly a case where the entire season must have been in the voters minds and not just the screening episode. (For I will agree that the LOST finale was a better individual episode than the HEROES premier.)

David | Jul 20, 2007 12:00:57 PM | #

and finnally...I too am sad about the lack of a FNL/Connie Briton/Kyle Chandler nods.

Thrilled about NPH's nod for HIMYM

I'm happy for 30 Rock, which cam a long way in a short period of time

still don't like the Office (Not my style, find it grates on me WAY more than it makes me laugh) But I'm at least smart enough to know while it's not MY style it may be someone else's and that for such a specific style, it is exceedingly well, written, directed and performed. (In other words, "I hate that show and never ever watch it" is not a good justification for why a show is not deserving of Emmy's)

And if you're going to regognize Minnie Driver's work in The Riches (which I'm delighted with) then you have to also be willing to realize that no one does better work on that show than Margo Martindale who totally deserved a B.S. Actress/Drama nod!

David | Jul 20, 2007 12:07:44 PM | #

Very disappointing ommissions--particularly The Wire, Battlestar Gallactica, MC Hall, and Elizabeth Mitchell--but perhaps any ommission is not shocking. Given the limited slots in each category and the ever- expanding choices due to more channels and expanded programming, it just can't all be captured anymore. I guess we chalk up the really bad selections to good PR, politics and familiarity.

JD | Jul 20, 2007 1:06:55 PM | #

Lauren Graham should be making room for her 7th EMMY. Instead she has ZERO nominations. There is no actress, no PERFORMER in television today doing better work, or more critical to a program than she is in Gilmore Girls.

The Emmy's remain a JOKE.

steve77 | Jul 20, 2007 1:40:39 PM | #

What about ROME people?

tim | Jul 20, 2007 9:05:09 PM | #

Whilst disgusted at the lack of any nominations for The Wire, I'm not surprised! There are four reasons which will prevent it ever getting any form of recognition from the Emmy committee; 1. It's not made in New York or Hollywood, you can set it anywhere you like, as long as you make it in those two locations, 2. It's way to complex for the simple minded members of that same committee, (and for the wider American public) 3. It's major protagonists are black in a troubled black city and finally 4. (and this is going to upset some people, but.....) David Simon's avowed intent was to highlight the end of the American empire, I would also add, more importantly, the end of the (myth)of the American Dream.

Chris Butler | Jul 24, 2007 5:35:58 AM | #

I know its getting old, but Gilmore Girls deserves at least one nomination for best comedy or Lauren Graham. It was the shows last attempt at even getting a single Emmy nomination. I know this past season wasn't on the same level as past seasons, but come on, how can you seriously give According to Jim a nomination, albeit in a technical category and not even consider a quality show like Gilmore Girls.

Nick | Jul 24, 2007 9:26:06 AM | #

I actually like Boston Legal but it def should not have been nominated. I think that Lost and B&S are much more deserving especially Lost. Also James Spader and W. Shatner? Come on...def don't deserve noms. FNL is one of the best shows on TV. Granted I watched the whole season on the computer because I didnt think I'd like it but once you start, you cant stop. The show was great and acting superb! The emmy's did the show a great disservice by not recognizing it. I also believe that Veronica Mars should have been in the race as well as its star Kristen Bell. Great writing and acting. The emmys need to start looking at it's younger actors because they are giving some of the best performances. I also wouldve liked to see Lauren Graham finally nominated. Yeah this was a lack luster season of GG but Lauren Graham never let down. She should've been finally recognized for superb work. Was happy to see NPH nom for HIMYM. He is hilarious on the show and wouldve also loved to see HIMYM nom for best comedy over 2 and 1/2 men. Would've also liked to see New Adventures of Old Christine there as well. Wanda Sikes should have been included in the supporting category. She is freakin hilarious.
24 doesnt deserve a nod and neither does Keifer. Should've been given to Matt Fox!

A | Jul 25, 2007 9:31:15 AM | #

I was so dissapointed that "the tudors" didn't get any nominations for their actors, who i think did an exceptional job,though they had only four nominations i hope they win all of them and the person who wrote the comment dat said gilmore girls should have been nominated for best comedy series ah got 2 words for you "NIGGA PLEEAZ!!!" LOVE U HENRY CAVILL

Melanie | Jul 27, 2007 6:52:25 PM | #

WHATEVER HAPPEN TO SHOWS LIKE NCIS OR ANY OF THE CSI'S OR EVEN THE UNIT THERE ARE SOME GREAT ACTORS IN ALL OF THEM. I DO WISH 2 1/2 MEN DOES WELL IT IS THE ONLY COMEDY THAT I WATCH ALL THE OTHERS DON'T EVEN MAKE ME GRIN BUT THAT ONE MAKES ME LAUGH.

KIM | Aug 7, 2007 9:08:40 AM | #

BEST COMEDY SERIES
- 30 Rock
- Entourage
- How I Met Your Mother
- The Office
- Weeds

BEST DRAMA SEREIS
- Friday Night Lights
- Grey's Anatomy
- Heroes
- Lost
- The Sopranos

BEST LEAD ACTOR/COMEDY
- Alec Baldwin
- Zach Braff
- Steve Carell
- Jason Lee
- Tony Shaloub

BEST LEAD ACTOR/DRAMA
- Michael C. Hall
- James Gandolfini
- Denis Leary
- Hugh Laurie
- James Spader

BEST LEAD ACTRESS/COMEDY
- Julia Louise Dreyfuss
- America Ferrara
- Tina Fey
- Mary Louise Parker
- Jordanna Spiro

BEST LEAD ACTRESS/DRAMA
- Patricia Arquette
- Edie Falco
- Mariska Hargitay
- Sally Field
- Kyra Sedgwick

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR/COMEDY
- Kevin Dillon
- John Krasinki
- Neil Patrick Harris
- Jeremy Piven
- Rainn Wilson

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR/DRAMA
- Michael Emerson
- T.R. Knight
- Masi Oka
- Terry O'Quinn
- William Shatner

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS/COMEDY
- Lizzy Caplan
- Allyson Hannigan
- Felecity Huffman
- Elizabeth Perkins
- Jaime Pressley

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS/DRAMA
- Connie Britton
- Katherine Heigl
- Evangelline Lilly
- Sandra Oh
- Chandra Wilson

That would've made me happy.

Triple H | Aug 17, 2007 12:02:24 AM | #

This is for all you "Boston Legal" non-fans. Tune in tonight for the episode that William Shatner used for his EMMY consideration. See why he was nominated, see why he should win. Tonight -- 10pm -- ABC.

Jimmy Allen | Aug 22, 2007 11:10:18 PM | #

Jimmy, "Son of the Defender" was a terrific episode. William Shatner is especially deserving of an award for it.

Shaun | Aug 23, 2007 12:03:26 AM | #

I was very sad to see tony bennent win three awards and ellen not win at least one...Her apperence in the Oscar's was bar none 100 percent excellent and I feel her performance should have given her a emmy...Tony had already won two he could give up one for the best in women on talk shows

marion | Sep 16, 2007 9:35:54 PM | #

Personal Pick:

The Closer & Kyra Sedgewick...this show is beautifully written, has a fabulous cast, and Hyra is just perfect. Mostof what was honored was tired old stuff...The Closer is the best show out there for my money.

Beverlee | Sep 17, 2007 9:58:06 AM | #

Personal Pick:

Beverlee | Sep 17, 2007 9:58:36 AM | #

I see where the 'Emmy Awards' got 13 million viewers.
Here's an idea. Show the 'Emmy Awards' on PBS.
First of all, commercial free. Get rid of the speeches, and make it 1 hour compared to 3 hours or how ever long they show it.

Steve | Sep 18, 2007 10:36:58 AM | #

The Wire is the BEST drama ever. The writers, directors and the cast are incredible. Enough with The Sopranos already.
The Wire and Deadwood are better.

Alicia | Feb 17, 2008 1:57:12 AM | #