Welcome to my coverage of the 2013 Primetime Emmys. As it’s less than a month away, I’ve decided to start a series in which I offer up my dream ballot for each major category. Then, I’ll look at the actual Emmy ballot and offer a “Who should win?” and a “Who Will Win?” for each. I hope you enjoy! Today, we’ll be looking at….
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Dream Ballot
LOUIS CK, “Louie”
Season 3 of Louie was a masterpiece of writing, directing, and acting, all done by Louis CK himself. He was as hilarious as always, and his interactions with the guest stars were brilliant, whether it be with Melissa Leo, Parker Posey, or others. His acting in the season finale was wonderful.
ALEC BALDWIN, “30 Rock”
Jack Donaghy is one of the greatest sitcom characters of all time, and Season 7 did nothing to change that. In fact, the final season only strengthened that sentiment, allowing Baldwin to be hilarious as always. His relationship with his mom paved the way for some brilliant lines, and the central Jack-Liz relationship ended in a perfect manner.
JAKE JOHNSON, “New Girl”
While season 1 highlighted Max Greenfield’s Schmidt as the funniest male character, season 2 really allowed Johnson to shine. Other shows would’ve messed up the long-awaited Jess-Nick romance, tumbling into rom-com plots and turning up the cheese. However, this relationship was genuine, hilarious, and moving, and I couldn’t get enough of it. Jake Johnson was truly the breakout star of the 2012-2013 television comedy landscape.
ADAM SCOTT, “Parks and Recreation”
Although I wouldn’t count Scott a lead actor, he submitted himself as such. Still, he definitely shined in the moments he had on screen. Before Ben married Leslie, he was doing his own thing, hanging out with April and going through kidney stones. He was really perfect, though, during the build-up to the wedding, and was an essential part of the endearing relationship that was Leslie and Ben.
JASON BATEMAN, “Arrested Development”
Bateman’s always been great in Arrested Development, and although the new season focused on different characters in different episodes, he still was a hilarious presence. Michael and George Michael is still one of the best dad-son dynamic on television, and Michael’s interactions with Gob, Buster, and the rest were still comedy gold.
JIM PARSONS, “The Big Bang Theory”
I’m not a huge Big Bang fan, but there’s no denying that Parsons is consistently great as Sheldon Cooper. The most recent season made him out to be too much of a jerk, but his relationship with Amy saved everything; his work in the finale was magnificent.
Who should win?
CK
Others considered: Garrett Dillahunt, Johnny Galecki, Peter Capaldi, Rob Corddry, Joel McHale, Elijah Wood
On to the real nominations…
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Jason Bateman, “Arrested Development”
Louis CK, “Louie”
Don Cheadle, “House of Lies”
Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes”
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”
Who should win?
CK
Who will win?
Parsons
Analysis: I’d love to see CK win. He’s absolutely magnificent. However, I feel like the top two candidates right now are Parsons and Baldwin, both respected actors with long-running shows. I could see it going either way, but I give the edge to Parsons. Don’t be surprised if CK wins, though.
Credit to CBS, NBC, FX, FOX, Netflix, Arrested Development, The Big Bang Theory, Louie, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, and New Girl for all pictures. I own nothing.
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