Welcome to my coverage of the 2013 Primetime Emmys. As it’s less than a week 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 ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
TATIANA MASLANY, “Orphan Black”
Maslany burst onto the scene this year for her brilliant work as various clones of herself in Orphan Black, showing off her wide range as an actress. No other person in this category impressed me more than she did, and she’d be entirely deserving of recognition here. Even when the show was on its off days, Maslany was the glue holding everything together.
EMMY ROSSUM, “Shameless”
It confuses me as to why Showtime’s comedies garner more recognition than this show. It’s terrible, though, because Emmy Rossum isn’t getting enough attention. She’s a gorgeous, talented actress that is capable of acting the hell out of her role as Fiona Gallagher.
KERI RUSSELL, “The Americans”
Playing a Russian spy, Keri Russell was perfect as Elizabeth Jennings, a cold yet complex character that was a joy to watch unfold. Her interactions with Matthew Rhys’ Philip were compelling, and Russell took her character down a dark, terrifying path that culminated in the explosive season finale. Her acting in that episode was flawless.
CLAIRE DANES, “Homeland”
Last year’s winner Claire Danes was no less wonderful this season, and the only reason her character could be frustrating was because of the writers. She continued to terrifically portray the determined, yet kind of crazy, Carrie Mathison, and “Q&A” was one of the best television episodes I’ve ever seen. Her interrogation scenes with Damian Lewis’ Nick Brody were compelling, raw, and frightening. She is completely deserving of another nomination.
KERRY WASHINGTON, “Scandal”
She held the first season and the first part of last season together, the character of Olivia Pope quickly becoming one of the best characters on TV. She’s just so much fun to watch, and as the show moved in a more serialized direction, she got better as the supporting cast got better. She’s an anchor in the breakout show of last season.
ELISABETH MOSS, “Mad Men”
Peggy Olson is one of my favorite characters on TV, and she’s a deserving nominee. Her role in the sixth season was just as good as her work beforehand, and Peggy’s arc of independence allowed Moss to bring out new aspects of her character. When the two companies merged, Moss deftly portrayed a woman caught between two lives.
Who should win?
Maslany by a hair over Rossum, with Danes close behind
Others considered: Khandi Alexander, Vera Farmiga, Julianna Margulies, Glenn Close, Connie Britton, Michelle Dockery, Robin Wright, Nina Dobrev, Maggie Q, Mariska Hargitay
On to the real nominations…
Connie Britton, “Nashville”
Claire Danes, “Homeland”
Michelle Dockery, “Downton Abbey”
Vera Farmiga, “Bates Motel”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Kerry Washington, “Scandal”
Robin Wright, “House of Cards”
Who should win?
Moss
Who will win?
Danes
Analysis: It’s about time that the wonderful Elisabeth Moss won something, but still, Danes is fantastic, and I’m confident that the voters will award her a second award in a row. “Q&A” was just so great.
Credit to BBC America, Showtime, ABC, FX, AMC, Mad Men, The Americans, Scandal, Orphan Black, Homeland, and Shameless for all pictures. I own nothing.
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