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 ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Dream Ballot
HUGH DANCY, “Hannibal”
In a performance strikingly similar to wife Claire Danes’ Carrie Mathison, Dancy is playing the role of a mentally unstable, workaholic character. He commits to the role with sometimes terrifying resolve, resulting in a character who draws us in to his spiral into madness. His work in the later parts of the season is matched by very few.
ADEN YOUNG, “Rectify”
In an intense, complex, and moving performance, Aden Young delivered Emmy-worthy scenes across only six episodes. It’s a quiet performance, but that just makes it even more impressive. Young was always focused, even during scenes where he was just staring off into the distance.
BRYAN CRANSTON, “Breaking Bad”
Cranston is always at the top of his game as Walter White, and in the first half of the fifth season, he was just as good as ever, delivering a chilling performance as a mastermind on top of the world. His relationships with Skyler, Jesse, and Mike were all incredibly compelling and heartbreaking, and he was a major part of that.
JON HAMM, “Mad Men”
This guy deserves an Emmy. The problem is, there are so many other fantastic actors that he always falls by the wayside. Still, his performance in season 6 explored his troubled past, taking him down a dark path as he bounced off people like Peggy, Pete, Megan, and Sylvia. The finale was a masterpiece for both him and the show.
DAMIAN LEWIS, “Homeland”
Last year’s winner, Lewis remained superb as Nicholas Brody, delivering one of the best television performances ever in “Q&A” (one of the best television episodes ever, as well). Although the show went off the rails after that, he maintained that steely presence, taking his relationships with Abu Nazir and Carrie Mathison a step deeper.
MATTHEW RHYS, “The Americans”
I had an extremely difficult time choosing between him and Timothy Olyphant for the final spot, but I chose him. He handled Philip’s character shifts extremely well, interacting with Elizabeth and Martha in different ways. He can portray spy and regular person equally well, and he had a nice wig and glasses.
Who should win?
This may be the toughest category. Both Young and Dancy need recognition, as they’re both in low-rated, but brilliant shows. Lewis had the best episodic performance out of all of them, but the season as a whole wasn’t as great for him as season 1. Rhys was great, but not good enough to win. Hamm should have won already. Cranston should still win. I have no idea.
Others considered: Timothy Olyphant, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Spacey, Michael C. Hall, Jonny Lee Miller, Peter Krause, Clarke Peters, Andre Braugher, Michael Emerson, Joshua Jackson, Jeff Daniels
On to the real nominations…
Hugh Bonneville, “Downton Abbey”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Damian Lewis, “Homeland”
Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards”
Who should win?
Hamm
Who will win?
Spacey
Analysis: I think Spacey can take the crown and be the Damian Lewis of this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won; the voters love movie stars. Lewis also could win, considering “Q&A” was a perfect showcase for him, and Cranston was very good as well (I think that “Crawl Space” was a much better episode for him, though, and he didn’t win for that). Again, JON HAMM NEEDS AN EMMY. His work in the finale was magnificent.
Credit to Sundance, AMC, NBC, Showtime, FX, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, The Americans, Rectify, Hannibal, and Homeland for all pictures. I own nothing.
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