The DVD's for the next panel arrived and I have watched them all, very carefully. This category---the last one I will be judging---is Outstanding Drama Series and the nominees are:"GREY'S ANATOMY"
"HOUSE"
"THE SOPRANO'S"
"24"
"THE WEST WING"
Another very challenging category for me to judge. Each of these shows gets to pick two episodes for our viewing which seems like a very fair way to do this, since you are judging the entire show....and one episode might not be enough to give you a real sense of the sweep of any series. Two may not either but it is better than just one, for sure.
Okay. So here we go, in alphabetical order:
"GREY'S ANATOMY" is for me a strange mixture of things. A Hospital Drama dealing with sometimes very serious and painful things, and then it is a comedy, too.
Not just a Drama Series With Humor, and that's where I have my problem. I feel like sometimes it doesn't know what it is and so therefore, neither do I. My understanding of the reality of this series puts me into "suspension of disbelief" mode here to a point where I almost have trouble with suspending my disbelief because the other side of that coin is/are some very real problems that are dealt with....I find mixing these two things in this hospital setting isn't for me, I guess. Interns doing Heart Surgery in a stuck elevator??? I cannot believe that. And there is at least one or two of these kinds of things in every episode. It is beautifully acted and very well written and the production values are excellent---I just have a lot of trouble with the plot points being too unbelievable."HOUSE" is another 'medical' show, but this one revolves around one particular eccentric fantastic diagnostician who also happens to be somewhat of a drug addict...
as played by Hugh Laurie, this character is not only believable, but lovable with all his warts! Now here is a Drama Series with Humor! This I 'get' and I found it fascinating and riveting. House is like a Detective Doctor....trying to figure out these very difficult mystery's that confront this special "Clinic Staff"....and all the actors are wonderful as is the writing. This is a super series! This is another show with a wonderful ensemble of actors...All of who are perfect in their roles. And then we have the actor who plays Dr. House, Hugh Laurie. He is an exceptionally talented man who's work has always been superb...He "makes" this series work, like gangbusters!I love "THE SOPRANO'S" and have always found this show to be one of the Best Ever on Television.
The writing, the acting, the direction....the whole premise of this show was and is unique to television in almost every way...but let's start with the premise...the story is about the head of a Mafia type family who is having heavy duty emotional problems and begins to go to a psychiatrist...and now, in it's 6th season, Tony Soprano is still doing this. To have a series where the hero is a terrifyingly powerful criminal that shows us his vulnerability---this has never before been seen on television. The two leads, James Gandolfini and Edie Falco (who plays Tony's wife Carmella) are utterly sublime talents---that neither of them received Emmy Nominations this year is a travesty and to me, that means there is some breakdown in this 'new' voting process that this could happen. But be that as it may....this is a brilliant heartfelt drama series that also falls into the category of a Drama Series with Humor. Another very special series that I will be very very sorry to see leave the airwaves when it ends it's long run, after eight more new episodes go on the air beginning in January 2007. "24" is nominated this year in this category.
This is a kind of "perils of pauline" show---for those of you who don't get this reference, this was a "serial" shown in the silent movie days where each week people were left with some horrific unsolved problem that kept them panting and wanting to come back to see the outcome---"will the train run over Pauline or not?....Come back next week to see"....This is kind of what '24' is like, only there is something happening like this every hour of each day, which means every episode each week! You could get exhausted just going through what Jack Bauer and his cohorts go through in every episode. This show, too, asks you to put your "suspension of disbelief" into High Gear! It is action packed and is a beautifully filmed and produced show. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and if this is your cup of tea---this show is for you! Wonderful performances by all the actors---particularly it's star, Kiefer Sutherland.
And last, but by no means least, we have "THE WEST WING". It is a testament to this series that in it's final year it was once again nominated in this category having been nominated every year of it's television life.
Superb writing, acting and direction....fantastic production values, and a show that made you feel---right or wrong---there was hope for America. No easy feat, and, on top of that, this show survived a huge 'changing of the guard' when it's writer/originator Aaron Sorkin left, along with his creative partner, Director Tommy Schlamme---the men who made this series what it was---to somehow rise like the phoenix with the fine hand of John Wells at the helm, and to remain one of the top top drama shows on television. This was a refreshingly different series when it arrived on the scene. And it had this wonderful ensemble cast of actors who made it all completely believable. It is missed by many...me, among those very many.
So, there you have this category. Many many people vote on this category---in fact there are two panels...the "A" panel and the "B" Panel....The difference is that each panel has different episodes so that all together four separate episodes are viewed. And, of course, what all of us are trying to do is to pick the Outstanding Drama Series for the 2005-2006 television season. And as with the other three category's I have had to judge, this one is a mother-bear, too.
Stay tuned, as they use to say....
More To Come....
- had this to say:
Hi OOLOTH, these awards must be taking up a fair bit of your time?
Here from Michele's this time.- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 12:34:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a tough category. I have to say that "house" is my all time programme and is the one programme that Hubby and Myself make an effor to watch every week. I love the humour -wit - and the compassion too.
Hugh Laurie is brill (and English btw hehehehe), Jesse Spencer is lovely too and it is amazing that we watched him grow up on the Australian Soap- neighbours where - he started there as a child and has really done well!
can you guess who I would vote for?
I like grey's anatomy too but my feelings are very much the same as yours. It is very watchable though
thanks for your lovely uplifting comment
xx Fizz- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 1:11:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just to say thank you for your comment.. As you know I find inspiration in the women that surround and support me.. and your comment is one I will treasure. I will definitely look for the musical. As George Seurat is one of my favourites. It is a dream of mine to be able to experience his and other masters paintings in person.
I think what you are doing is wonderful
Sincerely
Tanya- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 1:56:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
All of them are my favorite shows, except for 24. I never really ever watched it but I have heard nothing but good about it. I also just read that there will be a '24' movie to be made as well. Thank God for TiVo or I would never get to watch all these shows!
- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 2:02:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
OMG! How on earth are you meant to choose between some of those! Now that is a tough one. It always seems a shame to me that there have to be 'losers', although such goog shows are never really losers as they haev been watched and enjoyed by so many.
- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 2:30:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Btw -'goog' is meant to read 'good' and I notice that I spelt 'have' incorrectly too. It's not my spelling, just my typing!! Honest! I try to type too fast and I am not a touch typist at all :-)
- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 2:45:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
oh wow!! I do love grey's anatomy and house! I believe Grey's anatomy is character based and meant to be individual stories of them..the hospital stories are secondary in their learning.. thus comedy in their lives "because" they are learning things that are so serious.. anyway.. I never miss either show. Right there I'd have a major problem with a choice lol.
I never watched the Sopranos.. long ago I got tired of the Italians (and I'm Irish!)being portrayed in only the Mafia aspect. How the woman were treated, etc. So I never saw even one episode!!- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 4:36:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Maybe I'm a day late and a dollar short (what else is new?), but I didn't know you were involved with the Emmy's. I guess that shouldn't surprise me though! That now brings the total to two. Yup, two friends involved with the Emmy's in one way or anther. The other friend was involved with "Lost." He also had credits in Pixar's "The Incredibles."
~Mike- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 4:39:00 AM PDT
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Big Soprano's fan. I've never seen a West Wing. Does that make me a freak? No interest. I loved 24 the first season, but the pressure to watch every weekend because of it's chronological storyline got to me. I've seen a few Grey's Anatomy episodes. I've been in a deep crush with Patrick Dempsy since the 80s. i don't watch House...eh.
Aren't you glad I gave you my perspective! Like you asked for it. lol- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 6:14:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Well of course I would say hands down the "Sopranos" but I just am in love with the show period. (I hope I am not addicted to violence since I also love "Deadwood")
The others are really well received show. That is a pretty tough category. Good luck deciding.
(Personally I think West Wing has passed it's time....I can't see it holding up with those other huge forces)
You have such a neat life Naomi! I tell my non-blogger friends and husband about you and your stories all the time!- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 7:00:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm actually surprised at how much I actually like House. Usually I'm not a big medical drama guy, but Hugh Laurie really brings it home.
These reviews are fantastic, keep em up! I might actually watch the Emmys this year now!- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 7:35:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I saw your comment on Jane's blog.. and yes, there are stickers and buttons like that...
http://www.stickergiant.com/page/sg/CTGY/fuck- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 8:27:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Very well written and insightful, Naomi. Having only 4 channels out here in the sticks, I haven't seen a few of them but feel back in the cultural loop via your review.
I still remember how well Mash mixed comedy with drama (in that order).- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 8:56:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I never really ever watched "The Soprano's" because this series is not available on my satellite TV.
I like "House", but actually I see very little TV series, with a great exception to Monk!!
Have a good weekend, my dear!- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 9:47:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Another tough category, but my favorite of the bunch is House. I love that show. I think that Hugh Laurie is brilliant.
- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 10:45:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I love these posts of yours. It's like a window inside the Oscar Machine. Great fun. My mom adores House. I'm betting it wins. :)
~S- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 11:30:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh my, I can't give an un-biased opinion on this one. I LOVE THE SOPRANOS, so that's my very biased pick.
I think the writing is brilliant in Deadwood (vulgar but brilliant), I'm surprised they didn't get a nod, probably because of the vile language :)
Good luck!- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 3:31:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Don't forget - Hugh Laurie is English! And the director didn't know that because Hugh did a perfect US accent for his screentest!
We watch House avidly, and it sounds weird now when we hear his normal accent :-)
cq- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 4:13:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Mmmm mmm mmm. I sure do miss The Sopranos since HBO got cut out of my budget. I love GA and House too, though.
- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 5:08:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I have to boycott Grey's Anatomy because of their continued treatment of the nurses on the show.
House is the only one I watch.- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 5:31:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Darling Naomi. I loved catching up with your posts. I wish I had a grand piano!
Re your review of these series: I concur almost absolutely. My current favorite is House but I'll always love West Wing. Thanks for putting it in such wonderful words. Hope you and your "kids" have a week of peace and love!- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 7:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Thanks for the update.
I really am enjoying reading about the Emmy's...
Have a wonderful day!
*^_^
(=':'=) huge huggles
(")_ (")Š from da Raggedy one- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 8:07:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I love the Sopranos and Grey's Anatomy, and I find both of those shows have implausible plots - and I don't care. I love the quirkiness of Grey's and I will mourn the loss of the Sopranos when it ends.
- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 9:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I know you are a wonderful judge Naomi.
I have seen none of these shows. Can you believe it? Since blogging I watch hardly any TV at all and very little before that. I don't like movies that are unrealistic either.
(Is Sweetie helping?)- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 9:39:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow, what a great collection! You really do your homework. Good job! :)
- Friday, August 4, 2006 at 9:47:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, thanks for stopping by. I'm returning the favor and boy am I glad!
I just have to say that you have two of my all-time favorite shows in your hands - "24" and "Grey's Anatomy." I honestly didn't want to like either one, but I sat down and watched one episode and got so hooked. Sad, I know.
How fun that you're part of this process - good luck watching...and choosing!
Michele sort of sent me, but I'm glad that I'm here, however I did!- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 4:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
With all the very good entries, I bet you must be having a difficult time choosing the best.
Enjoy the reviews!- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 4:31:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I have only watched Grey's Anatomy. And only on German tv thanks to a satellite dish. I must say I like the mixture, maybe because four cousins (father's side) are docs and I have friend docs who have married docs and their children are now in med school... and remember the stories they told in college and the stories they tell when we meet...I know, not a profound opinion, but you know me, lol!
Happy weekend!- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 8:25:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Though I love Grey's Anatomy, my vote would be for "THE SOPRANO'S!"
Love that show, and will miss it terribly when it leaves!!!- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 11:40:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
here from michele's today
hmmmm...i'm sort of totally and completely over 24. i feel like it's jumped the shark in a big way. but maybe that's just me.
i've seen house a few times and liked it very much. i've only seen one sopranos and a few west wings.
maybe i should watch some of these....heh- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 11:48:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Once again, I really enjoyed reading your review of the shows. Especially the ones I've never watched.
I have watched Gray's Anatomy a number of times and to be honest, I was surprised it was nominated, because I feel exactly as you do....not believable very often, yet they deal with realistic issues. Go figure!
I wish I'd seen House, as everyone raves about it.
But...as you probably know...my vote would be West Wing and I'm SO sorry it's gone off to TV heaven.
Thanks for sharing this with us.- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 5:52:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Shane sent me!
love the post. You always make the mundane so exciting and interesting- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 7:58:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Another tough decision as you say. I would have to choose House from this lineup. I tried to watch the Sopranos a few times but could never get into it then I couldn't watch it at all because in real life Stanley Tucci left his wife for Edie Falco and it became personal for me LOL ( I wanted to slap Edie through the screen all the time even though it was Stanley who was the idiot.)
That went way off topic didn't it.
We are watching this season of 24 but again it is a bit meh although I do like Kiefer *wink*- Saturday, August 5, 2006 at 9:58:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
It would be a tough decision between House and The Sopranos, for me.
I've been meaning to rent the DVDs of "24" so I can watch it from the beginning. I know everyone loves it!- Sunday, August 6, 2006 at 3:04:00 PM PDT
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