Variety Mag’s Emmy Nominee Analysis
The Emmy Awards is drawing nearer and nearer. I can’t say I’m generally excited for the outcome this year since some of my preferred TV series, specifically those that I thought would at least get a nomination recognition like Brothers & Sisters or Lost, failed to earn the favor of the voting panel. (Boo!!)
Although, one category the Emmy’s got at least 90% correct is Comedy. This year would have to be a pretty tight race, especially in the individual awards (Actor and Supporting Actor - Comedy).
Recently, Variety Magazine came out with an analysis of where votes will lean on, per category. I took the liberty of picking out the important points that WatchingTheOffice is actually rooting for, and here is what the magazine has to say regarding that:
Jenna Fischer
Show: “The Office”
Emmy pedigree: First nom
Best scene: After completing the hot coal walk during the “Beach Games” episode, an exuberant Pam approaches her co-workers, who are gathered around a fire, to confess that she canceled her wedding because of Jim, and she misses him being her best friend.
Why she may win: Pam is a rather complicated, vulnerable young woman who often bottles up her emotions. Fischer’s impressive work to subtly reveal her character’s innermost feelings is noteworthy.
Maybe not: Subtlety doesn’t always make a big impression when going up against humor that’s more physical and slapstick.
Rainn Wilson
Show: “The Office”
Emmy pedigree: First nom
Best scene: In “The Initiation,” Dwight takes Ryan out on his first sales call. When Ryan throws a little attitude at Dwight, he decides to take Ryan on a side trip to the Schrute family beet farm. Once there, Dwight lectures Ryan on obscure farming techniques and then leaves Ryan there to teach him a lesson.
Why he may win: As Dwight, no one is more deeply and hilariously annoying as he trades barbs with Jim or, more surprisingly, touching in his loyalty to Michael Scott.
Maybe not: While “The Office” has a strong fan base and is critically beloved, it’s still a bit of a niche show, and it’s tough to say whether voters will understand Wilson’s unique brand of comedy.
Steve Carell
Show: “The Office”
Emmy pedigree: One nom
Best scene: The oft-bumbling Michael shows his wiles while manipulating a power-hungry Dwight in “The Coup.”
Why he may win: It’s Carell’s name that first comes to mind for many who ponder television comedic actors today. No one does (mostly) inept with a heart of gold better.
Maybe not: Perhaps he hasn’t found the Tony Shalhoub voodoo doll yet.
The Office
Network: NBC
Executive producers: Ben Silverman, Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Howard Klein
Viewers (weekly average) 7.8 million
Season highlights: Michael’s (Steve Carell) not-so-deft handling of an employee’s de-closeting, Jan’s (Melora Hardin) career- and bustline-altering descent, and Jim and Pam (John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer) finally making a date.
Why it may win: The category incumbent is still hailed by many crix as the smartest laffer on television.
Maybe not: Folks are always looking for something new. Is “30 Rock” stealing the show’s Thursday night buzz?
And finally, The Office has earned more than one nomination in the comedy writing category. Read Variety’s analysis here: Best Writing - Comedy
After having read all that, how excited are you for The Office now? I hope they sweep the awards.
The Office, The Office Emmy Nomination, The Office Emmy Awards, Watching The Office, Variety Magazine, Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, Steve Carell
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