CATEGORY: Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
NOMINEES: Jim Carter for Downton Abbey, Brendan Coyle for Downton Abbey, Peter Dinklage for Game of Thrones, Giancarlo Esposito for Breaking Bad, Jared Harris for Mad Men, Aaron Paul for Breaking Bad
ANALYSIS: I had not previously seen any of these tapes. Carter's tape is just okay. His character, Carson, is very flustered because of an important dinner event and the loss of his right-hand man. When the replacement messes up, he suffers a "not heart attack" but is recommended bed rest. He doesn't do much there, save for a touching scene where he tells one of the house residents to chase after the man she loves, even though he may not love her back. Coyle's tape is a little better. His character, Bates, is arrested for the murder of his ex-wife, wrongfully so, and must tell with the new relationship with maid Anna. Honestly, the problem with both actors is that they get lost in the shuffle so easily because of the monstrous size of the cast, and neither episode has truly memorable moments. They weren't even considered contenders for a nomination, and a lot of people (myself included) feel the mention came just because of the Academy's love for Downton Abbey. Neither should be a threat to win. The same can probably not be said for the last four contenders. In fact, I can see any of the four of them winning. Remember that this category has not had a repeat winner in fifteen years, but multiple actors from the same show have taken the award. Last year's winner, Dinklage, submits an epic war episode of Game of Thrones where his character takes the reigns. He is powerful and in command and delivers a great monlogue before the attack. It's strong, but I have my doubts about his possibility at a repeat win, particularly that he only has the one short speech, compared to other tapes. Harris' episode is heartwrenching. Even without having watched the previous episodes, we understand that his character, Lane Pryce, had to bend the rules a little to succeed at his job. Unfortunately, he lands him in trouble and he is asked to leave his job. It's heartbreaking and the rest of the episode, Harris portrays the man on a downward spiral with such subtlety, even when he tries (unsuccessfully) kill himself. The tragic end of the episode (which you can probably figure out on your own) is marred by a resignation letter he writes, refusing to let his reputation be tarnished. It's a fantastic performance, but as much as the Academy loves Mad Men, no actor has ever won for a performance in the show. Harris is probably the show's best shot thus far (although Christina Hendricks has a good chance of taking Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series). Finally, I watched the two Breaking Bad submissions. First, I watched Esposito's tape. Everyone has been talking about what a standout he was this season, although I only saw his work on Once Upon a Time. His tape here is good, but I'm not sure I understand the massive hype surrounding it. Sure, I got the willies when he was on screen for most of the episode, but his final scene, a never-ending flashback that drags to a shocking end, is just okay. Once the twist occurs, his performance gets better, definitely. For all the buzz, I was expecting something a little more, I guess. But because of all this buzz, I think Esposito is certainly in the race. But if the Academy wants to give this award to a Breaking Bad actor, they should reward 2010 winner Paul. His episode is amazing, and he has such a good range. He goes from heartbreaking to bone-breaking in a flash, and you can tell that he is literally becoming the character. The performance is so good, and he outshines Esposito, I think. I know this race hasn't been kind to repeat winners, but I'm really thinking Paul could break that curse.
WHO SHOULD WIN: For me, Aaron Paul and Jared Harris' episodes stand out above everyone else's, and I think both of them are deserving of a win. Paul already has an Emmy, and Harris won't be able to win another one for this role, so if we're playing nice, Harris should win this one. But this is the Academy, so...
WHO WILL WIN: ...the award will go to Aaron Paul, an absolute standout, and if the Academy is looking to reward Breaking Bad, do it here.
RANKINGS:
1. Aaron Paul - Breaking Bad
2. Jared Harris - Mad Men
3. Giancarlo Esposito - Breaking Bad
4. Peter Dinklage - Game of Thrones
5. Brendan Coyle - Downton Abbey
6. Jim Carter - Downton Abbey
Do you think I picked the right Bad man to win? Perhaps the Emmy love for Downton Abbey will come through here as well? Can Dinklage repeat or can Harris break the Mad Men curse? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Evan
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