Song of the Week: "Royals" by Lorde

If you follow me on Twitter (@evan_cuneo, because I need the followers), you know that I've been obsessing over a new artist, Lorde. Lorde is, of course, a stage name for this 16 year old New Zealand singer-songwriter who is just starting to make a name for herself over here in the United States. Her first single, "Royals," is my pick for Song of the Week! While Lorde's debut EP "The Love Club" consists of five great tracks, "Royals" is the clear standout. With a thumping infectious intro, it's easy to understand why this song will stay on repeat for days upon your first listen. Lorde's earworm beats and light, powerful voice combine for a killer track that only leaves the mind to interpretation for killer dubstep remixes (and the time will come, since the song is due to blow up very soon). Lyrically, the song comes from the state of mind of a young teenager, lamenting the fact that she'll never live the glamorous lifestyle that singers brag about in their songs. My favorite part of the song is the rapidfire bridge before the chorus: "Every song's like gold teeth, Grey Goose, trippin' in the bathroom, blood stains, ball gowns, trashing the hotel rooms, we don't care, we're driving Cadillacs in our dreams." It helps that it's a relatable topic, because haven't you ever found yourself singing along to these kinds of songs and knowing that you'll never really experience that luxurious lifestyle? Add to the fact that Lorde is a talented singer and songwriter, and that the beat does not get old (seriously, I've had the song on constant play for a few weeks now and it's still killer), and you've got a perfect mix for the next big thing in music. I highly advise you to check out the rest of Lorde's discography if you like "Royals". She has "The Love Club" EP and a single called "Tennis Court" which features a B-side called "Swingin Party". Take a listen to Lorde's soon-to-be hit single below:

Evan

First Listen: Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke

For the first time in what feels like forever, pop music has been dominated by men in 2013. From Bruno Mars to Justin Timberlake, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to Imagine Dragons, this has been a year in the man's club. This summer, there are two songs you can't escape (and if you listen to my hometown station, that number goes up to about 20): "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk and featuring Pharrell and a little ditty called "Blurred Lines" from Robin Thicke, Pharrell, and T.I (yes, Mr. Williams is on fire). While all of the aforementioned acts have released their albums as well as topped the charts (and with Timberlake releasing another album in September), Robin Thicke is the next man in line to release his full-length effort.

Yet, here's what is interesting about Thicke: the son of actor Alan Thicke, there has always been public awareness of the singer, and after fifth studio albums, he finally really broke through with "Blurred Lines." Now, as he preps the release of his sixth studio album, his record label is now promoting Thicke's album as though it is his big debut. And to a large chunk of America, it is. So if you can take more than five seconds to stop humming "I always wanted a goooood girl," take a look and see if the rest of Thicke's next album can match up to the undeniable catchiness of the lead single.

1. Blurred Lines - What more is there to say about this one? I've basically loved this song since I first heard it a few months back, and as it started to gain popularity, I remember telling people that it was going to be a big hit. Next to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop," it's easily the biggest hit of the year. Pharrell's production and T.I.'s cameo (which could've been a deal breaker, as I'm not often a fan of rapper features on pop songs) are top-notch, and Thicke's ability to switch from his full voice to that sensational falsetto made this an easy choice for Song of the Summer.

2. Take It Easy on Me - There's an immediate difference in sound on this track. As opposed to the old-school R&B vibe of the first track, this one's got a driving minor electronic beat. It's got a darker feel than "Blurred Lines," but it's still a lot of fun. The chorus is insane fun, and just wait for the breakdown for the last fifteen seconds of the song. The lyrics, as one might anticipate knowing Thicke's "bad boy" persona, is likely to give one hot flashes, but it's fitting for such a hot song.

3. Ooo La La - Not to be confused with the Britney Spears Smurf anthem (yeah, you read that correctly), Thicke shows a different side of his swagger with this track that makes a callback to those cheesy midtempo dance tracks that graced the airwaves in the 1980s. There's a lot going on here, and it's surprising that Thicke doesn't get overshadowed by the fun, funky beat. Thicke basically coos over an angelic woman, so the lyrics get understandably ridiculous, but that's the fun of this track, which aims to be over-the-top, and succeeds.

4. Ain't No Hat 4 That - The funky party continues with a track Robin wrote with Alan, his father. The track also features a tiny feature by Robin's son, Julian (it's a real family affair). The song sounds very Michael Jackson-esque, and the percussion keeps the song moving. The lyrics are kinda confusing, I'm still trying to figure out why the hats are involved and why there are not hats for the illusive "that," but as long as I'm dancing, I guess that's not a major problem.

5. Get In My Way - I foresee many Robin Thicke/Justin Timberlake comparisons after this album. While I think Timberlake has a wider musical range, there is a clear influence in Thicke's music (and of course, there are plenty more influences that Timberlake pulls from that Thicke utilizies). This R&B/pop hybrid sound that has overwhelmed the first half of the album is delightful, and as long as the songs continue to deliver, there is no denying that this is just a fun album. I really enjoy this song, and there are some delightful risks.

6. Give It 2 U - Things take a very sudden turn toward the electronic/modern age that has dominated radio in these early 2010s. A song produced by will.i.am would seem out of place, but it works in an intriguing way here. As the songs preceding this Kendrick Lamar feature seemed to update the funky sounds of two decades past, this one takes the same blueprint and inserts electronics and dubstep to wonderful effect. Yet again, the rap guest doesn't ruin the song and actually adds something to it, so that's a plus for me. I live for the post-chorus breakdown, and if the rumors that this is Thicke's next radio single are true, I imagine this one will be all over the place just like the title track.

7. Feel Good - This one starts off with just Thicke and the piano, but you shouldn't be surprised when those pumping beats come in for the chorus. This one is another change of sound from tracks 3-5, and I dig it. It perhaps doesn't have the immediate "move your feet" urgency that some of the previous tracks had, but I view this one as a bit of an uptempo slow jam (that's definitely not correct, but that's my best definition). Interesting, but necessary change of pace.

8. Go Stupid 4 U - Another track that starts minimally, but once those low blasts creep in, you know you're in for something. The verse keeps the minimalist attitude, with Thicke's falsetto doing the work. But it's surprising because the song never really picks up like you expect. Maybe I've just been spoiled by the "go big or go home" attitude of music that has dominated pop culture the past few years, but this one is still a good song. I personally prefer the previous track if I'm not going to get a straightforward dance track.

9. For The Rest of My Life - From what I knew of Thicke before "Blurred Lines," he was the king of sexy, slow jams with his undeniable falsetto. This song is basically a perfect example of that. It's cheesy heaven. This is where every embarrassing song goes to die. That's why it's hard to decipher if this is a good song or if it's just kind of boring and out-dated. One thing I can say is that it's not really my style.

10. Top of the World - This song thankfully picks up the tempo again. The back half of the album definitely doesn't pick up the magic of the first half, but this one is still pretty good. It sounds like modern sophisticated dinner party music (I'm imagining royals and tuxedoes and a live jazz band). Thicke kinda raps through it, and that's a change. But the fun is definitely lacking here on the latter half.

11. The Good Life - The album continues with these draggy 80's prom songs, and it's a bit of a disappointment considering the solid head start the beginning of the album had. One thing that remains true throughout the album is Thicke's vocals, which fluctuate from soft to hard, airy to rigid, with ease. But there's not much else to state here, and it's kind of a disappointing note to end the album on.

Overall, the first half of the album is far superior to the second half. Thicke should continue to have radio exposure with "Give It 2 U" and other songs from the first half of "Blurred Lines". It's worth checking out the first seven tracks, and you can skip the rest from there. But that's just my opinion, so give the album a listen and give me your feedback in the comments section below!

Standout tracks: Blurred Lines, Take It Easy On Me, Get In My Way, Give It 2 U, Feel Good

Evan

Emmy Nomination Analysis: Best Writing for a Comedy Series

Today is the start of Emmy Nomination Analysis here at EMC! For those of you who may not know, the Emmys have a special way of voting for winners. When selecting the nominees in the acting categories, voters are basically looking at a ballot with the actor's name, picture, show, and a small description of their character and storyline for the season. After the nominees have been selected, all the acting nominees select 1 episode from the season that they feel portrays their best work, and that episode is submitted to voters. Voters then watch every episode in the category and use that as most of their reasoning to vote.

In the writing and directing categories, things are a bit different. Shows submit however many episodes they wish in these races. Some shows submit only one episode per season, others submit several. Voters rely on their knowledge of television to identify episodes that really standout, and these categories often take some pre-nomination viewing to decide which episodes to nominate. Thus, in these categories, the episodes of each show is pre-determined, and it explains how some shows get multiple nominations in one category. Once the nominations are selected, voters watch all five episodes and vote on the best.

Today, we're starting with a writing category, Best Writing for a Comedy Series. This is always a fun category and this year, it is filled with sentimental nominations. As a refresher, the nominees for Best Writing for a Comedy Series are...

Hogcock! for 30 Rock (written by Jack Burditt and Robert Carlock)
Last Lunch for 30 Rock (written by Tina Fey and Tracey Wigfield)
Episode 209 for Episodes (written by David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik)
Daddy's Girlfriend (Part 1) for Louie (written by Louis CK and Pamela Adlon)
Finale for The Office (written by Greg Daniels)

Three of these nominees are series finales of past Emmy favorites (Hogcock! and Last Lunch are technically a two-part series finale), and if the Emmys choose to get nostalgic and reward one of these shows one last time, this is a good place to do it. Hogcock! is the first half of the 30 Rock series finale and, in my opinion, the funnier half. This is the 30 Rock people have come to love over the past seven years. The jokes are fast and furious, and the pace is just crazy enough to distract from the fact that this is a monumental episode in the show's history. The second half of the finale, Last Lunch, is definitely more sentimental. Everything is coming to a head, and we're saying goodbye to important characters and a show that certainly changed the landscape of television. Burditt and Carlock, the writers of Hogcock!, have a combined three nominations in this category (Carlock with 2). Fey has three nominations herself, while Wigfield has none. While some voters may go for the funnier episode (Hogcock!), I'd say the episode with the better chance is Last Lunch. It is the true series finale of 30 Rock, it was co-written by an Emmy darling and the fearless leader of the series, and it seems poetic for this episode to win the Emmy. But there is competition lurking elsewhere.

Of all the submissions I watched, I was least fond of the Episodes tape. I've never watched this show before, nor have I heard much about it, aside from star Matt LeBlanc. It was a little hard playing catch-up at first, but once I got a handle on things, I started following along and was able to focus on the episode. To be honest, I found a few things funny and I chuckled a little bit, but I didn't think it was a great episode worthy of an Emmy nomination. I would've loved to have seen a nomination here for an episode of Girls, New Girl, or Parks and Recreation, but I guess Emmy voters must have a soft spot for Episodes (it stars LeBlanc and is written/produced by his former Friends boss David Crane).

Louie, or rather Louis CK, is an Emmy favorite. This is evident by the fact that he has broken the record two years in a row for most nominations in a single year for a person. This year, he carries eight (I think my math is correct) nominations for Louie, his stand-up special Oh My God, and a stint as host of the week on Saturday Night Live. After winning this category last year, it's no surprise to see him back again, with what I think is a funnier episode than the one that clinched him the win last year. In this episode, Louie finds out his ex-wife has a new boyfriend, and his young daughters pressure him to start dating. It's an awkward, funny, but endearing episode that sees CK waddle back into the world of flirting, and (spoiler alert for the oblivious) by the time he finally gets the girl at the end, you'll be pumping your first just like him. It's a great episode, and certainly a worthy winner.

The final nomination is another series finale, this time for The Office. While 30 Rock has held onto Emmy love throughout its entire run, The Office fell off the Emmy wagon toward the middle of it's run. Last season, the first without leading man Steve Carell, the show garnered no nominations. It made a resurgence this year including a welcome back to the category it won in 2007. As someone who, like many others, stopped watching the show when Carell left, I was eager to watch the series finale, and I did really enjoy the episode. With a lot of loose ends to tie, it did a great job of satisfying every character's story while still bringing laughs. This one is definitely more sentimental than 30 Rock, but a great conclusion to a landmark series. The problem with the episode is that I think it'll face comparisons to the 30 Rock finale, and I think this one will get the short end of the stick.

That said, here are my predictions:

1. Last Lunch for 30 Rock
2. Daddy's Girlfriend (Part 1) for Louie
3. Hogcock! for 30 Rock
4. Finale for The Office
5. Episode 209 for Episodes

Unless the support for Episodes is a lot stronger than I'm predicting, this one is the nominee with a very narrow chance of winning. I can see any of the remaining four winning. While Daddy's Girlfriend and Hogcock! are the funniest episodes in the category, I think sentimentality and humor will prevail in a win for Last Lunch. It would be sweet to see The Office get a final win, especially since this is it's only major shot unlike 30 Rock which has nominations throughout the field, but 30 Rock has long been hailed as one of the best-written comedy series in recent memory, so a win here would only make sense. The spoiler is Daddy's Girlfriend, a great episode that also balances humor and sweetness with ease. For now, I'm predicting a 30 Rock victory.

Evan

Coming This Week

Hi everyone! It's been a bit of a hectic weekend, so I just wanted to give you a preview of what's coming up this week.

First Listen: I'll hopefully have a First Listen for Robin Thicke's new album "Blurred Lines" within the next few days.

Emmy Nomination Analysis: I'm watching the tapes that are being submitted for the Emmys so you don't have to. Check here for the most comprehensive analysis that a college student can provide about these awards.

Song of the Week: I'm posting my first Song of the Week for this reboot on Tuesday. Get excited!

Evannies: My personal awards for excellence in television. I'm thinking I'll announce nominees sometime this week.

Keep checking back for more all week long for Everything Music and Cinema!

Evan

First Listen: Stars Dance by Selena Gomez

The lesser of Disney's ex-divas (you're welcome, Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus), Selena Gomez is venturing for her first solo debut, minus "The Scene" although really, who knows what that actually means. The only thing evident here is that this album, titled Stars Dance, is very EDM-based, more so than Gomez's previous efforts. Does it work? Read on to find out.

1. Birthday - Trust me, you might hate this song at first, but it's actually kind of infectious in a way that shouldn't work at all. The strains of the bass and contrasting beats and synths make for a dance-floor banger that sounds like it should've come from the soundtrack of Gomez's film Spring Breakers. Gomez's refrain "Tell them that it's my birthday/When I party like that" is instant earworm, and the song takes a few listens, but it's an interesting start to the album and a clear indication of the direction Gomez has taken with Stars Dance.

2. Slow Down - The party continues with this next song, released as a promo single when the album went for pre-sale on iTunes weeks ago. The beat is perhaps a bit more driving and urgent than the opening track, but the dubstep influences and carefree lyrics are still intact. This sounds like your run-of-the-mill "hit the dance floor" track, but it's a good time, and continues the fun opening of this album.

3. Stars Dance - Within seconds, this sounds nothing like the first two tracks. This song is a midtempo dub step piece that doesn't really progress anywhere. Gomez's breathy vocals create an almost etheral vibe, but it's a piece that allows for a simple head nod, and hits the brakes on the momentum created by the beginning of the album. The song, while not an album highlight, is not served any favors being place in the front of the track list.

4. Like a Champion - The dance vibe is back with an island-type song. Gomez even has an island-y
tone to her voice. The song is okay, not progressing anywhere and features Gomez advising listeners to "walk like a champion, talk like a champion." It sounds like a less dance-y Rihanna song, but it's ultimately pretty harmless, but not too memorable.

5. Come & Get It - The lead single from the album is pretty effective here as it establishes an even middle ground between the fast, upbeat songs like "Slow Down" and the slower ones like "Stars Dance." It's a pretty good combo of both, pulling the best elements of each. It is a little confusing to come from an island-inspired piece into this piece which has some Indian elements. Gomez is certainly looking to appear cultured. She's succeeding...kind of.

6. Forget Forever - A straightforward dance track, nothing too elaborate, but that's not exactly awful (don't put words in my mouth). It's pretty simple after building up to a big drop during the chorus with just some light synths and Gomez repeating "forget forever" (you know, just stop remembering it, right now). The more exciting part is the bridge where Gomez is belting out "Our love was made to rule the world." That should've been the chorus. Just throwing that out there. Serviceable track, but missed potential for a real hit.

7. Save the Day - This one's interesting. It's a pretty midtempo song but it's got some rocking dubstep influences there. It definitely gets the feet moving, and it's a pretty simple song overall. Although the lyrics are a bit shotty ("When the night starts slipping away, save the day"?), I'm here for the chorus breakdown which is all over the place but ends up being a lot of fun. It's not a song that immediately screams dance floor jam, but you're moving before you realize that this song is actually pretty fun, even if Gomez plays it mostly safe.

8. B.E.A.T. - I'm just confused. Gomez is trying her hand at rapping, I guess? It's not too awful. What's awful here are the questionable lyrics ("When I do this, you do that"...um, what exactly am I doing, Selener?). It's got a good beat, but it's pretty boring overall. And can someone explain why the title makes it appear like B.E.A.T. is going to be an acronym? Because she says the word "beat" alot in this song, but never in an acronym form. There's an interesting minimal breakdown before the final chorus, but it's not enough to save the song.

9. Write Your Name - Hmm...this one is kind of slow, but it's got (surprise surprise) dubstep influences. It's by no means a club hit, but it's a fun little ditty. The chorus picks up. The lyrics are repetitive and, as going with the rest of the album, the songs never really progress anywhere. I like this one better than the previous track, if that's saying something. But it's overall just an okay track.

10. Undercover - I'm just gonna say that I don't really mind this one that much. Maybe it's the driving beat that builds to a grand chorus. Maybe it's the dark undertones. But this one isn't too bad. Of course, saying that this isn't a bad Selena Gomez song is nothing when compared to some other young female artists, if we're being frank.

11. Love Will Remember - This song has gotten a lot of pre-release buzz because of a supposed cameo by Justin Bieber (lost on this listener's ears). It's a midtempo ballad, I guess? Gomez doesn't have any straightforward ballads on this album, but this is the closest one. It's really boring and sounds like she's trying to stuff a lot into just the one song. Maybe it's because I'm not even anywhere close to interested in her relationship with Biebz, but maybe this one will strike a chord with teenagers who actually care.

12. Nobody Does It Like You - This is the first of two bonus tracks, and it makes me angry. The beat is sick, I must admit. But Gomez's vocals are breathy and just "blah." If a strong vocalist came here and took this song, it would've been an automatic hit, but in Gomez's hands, it's no wonder it's a bonus track. When she's got a great dubstep breakdown (which sounds eerily like Bieber's "As Long As You Love Me"), she only supplies breathy vocals that do not work. A missed opportunity.

13. Music Feels Better - It's interesting that I actually think this is one of the most complete and best songs on the album. Gomez's vocals are fine here, and the chorus is fun (think a dubstep version of Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Good Time"). The beat keeps moving and Gomez ditches the breathy vocals. Toward the end, it gets a little slow, but it jumps back to the beat. Surprisingly, I think this didn't need to be a bonus track, it should've been in the original tracklist.

Overall, I'm pretty disappointed in the album. As I said earlier, I've always seen Gomez as the weakest of Disney's successful pop stars, and although she makes a turn toward EDM here, her vocals can't match the production of the songs. I actually enjoyed her better when she was with "The Scene". I don't see her grabbing many other radio hits beyond "Come & Get It," besides "Slow Down," which could be big. But I wouldn't waste time on this album.

Standout tracks: Birthday, Slow Down, Come & Get It, Undercover, Music Feels Better

Evan

2013 Emmy Nomination REACTIONS

Well, it's been over twelve hours since Emmy nominations were announced (forgive me, it's been a busy day!), and my emotions are still boiling over. The shocks! The snubs! The unusual love for Glee and Episodes?! I dive into it all, so let's get started.

Best Comedy Series
30 Rock
The Big Bang Theory
Girls
Louie
Modern Family
Veep

Of course, the big shock here is no nomination for Arrested Development, although it's not too shocking when you learn that the much-heralded return of the Emmy favorite only earned three nominations this year (and only one in a major category). That's a low blow, since I think the show deserved much better, and as someone who watched all three original seasons and this new season, I would say Season 4 was better than at least Season 3, and that one got nominated here. So it's a bit puzzling it's not here, but not too surprising either. If you're a fan of AD, you know that the format this year was crazily plotted so story lines and jokes crossed over multiple episodes. Maybe Emmy voters just didn't get it, because if they did, I don't see how this season wasn't nominated all over the board. That's a shame, but all that's left to do is complain about it until this Emmy season is over. And I'll probably do just that. Beyond the AD snub, this lineup is pretty expected. I had AD in my predicted lineup, so I went 5/6. As far as a possible winner, this is one category that'll be hotly debated. Most of that debate will revolve around the decreased quality of MF this season, although it is still clearly an Emmy darling. 30 Rock picked up some major nominations this year and has the "last chance" factor in its favor. TBBT is the biggest comedy on television right now, at a creative and viewing peak, and might mirror the win of another popular comedy that won for it's biggest season, Friends. I want to say Girls probably won't get the win here, it just doesn't have the momentum. Emmy voters love Louie, but I don't think this is the kind of show that wins Best Comedy Series. Veep also picked up some important nominations, but I'm not sure it'll go all the way. My very early pick is 30 Rock, but that is bound to change before September.

Best Drama Series
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
Homeland
House of Cards
Mad Men

Again, I went 5 for 6 here, predicting The Good Wife in the House of Cards slot. Speaking of the former, it is a darn shame to see this show snubbed for the second year in a row, especially after a strong season after a bit of a rocky start (Kalinda's crazy husband, anyone?). That makes it the second year in a row that the Drama Series category has no broadcast network nominees (that would be shows broadcast on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox...I'm assuming The CW won't be touching this category any time in the next decade at the very least). However, what is interesting is that without TGW, we get a history-making nomination for House of Cards, which becomes the first online television series to earn a major Emmy nomination (more where that came from, see below!) and is Netflix's big ticket to Hollywood's biggest night. The rest of the nominees are pretty serviceable and expected. Who will win? Again, it's too soon to call, but I'm envisioning a rough and tough battle between Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and Homeland. Breaking Bad is one of the most popular dramas on TV, and it has all the right nominations to point toward victory. Game of Thrones might be BB in the popularity contest, as GoT comes off its best season yet with huge buzz surrounding The Red Wedding, not to mention that it leads the nomination count for all drama series. But Homeland is the defending champ, it was "the show to watch" last fall, it has nominations in 8 of the 9 big categories, and it's just a great show that Emmy voters will appreciate (it certainly fits the bill better than a show about drugs and a fantasy drama). I'm sticking with Homeland for now.

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock
Jason Bateman for Arrested Development
Jim Parsons for The Big Bang Theory
Matt LeBlanc for Episodes
Don Cheadle for House of Lies
Louis CK for Louie

I went 4 for 6 here, and I'm entirely bored by this category. I definitely expected Baldwin, Parsons, and CK to make it. Happy to see Bateman make it as the only major nomination for his show (outrage, say I!). But the final two nominees just go to show that Emmy voters are lazy and unoriginal. Matt LeBlanc?! Don Cheadle?! Has anyone heard anything about those performances this year? To be honest, I haven't seen LeBlanc's show, but I watched Cheadle's submission tape when he was nominated for this show last year and I didn't like it at all. Not one bit. So I'm not happy to see him back, especially when you consider who that eclipsed. I predicted Jon Cryer for Two and a Half Men to make it back, which would make sense as he is the defending champ, but let's just say that I'm not crying about that snub. I may shed a tear, however, over the snub of Jake Johnson for New Girl. In a move that would've bought many cheers for Emmy voters, they refused to go against the current and vote for Johnson, who easily became the best thing about New Girl this season. That was disappointing. So who's winning? It's probably a race between Baldwin, Parsons, and CK, and while part of me thinks Baldwin will take it for the final season as a "thanks for everything," I know that Emmy loves CK and might reward him here (even though he is probably more deserving elsewhere). And of course, there is Parsons, a two-time winner who might benefit from the giant popularity boost his show tacked on this year. Of course, once tapes are released, we'll have a better idea, but early advantage to Parsons.

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston for Breaking Bad
Hugh Bonneville for Downton Abbey
Damian Lewis for Homeland
Kevin Spacey for House of Cards
Jon Hamm for Mad Men
Jeff Daniels for The Newsroom

This category is interesting. I went 4 for 6, missing Bonneville and Daniels. I can understand the nomination for the latter: veteran actor, an Aaron Sorkin HBO show, the stars definitely aligned here, and I just didn't catch on. I don't get Bonneville's nomination here. This is his second time here, but he still doesn't really belong, especially when the early buzz is that he didn't have much to do this season. So who got snubbed? I'd picked Steve Buscemi for Boardwalk Empire, but that show's buzz has definitely gone downhill, and Matthew Rhys for The Americans, a show that, in general, didn't get as much love as it should have. But I think this is another tight race. Cranston is an early favorite because he's already a three-time winner. Lewis is the reigning champion, and while he won for a great first season, I (and many others) think he had an even better second season. Spacey is the anchor of HoC and if Emmy voters really like the show, that could help Spacey. Hamm supposedly had a good season, but it always feels like "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride" with him. Daniels could get in as the aged star of a new show, although general lack of interest in The Newsroom won't do him any favors. I'm going with Lewis again, for now.

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey for 30 Rock
Laura Dern for Enlightened
Lena Dunham for Girls
Edie Falco for Nurse Jackie
Amy Poehler for Parks and Recreation
Julia Louis-Dreyfus for Veep

4 for 6 here, and disappointed once again. Last year, this category had 7 nominees, and this year, we gained a new nominee and lost two previous ones. Of the snubbed, Melissa McCarthy for Mike and Molly was a previous winner, but understandably left out, but I'm surprised by the exclusion of Zooey Deschanel, the bright voice of New Girl, which just ended up being left to be shot in the backyard this year, sad given that the second season was much better than the multiple-nominations first season. The new face is Dern, whose show has been cancelled, but has gotten cavalcades of fans coming out of cracks on the sidewalk. I don't quite get it. There was no buzz for Dern or her show before it was cancelled, and now I think this overexposure has led to a nom here for the main actress. Falco being here again is also kind of pesky, but not totally awful. The final four ladies can probably duke it out for the award. It depends on how voters feel about Fey and Dunham, and whether they choose to award them anywhere else (both ladies have multiple nominations elsewhere). Poehler's best shot at winning was last year, and while a win this year would be like a "Sorry about that" win, it's certainly possible. But I'm sticking with Louis-Dreyfus, the defending champ, who only got better this year.

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Vera Farmiga for Bates Motel
Michelle Dockery for Downton Abbey
Claire Danes for Homeland
Robin Wright for House of Cards
Elisabeth Moss for Mad Men
Connie Britton for Nashville
Kerry Washington for Scandal

Despite 7 nominees, I only went 3 for 7. This category is equally exciting and infuriating. I predicted Dockery, Danes, and Washington. I was ecstatic to see Farmiga, who I didn't pick because I wasn't sure enough voters would care to check out the show. Also, I was very happy to see Wright, as I really enjoyed her work, but didn't consider her a big contender here. But then the positives kind of stop there. Dockery is another boring nom for DA, and Moss is starting to feel stale here for MM. Britton was a shock, but not necessarily in the good way (if the Emmys were going to nominate a Nashville lady, I wish it'd have been Hayden Panettiere in the Supporting Actress race). But let's talk about the snubs, because my oh my, they were abundant. Keri Russell was snubbed for The Americans, and as I stated earlier, it's not surprising given the lack of love for the show. Julianna Margulies was unforgivably skipped over here for The Good Wife. She was the closest thing to a lock, and had a marvelous season, so how she was dropped and actresses like Dockery and Moss weren't is just shocking to me. But the saddest snub (but probably not as surprising as Margulies') is Tatiana Maslany for Orphan Black. Even though she played seven (yes, seen) different characters, the Emmys distaste for sci-fi continues. What a shame. Maslany was so deserving, as were Margulies and Russell. I think this is still Danes' award to lose, unless Farmiga or Washington build some serious buzz in these next few weeks.

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Adam Driver for Girls
Jesse Tyler Ferguson for Modern Family
Ed O'Neill for Modern Family
Ty Burrell for Modern Family
Bill Hader for Saturday Night Live
Tony Hale for Veep

A putrid 2 for 6 here, but this category was crazy. First off, let's address the elephant in the room. Only 3 of 4 MF actors make the cut. So who missed? Eric Stonestreet, two-time winner. Talk about shocking! The only reasoning I have is that Emmy voters decided to leave Stonestreet out to benefit the rest of the MF crew. It doesn't do them many favors. O'Neill really doesn't deserve to be here, and Ferguson had a better year last season. Burrell is easily the more likely to win of the three MF men. His contenders? Driver scored a first-time nod in a well-deserved change of pace from all love for Girls going straight to Lena Dunham. Hader returns after a first nomination last year, and he has the farewell factor on his side. Hale was a huge surprise for Veep, but his role as Buster on Arrested Development may get him some extra votes. Among the snubs here: Simon Helberg for The Big Bang Theory (thought he would ride the wave of support) Max Greenfield for New Girl (what?!) and Will Arnett for Arrested Development (WHAT?!) Still going with Burrell to win his second, though.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Bobby Cannavale for Boardwalk Empire
Jonathan Banks for Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul for Breaking Bad
Jim Carter for Downton Abbey
Peter Dinklage for Game of Thrones
Mandy Pantinkin for Homeland

4 for 6, and some odd choices here. Cannavale is a double nominee this year (Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for Nurse Jackie), so I guess we should have a new motto for him and Connie Britton: "If they're eligible, they're getting nominated." Beyond that, I did hear some good things about his season on BE, and while he was on no one's radar, it's a welcome surprise. Less welcome is another nod for DA and Jim Carter. I understand he did nothing special this season, so it's a bit annoying to see him take up a spot on the list, especially with a deserving snub like Corey Stoll for House of Cards, who was the best part of the show, but lost out on a nom, while Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright get their own nominations. Interesting. In a not so good way. My final note is that I really think Nickolaj Coster-Waldau for Game of Thrones deserved a nomination here, even if he replaced his co-star Dinklage. As for a winner, never discount Aaron Paul, but absolutely keep an eye out on Mandy Pantinkin, who comes back after a snub last year. Tapes will decide this race, but my early pick is Pantinkin.

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Jane Krakowski for 30 Rock
Mayim Bialik for The Big Bang Theory
Jane Lynch for Glee
Sofia Vergara for Modern Family
Julie Bowen for Modern Family
Merritt Wever for Nurse Jackie
Anna Chlumsky for Veep

With seven nominees, I went 4 for 7. I predicted Jessica Walter for Arrested Development (and we've already covered the lack of love for that show) and Allison Williams for Girls (momentum just wasn't strong enough to get Williams or one of her co-stars, Jemima Kirke or Zosia Mamet, a nom). It's not surprising to see Wever, even though I was predicting it. She's a returning nominee. It was shocking to see Lynch back after being snubbed last year. She is a previous winner, but that was a time when her character and Glee itself were on top of the world. Since then, Glee has kind of become a love/hate show, and Lynch's character has been pushed to the background. As someone who watches the show every week, even I don't understand the love. But another pleasant surprise for Veep lies with Chlumsky's unexpected nod. The race for the title is probably between Krakowski, Bialik, and Bowen. Personally, I'd love to see Krakowski take it because Bialik has time to win this award and Bowen already has won twice, so Krakowski winning in her final eligible season would be the icing on top of a sweet cake for her over-the-top character. We'll have to see what tapes the actresses go with, but I'll say Krakowski for now.

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Anna Gunn for Breaking Bad
Maggie Smith for Downton Abbey
Emilia Clarke for Game of Thrones
Christine Baranski for The Good Wife
Morena Baccarin for Homeland
Christina Hendricks for Mad Men

5 for 6 here, missing Clarke, although I'm happy to see her here as Daenerys is my favorite GoT character. But this category is not complete because of one snub that I'm dubbing the Snub of the Year: Monica Potter for Parenthood. It's just jaw-dropping that Potter's beautiful, magnificient, and career-defining portrayal of a mother of three fighting breast cancer did not even warrant an Emmy nomination, let alone what should have been an easy win. That just makes me so angry, especially when I hear people say Hendricks did nothing on MM this season, and Smith is nominated with a large credit due to the fact that she is Maggie Smith, goddammit! Support for Gunn is strong, and even though I'm not a BB viewer, I hear she's becoming more and more integral to the show. You go girl! Baccarin is a worthy nominee, but I'm guessing the love for Homeland in general didn't hurt her. And Baranski is the lone TGW nominee here, after one-time winner Archie Panjabi is snubbed for the first time ever. Who might the winner be? Hard to say with one-time frontrunner Potter out, but Smith is not to be counted against. I will hold judgment for tapes, but I think buzz and support for Gunn is strong and she might pull out the win.

Of course, there are plenty of categories left to discuss (Guest Acting, Writing, and Directing), but I'll save that for the tape breakdown coming in a few weeks. This is enough to digest for now. Strap on your seatbelts because the wild ride is just getting started. In the next few weeks, as actors pick tapes for Emmy voters to watch for consideration, I'll be watching the episodes and giving my two cents before picking who I think will win the races. Make sure you stayed tuned for plenty of Emmy coverage before the big night this September!

Evan

2013 Emmy Nomination PREDICTIONS

Tomorrow is one of the most anticipated days of the summer for entertainment gurus such as myself. At 8:35 AM ET, the nominations for this year's Emmy Awards will be announced. As someone who watches more TV than should be legal, it's a big day for me, and while I already know that some of my favorites will be overlooked, I'm still rooting for some other surprises and well-deserved nominations. Below, I've listed my predictions in the major categories. Check back tomorrow to see how well I did (but please don't rub it in my face if I completely screw this up).

Best Comedy Series
30 Rock
Arrested Development
The Big Bang Theory
Girls
Modern Family
Veep

This is a hard race for me to predict, mostly because I really love all of these shows and some other ones that didn't make the cut, and one other series that I think has a real shot at a nomination. I'm almost sure we can count 30 Rock and Modern Family as absolute locks. MF is the three-time defending champ, and 30 Rock is an Emmy perennial, and this is it's last dance with the golden statuette. Arrested Development's return was heralded by fans and critics, and while some may have been disappointed, the overwhelming consensus was that it was great. The only thing that has me hesitant here is that AD is now a Netflix show, and this is Netflix's first time campaigning original series for the Emmys (it also has House of Cards in the drama races). I think support for AD in general is strong that, Netflix or no, it'll get the nomination. The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy on television right now, and with audiences flirting just under 20 million, it's the first real callback we've gotten to 1990s-early 2000s comedies like Friends and Seinfeld, to name a few. The show has already been nominated here before, but it's chances are much better this year, and I even think it has a shot at winning the whole darn thing. But it's too soon to talk like that, this is just a nomination analysis for Pete's sake! My final two predictions are wildcards. When the season began airing earlier this winter, everyone was loving Girls. Buzz was sky-high and some, at least I, thought it was an improvement over the first season. Since then, the buzz has kind of died and Girls' detractors have come out to play. However, this is just reminding me of what happened last season, but look what happened: Girls got a Series nomination, and other nominations for Actress, Writing, and Directing. I'm a little worried about it's chances, but I think Girls will get in. Veep is one I'm a little more hesitant about. It does have a Series nomination from last year, and most, including myself, say the show was extremely better this season, but I'm still not entirely confident it will get in. Some still view this as The Julia Louis-Dreyfus Show, which can hurt. Additionally, it's got some strong competition. New Girl is coming off a hot season, Louie is very popular with Emmy voters as evidenced by the sheer amount of love for creator and star Louis CK at last year's awards, and Parks and Recreation could be a surprise nominee after being snubbed last season for what many claimed was it's best season to date. But I'm going with Veep.

Best Drama Series
Breaking Bad
Downton Abbey
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Homeland
Mad Men

Another hard race because of the amount of competitors and the amount of slots available. Shoo-ins should be Breaking Bad and Homeland. Breaking Bad is arguably the hottest drama on television right now, and with many awaiting its Emmy justice in this race (I personally do not watch the show), you can bet the support is monstrous. Additionally, Homeland is last year's surprise winner, but certainly well-deserved. The second season was a massive pop culture event last fall, and while there is some debate about the quality of the show, there is no doubt that it's one of the best six drama series of the year. I personally have never been a fan of Downton Abbey, but I know it has it's support and while it made a surprisingly strong showing for last year's nominations, I anticipate a drop this year, and I wouldn't even be entirely shocked to see it out of this race. But I'll say it's in. Game of Thrones is coming off its hottest season yet, with everyone (including yours truly) still reeling from the Red Wedding. It's absolutely in the race, and could make an exceptional run for the finish line. The Good Wife is my wildcard pick for this race. After nominated for it's first two seasons, it was left out last season for an all-cable lineup. The show rebounded this year after a bit of a rough start, and is totally deserving of recognition. The only hurdle is getting back into the race after being snubbed, no easy feat. I'm gonna take a crazy leap of faith and say that it can happen. My last nominee, Mad Men, is certainly the show to watch at this year's nomination announcement. Once an Emmy favorite, the show went 0 for 17 last year, and many think the show is nowhere as good as it was in it's heyday. I think it can still pull out momentum for a nomination here, but a snub would be a watercooler moment and maybe some justification for shows that deserve the slot here. Speaking of, contenders to watch out for include House of Cards, The Americans, and Boardwalk Empire.

Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock
Jason Bateman for Arrested Development
Jim Parsons for The Big Bang Theory
Louis CK for Louie
Jake Johnson for New Girl
Jon Cryer for Two and a Half Men

The locks here are Baldwin and Parsons. Baldwin has been universally praised in this role, and at the very least, a final nomination is no stretch of the imagination. Parsons, meanwhile, is a two-time winner and is definitely in. Last year's winner was Jon Cryer, one of the biggest shocks of Emmy night, and while I think that had a lot to do with the behind-the-scenes drama with Charlie Sheen and the "reboot" with Ashton Kutcher, I don't see him going away in this year's race, whether or not you think he deserves to be there. Jason Bateman was nominated only once during AD's original three-season run, but has become a much bigger name since then after starring in multiple hit films. I expect him to get a second nomination here, especially if the Emmys really turn up the love for the Netflix show. Louis CK  is regarded as one of the funniest men on television (even if I don't necessarily agree) and I think he'll turn up here again, and maybe even make a run for the win. The wildcard, and another surprise pick for me, is Jake Johnson. After a good first season, Johnson's character Nick became the big breakout character of the season. As his romance with the titular New Girl bumped his story, Johnson decided to submit lead, and it might've actually worked out to be his best shot. The supporting categories can get very crowded, and there is actually room for him to make it this year. His only other serious contender, that I can think of, is Don Cheadle for House of Lies, and maybe it's because I didn't think he deserved the nomination last year, but I think Cheadle is out and Johnson is in.

Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey for 30 Rock
Lena Dunham for Girls
Melissa McCarthy for Mike and Molly
Zooey Deschanel for New Girl
Amy Poehler for Parks and Recreation
Julia Louis-Dreyfus for Veep

It would almost be fair to say every actress here is a lock because they have all be nominated at least once before and all are very serious contenders. Last year's winner was Louis-Dreyfus and she's definitely back. Previous winners include Fey and McCarthy, and while I think Fey will certainly make a return for the final season, I'm a little less sure about McCarthy, but I think she'll ride her sudden star status to another nomination, even if some may say it's undeserved. Dunham went home empty-handed last year, but has since picked up Golden Globes for this category and Best Comedy Series. One thing that can be agreed on is Dunham's acting this season was exceptionally better than last year's, and I think even if Girls is snubbed in the Series race, Dunham will be here. Deschanel had a great year on New Girl, and I think she'll still be here this year. And of course, Amy Poehler, who has yet to win an Emmy (I know, I wanna punch myself in the face too). While I thought Poehler's best shot at a win was last year, I think she's still a contender this year and she'll claim a spot. Only contender to really watch out for is Edie Falco for Nurse Jackie, but methinks this is the lineup.

Best Actor in a Drama Series
Matthew Rhys for The Americans
Steve Buscemi for Boardwalk Empire
Bryan Cranston for Breaking Bad
Damian Lewis for Homeland
Kevin Spacey for House of Cards
Jon Hamm for Mad Men

The two locks are Lewis and Cranston. Both previous winners, with Lewis being the surprise victor last year, and with an even stronger second season, he's the one to beat. Hamm and Spacey also look to be here, as Hamm is a perennial nominee (and only that), while Spacey is believed to be House of Cards' best shot at a nomination. The last two spots are a little tricky. Buscemi has been nominated twice before for BE, and while the show's buzz has definitely dwindled, I think Buscemi in general is well-liked and will return for a third time. The wildcard pick is the last spot and I'm giving it to Matthew Rhys. Some will argue Jeff Daniels could get the nomination for The Newsroom, but I just don't think there's enough love there for the show, and especially because of the intense disagreement about the show's quality in the public eye. Another possibility is last year's nominee Hugh Bonneville for Downton Abbey, but I have a feeling his nomination is one of those more likely to suffer from DA fatigue. Rhys is on a new show that has a lot of critical support, and the performances of him and his on-screen wife (more on her later) are most likely to get the show some Emmy lovin'.

Best Actress in a Drama Series
Keri Russell for The Americans
Michelle Dockery for Downton Abbey
Julianna Margulies for The Good Wife
Claire Danes for Homeland
Tatiana Maslany for Orphan Black
Kerry Washington for Scandal

A juggernaut of a category. This is the race to watch this year. In addition to these nominees, there are viable cases to be made for recognition of Elisabeth Moss for Mad Men, Vera Farmiga for Bates Motel, Robin Wright for House of Cards and even Connie Britton for Nashville. But I'm picking these six ladies. Danes and Margulies are the only ones really assured a comeback, as Danes is the defending champ and her performance is as great as last year, and Margulies had another fantastic season, and is a previous winner. Things get dicey now. I'm gonna say the next most likely nominee is Keri Russell, which is shocking because I don't think she has the third best likely chance to win, but I think the general consensus is that she is the best part of her show (I agree), and if the show is getting only one major nomination, it's here. Michelle Dockery can end up being one of Downton Abbey's only acting nominations this year, since I think the show will take a hit. Dockery appears to be the one most likely to return after Maggie Smith (for my comments on her, check the Supporting categories below). Kerry Washington's buzz has been growing all season as Scandal has become one of the hottest shows on television. Washington made headlines last year as she became the first African-American woman to headline a primetime drama since 1974, and combined with her movie-star status after a memorable turn in last year's awards magnet Django Unchained, Washington seems like a good bet for a nomination. My absolute wildcard pick of the year is Tatiana Maslany. For fans of the show and critics who've heralded her performance, it's no shock. Maslany's show, without getting too into detail, is about clones, and Maslany plays them. Every one of them. It's a demanding role, and Maslany does it so freaking well. She's gotten some major pre-Emmy nominations buzz which could get her a slot, but generally, sci-fi shows, let alone their actors/actresses, do not do well at the Emmys. Maslany could be the game-changer, and I'm going out on a limb and predicting her. But Moss and Farmiga are hot on the heels of these ladies. Definitely check out this race tomorrow, it could be a big one.

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Will Arnett for Arrested Development
Simon Helberg for The Big Bang Theory
Ty Burell for Modern Family
Ed O'Neill for Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet for Modern Family
Max Greenfield for New Girl

Another race to watch, and not because the competition is tight. The only lock here is Burell, a previous winner and the quite-obvious standout of Modern Family. I'm predicting he'll be joined by Stonestreet, a two-time winner for this role, and O'Neill, but their co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson will be out. Personally, I think Ferguson should make it in before O'Neill but name recognition plays a big role, especially in the supporting categories. Last year, all four MF men made it in with Max Greenfield and Bill Hader of Saturday Night Live taking the last two spots. I'm expecting Greenfield to make it back again, but even though Hader just wrapped his last season on SNL, I don't think he'll get back in this year. For the final two spots, I'm going with a previous nominee and an Emmy virgin. Will Arnett, having previously been nominated four times for Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for 30 Rock, was also nominated for the third season of AD, and I think he'll return again this year. Just like Bateman, Arnett has become a household name in the seven years since the show left the air, and he was easily the standout of the new season. For the final slot, I'm picking Helberg, another surprise. I think the Emmys will really fall for TBBT because it's the first big broad comedy hit in years (unless you count Modern Family, which never reached TBBT heights), and many agree that Helberg had a great year. Hader, Ferguson, and other potential nominees like Jeffrey Tambor for Arrested Development and Adam Driver for Girls have a definite shot, but I'm picking these six.

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Jane Krakowski for 30 Rock
Jessica Walter for Arrested Development
Mayim Bialik for The Big Bang Theory
Allison Williams for Girls
Julie Bowen for Modern Family
Sofia Vergara for Modern Family

Another category with everything up in the air. Bowen, a two-time winner, will definitely be back, even if she had her weakest season to date. Krakowski, a three-time nominee for 30 Rock, was snubbed last year, but sentimentality should work in her favor. Jessica Walter was only nominated once for AD's original run, but the love for her character should make for a welcome return this year. Bialik got a nom last year, and as one of the standouts of TBBT's ensemble, she'll probably be back this year. I think Sofia Vergara will make it in this year, even though many do not agree she should be here, although that's not a diss to the actress, but rather the writers, who never gave Vergara outstanding material this year despite her big pregnancy storyline. The final nomination I'm predicting will go to Allison Williams. Girls got big buzz this winter, and a lot came from Williams and the storyline of her character Marnie. Of the three supporting Girls, Williams is the most deserving, and while some may say Zosia Mamet is the one to breakthrough, I'm going with Williams. Of course, other contenders could also get in like Bialik's co-star Kaley Cuoco, Williams' co-star Mamet, and last year's surprise nominee, Meritt Wever for Nurse Jackie.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Jonathan Banks for Breaking Bad
Aaron Paul for Breaking Bad
Peter Dinklage for Game of Thrones
Mandy Pantinkin for Homeland
Corey Stoll for House of Cards
Sam Waterston for The Newsroom

Another category that doesn't quite have a clear-cut destiny. The only one really safe here is Paul, a two-time winner. Next is Pantinkin, who isn't a lock because he was snubbed last year, but he should absolutely make it in this time around. Banks is Paul's co-star and just like with Giancarlo Esposito, there is a lot of buzz for a nom here for BB's baddie. The problem is the buzz is not as deafening for Banks as it was for Esposito, so I think Banks will get in, but wouldn't be totally surprised if he was left out. Dinklage is a previous winner, and while a bright spot of Thrones' large ensemble, had a rather useless season. He still definitely has potential, and I think GoT is so hot right now that it'll definitely help solidify the nomination. The last two nominees could go either way for me. Personally, I think Corey Stoll is the highlight of HoC, and a nomination would be well-deserved. It will be interesting to see how warm the Emmys react to the Netflix show and if that'll help or hurt Stoll's nomination chances. Waterston is the best chance for a nomination for The Newsroom, and I think his Emmy history (five-time Actor in a Drama Series nominee) along with the opportunity to award this Aaron Sorkin show could make Waterson an upset nomination. Other potential nominees include Dinklage's on-screen brother Nickolaj Coster-Waldau and Noah Emmerich for The Americans.

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Anna Gunn for Breaking Bad
Maggie Smith for Downton Abbey
Christine Baranski for The Good Wife
Morena Baccarin for Homeland
Christina Hendricks for Mad Men
Monica Potter for Parenthood

This category has always been a little out there and home to many surprises, so I'm not expecting this to be the exact line-up at all, but it's my best guess. Smith was last year's winner and continues to be the dominating force of DA awards talk, so she's probably a lock to be back. The rest of the field is pretty even. Gunn earned her first nomination last year, but supposedly had a better season this year, and I think the support for Breaking Bad is strong, so I think she's in. Baranski had a great season on The Good Wife, and while I think people have always just kind of accepted her as a nominee, this year proved she's a real contender. To a lesser extent than Mandy Pantinkin, I think Morena Baccarin will benefit from Homeland love, although I don't know if it'll be enough to get her in this race, and she'd definitely be the surprise nominee here. Christina Hendricks has always been lauded for Mad Men (a show I never really cared for, though I must admit her tape from last year was great). However, from my understanding, she had little to do this year, so while I think she'll make it in, I almost wouldn't be surprised if she didn't. That's okay, as long as Monica Potter makes it into the race. She's just gotta. For anyone who watched Parenthood this season, they'll tell you she had the performance of her career, and I think an Emmy nomination will be a result, especially with such high praise and crucial buzz. As far as who else could get in, certainly look out for Archie Panjabi, a three-time nominee and one-time winner, for The Good Wife, who I'm not predicting because of a weak season. Two other DA ladies could also sneak in, Elizabeth McGovern and Joanne Froggatt (who snagged a shocking nom here last year). But this is the category for total surprises, so if you don't see one of tomorrow's nominees listed here, even I wouldn't be shocked.

Just some opinions. Like 'em or hate 'em (and trust me, I don't like some of these nominees), this could be a good indication of things to come tomorrow. Check in tomorrow afternoon for a post on my reaction to the Emmy nominees. I can promise you laughter and tears, but I can't promise I'll 100% love the nominees. But that's what awards shows are all about. Until then...

Evan