My 2013 Emmy Roundup: Drama Actresses

Finally we make it to the big boys. I like the comedies. I like the TV movies and miniseries. But it is a Golden Age of television dramas and Emmy Awards matter when there are so many heavyweights out there. Cable has taken over the Emmy Awards as HBO and Showtime continue to churn out premium shows at premium channel prices. But AMC and FX continue to produce the best shows on television. Going to be a slugfest among these four networks in nearly every category.

We start our drama roundup with a look at the fine actresses that grace our screen every week. There are plenty of great performances week-in and week-out and the Best Actress contenders are very thankful that Jessica Lange is sitting down in the TV movie and miniseries category.

Here we go for the ladies …

Best Actress Drama

Should be: Claire Danes (Homeland), Julianna Marguiles (The Good Wife), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men), Keri Russell (The Americans) and Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black)

Will be: Danes, Marguiles, Dockery, Moss, Kerry Washington (Scandal) and Connie Britton (Nashville)

My winner: Julianna Marguiles

Likely winner: Claire Danes

This category is going to come down to Claire Danes vs. Kerry Washington in the end … and that is kind of an absolute joke. Scandal is a “buzz” show and anybody who watches it knows that. Kerry Washington is nowhere near the league of Danes, Dockery, Moss or Marguiles. But it has buzz after a significant ratings improvement this year and because of the buzz, the pro-network voters could come out in full force to help Washington to the top.

Dark horse: Marguiles is my pick to win and is the only dark horse that has a chance to upset Danes or Washington in the category. Moss will once again be an also-ran despite probably her best performance this season on Mad Men.

Best Supporting Actress Drama

Should be: Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey), Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Morena Baccarin (Homeland) and Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife)

Will be: Smith, Gunn, Hendricks, Baranski, Baccarin and Monica Potter (Parenthood)

My winner: Maggie Smith

Likely winner: Maggie Smith

This will likely be another Emmy victory for Professor McGonagall, but Anna Gunn could definitely make a run at getting herself her first trophy. It was a very important season for Skylar on Breaking Bad and Gunn stood out more than she did in any other season.

Dark horse: Monica Potter has been getting a ton of critical love for her portrayal of a cancer-stricken mother on Parenthood and could sneak in for the win here. I personally like the show and like Potter’s performance, but to win an Emmy I think you need to go without the bald cap and actually shave your head.

Best Guest Actress Drama

Should be: Shirley MacLaine (Downton Abbey), Margo Martindale (The Americans), Carrie Preston (The Good Wife), Stockard Channing (The Good Wife), Abby Miller (Justified) and Diana Rigg (Game of Thrones)

Will be: MacLaine, Preston, Channing, Martindale, Miller and Jane Fonda (The Newsroom)

My winner: Margo Martindale

Likely winner: Jane Fonda

A couple of heavyweights will fight for this crown. Jane Fonda vs. Shirley MacLaine is what is going to come down to and former Emmy winner Margo Martindale might be left without even getting a nomination. The Good Wife will continue to dominate acting categories and continue to not win them and get shunned in the best drama category. I personally was not all that impressed with The Newsroom as a whole, or Jane Fonda individually, but the guest actor and actresses awards are often for movie stars to steal away.

Dark horses: Stockard Channing has the name recognition to pull off and upset here and if Game of Thrones is going to take home a handful of Emmys for what clearly was its best season, then Rigg is a strong dark horse candidate.

My 2013 Emmy Roundup: Made for TV miniseries/movies

Simply put … I wish that American Horror Story: Asylum was competing with the big boys in the Drama category because it was one of the five best shows on television this year. Unfortunately for AHS:A it has to go against a solid cast of made-for-television movies that could sweep a bunch of Emmy’s up.

Best Movie/Miniseries

Should be: American Horror Story: Asylum, Behind the Candelabra, Phil Spector, Top of the Lake, Parades End and The Hour

Will be: American Horror Story: Asylum, Behind the Candelabra, Phil Spector, Parades End, Political Animals and The Bible

My winner: American Horror Story: Asylum

Likely winner:  Behind the Candelabra

The Emmy voters are going to be too easily swayed by a biopic piece about Liberace starring two megastar actors. While AHS:A will still be nominated in numerous categories and take home some gold … this category is a virtual lock.

Dark horse: There is no dark horse here really. If Behind the Candelabra does not win then it would truly be one of the great Emmy upsets. AHS:A would be the only other choice.

Best Actor Movie/Miniseries

Should be: Michael Douglas (Behind the Candelabra), Al Pacino (Phil Spector), Benedict Cumberbatch (Parades End), Matt Damon (Behind the Candelabra) and Dominic West (The Hour)

Will be: Douglas, Pacino, Cumberbatch, Damon and Toby Jones (The Girl)

My winner: Al Pacino

Likely winner:  Michael Douglas

A bunch of Hollywood heavyweights here with Pacino, Douglas and Damon all battling new superstar Cumberbatch. There is virtually no chance anyone other than Douglas or Pacino walks out with the trophy.

Dark horses: There is definitely dark horse consideration for Damon and Cumberbatch here as both are getting a ton of buzz for their roles, but the Emmy’s love using these categories to give TV awards to movie stars … and Douglas and Pacino are about as large as life gets in Hollywood.

Best Actress Movies/Miniseries

Should be: Jessica Lange (American Horror Story: Asylum), Helen Mirren (Phil Spector), Elisabeth Moss (Top of the Lake), Rebecca Hall (Parades End) and Sigourney Weaver (Political Animals)

Will be: Lange,  Mirren, Moss, Weaver and Laura Linney (The Big C)

My winner: Lange

Likely winner: Lange

Another virtual slam-dunk as Lange is the best actress on television by a wide margin. This is where I really would like to see AHS:A go against the dramas, because Lange deserves more recognition for her weekly portrayals and her work in this season was simply spectacular.

Dark horse: Mirren was great in Phil Spector and still has the star power that voters like in this category. It would be an upset for sure, but Mirren could sneak in and take the trophy home.

Best Supporting Actor Movie/Miniseries

Should be: James Cromwell (American Horror Story: Asylum), Zachary Quinto (American Horror Story: Asylum), Jeffrey Tambor (Phil Spector), Peter Mullan (Top of the Lake) and Rob Lowe (Behind the Candelabra)

Will be: Cromwell, Tambor, Lowe, Dan Akroyd (Behind the Candelabra) and James Woods (Mary and Martha)

My winner: James Cromwell

Likely winner: Cromwell

This category has a bunch of intrigue because Cromwell is the front-runner but has many famous names running along with him. Tambor and Cromwell were so superb in their roles though that I would have a tough time seeing one of the more famous Hollywood folks comes in a steal the thunder.

Dark horses: Lowe and Woods could both ride their Hollywood appeal to a trophy. Lowe has always been a favorite of the Emmys, so it will be interesting to see if he can spring an upset here.

Best Supporting Actress Movie/Miniseries

Should be: Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story: Asylum), Lily Rabe (American Horror Story: Asylum), Holly Hunter (Top of the Lake), Ellen Burstyn (Political Animals) and Phylicia Rashad (Steel Magnolias)

Will be: Paulson, Rabe, Hunter, Burstyn and Alfre Woodard (Steel Magnoilias)

My winner: Paulson

Likely winner: Hunter

This is the first category with no clear favorite in the movie/miniseries genre. Paulson and Hunter are running neck and neck and either could easily walk out with an Emmy. Paulson was another amazing part to the great acting cast on AHS:A. Without her back-and-forth with Zachary Quinto and Jessica Lange the show simply would not be the same. So, she is my choice, giving three acting Emmys to AHS:A on my watch.

Dark horse: Burstyn is a real dark horse here. As far as buzz goes Political Animals has pretty much lost all of it and it was not brought back for a second season. But Burstyn was widely regarded as the highlight of the show and will have an outside shot at sneaking past Paulson and Hunter.

My 2013 Emmy Roundup: Comedy

It is the most wonderful time of the year for TV aficionados. It is Primetime Emmy season. Which means it is also time for the experts to throw out all their predictions.

Since Comedy is pretty much my weak spot in my television repertoire, I figured I would cover all of the categories (Comedy Series, Comedy Actress, Comedy Supporting Actress, Comedy Actor and Comedy Supporting Actor) all in one post. The Miniseries/TV Special category will get the same treatment, but the Drama categories will all get their own posts.

So ... here we go ...

2013 Primetime Emmys

Comedy Series
Should be: Modern Family, House of Lies, Archer, Louie, Big Bang Theory, Arrested Development
Will be: Modern Family, Veep, Big Bang Theory, Arrested Development, Girls, 30 Rock
My winner: Archer

Likely winner: Modern Family

A very tough category. For me, it came down to what show makes me laugh the most, and that is not even close. Archer is the funniest show on television right now. It is smart, true to its characters and is extremely addictive. Modern Family has slipped into a tough spot of trying to remain fresh, but stay true ... a very tough spot to be in. I have no problem with them winning the Emmy since there is no chance that Archer gets recognized with a nomination ... but for me ... Archer is as good as any other comedy on television right now.

Dark horses: Arrested Development and Veep could both surprise because they have already received Emmy love before. Girls is definitely on the downswing in ratings and critical reception, so don't expect it to steal the spotlight.

Comedy Actor
Should be: Don Cheadle, David Duchovny, Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K., Jason Bateman, Matt Leblanc
Will be: Alec Baldwin, Don Cheadle, Louis C.K., Jim Parsons, Jon Cryer, Jason Bateman
My winner: Don Cheadle
Likely winner: Alec Baldwin

This category is a virtual lock with Baldwin making his last appearance for 30 Rock, but Jon Cryer shocked the world last year with his win and could pull the upset again. I feel that Duchovny deserves recognition for another fantastic year on Californication, but he almost certainly will not get a nomination.

Dark horses: Jon Cryer is definitely a possible surprise again. But I would think Louis C.K. is starting to get a ton of recognition and could finally spring the upset.

Comedy Actress
Should be: Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, Martha Plimpton, Edie Falco, Melissa McCarthy
Will be: Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Amy Poehler, Edie Falco, Lena Dunham, Zooey Deschanel
My winner: Edie Falco
Likely winner: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

This category is a tough one because it is a pretty clear list of only about eight contenders. When it comes to acting chops, there is a ton here, but Edie Falco is clearly the best of the bunch, But the Emmy voters have never liked an individual actress like they like JLD. Expect the Veep star to walk away with another trophy.

Dark horses: Tina Fey could sweep in with the sentimental vote as 30 Rock heads off of television.

Comedy Supporting Actor
Should be: Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Will Arnett, Jeffrey Tambor
Will be: Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jeffrey Tambor, Max Greenfield
My winner: Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Likely winner: Ty Burrell

This is just one of the two Modern Family dominated acting categories. Honestly, any of the four on that show could win and I would be fine with it, but Will Arnett and Jeffrey Tambor on are great on Arrested Development and part of the reason the show was able to keep its charm after all of these years.

Dark horses: Jeffrey Tambor is the only guy who seems to have a chance to swoop in and steal the Emmy from the Modern Family conglomerate.

Comedy Supporting Actress
Should be: Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Mayim Bialik, Jessica Walter, Kate McKinnon, Anna Chlumsky
Will be: Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Mayim Bialik, Jessica Walter, Kaley Cuoco, Jane Krakowski
My winner: Jessica Walter
Likely winner: Julie Bowen

Another tough category because there are not enough good choices. Modern Family should have little trouble winning this one as Julie Bowen continues to decorate her mantle, but Jessica Walter is so fantastic on Arrested Development that should would be my choice. 

Dark horses: Mayim Bialik could easily swoop in and take the win here as her name recognition makes her attractive to some voters' pencil marks.

This Week's Top Three (Monday, 6/03/13 through Sunday, 6/09/13)

Another week with not a ton of new stuff on the tube, but some good stuff to keep an eye on and one let down of a season finale after an epic penultimate episode. Burn Notice also made a solid start to its final season, but not good enough to quite make the cut after a couple of lackluster seasons have taken it way down from its peak.

3. Game of Thrones, Episode 10, Mhysa. As Game of Thrones has shown it likes to do ... it uses Episode 9 for its climaxes and uses Episode 10 to try and get you licking your chops for more ... in particular more of the Mother of Dragons. For the second time in three seasons GoT gave us a Daenerys closing letting us know that she has some dragons that are coming for all you silly men in the seven kingdoms. And it works, but after such a spectacular ninth episode in both the first and third seasons, it is such a shame that the final hour of the season is just spent with more positioning of people for power plays that seem completely moot at this point. If Khaleesi doesn't end up on the Iron Throne or seriously flaming up Joffrey with one of her little pets, won't all of this emotional investment really kind of been a waste? I am very happy they showed some resolve in the Ygritee/Jon Snow situation, but it is clear she could have easily killed him, she wanted him to have a fighting chance. And in the end, this show reminded us what can happen weekly on GoT that we all take for granted. At any given point, Peter Dinklage can absolutely take over your television screen and you simply cannot turn away. He can be that unbelievably charismatic while playing a character that has evolved into one of the best on television. He could very well be setting another Emmy on his mantle this year.

2. The Killing, Episode 3, Seventeen. The Killing is always going to struggle with pacing because it tries to stay gritty and "real," but they are going to need to pick it up, because gritty is going to need a ratings boost to keep from being canceled for real. That said, I LOVED this episode. It is starting to pit our favorite duo, Linden and Holder, against each other with different partners and it is starting to form a ton of intrigue that can make things interesting every episode of the way (a problem the show has had with noticeable lulls the first two seasons). The street kids angle that I loved so much in the first two episodes is still very fresh and very intriguing and can take the story in a ton of angles. But really has everything so entertaining it Peter Sarsgaard as serial killer (we think) Ray Seward. Is he the way he is because he has been in prison all this time? Did he kill all those women, but NOT kill his wife? Did he kill any of those women? Has he killed someone else? If he is innocent of the crime he is convicted of, how comfortable are we as viewers with him walking if he maybe committed many others? It is perplexing to say the least and ... thus far ... expertly written and acted.

1. Mad Men, Episode 11, Favors. Seriously? What else could be No. 1. Somehow, even the "uneventful" boring episodes of Mad Men are so well done right now that nothing else on television is up to snuff. Barring a complete disaster of a season's ending in two weeks ... this is going to win iwify's Top Drama with relative ease ... and that is saying a ton considering the strong shows that have already come and gone this year. As Don Draper continually comes to grips with not liking who he is as a man he still balances his life with an almost eerily amount of precision. Yet, it call came crashing down as his own daughter saw him with a woman other than his wife. Don closes the door at the end of the episode completely perplexed what to do next. The wife, the other woman and his own young adult daughter all swirling around his brain as Chevy, Sunkist and Ted start to slip from it. Meanwhile, we continue to see the major struggles that Peggy is having with trying to figure out her lot in a man's world. Living alone and trying to lure help to chase off a rat was quite a memorable scene, but the scene with Pete after speaking to his mother was magical to see. It reminded us that even Pete has a light side and a few drinks has brought these two together before. Could be nothing, as the Mad Men folks love to mess with the viewers, but it certainly was nothing less than intriguing. Oh ... and Bob Benson. That guy.

Honorable Mention: Burn Notice, Episode 1, New Deal.

This Week's Top Three (Monday, 5/27/13 through Sunday, 6/2/13)

Well, after finally getting the family settled in a new home, it is definitely time for TWT3 to return ... and just in time for the end of the season on Game of Thrones and Mad Men ... and in time for the premier of The Killing and Longmire with Breaking Bad, The Bridge and Dexter's final season on the horizon.

This week looked like a slam dunk for me after watching Game of Thrones prior to watching The Killing or Mad Men. But, by the end ... the No. 1 show for the week was not as clear cut as I had previously thought as we had some excellent storytelling on AMC.

3. The Killing, Episodes 1 and 2, The Jungle and That You Fear The Most. I had high hopes for the return of this series after such a thorough botching of Season 2. And, the best cop duo on television did not disappoint despite a little bit of slowness in pacing for the season premier. The first time Detective Holder, says, "What up, Linden," had to bring a smile to the face of many fans of this duo and the new case is a nice fresh angle for the show. I am eager to see the ratings numbers because I already have a sense that I would like to see a Season 4. As for the show ... a slow pace still did not hurt the strong amount of intrigue that has been placed in a number of different spots. I am very curious to see how this all weaves together throughout the season and think that the inclusion of the entire "street kids" storyline could be quite a treat. The casting of the fantastic character actor Gregg Henry as Holder's new partner should provide great repartee to go along with the great connection between Holder and Linden.

2. Game of Thrones, Episode 9, The Rains of Castamere. Just wow. Fantastic television. Sure, all the fan boys/girls who have read the books knew this was coming, but it is often difficult for TV to stay true to source material with such popular and seemingly essential characters. With the unbelievable death of Ned Stark at the same time in Season 1 ... this betrayal and brutal killing of the matriarch and eldest son of the Stark household was unreal to watch. But, as the story was going ... had to happen. This is obviously a Game and when Robb and Catelyn chose to play it their way and shun others rules there was only one ending that could occur. Lost in the drama of the last 15 minutes was the great storyline where Jon Snow was just steps from Bran, who witnessed Snow's turn on the wildlings. Rest assured this is not the last we have seen of Jon Snow and Ygritte and we all know the Starks, and even their bastard son, are quite the suckers to the wiley ways of a woman they seemingly love. So, it will be very interesting to see how this story plays out in next week's finale and in the future of the show. Also, Daenerys just keeps gathering wealth, power and men. Once she comes for the Iron Throne it is going to be interesting to see how much those that are all playing their Game across the sea will defend against her might.

1. Mad Men, Episode 10, A Tale of Two Cities. While Game of Thrones was good enough to launch it from the middle of the pack to a potential Best Drama Emmy nod ... Mad Men keeps holding down the fort. It is apparent that I love it a lot more than many other critics out there this season, but I don't see a single flaw in this season so far as they build toward Don Draper's ultimate fate in Season 7. As the new merger continues to cause strain at work, Draper is constantly in flux with trying to decide who he is and what he wants away from the office. The constant pushing of Pete Campbell to the side is going to erupt into something as well. Should be very interesting to see where he goes as his personal life continues to fall apart and as he feels his security at work is being threatened. John Slattery once again proved to be a wonderful director in this episode as it was full of great one-liners and still very Roger-heavy despite Roger being behind the camera. With Draper's umpteenth near-death experience over with ... will he make any changes or will this just be yet another warning sign he fails to listen to?

This Week's Top Three (Monday, 4/22/13 through Sunday, 4/28/13)

Wow, what a tough week of television to crack the Top 3. The Americans, Grimm, Person of Interest, Game of Thrones, The Good Wife and Mad Men all had legitimately strong weeks as sweeps begin, but alas ... only three of them can earn This Week's Top Three honors!

3. Mad Men, Episode 5, The Flood. We have seen many period-dramas take historical moments and weave them into their fabric, but no show does it as well as Mad Men. Tying the slaying of Martin Luther King into Don and Megan's miserable trip to an advertising award show was brilliant writing and worked perfectly. Don (Jon Hamm) gut-wrenching discussion on what parenthood has been for him was also great television. Draper has had such a confusing life and horrible childhood that he had to wait until his kids were far to old to bond with them ... and he is already starting to realize that was a mistake. The scenes with Bobby (Mason Vale Cotton) were the writer's just giving us a gentle reminder that there are so many angles they can take Don Draper's life in this penultimate season. We were also reminded that there seems to be a big falling out coming for Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser) and Harry Crane (Rich Sommer). With Harry basically delivering a "give me partnership or I leave" ultimatum last week ... losing Pete's support among the partners is not going to help him. And, finally, there seems to be ever so slight sparks with Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) and her boss, or at least he is clearly interested. This could be why they have planted the seed that Peggy and her current beau might not be as happy together as they appear. Throw in a few solid scenes with Michael Ginsberg (Ben Feldman) and Mad Men still has a perfect season, cracking TWT3 with every episode so far.

2. The Americans, Episode, 12, The Oath. What a fantastic episode to set up the season finale on this excellent rookie drama. FX is churning out such good television right now that I cannot wait for their next freshman to hit this summer, The Bridge. The Americans started out hot, slowed for a few episodes, but then found footing not only in the source material, but emotional footing as well. This episode centers on one key moment, when Russian-turncoat Nina (Annet Mahendru) decides to once again become Russian spy and tells her superior that she has been working with the FBI and she wants to fix it. This puts FBI agent Stan Beeman's (Noah Emmerich) life in immediate peril and puts us at as crossroads in how we feel about this show. It is so focused on the Russian plants and spies that we forget that Beeman is one of the "good guys." We know Beeman endangers our favorite Cold War heroes though, Peter and Elizabeth Jennings (Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell). And now that one of Peter's undercover personas is married to an asset, it is going to be interesting to see where that storyline goes in the season finale and heading into Season 2. The more under-the-radar story spun from this episode that could be dire for our KGB operatives is that the house maid who made the plant in the Secretary of Defense's office grew a conscience and told the FBI. This gives the FBI prime opportunity to send false messages and take the show in a handful of different ways. 

1. The Good Wife, Episode 22, What's in the Box?. This show has delivered all season and is a legit contender in the best drama field now dominated by the cable networks. This episode had so much intrigue I don't even know where to begin. From the questionable ballot box on election day to Alicia Florrick's (Julianna Marguiles) life-changing decisions, it was must-see television. In one final swoop, we see Alicia choose not only to leave Lockhart-Garnder and go with Cary Agos (Matt Czuchry) and his new firm, but, by default, she has chosen her husband, Governor-elect Peter Florrick (Chris Noth) over her desire, Will Gardner (Josh Charles). With the Lockhart in Lockhart-Gardner in line for a seat on the Illinois Supreme Court, Will could be left alone in business and life and it will make next season all the more intriguing. It appears that Cary screwed up his deal with Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) though, so Gardner will have at least one weapon sticking around. The way the writers slowly crafted what seemed to be a foregone conclusion (we could all see this coming about 10 episodes ago) was magnificent and another reason the show belongs at the top of the heap. Well done TGW, we will see you in a few categories on Emmy night.

Honorable Mention: Person of Interest, Episode 20, In Extremis; Grimm, Episode 18, Volcanalis.

This Week's Top Three (Monday, 4/15/13 through Sunday, 4/21/13)

Another week where the usual suspects came to play and nothing else. The Americans, Game of Thrones, The Good Wife and Mad Men were all very well done and had very strong moments. But, was anything good enough to knock Mad Men from it's No. 1 perch?

3. The Good Wife, Episode 21, A More Perfect Union. The Good Wife continues to flourish in its role as "The Best Show on Network Television." While that might be as lofty a title as it once was, it is still an important title and one that is barely disputed. This week's episode kept agonizingly toying with the viewers with the love triangle of Alicia Florrick, Will Gardner and Peter Florrick (Julianna Margulies, Josh Charles and Chris Noth). With Peter's proposal to Alicia being found out by her brother and her mother, she gets pressured by them to chase true love and let Peter go. But, it is not that easy for Alicia and if anything appears to have forced her closer to Peter. The season finale should be excellent as Peter's run for governor comes to an end and Alicia is sure to have conflicted feelings on her apparent choice. Alicia's mother going to Will and telling him to fight for her has stirred the pot and ought to make for excellent television. There are still great secondary stories going as well. As Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski) continues to be pursued for the state Supreme Court should Peter win, Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) and Cary (Matt Czuchry) move closer to leaving the firm ... together. With Alicia examining her love and professional future, Will could be left out in the cold on all fronts.

2. Mad Men, Episode 4, To Have and to Hold. Mad Men drops to No. 2 this week, but not because of a let down, more like a Game of Thrones step up. Until they disappoint me this season, the writers at Mad Men seem almost a virtual lock to take my No. 1 drama award. To watch Don Draper (Jon Hamm) cheat on his wife more or less because he is jealous of her success and then turn around and get upset with her for a scene on her show involving another man is what makes this show so spectacular. We all want to cheer for Don. We want him to concur his demons because he seems so ahead of the curve in so many aspects, but then we are hammered with blunt realities like this that make it so difficult to pull for him. As Peggy (Elisabeth Moss) walks in an steals a client from her former mentor Don we should be proud of her, but somehow find ourselves upset that Don and his band of misogynists, led by Pete (Vincent Kartheiser), lost out on the Heinz Ketchup empire. Add  the brewing battle between Joan (Christina Hendricks) and the rest of the partners and the inclusion of Harry (Rich Sommer) in the mix at the top and you have plenty of ammo for the rest of the season.

1. Game of Thrones,  And Now His Watch is Ended. I was pretty ho-hum on Game of Thrones right up until the very last scene. I guess the writers expect me to cheer for Jamie Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) now that he has lost a hand, but nope ... not going to do it. I guess they think they can just keep Peter Dinklage in the background making snarky comments and I won't realize they are not exactly sure what the hell to do with him ... but nope ... I noticed. And then ... all was forgiven because of the lovely Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) and her exceptional double-cross. Sure, all the viewers had to know that the Dragon Queen was not leaving without all of her dragons ... and sure, there were hints she knew all the things that Kraznys was saying about her while trying to get a dragon and give away as little of his army as possible. But that didn't change the effectiveness of the scene. Daenerys is coming with a unstoppable army and three maturing dragons. Does any of the other petty squabbling over the Iron Throne even matter?


Honorable Mention: The Americans, Episode 11, Covert War.