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TV Gal Wants to Rule the Emmy World (angel mentions)

By Amy Amatangelo

Monday 12 July 2004, by Webmaster

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) Welcome to yet another edition of "If I ruled the world ... ." If I ruled the world, chocolate (especially dark) would have no caloric repercussions, women’s clothing sizes would be standardized, trying to watch four shows in one timeslot would count as exercise and the Emmy nominations would go a little something like this:

Outstanding Drama Series

"The O.C."
"Everwood"
"The Sopranos"
"Touching Evil"
"Without a Trace"

It’s good to start with the biggest pipe dream of them all — that the Emmys will ever nominate anything that spawns from The WB. Remember the motto Emmy voters live by: "Familiarity, repetition, old favorites." But we saw this season with shows like "24" and "Alias" (which really lost me with the whole "Mission Impossible" fake masks in the season finale) how difficult it is to keep a one hour drama on track. "Everwood" is a series that gets better with every episode, giving depth to its supporting characters, tackling controversial topics and showcasing some of the best performances on television every week. The dark, moody "Touching Evil" answered the question "Do we really need another crime drama on television?" with a resounding "yes." And the Oliver fiasco aside, I defy you to find me a more endlessly entertaining show than "The O.C.," which single-handedly saved the prime time soap opera.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Adam Brody, Seth on "The O.C."
James Gandolfini, Tony on "The Sopranos"
Anthony LaPaglia, Jack on "Without a Trace"
Gregory Smith, Ephram on "Everwood"
Kiefer Sutherland, Jack on "24"
David Boreanaz, Angel on "Angel"

Let’s get real — Brody gave the performance of the season. Whether mocking his father’s (Peter Gallagher) wild facial hair ("Dad those eyebrows are out of control.") or courting the girl of his dreams ("Slowly I thaw her icy heart."), Seth is the boy we all wish we had known in high school. Without my friend Kiefer, they’re would be no show to talk about. While "24" was clearly flawed this season, Sutherland valiantly held the entire series together. The final shot of him weeping in his car almost made us forget all about that blasted baby story line. And by now you know that I think Gregory Smith is one of the best actors on television today. Confident yet awkward, devoted to his sister, self-deprecatingly funny, Smith has shaped one of the best teenagers ever to hit prime time. And in his final season, it’s about darn time Emmy voters paid the incomparable Boreanaz a little respect. It’s clear that there are more than enough fantastic dramatic roles for men, because if the Emmys were to allow more than six nominations, I’d love to include Michael Chiklis on "The Shield" and Jeffery Donovan of "Touching Evil."

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Amy Acker, Fred on "Angel"
Amy Brenneman, Amy on "Judging Amy"
Edie Falco, Carmela on "The Sopranos"
Jennifer Garner, Sydney on "Alias"
Amber Tamblyn, Joan on "Joan of Arcadia"

We entered this season not even knowing how talented Acker is, thankfully Joss Whedon created the opportunity to let us all in on Acker’s secret. Garner carries her show with grace and some serious girl power. Even though she talks to God and has a divine mission of the week, Tamblyn has created one of the most realistic teen on TV.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Carlos Bernard, Tony on "24"
Alexis Denisof, Wesley on "Angel"
Victor Garber, Jack on "Alias"
Walton Goggins, Shane on "The Shield"
Chris Pratt, Bright on "Everwood"

Truly you could pick any of the fabulous supporting actors on "The Shield," but Goggins’ combustible Shane gave "The Shield" its most compelling and most dangerous story line. As I’ve discussed endlessly, this season Pratt transformed his one-dimensional jock character.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Reiko Aylesworth, Michelle on "24"
Tyne Daly, Maxine on "Judging Amy"
Drea de Matteo, Adriana La Cerva on "The Sopranos"
Janel Maloney, Donna on "West Wing"
Joely Richardson, Julia on "Nip/Tuck"

Richardson is the one thing that keeps the outrageous FX drama somewhat grounded. She’s a walking contradictions — fragile, yet fierce. Heartbroken, but headstrong. De Matteo gave one of the best performances of the season. Who else could make the phrase "irritable bowel syndrome" so funny and also have us screaming at the TV, "for the love of God, don’t tell Christopher." Even though she’ll be our pal Joey’s sister next season, I’m still hoping that Silvio spared her (you heard she’s signed on for the final season of "The Sopranos," right?).

Outstanding Comedy Series

"Arrested Development"
"Everybody Loves Raymond"
"Friends"
"Gilmore Girls"
"Scrubs"

No matter what category you want to put the show in, "Gilmore Girls" recovered from a shaky start to remain one of the best shows on television and took a leap-of-faith with its controversial season finale. And if "Scrubs" and "Arrested Development," the two funniest sitcoms on television, don’t get a nomination, that sound you hear will be me screaming.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jason Bateman, Michael on "Arrested Development"
Zach Braff, J.D. on "Scrubs"
Topher Grace, Eric on "That 70’s Show"
Matt LeBlanc, Joey on "Friends"
Tony Shaloub, Adrian on "Monk"

Topher Grace is prime time television’s most underrated actor. As the only sane member of the Bluth family, this is the role tailor made for Bateman. The show would not work if he couldn’t so effectively play the straight man to his family’s ridiculous antics. This is the performance of his career and it deserves recognition.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Jennifer Aniston, Rachel on "Friends"
Alexis Bledel, Rory on "Gilmore Girls"
Sarah Chalke, Elliot on "Scrubs"
Lauren Graham, Lorelai on "Gilmore Girls"
Alicia Silverstone, on "Miss Match"

My week simply wouldn’t be the same without my Girls and since each actress gracefully carried multiple story lines this season, I think they’re both leads. Sarah Chalke is able to pull off both the slapstick aspects of her role with the more serious moments. And "Miss Match" was gone way too soon from the line up, but as any fan of "Clueless" knows, there is something innately charming about Alicia Silverstone.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Will Arnett, Gob on "Arrested Development"
Brad Garrett, Robert on "Everybody Loves Raymond"
Tony Hale, Buster on "Arrested Development"
Sean Hayes, Jack on "Will & Grace"
Edward Herrmann, Richard on "Gilmore Girls"
John C. McGinley, Dr. Perry Cox on "Scrubs"

Oh, how I love those Bluth boys. Arnett and Hale could teach a master class in comic timing and deadpan delivery. And if the Emmy voters don’t realize that for the last three years, McGinley has been turning in a pitch-perfect performance I don’t know how to help them. If he’s omitted again this year, I may boycott the ceremony.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Kelly Bishop, Emily on "Gilmore Girls"
Portia de Rossi, Lindsay on "Arrested Development"
Judy Reyes, Carla on "Scrubs"
Doris Roberts, Marie on "Everybody Loves Raymond"
Bitty Schram, Sharona on "Monk"

You know I never was a big fan of de Rossi’s annoying Nell on "Ally McBeal," but I adore her as the self-centered and perpetually clueless Lindsay. And I’ll never get tired of Roberts’ tyrannical, hysterical, but loving mother-in-law.

Now remember in keeping with the "If I ruled the Emmy world" philosophy, I put everyone where I think he or she belongs. Remember that Edie Falco and Tony Shaloub announce the Emmy nominees this Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET on E! Agree with me? Disagree with me? Can’t believe that I agonized over this list as if it actually mattered? Talk about it on the TV Gal message boards.

Quotes of the Week

"I can’t wait to see Phil. He’s so gorgeous." Charla to her cousin Mirna on "The Amazing Race 5."

"This isn’t beach bum, this is beach homeless." Carson to his latest target on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

Highlights of the Week Ahead All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for July 12 to 18

How can you not love the decade that made the Peach Pit gang famous? Sure it seems a little soon to be nostalgic, but you can’t blame VH-1 for its enthusiasm. "I Love the ’90s" premieres Monday at 9 p.m.

Hawaiian native Jasmine Trias might not have won the big competition, but she checks into The Grand Waimea Hotel on this week’s "North Shore" (Monday, FOX, 8 p.m.). Don’t tell her how poorly the show is doing in the ratings or she might cry. Look for Christopher MacDonald, last seen on FOX’s quickly cancelled "Cracking Up," to pop in for four episodes beginning on July 26. He’ll play Brooke Burns father.

Is there a promenade where you live? The fact that kids from "Summerland" (Tuesday, WB, 9 p.m.) hang out at the promenade is just more proof that you’re watching an Aaron Spelling drama.

So "Blow Out" was the talk of my salon when I got my haircut last week. The general consensus is a Jonathan haircut is so not worth $400 and that he’s a terrible manager. We’ll find out what happens when the stylist try to stage a coup on the season finale of "Blow Out" (Tuesday, Bravo, 9 p.m.)

I’m almost afraid to tell you who I’m rooting for on "The Amazing Race 5" (Tuesday, CBS, 10 p.m.). Last year, every team I rooted for lost (I’m still sad about The Supremes and the Clowns), but the TV Gal column is about making the tough choices in life. So I might as well confess that I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the Bowling Moms, parents Chip and Kim, and internet dating couple Bob and Joyce.

As we established last week, we have no secrets from each other. Last year I attended Country Music Fan Fair in Nashville, Tennessee. You know I so don’t care that country isn’t cool. I returned home pretty clear on one thing- I’m destined to marry a country singer (preferably Keith Urban). From what I can tell, Nashville is to country music what Hollywood is to movies and TV (now that would be a great SAT question). Bellhops are willing to dish on which stars have let the fame go to their head (pssst, Alan Jackson), just about anyone will lament how country has become too pop (thanks Shania). A lilting and graceful country twang greets you were ever you go ("Are y’all having fun at Fan Fair?") and everyone from store clerks to random strangers on the street is helpful. I was among my people. This year you all will get a chance to experience the beauty of Fan Fair. CBS airs "CMA Music Festival: Country Music’s Biggest Party" this Wednesday at 9 p.m.

Mark Wahlberg brings his good vibrations (such a sweet sensation ... come on, did you really expect me not to make a Marky Mark joke?) to HBO as the executive producer of "Entourage" (premiering Sunday at 10 p.m.). The series follows movie star Vince (Adrian Grenier) and his gaggle of friends who are clinging to his fame. The series has moments of humor but by the third episode it was starting to feel very repetitive and a little too inside. And these pals who have no life of their own start to seem really pathetic. After you watch the show, let me know what you think.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back next week to process the Emmy nominations (it will be like one big group therapy session, trust me) and the new series "Rescue Me" (I was so excited about the show I forgot that it doesn’t premiere until next Wednesday (July 21). But now I’ve seen the first three episodes and I’m still totally and completely in love with the show.) Have question, seen a familiar face, have an inside scoop or want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com by clicking on my byline at the top of my column.