The nominations are in for the 2014 Primetime Emmy Awards. Over the next few weeks, I'll be going through several of the major categories and offer my predictions on who will win this year. Kicking things off is Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
The nominees are: Downton Abbey's Jim Carter; The Good Wife's Josh Charles; Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage; Homeland's Mandy Patinkin; Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul; and Ray Donovan's Jon Voight.
1. PETER DINKLAGE - GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "THE LAWS OF GODS AND MEN"
I still haven't found the time to start watching Game of Thrones. So, why then do I have Peter Dinklage on the top of this list if I have no clue what he did this year? Well, I heard this was a great season for Dinklage as his character was put on trial and he was fighting for his life. Fan reaction to this episode was quite strong for him and the show is gaining more and more support from the voting academy with every year. That and Dinklage being a past winner in this category and for this role helps immensely for momentum.
2. AARON PAUL - BREAKING BAD (AMC)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "CONFESSIONS"
I'm fully expecting a swell of wins for Breaking Bad for its final season. It was quite an impressive string of episodes last year. And speaking of past winners, Paul has already won twice and could make Emmy history by becoming the first person to win 3 times for the same role in this category. "Confessions" is a strong tape because Jesse becomes very aware of how manipulative Walter White has been in his life for the past few seasons. Who could forget him pouring fuel all over the White residence?
3. JOSH CHARLES - THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "HITTING THE FAN"
Charles likely got nominated for that thing that happened to his character later on in the season. That moment makes co-stars Julianna Margulies and Christine Baranski strong contenders in their fields. But before that even happened, Season 5 had been a very good year for Will as he had to deal with Alicia and Cary leaving the firm. "Hitting the Fan" simply is the most impressive episode the show has ever done. And Charles is fantastic in it.
4. JON VOIGHT - RAY DONOVAN (SHOWTIME)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "FITE NITE"
An actor of Jon Voight's caliber simply cannot be written off so easily. Yes, I hate Ray Donovan and Voight is largely just scenery chewing. But he's committed to the role and is one of the more intriguing aspects of the show. Very much a dark horse in this race.
5. MANDY PATINKIN - HOMELAND (SHOWTIME)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "GERONTION"
For seasons one and two, I would say that Patinkin very much belonged in the conversation of who should win. But for the whiplash third season? I just don't see it happening. The show valued plot over character this year. Patinkin continued to do his role well and is a fantastic balancing point for the show's crazier elements. It just doesn't seem likely.
6. JIM CARTER - DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "EPISODE ONE"
Every year Carter gets nominated in this category. And every year I go - "Why?" There are so many better performances out there but the voters are still obsessed with Downton Abbey for some reason. So, Carter remains on this list. But there's no reason why he should win this award over the five other nominees.
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "THE LAWS OF GODS AND MEN"
I still haven't found the time to start watching Game of Thrones. So, why then do I have Peter Dinklage on the top of this list if I have no clue what he did this year? Well, I heard this was a great season for Dinklage as his character was put on trial and he was fighting for his life. Fan reaction to this episode was quite strong for him and the show is gaining more and more support from the voting academy with every year. That and Dinklage being a past winner in this category and for this role helps immensely for momentum.
2. AARON PAUL - BREAKING BAD (AMC)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "CONFESSIONS"
I'm fully expecting a swell of wins for Breaking Bad for its final season. It was quite an impressive string of episodes last year. And speaking of past winners, Paul has already won twice and could make Emmy history by becoming the first person to win 3 times for the same role in this category. "Confessions" is a strong tape because Jesse becomes very aware of how manipulative Walter White has been in his life for the past few seasons. Who could forget him pouring fuel all over the White residence?
3. JOSH CHARLES - THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "HITTING THE FAN"
Charles likely got nominated for that thing that happened to his character later on in the season. That moment makes co-stars Julianna Margulies and Christine Baranski strong contenders in their fields. But before that even happened, Season 5 had been a very good year for Will as he had to deal with Alicia and Cary leaving the firm. "Hitting the Fan" simply is the most impressive episode the show has ever done. And Charles is fantastic in it.
4. JON VOIGHT - RAY DONOVAN (SHOWTIME)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "FITE NITE"
An actor of Jon Voight's caliber simply cannot be written off so easily. Yes, I hate Ray Donovan and Voight is largely just scenery chewing. But he's committed to the role and is one of the more intriguing aspects of the show. Very much a dark horse in this race.
5. MANDY PATINKIN - HOMELAND (SHOWTIME)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "GERONTION"
For seasons one and two, I would say that Patinkin very much belonged in the conversation of who should win. But for the whiplash third season? I just don't see it happening. The show valued plot over character this year. Patinkin continued to do his role well and is a fantastic balancing point for the show's crazier elements. It just doesn't seem likely.
6. JIM CARTER - DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS)
EPISODE SUBMISSION: "EPISODE ONE"
Every year Carter gets nominated in this category. And every year I go - "Why?" There are so many better performances out there but the voters are still obsessed with Downton Abbey for some reason. So, Carter remains on this list. But there's no reason why he should win this award over the five other nominees.
