Comments on: Emmy nominations: Predictable as usual, plus some stuff you'd hoped would happen that did http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Tue, 21 May 2013 14:53:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: luisella http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1486597 luisella Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:10:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1486597 The point of  Breaking Bad is not the drugs, is the dark side of humanity. It's a reverse of the coming of age trope. The point of  Breaking Bad is not the drugs, is the dark side of humanity. It’s a reverse of the coming of age trope.

]]> By: P.F. Bruns http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1483271 P.F. Bruns Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:01:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1483271 Congrats to Kristen Wiig, but holy CRAP.  "The Looney Tunes Show" is virtually unwatchable, and their rewrite of some of the characters--including Lola Bunny, ironically--is a major reason.  The others include the tired old sitcom setting, presented here with no irony whatsoever.  Honestly, if you've seen the old NBC show "Empty Nest," you've almost seen this show.  Warner Bros. needs to go, as Bugs or Daffy themselves would say, back to the drawing board.  They need to figure out what made the classic shorts funny (without rehashing that, of course). Congrats to Kristen Wiig, but holy CRAP.  “The Looney Tunes Show” is virtually unwatchable, and their rewrite of some of the characters–including Lola Bunny, ironically–is a major reason.  The others include the tired old sitcom setting, presented here with no irony whatsoever.  Honestly, if you’ve seen the old NBC show “Empty Nest,” you’ve almost seen this show.  Warner Bros. needs to go, as Bugs or Daffy themselves would say, back to the drawing board.  They need to figure out what made the classic shorts funny (without rehashing that, of course).

]]> By: Nathan Hornby http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1483137 Nathan Hornby Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:27:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1483137 Ah, maybe that's it. Like how the first time I watched Scream I just thought it was a shit horror, and it wasn't until I was a bit older that I appreciate the fact it was all tongue-in-cheek (still wouldn't say I was a fan, but at least I can appreciate it for what it is) Now I just have to convince the girlfriend! Ah, maybe that’s it.

Like how the first time I watched Scream I just thought it was a shit horror, and it wasn’t until I was a bit older that I appreciate the fact it was all tongue-in-cheek (still wouldn’t say I was a fan, but at least I can appreciate it for what it is)

Now I just have to convince the girlfriend!

]]> By: penguinchris http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1483134 penguinchris Fri, 20 Jul 2012 14:23:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1483134 It's funny you describe it that way because part of its brilliance is that it does have that veneer of cheap/saccharine sitcom garbage, but subverts it relentlessly. It's usually subtle but the whole thing is a subversion of comedy cliches if you're paying attention - while also (theoretically) appealing to the people who like those kinds of shows, and having a whole lot of well-done completely original stuff too of course In other words, you have to look beneath the surface, and it's worthwhile to do so because once you do, you find there's a whole lot there that is absent in other shows. I'd even call it groundbreaking in that regard. I had seen bits and pieces from seasons 1 and 2 and didn't like it, and then later watched all of season 3 when the season was close to ending earlier this year because there was a lot of buzz about it on Twitter (particularly from John Hodgman, who has a brilliant cameo role in one episode). I was hooked and went back and watched the first two seasons. I think I might suggest to you to skip season 1 and try to get into season 2. You can go back and watch season 1 after watching season 3. It’s funny you describe it that way because part of its brilliance is that it does have that veneer of cheap/saccharine sitcom garbage, but subverts it relentlessly. It’s usually subtle but the whole thing is a subversion of comedy cliches if you’re paying attention – while also (theoretically) appealing to the people who like those kinds of shows, and having a whole lot of well-done completely original stuff too of course

In other words, you have to look beneath the surface, and it’s worthwhile to do so because once you do, you find there’s a whole lot there that is absent in other shows. I’d even call it groundbreaking in that regard.

I had seen bits and pieces from seasons 1 and 2 and didn’t like it, and then later watched all of season 3 when the season was close to ending earlier this year because there was a lot of buzz about it on Twitter (particularly from John Hodgman, who has a brilliant cameo role in one episode). I was hooked and went back and watched the first two seasons. I think I might suggest to you to skip season 1 and try to get into season 2. You can go back and watch season 1 after watching season 3.

]]> By: Nathan Hornby http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1483111 Nathan Hornby Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:58:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1483111 Well I'd like to give it a chance. I like to think that my tastes are pretty well honed, but at the same time I can generally appreciate anything for what it is. Community is something that a lot of people I know watch and like, so I figure there must be something to it. Maybe I just need to persevere and hope for the best! My initial impression was that it was cheap and saccharine, but then it took a couple of episodes for me to get into Modern Family, and that's pure gold. Well I’d like to give it a chance. I like to think that my tastes are pretty well honed, but at the same time I can generally appreciate anything for what it is. Community is something that a lot of people I know watch and like, so I figure there must be something to it. Maybe I just need to persevere and hope for the best!

My initial impression was that it was cheap and saccharine, but then it took a couple of episodes for me to get into Modern Family, and that’s pure gold.

]]> By: penguinchris http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1483084 penguinchris Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:37:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1483084 It's uneven, but the brilliant moments make up for the lackluster ones (and yeah the first half of the first season isn't that great). I didn't like it, at all, when I first saw it. It's a show you have to get into, and then once you get into it, you like it a lot. But of course, not everyone will be able to get into it. It’s uneven, but the brilliant moments make up for the lackluster ones (and yeah the first half of the first season isn’t that great). I didn’t like it, at all, when I first saw it. It’s a show you have to get into, and then once you get into it, you like it a lot. But of course, not everyone will be able to get into it.

]]> By: Dr P Fenderson http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482670 Dr P Fenderson Fri, 20 Jul 2012 01:29:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482670 But, of course. However, comments from <a href="http://tvline.com/2012/05/13/community-season-4-dan-harmon-chevy-chase/" rel="nofollow">NBC exec Robert Greenblatt</a>, the movement to mid-season last year, the change of broadcast night, <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2012/05/dan-harmon-community-firing-hard-truths.html" rel="nofollow">comments from NBC and Sony about trying to reach a more general audience</a>,  and the subpar ratings over the last season lead me believe that it was a more pragmatic choice - and that his bristly management tactics just made the choice more easy for them. Dan Harmon is not the easiest person to deal with, as he admits himself. But, <a href="http://www.tvguide.com/News/Community-Dan-Harmon-Replaced-1047797.aspx" rel="nofollow">as many said, it won't be the same without him</a>. But, of course. However, comments from NBC exec Robert Greenblatt, the movement to mid-season last year, the change of broadcast night, comments from NBC and Sony about trying to reach a more general audience,  and the subpar ratings over the last season lead me believe that it was a more pragmatic choice – and that his bristly management tactics just made the choice more easy for them. Dan Harmon is not the easiest person to deal with, as he admits himself. But, as many said, it won’t be the same without him.

]]> By: David Hughes http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482661 David Hughes Fri, 20 Jul 2012 01:19:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482661 While I appreciate your support for Community and Dan Harmon, I think it's disingenuous to say that NBC booted Harmon to reach a wider audience. Harmon appears to be a brilliant but difficult showrunner. He dragged a previously private feud with Chevy Chase public for no reason. He got snippy with NBC over various issues. He was apparently a nightmare to work and write for. I understand that he wants to maintain creative control, but there's no reason to be so erratic and unreasonable (for lack of a better description). To quote Dustin Rowles at Warming Glow (who is an admitted Harmon devotee) "Dan Harmon is a genius, but he’s also kind of a dick." http://www.uproxx.com/tv/2012/05/a-showrunners-take-on-the-dan-harmon-shtcanning/#ixzz217a05jh5 While I appreciate your support for Community and Dan Harmon, I think it’s disingenuous to say that NBC booted Harmon to reach a wider audience. Harmon appears to be a brilliant but difficult showrunner. He dragged a previously private feud with Chevy Chase public for no reason. He got snippy with NBC over various issues. He was apparently a nightmare to work and write for. I understand that he wants to maintain creative control, but there’s no reason to be so erratic and unreasonable (for lack of a better description). To quote Dustin Rowles at Warming Glow (who is an admitted Harmon devotee) ”Dan Harmon is a genius, but he’s also kind of a dick.” http://www.uproxx.com/tv/2012/05/a-showrunners-take-on-the-dan-harmon-shtcanning/#ixzz217a05jh5

]]> By: giantasterisk http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482654 giantasterisk Fri, 20 Jul 2012 01:03:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482654 I love it, but then I'm definitely a geek. If you want to know why people love it, watch this tiny throwaway bit they did as a tag at the end of the show: http://www.hulu.com/watch/97892 If you don't like that, then yeah, you won't like the show. I love it, but then I’m definitely a geek. If you want to know why people love it, watch this tiny throwaway bit they did as a tag at the end of the show:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/97892

If you don’t like that, then yeah, you won’t like the show.

]]> By: Rotoapi http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482632 Rotoapi Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:38:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482632 I've enjoyed the show from the beginning, but I have heard from others (such as @drpfenderson:disqus above) that it takes a few episodes at the start to find itself, but after that, does get steadily better. I'd definitely recommend sticking with with, because it is one of the best written, clever, funny sitcoms currently on the air. I’ve enjoyed the show from the beginning, but I have heard from others (such as @drpfenderson:disqus above) that it takes a few episodes at the start to find itself, but after that, does get steadily better. I’d definitely recommend sticking with with, because it is one of the best written, clever, funny sitcoms currently on the air.

]]> By: decriss http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482535 decriss Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:02:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482535  I'm so sick of the Community and Big Bang Theory rivalry on the internet.  The problem is Community is an acquired taste.  It's clever and it's meta and it breaks a lot of molds for TV comedy, but that doesn't make it better, just different which does mean a lot when TV is filled with clones and retreads.  Aside from the Dungeons and Dragons episode, I've never been able to fine another episode I liked.  I do have to try an episode with Inspector Space Time (please give recommendations). For me, I think it mostly has to do with not liking the characters.  I don't want to spend a half hour with these people no matter how interesting what they are doing is. Now my love of The Big Bang Theory is really because I identify with the characters.  They are geeks and nerds like me.  My geek friends all love this show too.  My one friend's wife has posted after certain shows about how he does exactly what Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, or Raj has done on that night's episode.  I'm amazed that my parents and co-works love the show and how it lets them get their geek on a bit.  The show is very accessible to non-geeks.  Community isn't that accessible and gets less so every season as the episodes are built so much on what has happened before.  I don't think one is better than the other, I just know that I laugh out lout when watching BBT and when I try Community I think "oh that's clever" but don't really laugh.  I’m so sick of the Community and Big Bang Theory rivalry on the internet.  The problem is Community is an acquired taste.  It’s clever and it’s meta and it breaks a lot of molds for TV comedy, but that doesn’t make it better, just different which does mean a lot when TV is filled with clones and retreads.  Aside from the Dungeons and Dragons episode, I’ve never been able to fine another episode I liked.  I do have to try an episode with Inspector Space Time (please give recommendations).
For me, I think it mostly has to do with not liking the characters.  I don’t want to spend a half hour with these people no matter how interesting what they are doing is.
Now my love of The Big Bang Theory is really because I identify with the characters.  They are geeks and nerds like me.  My geek friends all love this show too.  My one friend’s wife has posted after certain shows about how he does exactly what Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, or Raj has done on that night’s episode. 
I’m amazed that my parents and co-works love the show and how it lets them get their geek on a bit.  The show is very accessible to non-geeks. 
Community isn’t that accessible and gets less so every season as the episodes are built so much on what has happened before. 

I don’t think one is better than the other, I just know that I laugh out lout when watching BBT and when I try Community I think “oh that’s clever” but don’t really laugh.

]]> By: Steve Wells http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482499 Steve Wells Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:20:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482499 The fact that John Noble has never been nominated shows how broken these awards shows are. (Yes, he was nominated for a couple of Satellite awards and won a Saturn a few years ago, but C'Mon...." The fact that John Noble has never been nominated shows how broken these awards shows are. (Yes, he was nominated for a couple of Satellite awards and won a Saturn a few years ago, but C’Mon….”

]]> By: Steve Wells http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482495 Steve Wells Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:17:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482495  It has it's moments, but it is mostly awful.  It has it’s moments, but it is mostly awful.

]]> By: SAMO1415 http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482408 SAMO1415 Thu, 19 Jul 2012 21:08:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482408 AMC's blog has an error on it!  They do not mention Giancarlo Esposito's nom for best supporting actor in Breaking Bad.  They mention him in the initial text but not in the lists. http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2012/07/amc-2012-primetime-emmy-nominations.php?t__ts=1342730797357&t__ts=1342730808893&ts=1342730897247 WHY WON'T THEY FIX IT?  GUS WILL SLIT THEIR THROATS! AMC’s blog has an error on it!  They do not mention Giancarlo Esposito’s nom for best supporting actor in Breaking Bad.  They mention him in the initial text but not in the lists.

http://blogs.amctv.com/movie-blog/2012/07/amc-2012-primetime-emmy-nominations.php?t__ts=1342730797357&t__ts=1342730808893&ts=1342730897247

WHY WON’T THEY FIX IT?  GUS WILL SLIT THEIR THROATS!

]]> By: D L http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482367 D L Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:41:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482367 Still the best show ever made....especially season 1.  Still the best show ever made….especially season 1. 

]]> By: D L http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482365 D L Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482365 How about Always Sunny?  I didn't see it on there. Parks and Rec got some nominations, which was good.  Treme didn't get any, but HBO knows it's good so they renewed at least.  American Horror Story was good for the first half of the season and then completely fell apart.  Walking Dead was soooo slow early on, I understand it not getting awards.  Heck, they should be punished for inflicting humanity with that old timey Vet/farmer guy.  Breaking Bad I've never understood.  It seems like a wannabe Weeds (show that went off the tracks after season 3...but they still share the basic premise of middle class white people dealing drugs), but it's just too slow for me.  How about Always Sunny?  I didn’t see it on there. Parks and Rec got some nominations, which was good.  Treme didn’t get any, but HBO knows it’s good so they renewed at least. 

American Horror Story was good for the first half of the season and then completely fell apart. 

Walking Dead was soooo slow early on, I understand it not getting awards.  Heck, they should be punished for inflicting humanity with that old timey Vet/farmer guy. 

Breaking Bad I’ve never understood.  It seems like a wannabe Weeds (show that went off the tracks after season 3…but they still share the basic premise of middle class white people dealing drugs), but it’s just too slow for me. 

]]> By: Romeo Vitelli http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482348 Romeo Vitelli Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:27:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482348  That hair doesn't mousse itself, you know.  That hair doesn’t mousse itself, you know.

]]> By: Jeffrey Chenette http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482342 Jeffrey Chenette Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:26:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482342 Peter Dinklage is great and everything, but if any one character really shined this last season it was Arya Stark. Her scenes with Tywin Lannister were amazing.  Peter Dinklage is great and everything, but if any one character really shined this last season it was Arya Stark. Her scenes with Tywin Lannister were amazing. 

]]> By: IronEdithKidd http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482336 IronEdithKidd Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:19:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482336 I've now read the entire list.  I had no idea there was an emmy for hairstyling.  :/ I’ve now read the entire list.  I had no idea there was an emmy for hairstyling.  :/

]]> By: swell http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482182 swell Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:55:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482182 I'm all for Jamie, go girl, glad you're here !  But, if constructive criticism is still allowed, I felt like your conclusion kind of summed up by my feelings as I read the post: "In summary, this is an unremarkable day in Emmy history." Then why does it deserve such a long play by play analysis?  You didn't really convince me to care about the Emmy's.  Funny/astute observations (after all I did read the whole thing)  but needs a tighter edit.  Not all posts need to continue after the jump.  I’m all for Jamie, go girl, glad you’re here !  But, if constructive criticism is still allowed, I felt like your conclusion kind of summed up by my feelings as I read the post:

“In summary, this is an unremarkable day in Emmy history.”

Then why does it deserve such a long play by play analysis?  You didn’t really convince me to care about the Emmy’s.  Funny/astute observations (after all I did read the whole thing)  but needs a tighter edit.  Not all posts need to continue after the jump. 

]]> By: Nathan Hornby http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482157 Nathan Hornby Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:44:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482157 I watched the first few episodes of Community and thought it was <i> awful </i>.  I can't help but feel I missed something, or maybe it got better? I watched the first few episodes of Community and thought it was  awful .  I can’t help but feel I missed something, or maybe it got better?

]]> By: Romeo Vitelli http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482139 Romeo Vitelli Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:40:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482139 Joss Whedon's shows were routinely snubbed when they were on the air.  I fully expect the Oscars to do the same now that he's switched to movies... Joss Whedon’s shows were routinely snubbed when they were on the air.  I fully expect the Oscars to do the same now that he’s switched to movies…

]]> By: Eric Riley http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482136 Eric Riley Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:39:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482136 Can I just say that I look forward to lots and lots more Jamie Frevele posts.  I crack up laughing every single time, and feel like these reviews are spot on target.  Kudos to BoingBoing for this! Can I just say that I look forward to lots and lots more Jamie Frevele posts.  I crack up laughing every single time, and feel like these reviews are spot on target.  Kudos to BoingBoing for this!

]]> By: Dr P Fenderson http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482097 Dr P Fenderson Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:26:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482097 "Because Community is for the geeks, while Big Bang Theory is for the non-geeks." I think that sums it up perfectly. No matter that it's one of the more innovative shows to come out in the last 10 years or so (along with <em>Jon Benjamin Has A Van</em> - the episodes Breakdown, The Curse, and House on the Lake were stunning). It's just too perfect, beautiful, and niche (keyword being niche) to garner the attention of the general public.  Another problem could be the presentation at the beginning of the show which, even to myself and other current die-hard fans I've talked to, was very bland and offputting. I have to keep telling people "Just wade through the first 5 episodes or so"...because everything after it tends to be gold. Cliche sitcom drivel seems to perfectly mask the deeper currents beneath the surface, crumbling over 3 seasons into a perfect madness as the characters <a href="http://imgur.com/5wKyA" rel="nofollow">explore the cycle of the Hero in Campbell's monomyth</a> - a perfect <a href="http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/09/mf_harmon/" rel="nofollow">mirror of Harmon's embryo</a>. Where else can you go to see a live-action, college sitcom do an entire "fake flashbacks" episode, 8-bit animated episode, claymation, Law & Order parody, musical Glee-parody, etc, etc? It's like every episode is a new show.   Chris McKenna deserves his due, but so does Megan Ganz, Dan Harmon, and all the other amazing people involved. Too bad NBC decided it needed to boot Dan to reach a wider audience, and Chris left. Hope the ship doesn't sink too fast. “Because Community is for the geeks, while Big Bang Theory is for the non-geeks.”

I think that sums it up perfectly. No matter that it’s one of the more innovative shows to come out in the last 10 years or so (along with Jon Benjamin Has A Van – the episodes Breakdown, The Curse, and House on the Lake were stunning). It’s just too perfect, beautiful, and niche (keyword being niche) to garner the attention of the general public. 

Another problem could be the presentation at the beginning of the show which, even to myself and other current die-hard fans I’ve talked to, was very bland and offputting. I have to keep telling people “Just wade through the first 5 episodes or so”…because everything after it tends to be gold. Cliche sitcom drivel seems to perfectly mask the deeper currents beneath the surface, crumbling over 3 seasons into a perfect madness as the characters explore the cycle of the Hero in Campbell’s monomyth – a perfect mirror of Harmon’s embryo.

Where else can you go to see a live-action, college sitcom do an entire “fake flashbacks” episode, 8-bit animated episode, claymation, Law & Order parody, musical Glee-parody, etc, etc? It’s like every episode is a new show.  

Chris McKenna deserves his due, but so does Megan Ganz, Dan Harmon, and all the other amazing people involved. Too bad NBC decided it needed to boot Dan to reach a wider audience, and Chris left. Hope the ship doesn’t sink too fast.

]]> By: Thad Boyd http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482069 Thad Boyd Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:11:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482069 I'm just happy that <a href="http://www.newsfromme.com/2012/06/18/about-last-night/" rel="nofollow">June Foray</a> finally got one. Granted, that was the Daytime Emmys.  But JUNE FORAY! I’m just happy that June Foray finally got one.

Granted, that was the Daytime Emmys.  But JUNE FORAY!

]]> By: bzishi http://boingboing.net/2012/07/19/emmy-nominations-2012.html#comment-1482029 bzishi Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:59:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=171979#comment-1482029 The Emmy's are a failed institution and are unable to award excellence. My evidence: The Wire I rest my case. The Emmy’s are a failed institution and are unable to award excellence.

My evidence: The Wire

I rest my case.

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