The Mindy Project: Josh and Mindy's Christmas Party

I have watched a lot of romantic comedies in my day and that makes me love The Mindy Project.  I have to confess after the SNL skit of "Dylan McDermott vesus Dermot Mulroney," I would totally lose at that game without imdb.com.

2 Broke Girls also referenced the confusion between the two actors on Monday night.  As a student of pop culture, I should be able to tell them apart but alas I cannot. Maybe one day after a marathon of their movies.

I loved tonight's episode of the Mindy Project.  Mindy's unabashed love of the holidays with the music and colorful outfits set such a great tone for the show.  Danny who is uninterested in the holidays comes to the party with an elaborate ginger bread house.  He is the perfect foil to Mindy.  He does care about her when trying to help her navigate a cheating crisis with grace.  Mindy confronts Josh perfectly mimicking the voicemail.  Danny saves Mindy during her speech becoming her knight in shining armor.

Ellie Kemper appears as Heather (not a fan of the character being named that), but she does a great crazy girlfriend who insults Mindy and destroys her house. It was genius to have Wham's Last Christmas as background music to when Mindy's friends are rallying around her to make her feel better. It's what the holidays are all about sharing, caring, and loving all that are special to us.  This episode is proof that Mindy's show is hitting its stride, and I am only looking forward to more.

Happy Endings: P&P Romance Factory

Happy Endings is one of the most underrated shows on television today.  I am concerned for its fourth season.  It is up against New Girl on Tuesdays, which isn't helping its ratings.  It is one of my favorite shows, and I like checking in with this group of best friends in Chicago every week.  I absolutely died with the Real World spoof a few weeks ago, that episode in particular was a genius move for this show.

In this episode, Penny is in yet another awkward dating situation because she is not with Dave.  Alex and Dave try to help out Max with feeling self-conscious about high fiving and fist pumping; while Brad and Jane continue to find comfort in their awesome  and quirky marriage. There were some great one liners and a One Tree Hill reference, so I cannot complain about that.

I think the show needs to go back to the Penny and Dave romance, we haven't seen it too much in a while.  That storyline is a strong point for the show, it really made me invested in the characters.  Also Penny's relationship with Max was highlight in the show where the jokes are strong, but it seems listless in the two episodes. And Alex has become terribly annoying as Dave's girlfriend again.

The Walking Dead: Made to Suffer

I had a dream about The Walking Dead on Saturday night.  Granted it was after I got up at 5:30 am to go hiking, and I was fearing for my life because of hunters.  And then there was a special on pitchers at the bar, so it was guaranteed night for crazy dreams. My dream in summation, the Governor set a murder of zombies on my house where I was having a Christmas party.

So needless to say I was excited about tonight's episode.  I was ready for some carnage.  I am sad to have to wait until next year for more new episodes, but I cannot wait to see when Woodbury and the prison survivors clash.

Glenn and Maggie were going to be executed after fighting back with zombie bones.  Glenn has become so strong, and one of the few fully formed characters on the show.  Rick, Darryl, Michonne, and the prisoner ambush Merle before the execution.  They are trying to figure out an exit plan as Michonne sneaks off to assassinate the governor.  (She is so bad ass.)  She discovers Penny and has the best zombie kills of the week with a katana through the back of the head exiting through Penny's mouth.  A struggle ensues with the wall o'heads getting destroyed, and the Governor gets a shard of glass through the eye via Michonne.  Andrea interrupts this fight, and Michonne summarily leaves.

Andrea isn't too happy with how the Governor has treated her throughout the episode.  He explains the heads, and Andrea could never agree with keeping Penny.  Andrea is the dumbest character on television, so even though she is seeing the Governor's true colors; I doubt she'll take heed of them.  The prisoner who assisted with the rescue is shot, and Maggie takes action to make sure he doesn't become a zombie.  But Darryl is captured since he stayed behind.

Meanwhile, at the prison a group of survivors enters into the prison through a previously unacknowledged gaping hole in the prison. Carl takes charge to go investigate their screams, and then promptly locks them in a cell. He went from being a stupid kid with his mother alive to a veteran of a zombie laden world where you can't trust anyone after his mother's death.

Back at Woodbury, the Governor manipulates the masses by accusing Merle of helping the terrorists because one of the terrorists is his brother, Darryl.  The masses shout for him to kill both of them, which is what usually happens in a fearful herd mentality.

We'll have to wait until next year to see what happens to our survivors of the zombie apocalypse.  But just like how this season opened, this episode had the least amount of dialogue and a ton of action making it one of the most suspenseful hours on television.

The Mindy Project: Teen Patient

After Mindy's tweet, I made it a point to blog about The Mindy Project tonight.  It is taking time away from The Passage by Justin Cronin. {I decided to participate in "The Double Down Book Club" because of Grantland's Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald podcast from last week, and I am now reading a 900 page book.  I will forgive them since they are from Philadelphia, and the book is good.  (Is everyone at Grantland from Philadelphia?? Even the reviewer of Silver Linings Playbook is from Philadelphia.)}

I digress back to the task at hand, The Mindy Project. Tonight's cold open was funny, I worry often about harming an intern, poor guy took a hard hit. Like every great romantic comedy, the main female character is on her journey to find love.  It is obvious Mindy hasn't found it with her current boyfriend, otherwise the relationship would be able to withstand the grueling questions of a fifteen year old.  This faulty relationship doesn't mean the show isn't without its funny moments, like Danny trying to handle an HR situation. Or Mindy visiting a high school on multiple occasions to dispense wisdom or condoms.  I have never felt older watching Mindy on the bean bag trying to have a conversation.  I would probably be doing all of those things.  I also wouldn't try to sit on a bean bag in a pencil skirt. I loved all the green of her outfit though.

I like Mindy Kaling enough to keep watching the show for its bits of comedy.  I really hope that it is appealing to a wider audience because I think Mindy is smart enough to continue to write good episode and truly hit a stride in the second season.  Once the characters are established, Mindy can play to her strengths of writing for female characters and develop a more "will they, won't they" storyline for Mindy and Danny (Dr. Castellano, almost as fun to say as Jordan Catalano).

2 Broke Girls: And the Egg Special

Candy Andy is the best thing to happen to this show.  As a hopeless romantic, it made the show more tolerable, and I am always excited to see him.  In the episode, Martha Stewart gave Max's Homemade Cupcakes a blurb in her magazine.  This exposure means that Max and Caroline can take the next step in their business, which is opening a cupcake store across from Candy Andy.  Anything to have more Candy Andy on screen I support.  I was really happy to see that they didn't go through with selling their eggs.  First off, I couldn't see CBS supporting that storyline, and secondly it's just too grim of a reality.  Even though they pointed out that many people have babies through the process, so there was a silver lining. 

It seems the writers are hitting their stride where the story and jokes are a little more seamless than Max's one liners. I hope that this show is given more legs now that the cupcake business is getting off the ground with Sophie's help.  The writers can make the jokes and storylines more cohesive, and it is no longer about watching these two poor girls struggle to get their business off the ground.

The Walking Dead: When the Dead Come Knocking

The contrast of the prison versus Woodbury continues as a theme in this episode.  Maggie and Glenn were free as citizens of the prison.  Their life wasn't as bad as it could be, they got to have each other and fun in the guard tower as often as they would like.  While in Woodbury, stupid Andrea was having fun with the Governor, she doesn't realize how much of a prisoner she has become.  Maggie and Glenn become prisoners in Woodbury, with Merle as the torturer in chief.  I am so proud of Glenn not breaking and getting his aggression out on the walker.  Maggie is subject to a different torture entirely, the one thing the Governor is particularly skilled is psychological manipulation.  So glad Maggie doesn't break as well, and she gives him a nice "Fuck You."

Michonne showing up with formula was the highlight of last week's episode.  She was taken in by Rick and the group, and she is magically healed by Hershel's hands to go on the rescue party for Maggie and Glenn.  After sacrificing a hunter to a herd (my preference would be to say murder) of walkers, the rescue party is on its way to Woodbury.

Meanwhile, Milton performing an experiment that Andrea knows will fail.  He is truly the creepiest scientist, and it was no surprise that he telecommuted to work and had no friends or family.

Maggie finally breaks and tells the Governor about the prison.  The Governor didn't think the prison could be taken, and Woodbury is about to be infiltrated.  Merle's loyalty will be tested.  He says it lies with Woodbury, but I think Baby Brother will trump all.   Where will Andrea's loyalties lie?  Probably the stupidest place possible.

2 Broke Girls: And the Candy Manwich

2 Broke Girls has stayed on my tv schedule because I like it paired with How I Met Your Mother, and I am a fan of Kat Dennings.  (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is on my Top Five Desert Island List.)  2 Broke Girls has not been the show to rave about, it's been good for the one-liners now and again.  But it wasn't appointment viewing.  I thought both of the characters were likable, so that's why I tuned in.

I am glad I stuck with it for tonight's episode alone.  If the writers could get this formula correct more often they would have a bona fide hit.  For me the allure of romance was a definitely needed storyline as opposed what we've seen so far into this season.  Even though it was highly unrealistic, but I have a new dream man, and he owns a candy shop (if you are out there, hmu).  I think showing Max and Caroline drunk and having fun, showing why they are friends with each other made them likable as well as relatable.  Taking them out of the diner when it wasn't related to cupcakes was a really good move.  I hope to see more episodes like this in future, and I will continue to watch.  I may also watch this one a few more times for a pick me up.

The Walking Dead: Say the Word

The writers are continuing with the parallel story lines between Woodbury and the prison.   Apparently, Woodbury has devolved into Roman gladiator games, while the prison continues to surprise with its reminders of the best of humanity.  The joy of new life still exists in the bleak world.  Daryl's capacity to be exceedingly paternal to little ass kicker is enlightening.  This world can bring out that loving side of Daryl while it brings out the worst in the citizens of Woodbury. 

We have yet another stunning example of Andrea horrible decision making skills, and we continue to be creeped out by the Governor keeping his child walker way past her expiration date.  Was anyone else worried that there was something in the drinks at the party?  Or did anyone else think that the citizens were "drinking the cool-aid"?

While another husband and father becomes unhinged and goes on a walker killing spree.  I don't blame Rick at all for finally breaking, but what is going to be left when he is put back together? The previews for next week look good, I am glad the Michonne isn't truly gone.  Again, she'll have to clean up Andrea's mess, but I'll gladly watch her do that any day.

The Walking Dead: Killer Within

Wow, I didn't expect an episode like this tonight.  Granted the previews showed that something was coming but I did not expect the suspense, punctuated with the scenes at Woodbury.   I will tackle those first.

Andrea has to be the dumbest character on the show.  I don't know how anyone can justify her decisions.  She shot Daryl and slept with Shane last season.  She is just so lost, and she cannot read people well.  Andrea should be listening to Michonne, but Andrea was hit on twice so of course she wants to stay.

Meanwhile, all hell broke loose at Home, Sweet Prison, Home.  The chaos was started by a prisoner trying to take his house back.  The casualties and the humanity that came across in these scenes were mind blowing.  T-Dog didn't get many lines, and I didn't remember he was a God driven man.  But his sacrifice in saving Carol was truly moving and gory.  It was the best of humanity.  While at Woodbury, you have the worst of humanity in the Governor, who obviously has an end game; and he sees Michonne and Andrea as a part of it.

It finally came time for Lori to give birth.  I didn't expect her to die during this episode or birth.  But as the previews revealed no one is the same after this death.  Lori had her many faults as a character.  I thought she was so short sighted at times, but in the end her death was praise worthy (along with the performance).  There will be a ripple effect for the rest of the season, and I cannot wait to see how the writers decided to manifest it.

The Mindy Project: Halloween

I am a huge fan of Mindy Kaling.  I loved her original blog, and her book is an awesome read.  When her show was picked up by Fox, I was really happy for her.  I was also impressed with her marketing campaign.  The picture above is from Walnut Street in Center City Philadelphia.  They were giving out free manicures, pedicures, and hair styling.  I thought it was genius for her show that is a romantic comedy once a week.

I thought Tuesday's Halloween episode was good.  I totally relate to the trials and tribulations of dating and possibly ending up a cat lady.  I also enjoyed the reference to Charlie Brown, which is a Halloween classic.  If she could have fit in a Hocus Pocus reference I would have been in heaven.  A separate story line for Danny and Jeremy was good for the characters.  I really hope her show makes it to a second season because I think she'll hit her stride with writing and the characters much like Happy Endings hit its stride in the second season. 

Well Happy Halloween Everyone!!!!  I will be eating Halloween Oreos and watching tv.

The Walking Dead: Walk With Me

Some of my readers expressed disappointment for not posting about The Walking Dead last week, so I am back this week.

Last week's episode had some shocking moments, both Hershel almost becoming a walker, and Rick killing the leader of the inmates with a machete.  In my humble TV Lass opinion that was the best human kill of the series.

In last night's episode, the survivors of the zombie apocalypse find themselves safe through imprisonment.  Woodbury and the Governor are another example of this theme.  Survivors are giving up their weapons and believing everything the Governor says and does when he is a true villain.  The Walking Dead now has the zombies to fear and the Governor.  The scene at the end with the heads was truly scary.  The Governor has power and will do anything to keep it.

It is a little hard to believe that he got the jump on the whole group of Army survivors, but this is fiction, and I'll believe it for the story.  The return of an improved Merle was what the show needed, but I could never see him as a crony of anyone. I am surprised he is going along with the Governor so much.  I know Merle would look down on Darryl for following Rick, so what does that say about Merle following the Governor?  I cannot wait to see what the scientist has to reveal about his experiments.  Anyone else find the tea suspicious?

Well I am looking forward to getting back to the prison next week.  The Walking Dead has two different universes, and they are going to meet soon.  I hope they do not spend the whole season apart, that will just drag out the series and make it uninteresting.

The Office: Here Comes Treble

This season of the Office has been really good.  I think the biggest factor for the improvement of the Office is bringing back the creepiness of Creed.  We always need a little creepy Creed in our lives.  I also think the writers are trying to get in all of their story ideas they've had since the beginning. 

I really like that they are showing the give and take in a marriage, and that even thought Jim and Pam are One True Pair; it still isn't easy.  Jim needs this sports marketing venture to work.  His life would be too sad if he just ended up a paper salesman for the rest of his life.  Speaking of sadness, Toby might get some happiness in his life with a crazy Brit. 

They have also made Dwight more human and kept him just as crazy.  It is what they needed because Dwight cannot just be crazy.  There needs to be humanity in him to make it work on the show.  Involving Oscar in Angela's marriage was a good pay off for all of the accusations by Oscar of Angela's Senator husband.

I would say last week's ep was better, it made me want pie and miss Pushing Daisies.  On that note, I am going to try to watch Mockingbird Lane.  Pushing Daisies writer Bryan Fuller has contributed to this show, and I like supporting good writing.  I hope Mockingbird Lane is in the same vein as Pushing Daisies.  Even though I am younger than a lot of people who were exposed to The Munsters a lot, I still got my fill of The Munsters when I was a kid.  So I am hoping this throwback works or at least invokes nostalgia.  I am traveling so I don't know if I can blog, but I'll definitely comment on it next week.

Nashville: Someday You'll Call My Name

My love for Connie Britton knows no bounds, except for shows that may be scary and cause me to lose sleep.  Sorry, American Horror Story, I will get there.  Of course, I started watching Nashville with the pilot.  I think this show is a good example of layered storytelling.  The third episode airs tonight, and it is continuing to reveal background story that couldn't be surmised from previous plot points.

I am enjoying the story of Rayna James, and the choices she made to get where she is today and how the world has change around her.  Also the characters are enjoyable, hats off to Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, and Charles Esten for bringing these characters to life.  I am also getting a very All About Eve throw back from the show.  But I don't think it is as patronizing as it can come off in other instances.

I also have to give a shout out to Jonathan Jackson (General Hospital and Camp Nowhere).  Ten year old TV Lass is really happy you made it to prime time (outside of the Sarah Connor Chronicles) and that you didn't give up on your dream.  Too bad you are playing a dick that has his girlfriend stifling herself so that you can shine, and that gross facial hair that can't be called a beard.  You are definitely suffering for your art.  Even though Avery comes around at the end of the episode, it is still creepy and appears to have ulterior motives.

Next week's episode looks like it'll be good, and Juliette will have to fully address her mother.  While Rayna tries to figure out her financial, tour, and love situation.
 

Sons of Anarchy: Toad's Wild Ride

After seeing I haven't written about Breaking Bad, I knew Sons of Anarchy was lacking from my blog as well.  When this show first came out, I was the biggest fan of the show.  I would talk to anyone who would listen about it. Trust me, I am not the normal demographic for the show. I loved the show because I love sub-culture, I find the hierarchy and customs fascinating.  Another thing I loved was the retelling of Hamlet in a modern day motorcycle club (MC).  I enjoyed seeing the reinterpretation of one of my favorite plays. 

I would say last season was slow, but I feel that Kurt Sutter was building the background to take the story where it needed to go.  This season has been exciting, Opie's death was heart breaking.  (I wonder if Ryan Hurst got to cut his hair?)  Jax has also significantly changed this season, he has more purpose than before.  Gemma is even more off the rails.  I loved the random Joel McHale appearance.

I have a feeling Joel McHale really enjoyed this short character run.   Clay on the other hand, I hope Ron Perelman enjoys playing such a mastermind villain.  I thought Unser was going to die at the hands of Clay.  I should have known better than that. Jax knows better though. 

Meanwhile, at the club house, Tara shows up with the boys ready to go up to a cabin for a respite.  I loved the juxtaposition of the swing set in front of a clubhouse.  You could tell something was going to happen to the boys especially after what Gemma has been doing to herself.

The writers are really going for blood this season, and it is driving the plot.  I cannot wait to see next week's episode and the fall out from it.

Breaking Bad Parody

I just realized I have never posted about Breaking Bad.  I am obviously a huge fan, of course I wouldn't be able to call myself the TV Lass if I didn't watch. 

I saw this parody, and I had to pass it along.

Homeland: New Car Smell

I chose to write about Homeland tonight because I think it is one of the best shows on TV.  It is a character driven show with an aggressive plot line.  When I watched the first season I was ravenous to get through it to see what was going to happen.  The second season does not have the same urgency, but it is just as interesting.

Many critics have been pointing out the holes in the plot, but I think the viewers can overlook the slight inconsistencies because of the characters.  Carrie and Brody ultimately are significantly broken people trying to navigate complicated lives.  I think people identify with the brokenness and we like the backdrop of the CIA and terrorism to see flawed people become heroes/heroines.

In this episode, Carrie is reinstated in a limited capacity working for the CIA.  Brody is trying to clean up his family life and his car from the murder he committed last week.  Yet, no matter how hard they try, their worlds implode.  After Carrie sees Brody she can't emotionally handle her situation, and she is goaded on by Peter Quinn. Brody after being told to continue the relationship manages to continue to play mind games with Carrie. Unfortunately, this was her undoing.  After she met for drinks with Brody, she couldn't help herself especially after her therapy was mentioned.  She needed to bring him down, and she blows the cover of the whole operation.

It is very Shakespearean that the drunk Marine or joker sees/speaks the truth about the assassination attempt by Walker and his subsequent murder.  It will be interesting to see how the writers play that out. 

I cannot wait to see how the series handles the interrogation.  I wonder if it'll spark any criticism or if it will highlight that the government has deprived people the right of due process in the name of the war on terrorism.  As long as it generates dialogue of any kind, that's the best thing any show can hope for.

P.S. Only prep school kids would make cute nick names out of history, Dana as Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson's slave and possible mother of two of his children, and Finn as Thomas Jefferson.

The Walking Dead: Seed

Needless to say Sunday nights mean DVR overload for me.  Once Upon a Time, Revenge, Walking Dead, and Homeland.  I have been working to keep my DVR lean as well, so I can continue to watch all the shows I love and write about whatever strikes my fancy.

I think it also goes without saying the Walking Dead had a lackluster last season.  There were some high points, specifically 18 Miles Out was an episode that was emotional and thought provoking.  But the farm became so boring, and they needed to leave, and a herd of zombies along with the death of Shane finally moved the story forward. 

As the episode opens, we find the survivors of the farm foraging a house looking for a place to rest.  But they are cast out again by a herd of zombies. (I think the herds of zombies should be called a murder like a murder of crows. Since the show already used the term herd, I will use their terms.)

Rick and Daryl find the prison while hunting, and immediately they hatch a plan to take it.  There is irony in the fact that they find freedom and space in a prison.  Granted this was in the comics, but if I was in the writers room, I would have had a field day writing this theme into the episode and the season.

Michonne and Andrea finally make their appearance.  Andrea is really sick, and Michonne is taking care of her.  They have survived the winter, which I need to mention I guess the cold didn't slow the zombies down.

Lori, who is now significantly pregnant, confides in Hershel  her fears for her pregnancy.  I had thought about some of the consequences she expressed, and I don't think they could do any of them on tv.  But we will see if she manages to have the baby. It may be the high point of the season, and what it means to be human in their post-zombie epidemic world.

As the men try to take more of the prison, Hershel is significantly injured and ends up losing his lower leg and foot.  To see Rick hacking away at his leg is crazy but also necessary.  Even more startling are the prisoners that appear, and they are just as freaked out to see other survivors.  The introduction of new characters will be good for the show. But I can't see myself liking anyone who was formerly a prisoner.

Well next week looks good, and I am interested to see if the absence of Shane is ever felt. I just can't want for Merle to come back, he looks new and improved without his hand; and I cannot wait to see it.

Gossip Girl: Gone Maybe Gone

I decided to write about Gossip Girl tonight because I haven't watched the show religiously.  I am coming back to it after half watching the past few seasons.  Since it is the final season, I decided I needed to return. 

In all honesty, I didn't watch the first season of Gossip Girl, I thought I was above it.  And then I had an extremely bad day where I didn't get a job I wanted, in a city I was dying to move to.  So I bought the first season on DVD, picked up a pie (yes, a pie....blueberry), and a can of whipped cream; and I had a pity party.  Well Gossip Girl distracted me from the disappointment, and everything was ok in my life for awhile.  I feel like may be bringing Gossip Girl back into my life will bring me luck as I am figuring out my next steps after finishing my masters.

They opened the season with a search for Serena, which harkens back to her return in the first season.  I truly love the writing and the witty quips of this show, especially Blair Waldorf's "Country Strong" reference (yes, I am watching Nashville on Wednesday.  I have to support Connie Britton, Texas Forever!!!). 

I absolutely love that all of the characters spent the summer abroad.  Oh, how I wish I had their lives. I think the best formula for this shower is Chuck and Blair together, Dan and Serena together, and Nate just looking cute.  Even though Nate and Serena together was hot.  I love all the drama with Rufus being manipulated by Ivy.  The show also works best when nefarious characters are manipulating the ones we love.  How is Nate going to be further manipulated by Gossip Girl?  Or Sage from the previews, she's going to be 17?  Also, I love the name choice, Sage means to predict the future.  So what role will she play in the Gossip Girl world or Nate's paper? 

My preference for Blair and Serena for when they are best friends.  It makes the characters more relatable. I have high hopes for this season because the tension the writers are building between characters will make this season suspenseful, interesting, and hopefully worth watching.

Emmy Results and Commentary

I loved the opening of the Emmys, I basically texted that it was all of my favorite people.  Really smart and well done, this makes me look forward to the show. 

Side note, I realized that I didn't have writing in the ballot.  I will leave the website where I got this ballot out of the post, but really they should have included it.

Louie deserved his Emmy for best writing, to quote a tweet about him, "he's won comedy, now what?" 

Doyle from Gilmore Girls won an Emmy!!! He was also on Buffy.  I really liked Game Change, too bad I didn't get to include writing in my Emmy competition....Blogger Fail. 

Meg killed it, and I might just watch too much TV.....NEVER!
 

Drama Series (Meg)

"Homeland"---"Could also see this getting it, but it is the first season." My initial comments.  Glad to see it win, Showtime subscribers will go up for the premiere.  I am about to renew my subscription.

Actress in a Drama (Meg)

Claire Danes, "Homeland"---"I would love to see Claire accept it pregnant."  Love that she won, Homeland is so good.

Actor in a Drama (Meg)

Damian Lewis, "Homeland"----"Could also be a winner." My original comment, I fully support this choice.  His work is outstanding.  Can't wait for season 2.

Supporting Actress in a Drama (Meg)

Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"--She is one of my favorite parts of Dowton Abbey.

Supporting Actor in a Drama (Neither)

Aaron Paul, "Breaking Bad"---I didn't expect him to get it a second time around, even though his work was amazing.

Comedy Series (Neither)

"Modern Family"---Well Modern Family dominated, and I think that the voters' love for this show is a little bit much, and there's much better tv out there.  This is good tv, but not great tv.

Actress in a Comedy (Meg) Sad Amy didn't organize anything with all of them.  The speech thing was funny.  It is a shame, Amy didn't win.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"--I still need to get around to Veep.

Actor in a Comedy (Neither)

Jon Cryer, "Two And A Half Men"---I don't want to knock Jon Cryer, but I am just wondering the taste level of Emmy voters with 2 and a half Men and Modern Family.  I don't even watch 2 and a half Men.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy (Neither)

Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"--Not that she doesn't deserve it, but I now fall asleep to Modern Family.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy (Neither)

Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family"--- Not that he doesn't deserve this award, but I wish they would spread the Emmy love outside of Modern Family.

Reality Competition Program (Meg)

"The Amazing Race"---Wishing I watched, or made my choices based on what the Emmy voters would choose.

Host for Reality Competition Program (Neither)

Tom Bergeron "Dancing With The Stars"--Quick story, when Dancing with the Stars was a lowly Friday night show circa 2005, we used to watch it while getting ready to go out in college.  Haven't watched it since, and I am shocked it turned into such a big show or has been on the air for so long. 

Movie or Miniseries Series (Meg)

"Game Change"--The only one Meg watched....see my comments above. Wow, Tom Hanks.

Actress in a Movie or Miniseries (Meg)

Julianne Moore, "Game Change"---"Toss up"  I will always default to Connie Britton.  But I did like Game Change, and I thought her performance was great!

Actor in a Movie or Miniseries (Neither)

Kevin Costner, "Hatfields & McCoys"--Probably still won't watch it, but 12 year old TV Lass would have been all over it.

Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries (Neither)

Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story"---I plan to watch this, but I am afraid I won't sleep.

Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries (Neither)

Tom Berenger, "Hatfields & McCoys"---I kind of wanted to watch this, but I wasn't up for frontier stories.

Emmy Competition 2012

Alright, my competitive streak has hit me and I'm here to hopefully be the foil and pick more winners than The TV Lass.  On Sunday night I will be switching between the Patriots game (go Pats!) and the Emmys - thank god for DVR!  Granted I don't watch as much tv as she does - but here are my kind of educated and totally emotional picks:

Drama Series

"Breaking Bad"

"Boardwalk Empire"

"Downton Abbey" Downton could win but is it really deserved for it's weak second season?

"Game of Thrones"

"Homeland"  My pick - but would be happy with Mad Men winning too.

"Mad Men"

Actress in a Drama

Claire Danes, "Homeland"  - My pick.  She was amazing as Carrie and Emmy voters have liked her for years.

Elisabeth Moss, "Mad Men" - Doesn't really deserve, she was barely on the show after she left SCDP

Glenn Close, "Damages"

Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"

Kathy Bates, "Harry's Law"

Michelle Dockery, "Downton Abbey" - Spoiler?

Actor in a Drama

Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"

Damian Lewis, "Homeland" - My pick, and I can't wait for season 2.  Even the President watches - Emmy voters will award the talented new-comer.

Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"

Hugh Bonneville, "Downton Abbey"

Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"

Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"

Supporting Actress in a Drama

Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey" - I have a feeling that Maggie will win, but I would love for Christina Hendricks to win.

Christina Hendricks, "Mad Men"

Christine Baranski, "The Good Wife"

Archie Panjabi, "The Good Wife"

Joanne Froggatt, "Downton Abbey" - Mrs. Byaaates (I just love saying Byaaaates like she does.)

Anna Gunn, "Breaking Bad"

Supporting Actor in a Drama

Giancarlo Esposito, "Breaking Bad"

Aaron Paul, "Breaking Bad"

Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones"

Brendan Coyle, "Downton Abbey"

Jim Carter, "Downton Abbey"

Jared Harris, "Mad Men" - I hope Jared wins, his last two episodes were really great.

Comedy Series - Let me rant for a second:  How on EARTH were Louie and Parks and Rec not nominated??  They are the best comedies on TV!  This is ridiculous...

"Curb Your Enthusiasm"

"Girls" - I guess this is my pick, although it is undeserved.  Louie should absolutely be the winner of best comedy.

"Veep" 

"Modern Family"

"The Big Bang Theory"

"30 Rock"

Actress in a Comedy

Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation" - I hope that she's finally rewarded, and to make up for not nominating P&R for best comedy.  I don't see it happening though.

Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep" - Emmys love Julia Louis Dreyfus - she is my pick.

Lena Dunham, "Girls"

Melissa McCarthy, "Mike & Molly"

Tina Fey, "30 Rock"

Zooey Deschanel, "New Girl" 

Actor in a Comedy

Jon Cryer, "Two And A Half Men"

Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"

Don Cheadle, "House of Lies"

Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"

Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm"

Louis C.K., "Louie" - No one else on this list deserves it half as much as Louis CK.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"

Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"

Kristen Wiig, "Saturday Night Live" - My choice, especially now that she has left the show.

Kathryn Joosten, "Desperate Housewives"

Merritt Wever, "Nurse Jackie"

Mayim Bialik, "Big Bang Theory" 

Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"

Ed O'Neill, "Modern Family"

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, "Modern Family"

Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family"

Max Greenfield, "The New Girl" - The choice for Emmy voters who want to "look cool"?  I hope it's one of the non-Modern Family guys.

Bill Hader, "Saturday Night Live" 

Reality Competition Program

"So You Think You Can Dance"

"The Amazing Race" - My choice again - the best competition show on TV.

"Dancing With The Stars"

"Top Chef"

"The Voice"

Host for Reality Competition Program

Cat Deeley "So You Think You Can Dance"

Phil Keoghan "The Amazing Race" - My choice

Ryan Seacrest "American Idol"

Betty White "Betty White's Off Their Rockers"

Tom Bergeron "Dancing With The Stars"

Movie or Miniseries Series

"American Horror Story"

"Game Change" - My choice - especially in the year of another presidential election.

"Hatfields & McCoys"

"Luther"

"Sherlock: A Scandal In Belgravia"

"Hemingway & Gellhorn" 

Actress in a Movie or Miniseries

Connie Britton, "American Horror Story"

Julianne Moore, "Game Change" - My choice -it will likely be one of the movie stars.

Nicole Kidman, "Hemingway & Gellhorn"

Emma Thompson, "The Song of Lunch"

Ashley Judd, "Missing" 

Actor in a Movie or Miniseries

Kevin Costner, "Hatfields & McCoys"

Bill Paxton, "Hatfields & McCoys"

Woody Harrelson, "Game Change" - My choice, mainly because this is the only one I saw.

Clive Owen, "Hemingway & Gellhorn"

Idris Elba, "Luther"

Benedict Cumberbatch, "Sherlock: A Scandel In Belgravia" 

Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries

Mare Winningham, "Hatfields & McCoys"

Frances Conroy, "American Horror Story"

Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story"

Sarah Paulson, "Game Change" - My choice, again it's the only one I've seen.

Judy Davis, "Page Eight"

Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries

Tom Berenger, "Hatfields & McCoys"

Denis O'Hare, "American Horror Story"

David Strathairn, "Hemingway & Gellhorn"

Ed Harris, "Game Change" - My choice

Martin Freeman, "Sherlock: A Scandel In Belgravia"