Learn From NARCOS

Article originally published as NARCOS Review on Seat42F.

NETFLIX’s latest drama, NARCOS, takes a different tact than most of the previous series do. The story of infamous Columbian drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar, is mixed with the DEA agent that hunts him, Steve Murphy, to give viewers a history lesson. It’s scripted drama based on a true story, one bloody and fantastical.

The first thing that strikes me about NARCOS is that it really is a history lesson. Not one that could be used in history classes, given its graphic, violent content, but still, there is a lot of truth in the way it unfolds. It feels, in many ways, like the film Argo, with more voice-over exposition. Not everything that happens on screen is factually true, I’m sure, but it’s close enough to qualify as educational as well as entertaining.

The authority in which the narration is done gives the show some gravitas. I compared it to Argo, and I’m sure that comparison was drawn by the production on purpose. NARCO has the feeling of a high-quality biopic in that regard, and uses the common trope of mixing the famous (Escobar) with the lesser-known (Murphy) in telling the complete story. The audience will learn much more about Escobar than they did watching Entourage.

Of course, NARCOS has ten hours to tell its tale, versus the two a movie gets, and so can take its time. It zooms through the first couple of years in a single installment, beginning with Escobar (Wagner Moura, Paraiso Tropical) not even involved in the cocaine world to running a full-fledged empire. But Escobar stayed in power for many years, so there’s at least a full season in this, and I assume things will slow down as it goes on.

Most of NARCOS’s premiere installment is focused on Escobar himself, which seems a little strange, since Murphy (Boyd Holbrook, The Big C, Gone Girl) feels like the lead. I like that we’re not just viewing things from the law enforcement perspective, though, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how Escobar makes things work, and the series is kind of presented as Murphy’s telling of the whole thing after it’s been complete, making me think he will survive, unlike so many other players.

More of a wild card is Murphy’s partner, Javier Pena (Pedro Pascal, Game of Thrones, Graceland). He intrigues early in the pilot, then disappears as the show flashes back and builds back up to the time in which Murphy actually gets to Columbia. It is hard to get a read on his role at first, so I look forward to seeing more of that, as he seems like he may be a catalyst to even more violence.

One thing that confuses me is the tendency NARCOS has to mix the real stuff in with the fiction. I have no problem with the show using actual footage of Nixon and Reagan because they aren’t characters, existing only on the TV screens. But when a mug shot of Moura’s Escobar is suddenly replaced with the real man, it takes viewers out of the world a bit, re-emphasizing the documentary aspect at the expense of storytelling.

And really, that’s my problem with NARCOS. While it seems very well made, and I will likely watch more of it myself, it doesn’t quite know what it wants to be. It’s teaching too much and too dry in places to hit the mass appeal of the action-loving crowd, yet too gritty and bloody to strike the fancy of many of the family-friendly documentary niche. It sidetracks to give us a human element, such as showing the death of a pregnant mule, but that takes us away from the characters. It is worth watching and I’m sure will find fans, but by not picking a path and committing to it, it risks alienating many of what could be its core viewership.

The full first season of NARCOS is available now on Netflix.

How to Be a Gentleman teaches anything but

     The "Pilot" of CBS's How to Be a Gentleman finds Alan (David Hornsby, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) dealing with a new job description. Alan has been writing a column about being a gentleman, a disappearing art, but his boss, Jerry (Dave Foley, NewsRadio), informs Alan that, per the new owners, he needs to shift to something that appeals to a completely different demographic. A chance encounter with one of his former high school tormentors, Bert (Kevin Dillon, Entourage), gives Alan an idea on how to go about that. Reluctantly, he tries to transform himself. 

     How to Be a Gentleman might just win Worst New Series this season. There are so many reasons to nominate it for such a title, and really no reason not to. The writing isn't smart, the concept is done, and actors are poorly used, and the jokes aren't funny. From start to finish, it's impossible to find one positive thing to say about the "Pilot." So let's break down some of the negatives.

     Hornsby works great in small doses, such as the recurring role he plays on It's Always Sunny. He doesn't work at all as a leading man. His whiny voice and annoying personality, assumedly done for the part he is playing, leads the audience to sympathize with Bert quite quickly. Viewers will all want to punch Alan in the arm. I'm not saying Hornsby is a bad man or a terrible actor, but this role does him no favors.

     But Bert is not off the hook. What works for Johnny Drama when he's part of an Entourage doesn't necessarily work as one of two leading men. It's a shame, because Dillon is essentially playing the same role. Not with the lifestyle or career choice, of course, but in terms of how he acts, talks, and thinks. Did Drama get a spin-off, and then at the last minute, the creators decided to rename his character and make it something new? It seems so.

     The supporting characters are no better. Foley is intolerable as a pushover, willing to do anything to keep his job. This wimpiness keeps him from being likable, much the same way it does for Alan and Alan's brother-in-law, Mike (Rhys Darby, The Flight of the Conchords). Mike's mother is played by Nancy Lenehan (The New Adventures of Old Christine, Worst Week), recycling the same forgettable character she always plays. There's nothing to hate about her, but that could be because her character lacks any discernable substance. Mary Lynn Rajskub is wasting the (deserved) adoration she built with 24 on another throwaway part, Alan's possibly cheating, overbearing sister. Some of these actors could do so much better.

     If the fates are kind, How to Be a Gentleman will be off the air by next week. But fates aren't always kind, so who knows? If you are interested in checking it out, How to Be a Gentleman airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

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Entourage reaches "The End"

     On HBO's Entourage finale, appropriately titled "The End," everyone finds their happy ending. Ari (Jeremy Piven) quits his job so he can give his wife, Melissa (Perrey Reeves), usually known as Mrs. Ari, the attention that she wants. Vince (Adrian Grenier), after a single 24-hour date, invites everyone to his wedding with Sophia (Alice Eve) in Paris. With some help from his friends, E (Kevin Connolly) has another chance with the mother of his baby, Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui). Entourage begins as a series about friends, but ends with a focus on family, both actual relations, and friends that are as close as such.

     If there is one complaint to be had about "The End," it's that it is far too short. Minimum, it should have been an hour. Two would have been even better. The extra time is needed because there are a number of things that were not shown, but should have been. First, viewers never get to observe Vince and Sophia on that magical date, and only see them together as they are getting ready to fly away. Second, Ari's breakup with Dana (Constance Zimmer), though logical based on the previous episode, is also done off stage. There is no chance to see if E and Sloan will ever work things out, just that they have the opportunity to. And in a perfect world, Billy (Rhys Coiro), Lloyd (Rex Lee), and Scott (Scott Caan) would go to the wedding, because they are all part of Vince's expanded entourage now. Maybe Shauna (Debi Mazar), too. It would be nice, if a tad cliche, to see the wedding.

     Perhaps, biggest of all, Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Drama (Kevin Dillon) get no personal plot in "The End," spending all their screen time helping out friends. While that serves them well, fans also care about the two as individuals. One can assume that Drama's career is finally in good shape, given the development in the previous episode. But while Turtle now has money, fans never get to see how his next investment plays out, or if he finds romantic happiness. These are important elements to the character, and with the shortened final season, there is no time to address them.

     Vince's sudden nuptials are not surprising. His character is frequently passionate, and prone to obsession throughout Entourage. Given the way that he handles his career, it should be predictable that he will finally treat his love life the same way. Vince has great follow through, too, so it just might work out. But to complainers who think a single day is not enough time for Vince to choose marriage, re-watch the character for the past eight seasons and consider again.

     A feature film followup to Entourage seems an almost sure thing at this point, so it's hard to get too nit picky about how things should end. After all, life goes on, and the series has to stop at some point. Presumably, we will see if E and Sloan can make it work, if Sophia and Vince will last, how Drama will do with his renewed acting career, what happens to Turtle, and how Lloyd becomes a super agent replacement for Ari. It is for this reason that "The End" is not a total disappointment. The events that happen in "The End" are wonderful, and it's very much a feel good episode. But it definitely leaves viewers wanting more.

     Finally, what will Ari do? If you stick around after the closing credits begin to roll, you are treated to a scene where John (Alan Dale) calls Ari and wants Ari to replace him. Ari is clearly tempted, and lies to Melissa about it afterwards. Barely a week into their one year vacation, and hardly off of the brink of divorce, is there any chance he will ask her to consider letting him start a new, demanding career? Is there a way they can make it work and still save their marriage? Maybe she will grow tired of him after a solid week of being together, and wish for their old life back? These are questions for the movie to answer.

     Thank you, Entourage, for a great eight seasons. Here's hoping the beloved characters continue for some time to come.

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     To catch up on Entourage with streaming episodes and DVDs, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Entourage - "The End" on Blogcritics.

There's a "Motherfu*ker" on Entourage

     This week's episode of HBO's Entourage is censored in many places, including TV guides and HBO's official website. The fact that it appears differently in each, seems to indicate the real, intended name. Let's go with "Motherf***er," for the purposes of this review, and it's likely you will understand what it really is.

     In "Motherf***er," Sloan's (Emmanuelle Chiriqui) ex-step mother Melinda (Melinda Clarke, Nikita) approaches  Eric (Kevin Connolly) for representation. Eric is a bit torn; he is not over Sloan, and isn't sure he should represent Melinda because of that. Melinda assures him it will be a good idea, gets a drink with him, and Eric and Melinda end up sleeping together. Which is exactly what Melinda plans, and Sloan calls to warn Eric, too late.

     Longtime fans of Entourage may still be rooting for an Eric-Sloan reunion before the series comes to a close. With only three episodes to go, this now appears more than a little unlikely. Sloan is still angry with Eric, and she doesn't even know yet about his hookup. Of all the mistakes Eric could make, sleeping with Melinda is surely one of the least easily overcome ones. Why would the writers throw such a huge, horrible curve ball with so little time left in the series? It's disappointing, to say the least.

     Luckily, not all of "Motherf***er" is such a let down. Jeremy Piven, who already has multiple Emmys for the role of Ari, is having his best season yet, by far. Usually an arrogant, loudmouthed, SOB, Ari takes a softer side as his marriage to Mrs. Ari (Perrey Reeves) falls apart. Despite talking a big game, Ari is in love with Mrs. Ari, and never cheats on her. But she is tired of him choosing his job over family. This season, Ari doesn't put work first, almost ever, but the few times he does, such as in this episode, Mrs. Ari is right there to catch him at it and berate him for it. It's not fair, and he deserves a second chance.

     But does Ari even need her? Sure, he would still go back to Mrs. Ari in a heartbeat, and that's probably how the series will end. Yet, at nearly the last minute, Ari's long-ago love Dana Gordon (Constance Zimmer) returns and they strike up a renewed relationship. Dana understands the situation, and likely won't fight for Ari should he be allowed to return to his family. But she also offers Ari unconditional love for who he is, and provides an alternative should the marriage not be saved. Piven kills with the subtleties involved in the whole mess. He keeps Ari on the edge, letting his professional life slip in the name of happiness. It's a tour de force that deserves one more gold statue. And perhaps a happy ending with Dana.

      Elsewhere, Drama (Kevin Dillon) is on the verge of a successful career. Despite his worry that his new animated show will fail without Andrew Dice Clay (himself) involved, Andrew Klein (Gary Cole) assures Drama that he is the one the studio intends to build the series around. Could it be possible, or is Klein just stroking Drama's ego? One hopes the former, as Drama has suffered enough ups and downs, mostly downs, in his career. While it's hard not to believe Drama's insistence that the series sucks with Dice's replacement (Jamie Kennedy, Ghost Whisperer), perhaps Klein is right. Certainly Entourage won't end with Drama on a such a sour note?

     It's hard to see how the show can wrap things up neatly with only three weeks left, but they haven't let fans down yet. The final season of Entourage, which also stars Adrian Grenier and Jerry Ferrara, continues Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on Entourage with streaming episodes and DVDs, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Entourage - "Motherf***er" on Blogcritics.

Entourage wishes for "Home Sweet Home"

     As HBO's Entourage begins its final season with "Home Sweet Home," a lot changes for the boys. Vince (Adrian Grenier) is out of rehab, and Johnny Drama (Kevin Dillon) goes to great lengths to make sure there isn't a substance around to tempt his brother. Drama is only partially successful, as Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) can't bear to part with everything. E (Kevin Connolly) and Scott (Scott Caan) have taken over the management company they work for, and their names now grace the letterhead. Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui) upsets E when she mails back his engagement ring. Ari (Jeremy Piven) is in much the same boat as E, learning Mrs. Ari (Perrey Reeves), from whom he is unhappily separated, is seeing another man.

     Ari is the single best character in "Home Sweet Home." At heart, he is the same guy he has always been. Ari talks a big game, as he needs to, to be successful in his chosen career. But he is still a devoted family man to Mrs. Ari and the kids. After ten weeks of being apart, Ari is letting work slip, though, as Lloyd (Rex Lee) points out. This is a change for the sharkish agent, and almost a tad regrettable. Ari does have a tendency to let work rule his life when it shouldn't, but only because he cares so deeply for his family and certain clients. Certain clients, of course, being Vince. However, Mrs. Ari says she wants Ari to put family first, and he is doing that now more than ever. He is bending over backwards to try to make her happy.

     Is it too late? While Ari does his best to work his way back into Mrs. Ari's good graces, she reveals to him that she is seeing another man. Ari talks tough, but he never cheats on her. They have been married many years. Besides only recently splitting, they are in counseling together. That, along with the lengths Ari is going to win her back, which are implied, even if not explicitly shown much, makes her reentry into the dating world so soon a severe betrayal to him. If she is that done with her marriage, why keep stringing Ari along, as counseling does? Why not tell him sooner? It's pure torture. Mrs. Ari is the heartless one in this coupling.

     The tears rolling down Ari's cheeks at the end of "Home Sweet Home," as he says he doesn't want to be left out to the guys, may be Piven's most moving, best acted scene to date. It also demonstrates range away from the loud, foul-mouthed character he usually is. Though, of course, no one wants him to permanently change from that guy.

     E has been in an on again/off again relationship with Sloan for nearly the entire run of Entourage. Disappointingly, they are currently off. Why? Haven't they been through enough? It almost feels like a cop out, that the fight over the prenup is only shown in aftermath. Did the writers decide that fans have seen enough of the duo arguing? Because that is true. But when there is a real issue to work out, and surely they will work it out before Entourage comes to an end, it would be nice to see them really explore their feelings. Instead, they are already in a bitter feud as "Home Sweet Home" starts.

     Professionally, E is having a better time of it. He doesn't always see eye to eye with Scott, but considering how the latter has become a part of E's circle of friends, there is enough commonality for them to work out a business arrangement. With the two having taken down their boss, again, something it would have been nice to see on screen, they will likely be capable of keeping things running smoothly. E certainly has his weaknesses as a manager, but Scott is a nice balance, who can pick up the slack where E falters. A brief scene where the two try to sign Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory) as a client is nothing short of wonderful.

     Johnny Drama actually has an acting career in "Home Sweet Home," something he has merely yearned for throughout Entourage's seasons. With his animated series going well, and a possible TV movie in the pipeline, the older brother is in demand more than he has been in years. Will he screw it up? Inevitably, he will probably fail again. Drama is his own worst enemy, and cannot allow himself to do well for long. However, with the series so close to a close, perhaps this time will be different. Fans will be disappointed if Drama is back in the unemployment line as the final credits roll, which hints that maybe this time fame will stick. Well, relative fame, anyway.

     A sober Vince is a strange sight to behold. The lynchpin of Entourage, Vince has many ups and downs. Last season, his drug use reveals a brand new, very deep low. Now Vince is staying away from even alcohol. With his friends walking on egg shells around him, even Billy Walsh (Rhys Coiro), who knows how Vince feels, they are doing more harm than good. Vince needs to find normal again, albeit a new normal, where mind altering substances are not a part of it. If he cannot feel relaxed with the people he cares most about, how can he be expected to reacclimate? Worse, Vince may soon begin blaming his sobriety on their new behavior, and seek to return to an arrangement he is comfortable with, which will include alcohol and drugs.

     But, again, because Entourage is in its final season, it is more likely Vince will stay on top of his problem. He only has seven short episodes left to reignite his career, and so much focus will be on getting him there, rather than fighting old demons. His next big picture is months away, so something else will have to come along in the meantime. Whatever it is, for a storytelling climax, it is likely to be life altering.


     Entourage continues its final season Sunday nights at 10:35 p.m. ET on HBO.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To catch up on Entourage with streaming episodes and DVDs, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Entourage - "Home Sweet Home" on Blogcritics.

Californication - "Exile on Main St."

     Showtime's Californication began its fourth season last night with "Exile on Main St." Picking up three days after Hank (David Duchovny) was hauled away in handcuffs for assault in front of his family, it set the stage for brand new stories. Which is both good and bad. I mean, Hank's three love interests from season three stuck around long after he tried to end it with them. Why are they suddenly gone as season four begins, only three days later? I also wonder about the time line, as each season seems to progress naturally right into the next, without huge delays, and yet the young characters age one year per season. The seasons certainly don't feel like they cover an entire year.

     All that aside, Californication is a great show. It's hard to rate an episode as being particularly good or bad, as the series relies on long arcs to define itself. Rarely does one week deliver a self contained story. As such, I cannot say if the season premiere last night was particularly good or bad. What I can say is that it felt like a good, solid episode that fit beautifully into the established series.

     The overall story of the show revolves around Hank trying to win back Karen (Natascha McElhone) and forget his inappropriate one night stand with Mia (Madeline Zima, who sadly did not return full-time this year, or at all last night). These two arcs have been kept separate for three years, but the decision was made for them to collide spectacularly at the end of last season. I certainly don't blame the writers; it was time. What has resulted is Hank in the absolute worst place in his life yet. He faces legal consequences for sleeping with an underage girl, and Karen is more hurt than ever, wanting nothing to do with him. Which sends Hank back into another downward spiral, from which he never manages to crawl all the way back up from.

     I like the new character of Abby (Carla Gugino, Entourage), Hank's lawyer. From past experience, I'd say Hank will be sleeping with by next week, two weeks at the latest. Hank has already fallen into bed with the young starlet playing Mia in the movie version of his indiscretion, Sasha Bingham (Addison Timlin). Hank coaching Sasha in practicing the punch scene was one of the most moving moments of the series. Hank has never been a masochist, and it illustrated just how much pain he is in. It was a raw, moving scene, entirely satisfying. Paired with the dream sequences of his family, there was some powerful stuff.

     What is so entirely frustrating about Californication is that Hank is a good guy. His problems with Karen seem to me to be as much her fault as his. He is truly caring and sweet, and loves Karen completely. Yet, he can't bring himself to behave in a way that will win her back. If she's not fully committed, he has to be having sex with someone, and that's a problem. If he could just keep it in his pants, he'd be OK. Granted, the Mia situation was not his fault, and I feel terrible that Karen hates him so much for it. I understand her pain, but the anger she's emoting is not warranted. However, it's also easy to see why she wouldn't know the detailed truth, and so absolve Hank. It's the realism of their feelings and their chemistry that makes this show so great. And that fact that full understanding of Hank's biggest mistake really places no blame on him solidifies his role as a likable main character.

     Sadly, we saw very little of Becca's (Madeleine Martin) reaction to the Mia revelation last night. Her limited role was necessary, because Hank is the main character, and he has some heavy stuff to go through. I do believe it is within Becca's character to forgive him soon, but not immediately. Becca has always been understanding of her father, accepting him for who he is in a way that Karen probably never will, unfortunately. I am more curious about what Becca will say to Hank than what Karen will. Hank and Becca have the true father-daughter love, and the most lasting, stable connection of any two characters on the show.

     Elsewhere, Charlie (Evan Handler) is on the verge of putting himself back to where he was professionally in season one. With the outing of Fucking and Punching as Hank's, he has new success for his number one client. It looks like Charlie will be returning to his old agency, which may open up the return of old characters like Dani (Rachel Miner), who was last seen still working there. That's fine with me, as long as Charlie and Dani don't get involved again inappropriately, which I don't see happening. I will be most joyful, though, if Sue (Kathleen Turner) somehow figures into this year's arcs, as she was truly the most enjoyable addition in season three.

     Charlie's personal life isn't so together, which is a shame. Marcy (Pamela Adlon) seemed so close to taking him back, but I guess she was just having nostalgic fun. The two are clearly meant to be together. They've had a rough few years, but I wish the writers would allow them to work it out. Sure, drama must be kept going until the end of the series, but at this point, Hank has enough domestic strife to carry that banner on his own. A happy Charlie and Marcy would lighten the tone a bit. Does anyone really want to see Charlie bang eighty-eight more girls? I certainly don't.

     Californication continues its most enjoyable slog, continuing plots as season four opens. Hank never begins a new story; rather his entire life is one big novel or memoir. I say novel because of the wonderfully trippy dream sequences, which were back in evidence last night. How many more years the show will go on, I do not know. My hope is that they are given a fitting conclusion. I think the series is probably closer to an end than a beginning, but no rush. In my opinion, five seasons may be the perfect numbers.

     Check out Californication Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on Showtime.

Article first published as TV Review: Californication - "Exile on Main St." on Blogcritics.

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Adventures of Power coming to DVD

     Adventures of Power is one of the best movies I have seen in quite awhile. I have to be honest, the picture on the cover made me think of Napoleon Dynamite, a film I did not care for all that much. But when I saw that comedy legends Michael McKean and Jane Lynch were in the cast, as well as the lovely Shoshannah Stern, I opted to give it a chance. I am so glad that I did.

     The movie revolves around a young man named Power (Ari Gold, who also wrote and directed the film), who loves to play air drums. He lives with his aunt (Lynch), and works with his father (McKean), who is less than approving of the hobby. Actually, no one in his small town, whose lifeblood relies on a copper mining operation, approves much of Power, especially when he starts drumming on the job, at the mine. Facing tough times brought on by a greedy mine owner, Dick Houston (Richard Fancy), Power's father leads a strike. Despite disliking Power and his strange behavior, the air drummer inspires downtrodden workers to strike not only in his home town, but across the country, and to stand up to 'peace keepers', who put Power's father in the hospital.

     Meanwhile, Power heads first to Mexico, and then to Newark, to discover his niche. In Newark, Power meets and falls in love with Annie (Stern), a deaf girl with a mother who hates rock and roll. He is taken in by Chinese restaurant owner Michael Fong (Chi Ling Chiu), and enrolls under the tutelage of drumming legend Carlos (Steven Williams), who has had both of his hands replaced with hooks. Carlos's class competes in a televised air drumming contest, and their biggest competitor is Power's foil, the son of Dick Houston, famous drumming sensation Dallas Houston (Adrian Grenier).

     It's truly an inspiring story. It has cheese, but it never goes to obnoxious territory, and manages to be emotionally moving, even in the least believable bits. The soundtrack, a mix of beloved classics and original songs by Ethan Gold, beautifully accentuates the plot, and is one of the best elements. There are so many layers to the story, from a father / son relationship, to how the deaf can appreciate music, to believing in yourself. Lynch has precious little to do, sadly, but McKean delivers a pitch-perfect performance. Grenier also shines, leaving little doubt that he can break his typecast from Entourage, and is actually a very good actor.

     The movie has won a number of film awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the San Antonio Film Festival, the Audience Award at the Vail Film Festival and the Indie Memphis Film Festival, and Best Feature Film at Trimedia Colorado Festival. It deserves every one of them. It's a comedy, sure, but it has so much authentic heart in it, it could move almost any viewer. It certainly got to me.

      The DVD is loaded with tons of special features. There are trailers, deleted and extended scenes, shorts featuring Power, short films by Gold, an interview with drummer Neil Peart (who appears in the movie as himself), outtakes from Nick Kroll's character, and music videos. It's the most special features I've seen on a single disc release in a long time. I think my favorite bit was the trippy music video "Some of Them Are Nice Days", sung by five psychiatrists, including Grenier, who also played a patient in the video, sometimes on screen as two characters at the same time.

     Phase 4 Films will release Adventures of Power on DVD on January 25th. I highly recommend you check it out.

 

Article first published as DVD Review: Adventures of Power on Blogcritics.

Golden Globes need polish part II: comedy and supporting roles

     On January 17th, the Golden Globes will kick off the winter awards season by naming their winners. Globes are given for both TV and movies, but since I write mostly about TV, we're just going to deal with that. Here's who is nominated for comedies and supporting roles and who should win, in my opinion. Disclosure: I never score very well with awards ballots, so these predictions may be way off.  Click for Part I: Drama and Miniseries.
 
BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL - 30 Rock (NBC), Entourage (HBO), Glee (FOX), Modern Family (ABC), The Office (NBC). Four excellent choices, and then there's Entourage. 30 Rock has had it's chance, give it to one of the newbies. I love Modern Family, but Glee should win because it's more fresh, more groundbreaking, and has more merchandise. A DVD of the first half of the season is already on sale.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL - Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock; Steve Carell, The Office; David Duchovny, Californication; Thomas Jane, Hung; Matthew Morrison, Glee.  Alec has had his wins, and Carell has been on so long, it seems a little late to award it.  Not that The Office has gone downhill, but still...  I think this one is going to go to Matthew Morrison, as Glee could easily go for a near sweep, although Thomas Jane could be the dark horse.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL - Toni Collette, United States of Tara; Courteney Cox, Cougar Town; Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie; Tina Fey, 30 Rock; Lea Michele, Glee.  This may be the category Glee loses because, after all, you can't win them all.  Fey has already won, and Collette's show only did so-so.  Cox is funny, but her show certainly isn't the breakout hit, though it's adequate.  I believe Falco has this one all tied up.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION - Jane Adams, Hung; Rose Byrne, Damages; Jane Lynch, Glee; Janet McTeer, Into the Storm; Chloe Sevigny, Big Love.  Lynch deserves it, hands down.  Unfortunately, she has never gotten the respect that she deserves, and she may not again.  McTeer seems a good guess, but Adams might be a contender.

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION - Michael Emerson, Lost; Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother; William Hurt, Damages; John Lithgow, Dexter; Jeremy Piven, Entourage.   Where is Jim Parsons's (The Big Bang Theory) name in this list?  The fact that he is not on here, but Jeremy Piven once again is, is a crime.  Parsons should have won this category.  That being said, there are four excellent choices here.  My gut says Lithgow, though Hurt wouldn't surprise me either.  Harris should have won the last couple of years, and Emerson has deserved it for awhile, too.  However, Hurt and Lithgow were two intense, exciting, new performances, so I'd say the smart money is on them.  Or maybe not.