With the start of June, television season has come to a close. While the summer will offer a handful (more like a fingerful) of worthy TV experiences, the majority of shows won't return to the tube until the fall.
Thankfully, the newly-completed TV season gave a us whole lot to crow about. And so, taking a page from my buddy Dame James from Rants of a Diva, I now bring you my picks for the best performances of the 2008-2009 television season (which, by the way, includes the 2008 summer season).
Being one person, I can only watch so many shows without needing to disrupt the space-time continuum. That said, just because a particular show did not make the cut does not mean I failed to consider it. There were many, many strong performances this season, and so popular picks like Pushing Daisies, Ugly Betty, and Gossip Girl are perhaps noticeably absent from my list. Not because I didn't weigh their contributions, but because the following twenty performances outdid anything I saw from those shows.
And now, without further ado, let us begin the countdown:
20. Marcia Cross, Desperate Housewives
Even when the show does not afford her the best material, Marcia Cross rarely falters in her intricate portrayal of this fascinating woman. Bree's compulsions and quirks, her refusal to part with her flawless facade, truly make for satirical bliss.
19. Steve Carell, The Office
While the show can be too self-aware for its own good, Steve Carell seldom breaks stride. Even in his most ludicrous moments, Michael remains (mostly) likable and believable thanks Carell's rock-solid dedication in his interpretation.
18. Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters
The Walker clan sure is a crazy bunch, but it is Rachel Griffiths as sister Sarah who repeatedly brings the show back down to Earth. She is almost elegant in her performance, never allowing her character to cross into soapy territory.
17. Jimmy Smits, Dexter
He took some warming up to, but Jimmy Smits proved a wonderful foil for the "darkly dreaming" Dexter. Firmly dedicated from the start, Smits gave Miguel a powerful bite with a razor sharp edge, all beneath the cloak of a soft and affable persona.
16. Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
He's consistently hilarious and delivers many of the show's best lines. Even if his repartee felt a little repetitive this season, Baldwin's blunt comedic technique remains a riot. He's also uniquely compatible with each and every one his cast mates.
15. Eva Longoria-Parker, Desperate Housewives
She's typically been the weakest link on Wisteria Lane, but this season, Eva showed us a brand new side of Gabrielle. Ironic indeed that the show's veritable eye-candy would do her best work as frumpy and run-down as the next housewife.
14. Jon Hamm, Mad Men
The strength of Mad Men's second season lay with its leading ladies, but Jon Hamm still proved a powerful presence as advertising wiz Don Draper. As Don's tangle of lies began to unravel, Hamm beautifully embodied the restrained chaos of the early 1960s.
13. Anna Paquin, True Blood
Mind-reader and vamp-lover (a.k.a. fang-banger) Sookie Stackhouse is absolutely delectable thanks to the fiery Anna Paquin. She provides a delightfully cautious yet naively eager vessel through the show's muddied waters of morality.
12. Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens
Drew Barrymore gave the performance of her career as "Little" Edith Bouvier Beale. Her impersonation of Little Edie was spot-on, and she offered a fascinating look into a very strange soul with both her bigger outbursts and subtle gestures.
11. Glenn Close, Damages
Glenn Close turns a dizzying intellectual thrill ride into a captivating character study as the formidable Patty Hewes. She always keeps you guessing, and you can't look away. Her quietest moments feel like a geyser waiting to erupt. And when it does: incredible.
10. Hugh Laurie, House
Dr. House remains among the most intriguing television characters of all time, thanks in no small part to Hugh Laurie's immense commitment to the role. House is somehow simultaneously frustrating, endearing, repulsive, sympathetic, absurd, and relatable, while Laurie's portrayal is never short of exhilarating. Not to mention he is absolutely hilarious. The hallucination storyline at the end of this season brought House to his breaking point and gave Hugh the means to cement his status as one of the best actors currently on TV.
9. Alison Pill, In Treatment
HBO's In Treatment proved an incredible opportunity for several actors this season, and Pill wasted no time showing us what she's got. The young actress offered one of the most devastating and honest performances in recent memory as April, a college student stricken with cancer. Each week, she brought us to tears as her defenses and insecurities were slowly stripped away by her disease and by her own self-reflections. Watching Pill's April succumb to the hopeless tug of mortality was an absolutely fascinating and humbling experience.
8. Michael C. Hall, Dexter
As Dexter Morgan, Michael C. Hall gives us a perspective unlike any other, that of a murderous sociopath, and still manages to build an engaging, relatable, and, dare I say, quite charming character. Sure Dexter lives by a more humane code of conduct than the average serial killer, but the constant struggle between the need to survive and his dark thirst for blood conveys something entirely uncategorizable. Dexter also provides poignant commentary on the subtlest aspects of the human condition, since he himself is in want of so many of them.
7. Nelsan Ellis, True Blood
In portraying sassy line-cook Lafayette, Nelsan Ellis forges a character that embodies both the sting and soul of the south: deeply passionate about the goodness in life, cynical about the rest. He allows for the seamless transition of the vampire struggle into our own reality, as a man indefinable by most standards, courageously standing tall against a world full of prejudice. And all while being a complete joy to watch! He speaks and moves with a certain rhythm that enlivens every scene that he's in, bursting with warmth and humor.
6. Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Christina Hendricks is consistently tantalizing as red-headed bombshell Joan Holloway, affording us a full-on glimpse at an attractive woman struggling through an extremely chauvinist society. Her constant balancing act between maintaining her feminine allure and a sense of dignity provides some of the most compelling social commentary on the show. Watching her steadily lose control of both her personal and professional lives this season was absolutely gripping, all without feeling the slightest bit insincere (except when intentional).
5. Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Tina Fey has become an iconic part of pop culture thanks to her spot-on impersonation of Alaskan governor and Vice Presidential (soon to be Presidential?) hopeful Sarah Palin. But it is her masterful work on 30 Rock that puts her near the top of this list. As Liz Lemon, Fey personifies the basest of human insecurities to great comedic success. Her character's quirks and flaws, which often feel (at least to this avid watcher) a little too close to home, make her uniquely lovable. She has an unrivaled knack at making us laugh at these imperfections in both herself and ourselves. Television hasn't had a gal like Tina since, perhaps, Mary Tyler Moore, and I do hope that this Mary isn't going anywhere soon.
* * * * * * * *
4. Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Psychotherapist Paul Weston, as portrayed by Gabriel Byrne, is one of the most delicately constructed and complex characters on TV. Byrne is captivating as he unravels the anxieties of his patients during each session, but it is the insights he offers into his own character that make this a performance for the ages. He is somehow able to convey Paul's personal struggles during each episode, often without saying a word about them. With his body language, his subtle expressions, his pensive glances, he weaves his character's saga, even when the focus is on a patient. And then he is mesmerizing and frequently heart-breaking as he confronts the demons of his past while in therapy himself with Gina.
3. Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
It is difficult to describe Dianne Wiest as Gina, the therapist's therapist on In Treatment, but I have nothing to offer short of praise. Her character remains mostly an enigma, with only bits and pieces of her story picked up along the way, but this only contributes to her fascinating appeal. There is something in the way she carries herself that gives Wiest such a commanding aura. Her portrayal is intricate, marked by beautifully subtle gestures and unexpectedly graceful intonations that are both refreshing and spellbinding. It feels like even the slightest of her movements are purposeful and important. Gina's quiet dexterity makes her louder moments painfully arresting, providing truly powerful moments.
* * * * * * * *
2. Elizabeth Moss, Mad Men
It is a wonder that Elizabeth Moss as working-girl Peggy Olson proved the most successfully perceptive performer in a show (and a world) so dominated by men. Moss perfectly portrayed both the rewards and consequences of the sacrifices made by women looking to succeed in the 60s. She courageously held fast to a strong-willed façade even while a vortex of troubles bore down upon her, sucking her back into the societal preconceptions. It was devastating to watch her endure the pains of life as the world cast its supercilious glare. Rarely did Peggy break stride, and Moss never did, brilliantly illuminating the cracks in her defenses while never completely busting through in any obvious or showy way.
* * * * * * * *
1. Hope Davis, In Treatment
As the emotionally truncated Mia, Hope Davis gave a painstakingly honest portrait of human neurosis, and the best performance of the year, on HBO's In Treatment. Mia is exceedingly difficult to classify. Every week, she embodied an enthralling amalgam of emotions while effortlessly invoking these same feelings in us. Watching her insecurities bubble to the surface paired with her frequently outrageous and unexpected behavior provided an experience unlike any other. Should I laugh? Should I cry? Should I run screaming? I found myself asking these very questions as Mia unfurled the layers of her identity, revealing a devastating, disturbing, delectable, and, above all else, fully-realized human being.
Thankfully, the newly-completed TV season gave a us whole lot to crow about. And so, taking a page from my buddy Dame James from Rants of a Diva, I now bring you my picks for the best performances of the 2008-2009 television season (which, by the way, includes the 2008 summer season).
Being one person, I can only watch so many shows without needing to disrupt the space-time continuum. That said, just because a particular show did not make the cut does not mean I failed to consider it. There were many, many strong performances this season, and so popular picks like Pushing Daisies, Ugly Betty, and Gossip Girl are perhaps noticeably absent from my list. Not because I didn't weigh their contributions, but because the following twenty performances outdid anything I saw from those shows.
And now, without further ado, let us begin the countdown:
20. Marcia Cross, Desperate Housewives
Even when the show does not afford her the best material, Marcia Cross rarely falters in her intricate portrayal of this fascinating woman. Bree's compulsions and quirks, her refusal to part with her flawless facade, truly make for satirical bliss.
19. Steve Carell, The Office
While the show can be too self-aware for its own good, Steve Carell seldom breaks stride. Even in his most ludicrous moments, Michael remains (mostly) likable and believable thanks Carell's rock-solid dedication in his interpretation.
18. Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters
The Walker clan sure is a crazy bunch, but it is Rachel Griffiths as sister Sarah who repeatedly brings the show back down to Earth. She is almost elegant in her performance, never allowing her character to cross into soapy territory.
17. Jimmy Smits, Dexter
He took some warming up to, but Jimmy Smits proved a wonderful foil for the "darkly dreaming" Dexter. Firmly dedicated from the start, Smits gave Miguel a powerful bite with a razor sharp edge, all beneath the cloak of a soft and affable persona.
16. Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
He's consistently hilarious and delivers many of the show's best lines. Even if his repartee felt a little repetitive this season, Baldwin's blunt comedic technique remains a riot. He's also uniquely compatible with each and every one his cast mates.
15. Eva Longoria-Parker, Desperate Housewives
She's typically been the weakest link on Wisteria Lane, but this season, Eva showed us a brand new side of Gabrielle. Ironic indeed that the show's veritable eye-candy would do her best work as frumpy and run-down as the next housewife.
14. Jon Hamm, Mad Men
The strength of Mad Men's second season lay with its leading ladies, but Jon Hamm still proved a powerful presence as advertising wiz Don Draper. As Don's tangle of lies began to unravel, Hamm beautifully embodied the restrained chaos of the early 1960s.
13. Anna Paquin, True Blood
Mind-reader and vamp-lover (a.k.a. fang-banger) Sookie Stackhouse is absolutely delectable thanks to the fiery Anna Paquin. She provides a delightfully cautious yet naively eager vessel through the show's muddied waters of morality.
12. Drew Barrymore, Grey Gardens
Drew Barrymore gave the performance of her career as "Little" Edith Bouvier Beale. Her impersonation of Little Edie was spot-on, and she offered a fascinating look into a very strange soul with both her bigger outbursts and subtle gestures.
11. Glenn Close, Damages
Glenn Close turns a dizzying intellectual thrill ride into a captivating character study as the formidable Patty Hewes. She always keeps you guessing, and you can't look away. Her quietest moments feel like a geyser waiting to erupt. And when it does: incredible.
10. Hugh Laurie, House
Dr. House remains among the most intriguing television characters of all time, thanks in no small part to Hugh Laurie's immense commitment to the role. House is somehow simultaneously frustrating, endearing, repulsive, sympathetic, absurd, and relatable, while Laurie's portrayal is never short of exhilarating. Not to mention he is absolutely hilarious. The hallucination storyline at the end of this season brought House to his breaking point and gave Hugh the means to cement his status as one of the best actors currently on TV.
9. Alison Pill, In Treatment
HBO's In Treatment proved an incredible opportunity for several actors this season, and Pill wasted no time showing us what she's got. The young actress offered one of the most devastating and honest performances in recent memory as April, a college student stricken with cancer. Each week, she brought us to tears as her defenses and insecurities were slowly stripped away by her disease and by her own self-reflections. Watching Pill's April succumb to the hopeless tug of mortality was an absolutely fascinating and humbling experience.
8. Michael C. Hall, Dexter
As Dexter Morgan, Michael C. Hall gives us a perspective unlike any other, that of a murderous sociopath, and still manages to build an engaging, relatable, and, dare I say, quite charming character. Sure Dexter lives by a more humane code of conduct than the average serial killer, but the constant struggle between the need to survive and his dark thirst for blood conveys something entirely uncategorizable. Dexter also provides poignant commentary on the subtlest aspects of the human condition, since he himself is in want of so many of them.
7. Nelsan Ellis, True Blood
In portraying sassy line-cook Lafayette, Nelsan Ellis forges a character that embodies both the sting and soul of the south: deeply passionate about the goodness in life, cynical about the rest. He allows for the seamless transition of the vampire struggle into our own reality, as a man indefinable by most standards, courageously standing tall against a world full of prejudice. And all while being a complete joy to watch! He speaks and moves with a certain rhythm that enlivens every scene that he's in, bursting with warmth and humor.
6. Christina Hendricks, Mad Men
Christina Hendricks is consistently tantalizing as red-headed bombshell Joan Holloway, affording us a full-on glimpse at an attractive woman struggling through an extremely chauvinist society. Her constant balancing act between maintaining her feminine allure and a sense of dignity provides some of the most compelling social commentary on the show. Watching her steadily lose control of both her personal and professional lives this season was absolutely gripping, all without feeling the slightest bit insincere (except when intentional).
5. Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Tina Fey has become an iconic part of pop culture thanks to her spot-on impersonation of Alaskan governor and Vice Presidential (soon to be Presidential?) hopeful Sarah Palin. But it is her masterful work on 30 Rock that puts her near the top of this list. As Liz Lemon, Fey personifies the basest of human insecurities to great comedic success. Her character's quirks and flaws, which often feel (at least to this avid watcher) a little too close to home, make her uniquely lovable. She has an unrivaled knack at making us laugh at these imperfections in both herself and ourselves. Television hasn't had a gal like Tina since, perhaps, Mary Tyler Moore, and I do hope that this Mary isn't going anywhere soon.
* * * * * * * *
4. Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Psychotherapist Paul Weston, as portrayed by Gabriel Byrne, is one of the most delicately constructed and complex characters on TV. Byrne is captivating as he unravels the anxieties of his patients during each session, but it is the insights he offers into his own character that make this a performance for the ages. He is somehow able to convey Paul's personal struggles during each episode, often without saying a word about them. With his body language, his subtle expressions, his pensive glances, he weaves his character's saga, even when the focus is on a patient. And then he is mesmerizing and frequently heart-breaking as he confronts the demons of his past while in therapy himself with Gina.
3. Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
It is difficult to describe Dianne Wiest as Gina, the therapist's therapist on In Treatment, but I have nothing to offer short of praise. Her character remains mostly an enigma, with only bits and pieces of her story picked up along the way, but this only contributes to her fascinating appeal. There is something in the way she carries herself that gives Wiest such a commanding aura. Her portrayal is intricate, marked by beautifully subtle gestures and unexpectedly graceful intonations that are both refreshing and spellbinding. It feels like even the slightest of her movements are purposeful and important. Gina's quiet dexterity makes her louder moments painfully arresting, providing truly powerful moments.
* * * * * * * *
2. Elizabeth Moss, Mad Men
It is a wonder that Elizabeth Moss as working-girl Peggy Olson proved the most successfully perceptive performer in a show (and a world) so dominated by men. Moss perfectly portrayed both the rewards and consequences of the sacrifices made by women looking to succeed in the 60s. She courageously held fast to a strong-willed façade even while a vortex of troubles bore down upon her, sucking her back into the societal preconceptions. It was devastating to watch her endure the pains of life as the world cast its supercilious glare. Rarely did Peggy break stride, and Moss never did, brilliantly illuminating the cracks in her defenses while never completely busting through in any obvious or showy way.
* * * * * * * *
1. Hope Davis, In Treatment
As the emotionally truncated Mia, Hope Davis gave a painstakingly honest portrait of human neurosis, and the best performance of the year, on HBO's In Treatment. Mia is exceedingly difficult to classify. Every week, she embodied an enthralling amalgam of emotions while effortlessly invoking these same feelings in us. Watching her insecurities bubble to the surface paired with her frequently outrageous and unexpected behavior provided an experience unlike any other. Should I laugh? Should I cry? Should I run screaming? I found myself asking these very questions as Mia unfurled the layers of her identity, revealing a devastating, disturbing, delectable, and, above all else, fully-realized human being.
* * * * * * * *
That's all for now! In case you were starting to feel the doldrums of the television season taking over, keep in mind that HBO's True Blood begins on June 14th, and Mad Men is slated to begin sometime this August. Happy June, everybody!
3 Comments:
Spectacular list! It looks like I will have to catch up on In Treatment whenever it becomes available on DVD. And boy oh boy do I wish I had had room to include Christina Hendricks on my own list. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next season (and I hope the writers/creator realize just how incredible she is and give her a proper storyline instead of merely sneaking in from way-too-brief snippets).
P.S. I'm sure you really gave Gossip Girl a lot of consideration in this list, especially since you've never seen the show! ;)
great list... between you and James, I think I'm going to jot down my own soon. LOVE the 'Mad Men' ladies love...
Done. :P
http://situatedlaundry.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-ten-best-performances-of-tv-season.html
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