Admittedly, this is going to be one
of the high points of the night.. Last year, everyone thought 'True Detective'
would have a lock on this, and now its probably never going to air another
season. Ryan Murphy could theoretically have three series competing in this
category (though he only deserves to have one). But it is more likely that the
series in this category will deal with some of the more relevant issues in a
world that needs them explored.
'American Crime' (ABC)
Unlike 'True Detective', two of the
series in this category completely denied the idea of sophomore slump. This
series, arguably the best thing on broadcast television, was of the most
heartbreaking. Dealing with the alleged rape of a male high school student, this
series wove a tale of the dark side of teenage sexuality, racial discrimination
and class struggle. While this season was one of the bleaker offering of 2016
so far, it also featured some of the most mesmerizing performances, especially
from its young cast. No one was spared, but uncomfortable truths were revealed.
'Fargo' (FX)
In its sophomore season, Noah Hawley tried to do something even more
epic than the Emmy winning first season. He and his writers not only proved it
was possible, they were spectacular in doing so. Starting from a triple
homicide, dozens of characters across three states were involved in a Grand
Guingol of blood, family issues, twist after twist, and the instability of the
late 1970's, all climaxing in the Sioux Fall Massacre that was hinted at in
Season 1. The series even managed to have a cameo of Ronald Reagan, but there
was no city on a hill for most of those involved, even those few who survived.
Had the Emmys taken place last January, it assuredly would have swept all the
major awards. As it is, there's probably going to be several in the series
future.
'The Night Manager' (AMC)
John Le Carre has always managed to
fit better on the small screen then the large one, and in this six-parter, we
found ourselves in the midst of one of the more suspenseful cat and mouse games
for the 2015-2016. From the brilliant performances from a superb cast, this
espionage thriller, updated by the man himself, was one of the best retellings
of his own works in quite some time.
'The People V. O.J. Simpson:
American Crime Story (FX)
I thought I knew everything there
was to know about the biggest media event of the last quarter century. Turns
out, not so much. And watching some of the best character actors in either
media play some of that events most memorable figures was a lot more
entertaining and raised the bar for scripted true-crime drama. This may be Ryan
Murphy most unvarnished, plainest hour - and not coincidentally, its one of his
best.
'Show Me A Hero' (HBO)
David Simon is more than familiar
with taking issues about race and social situations and making it dramatically
accessible. Here, working with fellow cultural artist Paul Haggis, he took the
true story of Public Housing in Yonkers
in the 1980s, and (big surprise considering the source) turned it into a deeply
human story about class and race still incredibly relevant today. Simon has
been shunned by the Emmys all too often; hopefully this time, he'll get fair
treatment.
'The X-Files' (Fox)
This spot is far more likely to be
filled by the gaudier, excessive, and overblown 'American Horror Story: Hotel'.
And admittedly, this revival was something of a mixed bag. But when it dealt
with the more human elements of our heroes lives - perhaps most tragically when it came to the
passing of Scully's mother - it reminded us of the heart this series and the
pull these characters have. And it's finest hour - 'Mulder & Scully Meet
The Were-Beast' - demonstrated just how delightful this series could be when it
remembered not to take itself too seriously. It's a long shout, but it was
better than some of the other likely nominees.
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