This is always a difficult category
to handicap, considering that the field is forever fluctuating and that series
like 'Downton Abbey' and 'Mad Men' have always taken away precious spots. But
both of these series are gone in some form, so lets try and deal with some of
the more deserving choices.
Dylan Baker, 'The Americans'
Always one of the brilliant
character actors the medium has ever produced, he has usually been cast in the
role of the villain. But even though he played something of a heavy here, in a
rarity for him, his character of William, the chemical engineer tasked with
getting bioweapons for Mother Russia, his character was filled with conscience
and reluctant to proceed in his task. Which made his final episode, where he
sacrificed himself even more poignant. He's a great actor, and this was one of
his best roles.
Jonathan Banks, 'Better Call Saul'
Admittedly, Banks' co-star Michael
McKean was nearly as good as this former 'Breaking Bad' regular. But watching
Mike slowly get more and more involved with the Salmanaca family was one of the
more frightening storylines this superb series did this seasons. Add to this
the tension filled finale where he prepared to assassinate Hector - more
remarkable because previous viewers knew nothing could come of it - and you
have an actor who seems to be revealing more levels to a character we already
knew.
Alan Cumming, 'The Good Wife'
He's always been one of the most
remarkable actors on this series, and in its final season, he went to levels
that we wouldn't have expected. Being pushed aside on Peter's aborted
Presidential run, finally revealing to Alicia one of the biggest secrets of the
series, dealing with the ultimate corruption scandal that finally brought down
the governor, and finally facing his own particular devils - how is it possible
that he hasn't been recognized once with an Emmy? Last chance, voters, don't
screw it up.
Christopher Eccleston, "The
Leftovers"
Theoretically, this spot could well
end up going to another former Doctor - David Tennant's dark work on 'Jessica
Jones' has also been talked highly of, and frankly he's more deserving. But
Eccleston's work as a minister who mover to Miracle, Texas
because of his relationship with his wife, led to some more humane levels. His
characters single-mindedness was still a factor, but this time with a purpose,
particularly in an episode where he found himself on the outskirts trying
desperately to get back in - one of the high points of the season. Consider
him. He's earned it.
Kit Harrington, 'Game of Thrones'
Yes, I'm about to argue for a
nomination for a series I really don't think much of. But the fact remains,
Harrington's level of commitment to his role - particularly considering the two
year battle of secrecy to keep his death and resurrection under wraps - was a
remarkable accomplishment in a world where the Internet seems to reveal
anything. Add to that his generally solid work and expressive face, and really
it's hard not to argue that he's earned a nomination.
Christian Slater, 'Mr. Robot'
As I've said in this column time
and time again, I always give extra credit to actors who are playing roles with
different levels to them. As anyone who watched the first season of this series
knows, there was a definite level of deception throughout his characters entire
performance. But even if you set that aside, there's the fact that his
character was one of the most human on the series, the fact that he's had one
of the longest careers, and the fact that he's already won a Golden Globe and a
Critic's Choice awards. He has to be considered an early favorite.
WILD CARD
Paul Blackthorne, 'Arrow'
Lots of good options for this
category, including half the cast of 'Bloodline'. (Ben Mendelsohn would be a
good choice if his character wasn't dead.) But for mastery of subtleties one
doesn't have to look much further than this actor brilliant work as Chief
Lance, the head of the police of a beleaguered Star City, who in addition to
dealing with all the chaos this year, had two of the more singular moments of
pain - tearfully considering killing what appeared to be the zombified version
of one child, and mourning over the very real death of another. He's been one
of the secret weapons of this series for four years. He deserves to be
considered.
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