My Picks For Critics Choice: Part 1, Drama

Yes, in addition to be deluged by carols and Christmas themed shows, this is also the time of year where we get deluged by the major awards shows. And while those who pay attention to these things are understandably more interested in who will be among the contenders for this years Oscars (something which, I too, will deal with in a few weeks), I am far more interested to see what the various organizations say in regard to television.

Usually, the end of year awards tend to be a little more eclectic then the Emmys (although admittedly, they've been getting a lot more engaging with their choices the last couple of years). And one of the award shows that has always engaged me is a fairly new one: the Broadcast Critics Choice for Television. A relative newcomer to the awards stage (they only started giving prizes in 2011), they have turned out to be one of the more enjoyable award ceremonies so far. There's a fair amount of drinking involved, like the Golden Globes, so the speeches are more enjoyable and looser, the hosts and presenters are generally more amusing, and the awards themselves are more unpredictable than any other awards on TV.  They have also been known to give ties, adding to the fun.

Admittedly, all of these facets that make the awards more enjoyable also make them the hardest to handicap. It doesn't help that the majority of the performers are also among the most gifted in their categories. But I have endeavored to try in the past, and I shall do so again here. Bear in mind, though, these are merely my best guests.

As always, I will begin with the dramas

BEST DRAMA

Were this the Golden Globes, and their tendency to honor the newest program, this still would be a difficult choice, as they'd have to decide between the very cerebral Westworld and the very humane This is Us. Both are probably strong contenders. Last year's big winner was Mr. Robot, and after a strong second season, it might prevail again. Game of Thrones would seem to have an advantage, given its triumph at the Emmys, but this is one of the shows that doesn't allow the tale to wag the dog.

On a personal preference, This is Us is such a great series that it deserves to prevail. But with no other nominations then this one, I'm going to go to one a little more likely that has more traffic: Westworld.

Should Win: This is Us.

Will Win: Westworld.

BEST ACTOR, DRAMA'

When the caliber of the nominees (save for Liev Schreiber is so high, it becomes incredibly difficult to make a choice. Kevin Spacey is more than due a win in this category, but House of Cards has never done well at this group. Matthew Rhys for The Americans  more than deserves to prevail (just like he did at the Emmys), but it's still a really tough field to break through. Put him in as a dark horse.

Rami Malek and Bob Odenkirk both triumphed in 2015 (strange circumstances that year) and both are probably the most likely candidates to prevail. Malek's Emmy win might be enough to give him an edge, but I think Odenkirk will prevail by the slimmest of margins.

Should Win: Rhys

Will Win: Odenkirk.

BEST ACTRESS DRAMA

Tatiana Maslany already prevailed twice for her work on Orphan Black before the Emmys even knew she existed. One would think it very likely, considering her Emmy triumph, that she would be a shoo-in for her third, but this group doesn't give as many repeats as the others.

Let's consider the other candidates. Evan Rachel Wood had one of the fuller arcs on Westworld, but could one episode show her full talents? Catriona Balfe is fine on Outlander,  and that show deserves some awards. Viola Davis' work has been more flawed this year than last. Robin Wright had a commanding arc on House of Cards. And Keri Russell was devastating on The Americans.

Russell is my first choice, but don't be surprised if Maslany prevails yet again. She's not only one of the best actresses on TV, she's four or five of them.

Should Win: Russell.

Will Win: Russell/Maslany.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA

Usually this category does a lot better at picking up some of the more subtle performances that the Emmys tend to overlook. Instead, we see some of the more obvious flaws considering Mandy Patinkin was nominated during a period when Homeland didn't even air.

I could see Kit Harrington or Peter Dinklage prevailing for Game of Thrones, considering there was a major upset when Ben Mendelsohn won this year. But I'm going to guess that this year's trophy will be a repeater: Christian Slater for his brilliant work on Mr. Robot. Even knowing his secret this season, he was still one of the most engaging actors to watch on TV this year. Explain to me again why the Emmys didn't even nominate him.

Should Win/Will Win: Slater.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA

Let's  just admit how glad everybody is that Maggie Smith isn't here. There are a lot of good choices, and this is a category where Game of Thrones has prevailed before. I think, however, it will probably go to one of the other choices.

Constance Zimmer in UnReal and Maura Tierney in The Affair demonstrated why they are two of the medium's greatest actresses. It is more than likely that one will prevail again. However, my personal preference is, as it almost always has been in this category for nearly six years, Christine Baranski for her work on The Good Wife. This is the last chance to honor her. Please have some frigging sentiment for a network series.

Should Win: Baranski.

Will Win: Tierney/Zimmer.

BEST GUEST PERFORMER, DRAMA

As always, its very difficult to pick from a category that honors actors and actresses in the same category. So I'm just going to go with my personal preference: Masherhala Ali for what was probably his swan song as the malleable Remy Danton on House of Cards. (And why isn't he in the Supporting Actor category)