My Hopes For This Year's Emmys, Part 2: The Comedies

Now, the comedies.

BEST COMEDY

This is a real tough one. On one hand, you have Atlanta, which has done more to change what the medium is possible, and in its second season was, if anything, more inventive than in its first. On the other, you have GLOW, the series about a 1980s women's wrestling league that couldn't be more relevant, or more entertaining. And on the third hand, you have Amazon's Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, an absolutely incredible comedy smorgasboard that has finally been winning all the awards that Amy Sherman-Palladino should have picked up twenty years ago. Just think how tough this would have been if they'd nominated The Good Place.

This is a very tough call. But I think the barest of edges gives it to Atlanta. For one thing, it definitely should've won last year, and the fact that Donald Glover kicked it up a notch make it even harder to ignore.  There'll probably be more time for Glow and Maisel in the future.

Should Win: Atlanta/Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Will Win: Atlanta.

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY

Basically, this choice comes down to a brilliant African-American hyphenate who dazzles in everything he does (Glover) or an old pro whose work in The Good Place is the finest he's done in quite some time. (Danson). Admittedly,, Bill Hader lags a dark horse for Barry, but I think its going to come down to one of these two.

I give the barest of edges to Danson. Glover is almost certain to win an Emmy in one of the other categories (like he did last year) The Good Place has been seriously robbed of nominations the last two years. And given that Danson prevailed in the Broadcast Critics, and that he's much loved in the industry, I think he'll prevail.

Should Win/Will Win: Danson.

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

Easiest choice of the night. Yes, I'd really like to see Issa Rae for Insecure or Tracee Ellis Ross finally get her due for black-ish. But since January, Rachel Brosnahan has won every award in sight for Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. And its hard to argue against why. She's brilliantly funny, she's heartwarmingly human, and she makes you want to hug her when she fails. And there's no Julia-Louis Dreyfus in the category this year. Finally, a Best Actress winner I can get behind.

Should Win/Will Win: Brosnahan.

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY

Another tricky one. Alec Baldwin could repeat for SNL, but I'm beginning to think Trump fatigue is starting to set in. Bryan Tyree Henry was astonishing on Atlanta this season, and Tony Shalhoub's work as the beleaguered father on Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was some of the most entertaining work he's ever done.

But, for once, I think the Emmys will go for a sentimental favorite. Somehow, Henry Winkler has had a forty year career, and never won an Emmy. He's always been wry and entertaining, much like Bob Newhart, but he has never gotten his due. Now, for his fine work in  Barry, the Emmys will have that rare chance to match genuine talent with an overdue reward. (And the rest of us can still stew as to why Marc Maron wasn't nominated this year..)

Should Win: Shalhoub.

Will Win: Winkler.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY

Trickier than the last one. Kate McKinnon could three-peat (and considering Hilary's officially out of her repertoire, she's certainly proven her versatility) but they don't do that as often for the Emmys anymore. Zazie Beetz has had a breakout year on Atlanta and off. But I think it'll come down to one of two women from streaming: Alex Borstein on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or Betty Gilpin for Glow. Borstein certainly has the comic oomph (she's been astonishing since Mad TV), but I give the barest of edges to Gilpin. She's an astonishing force, both before and on GLOW, and frankly, this series should have gotten more nominees than it did. It deserves at least one winner, and I think this is its best bet.

Should Win: Borstein.

Will Win: Gilpin.