So I just finished watching the season, and I can't find any threads on this show!!!!

An absolutely superb season for this freshman show. Pitch-perfect writing through the season. I haven't felt this strongly about a show's writing since Alias heyday. You can feel completely at ease watching it because you know the writers know what they are doing and they are gonna tell you a good story (take note, 24 and Lost).
I really want to know how they filmed/wrote this show since scenes that don't fit into the timeline til the last couple episodes began to be shown in flashforwards very early in the season. Either they filmed the season in its entirety before it even aired these earlier episodes (that way they just spliced the scenes in in editing), or they had it written far enough in advance that they filmed the scenes at the time of whatever episode they were going to appear and then just made sure those exact scenes (same shots and all) would work in the context of the final episodes.
Who knows...but it was brilliant.

I'd give this show the Drama Series Emmy in a second, plus directing and writing. I'd also give Ted Danson the Supporting Actor Emmy. While I was careful not to jump all over this episode for award consideration just because Danson is playing against type, he gives some pitch-perfect performances in the final episodes of the season as his character really starts to unravel.
I'd give Close a nomination, but I don't think she deserves a win. Don't get me wrong, she's great on the show, but I don't think it's anything award-worthy or revolutionary. There are much more in-depth lead female performances on television these days.

I do understand the criticism of Rose Byrne. She is great in the final episodes as you really see her become tougher and colder, but I do agree with EW's negative review that she is rather empty and uninvolving to watch earlier in the season. She's not terrible, but I feel like a more charismatic, interesting actress could have done more with this role. It's a FANTASTIC role (especially in the finale) that should easily win a performer an Emmy, but Byrne doesn't do enough with it.

Either way, best season on any show I've seen so far this year.
A

Agree. Damages is amazing. And it sucks that we have to wait until January of '09 for the next season to start (or at least that's what Ausiello has told us).

And I think I'm the only one who didn't see anything wrong with Bryne's performance in the beginning. Maybe I just didn't watch it close enough but it seemed fine to me. But she really came to her own once Ellen told Patty "I'm so sick of your bullsh*t". Great moment! Great show! Hoping for a lot of Emmy nominations!!

The show was amazing. I doubt they'll be left off the Emmy lists this year, specially Series, Actress and the ridiculous (but ultimately necessary) decision of Supporting Actress for Rose Byrne...clearly a co-lead. But whatever.

I don't really see Ted Danson making it, he could have a little trouble, name is all he has going for him and the show itself. Because tapes, he never actually got one.

And neither did Close by the way, her only tape is the finale in my opinion and even then Field, Sedgewick, Flockhart, Hargitay, Driver must have better.

I don't think they'll win Emmys, I think they'll get some 8-10 nominations, it's not that hard. They got terrific editing aswell. And 24 which always seems to take a lot of spots is out of the race this year.

I would not mind AT ALL a Best Drama Series win, the season was that good. And I don't see any buzz for anybody else this season (not Grey's, definetly not Heroes, maybe Lost, not FNL, not Big Love, no nothing...), Mad Men maybe but even though they had a great season too, they're too light at times....

My grade for the season was a huge "A" aswell.

I don't know if they'll have a chance when tapes and all start factoring in, but I'll be dissapointed if they're not nominated for Series, Actress, Supporting Actress, Writing, Editing.

quote:

Originally posted by Benito Delicias:
The show was amazing. I doubt they'll be left off the Emmy lists this year, specially Series, Actress and the ridiculous (but ultimately necessary) decision of Supporting Actress for Rose Byrne...clearly a co-lead. But whatever.

I don't really see Ted Danson making it, he could have a little trouble, name is all he has going for him and the show itself. Because tapes, he never actually got one.

And neither did Close by the way, her only tape is the finale in my opinion and even then Field, Sedgewick, Flockhart, Hargitay, Driver must have better.

I don't think they'll win Emmys, I think they'll get some 8-10 nominations, it's not that hard. They got terrific editing aswell. And 24 which always seems to take a lot of spots is out of the race this year.

I would not mind AT ALL a Best Drama Series win, the season was that good. And I don't see any buzz for anybody else this season (not Grey's, definetly not Heroes, maybe Lost, not FNL, not Big Love, no nothing...), Mad Men maybe but even though they had a great season too, they're too light at times....

My grade for the season was a huge "A" aswell.

I don't know if they'll have a chance when tapes and all start factoring in, but I'll be dissapointed if they're not nominated for Series, Actress, Supporting Actress, Writing, Editing.

Danson has tapes. I can't remember what episode number it was, probably 5 or 6, which showcased him hiring a ghost writer to write a autobiography of him. Had a lot of great scenes in that episode.
Close will probably submit the premiere which is a smart move. It's got a great twist at the end and it's fairly self-contained (being the first episode and all).
Byrne should probably go with the finale, but yeah, she's not gonna be a contender for the win. Byrne was fine in this role, but just not spectacular. It's such a good role that I feel like a great actress could have done wonders with it. With Byrne in the role, it was simply a performance that did its job.

Zeljko Ivanek should make the list before Danson does. Danson is the bigger name, but Ivanek gave the much stronger supporting performance. The episode in which he offs himself is amazing. I'd say Close is a lock, Byrne will probably go supporting, though she's as much a lead as Close, if not moreso. Danson will probably get in based on name recognition and he's worthy, but it'd be a shame if Ivanek was overlooked for his portrayal of Ray Fiske. The show itself is very deserving of a spot in the final 5, especially in this strike shortened year when not much else has stood out(other than The Wire, but that's just a pipe dream).

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BuffyMars,

IMO it has been the best show of the Emmy season to date (although Lost has been excellent up to this point, but I have to see how everything plays out). I think Series, Actress, Supporting Actor & Actress are probably a given at this point. Although I agree it is absolutely stupid to have/let Rose go supporting for what is obviously a lead

I think that of the acting contenders, Glenn Close has the best chance at a nomination, then Ted Danson, then Rose Byrne, and then Zeljko Ivanek. Name recognition will be really important there, since this is a f[X] show and you have to at least make the top ten on a popular ballot. Series will be a tough sell, but it's possible if they submit the pilot epiosde and not later episodes that require knowledge of what came before them. If f[X] campaigns for the show and the Emmys actually notice it, it could get a bunch of tech nods too, including writing and directing. This is one of the shows that could benefit from that writers strike void.

In a perfect world, the show would pull in nods in Series, Actress (Close), Supporting Actress (Byrne), and Supporting Actor (Danson & Ivanek), as well as Writing/Directing nods. Ivanek gave far and away the best Supporting Performance this year in his final episode, and at this point, deserves the Emmy, hands down. Danson has (as said before) name recognition going for him, and he certainly has some strong tapes that could get him the nomination; Byrne is 50/50 for me-- great in the finale, somewhat stale in the first half of the season. Then of course you have Close, who is a shoo-in for a Lead Actress nod, despite never really getting that knockout tape she deserved; she got the Globe, and really her biggest competition is Kyra Sedgwick, whose got a plethora of stunning tapes.

Its a bummer we have to wait to '09 for new episodes; judging by the first season, there's plenty more good stuff to come.

Best perf of the show goes to Zeljko Ivanek. And if there is any justice, he'll win the Emmy.
He doesnt quite have as much screen time as the other actors, but that speaks even more of Ivanek's skill as an actor that he registers such impact with minimal screentime.
It is a harrowing piece of work, he abuses his power, he is an incorrigible lawyer, he is always an equal to the scene-chewing Close in all of their scenes together, but then he manages to get us on his side with his jaded melancholy and humanity. That multi-dimensional portrayal makes him a truly damaged and tragic character. And I felt deeply for him. Even as I am deeply aware of how detestable he is as a character.

Sadly he probably wont be recognized. Ivanek is an underrated actor. Always reliable but the kind of actor most ppl take for granted. Doesnt help that he does not have as prominent a role as Danson which he will most likely be competing with in the same category. Or that most ppl cant even pronounce his name.

Danson does what he can with the part. It is a great part, but I have never thought of Danson as a great actor, merely serviceable. I can see a bunch of actors who would be able to do much more with this part. I felt because Danson does not have as much screen presence or gravitas as an actor to match up with Close, his denouement doesnt quite feel as tragic as it should have. I can imagine someone like Chris Cooper or Powers Boothe or even John Laroquette or Brian Cox, and a bunch of others, doing an earth shattering job with this role. I would personally have loved to see Philip Seymour Hoffman in this part. Whereas Ivanek's part, I can't imagine others doing it with the same intensity, he made the part his own.

RosE Byrne is obviously the lead actress. He is as prominent as Close, if not more, throughout Damages. Anothe category fraud in the works.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Egghead,

I loved this show when it was on last season. I agree that Ivanek was superior to Danson, but I can see Danson getting a nom over him. Close was amazing (especially the pilot and the final episode). It better get a series nom, with only Lost, Mad Men, and maybe Dexter getting the top spots.

Yeah, Bryne has way more screentime than Close, but yeah...I can see her in the supporting category given the nature of her role.

At this point, I'm thinking the show could pull in nods for:

Drama Series
Lead Actress (Close)
Supporting Actor (Danson)
Supporting Actress (Byrne)
Writing (Pilot)
Directing (Pilot)
Casting
Editing
Cinematography
Main Title Design

G'Day,
So Tom has given us what they plan to submit so far.

Drama Series:
Pilot
Lead Actress:
Glen Close, Pilot
Supporting Actor:
Noah Been, There's No We Anymore
Phillip Bosco, Pilot
Ted Dansen, Jesus, Mary and Joe ****er
Tate Donovan, A Regular Earl Atorney
Zeljko Ivanek, I Hate These People
Supprting Actress:
Rose Byrne, Because I Know Patty
Anastasia Griffith, Tastes Like a Ho-Ho


Discuss

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Noble,

I heard Danson's tape is episode 2...and I'm pretty sure that's not the episode that I thought was a slamdunk for him. I believe I thought episode 3 or 4.

The pilot is a smart choice for Series and Close. By the title, I'm assuming Byrne submitted the finale which is a very strong choice for her.

G'Day
They went with the only episode they could for series to stay in the race. I think Close also went the right way (she had other strong work, but the pilot is easy to come in on).

Dansen's submission is a strong one (he struggles with organising a hit on someone), but he was also very good is "Sort of like a Family", where he goes through his deposition and in the end has (I think it's the same episode) him dancing with Close. His 2 strongest tapes I will have to watch them again to see which is best.

I feel so strongly about my next point I am going to bold it for emphasis:
There is no way in hell that Rose Burn is a supporting actress. She has the most screentime of anyone in Damages, it is largely told from her perspective and the narriative revolves around her as much as Close. A top 10 slot or nomination for Byrne would be the most obscene case of category fraud at the Emmys in recent memory (since Grammer for Wings) and would take away from one true supporting actress who puts in great performances each week (including Damages own Griffiths). Hopefully the Emmys are too smart to buy into this or we could very well see the acting awards decend into a category for big name lead actors and unknown lead actors. And it's a shame because in my opinion she gives a performance that warrents the strongest consideration in the lead category. If FX or Burns have any respect for the Emmy awards and supporting actressess in general they will change her submission to lead.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Noble,

Glenn Close and the series were perfect in their submission tapes.

I am also very happy with Zeljko Ivanek's submission. I think he was amazing and I am rooting for his nomination.

Ted Danson had a better episode: "Sort Like a Family".

So as Rose Byrne, who should have submitted "There's No 'We' Anymore".

And why Anastasia Griffith was submitted for Best Supporting Actress????

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kams,

quote:

Originally posted by Noble:
G'Day
They went with the only episode they could for series to stay in the race. I think Close also went the right way (she had other strong work, but the pilot is easy to come in on).

Dansen's submission is a strong one (he struggles with organising a hit on someone), but he was also very good is "Sort of like a Family", where he goes through his deposition and in the end has (I think it's the same episode) him dancing with Close. His 2 strongest tapes I will have to watch them again to see which is best.

I feel so strongly about my next point I am going to bold it for emphasis:
There is no way in hell that Rose Burn is a supporting actress. She has the most screentime of anyone in Damages, it is largely told from her perspective and the narriative revolves around her as much as Close. A top 10 slot or nomination for Byrne would be the most obscene case of category fraud at the Emmys in recent memory (since Grammer for Wings) and would take away from one true supporting actress who puts in great performances each week (including Damages own Griffiths). Hopefully the Emmys are too smart to buy into this or we could very well see the acting awards decend into a category for big name lead actors and unknown lead actors. And it's a shame because in my opinion she gives a performance that warrents the strongest consideration in the lead category. If FX or Burns have any respect for the Emmy awards and supporting actressess in general they will change her submission to lead.

Grammer got in as a lead for wings because guest actors were nominated in the leading category that year.

But on rose byrne, i agree that she is clearly a lead (and Glenn is obviously supporting or co-lead), but i don't think she is strong enough to be considered a lead. In addition to screentime, something else that plays an important part in deciding whether or not someone is a lead or supporting is their screen presence. Rose Byrne has the screen presence of a supporting actress. When she's on screen she doesn't pop like Close or any other leads do in that category. While her performance does have emotion, it isn't as layered enough to be considered lead.

I think if you look to others who are considered to committ category fraud, this holds true. Allison Janney had neglible screen time to be consdiered a lead actress when she first stepped up as a lead actress, but her prescence was undeniable on the series. Bradley Whitford had a little less than double the amount of screen of Martin Sheen had during the 1st season of the West Wing, but Sheen was considered the lead because of his prescence. Jon Cryer is considered supporting because the nature of his character and his prescence make him feel like a second banna next to Charlie Sheen (just like Byrne does). I suspect that this is one of the main reasons that voters refused to nominate eva longoria during the 1st and 2nd season of housewives, because she doesn't feel like a lead.

Byrne doesn't feel like a lead, and she has the screen presence of a supporting actress. I think that's something that trumps screen time when deciding to go lead or not. Close's screen presence makes her the undeniable lead on her show, even if she has way less screentime than Byrne.

Byrne has the exact same thing as Eva Longoria does, they don't feel like leads and the might have the screen time to be considered a lead, they should be in Supporting.

Close over powers Byrne and Close's character is what the series truly revolves around.

Just like on DH has Marc Cherry put Eva where she belongs the last 3 season's Supporting Actress Comedy Series she would have an Emmy for the season 1 for sure and 2 additional nominations.

They are putting Delany in Supporting and her Screentime is equal to Eva's.

I don't understand why Eva doesn't or didn't speak up and give herself a chance to win some gold.

Glenn Close chose well with the pilot episode, and that should be enough to get her nominated this year. That's also the show's strongest bet for a series bid. Rose Byrne's best chance at a nomination is in supporting actress. That's where she should be campaigned for, and the finale is a big episode for her. I don't think she's making the popular ballot b/c of lack of name recognition, but if she manages to overcome that hurdle, then the chance is definitely there for her to be nominated. Anastasia Griffith should have been campaigned for in guest actress, b/c she won't survive in supporting actress. Zeljko Ivanek's best tape is the last tape that he appears in. If that's "I Hate These People", then good submitting choice. Ted Danson had some better tapes later on in the season, so that choice is a disappointment. He could still get in, but it could go either way. I don't see the rest having a shot with the way the supporting actor field is.

G'Day,
not meaning to offend anyone here, just spur passionate debate.

The strength of a performance does not determine what category someone should be placed in otherwise Ivanek should also be bumped up to lead. A category should be detrmined on whether someone is a lead or not, then their merit should be assed as to whether they deserve to be nominated or win (there are some years when the supporting acting categorys are filled with actors with as much screen presence as the leads).

Alot of people think that Cryer is in fact the stronger of the 2.5 Men and that he should be lead anyway, so I don't think that is a great supporting exapmple. The West Wing is a different situation as it was an ensemble show with no clear lead or few characters and the placements in question