Dean Norris, Breaking Bad
Although his story petered out by the end of the season, we have to remember that Dean Norris’ Hank was the catalyst for so many great episodes and moments in Breaking Bad‘s third season. His version of PTSD was handled wonderfully over multiple episodes, turning the once-blowhard into something much more and Norris was easily able to handle the transition from goofy comedic relief to serious dramatic anchor. Even his more subtle work in the second half was surprisingly stellar.
Taylor Kitsch, Friday Night Lights
This is certainly the dream portion of the category, because we all know no one from FNL would be nominated for an Emmy unless it is the casting department. However, Taylor Kitsch does extremely solid work every year, and I certainly love his performance throughout season four just the same. It’s one thing to be the cool guy with not a care in the world while you’re in high school, but it’s a whole new ballgame when you throw away your future and have to deal with the consequences — and Kitsch has played Riggins’ transition from careless to confused subtly, but fans of the series can see it.
John Noble, Fringe
Another long-shot contender that deserves recognition. I’ve said this before, but there’s two ways that actors play crazy. On one hand, performers take the “crazy” card and use it as a license to do whatever, whenever. On the other hand, truly great actors like John Noble make certain that there’s a reason and a purpose and a logic behind how he performs as Walter Bishop. He’s the heart and soul of a series that has a surprising amount of heart and soul, especially in the second season’s latter half when the story was all about Walter’s distraught nature over his past decision to bring alt-Peter to the first universe. Fringe is too science-fiction-y and will thus never be recognized, but everyone knows John Noble deserves it.
How do these picks look to you? Who would you replace?
Tomorrow: Lead performances in comedy!
I definitely agree with you on Dean Norris and John Noble. They deserve to be nominated. And I like your mention of Rajskub very much. But even though many people are really bored to see Sandra Oh among the nominees, she was simply stellar this season. She would've been a lock to win, if you ask me, if only Moss hadn't change category.
Have to disagree with you on Joelle Carter. By the end of the season, I was already tiring of her, let alone want to see her nominated for an Emmy. If anyone deserves an Emmy on Justified, it's Tim Olyphant and Walton Goggins.
I can't disagree with your thoughts on Oh based on the reading I've done about her performance from this season and her prior noms. But since I don't watch GA anymore, I chose not to include her.
I'm still holding on the belief that Emilie de Ravin can earn a nomination as playing both a crazy and sane Claire on Lost. Also I believe Yunjin Kim should've been nominated last year. I also have a soft spot for Morena Baccarin of V just because she's so scary. Alas.
Thank you for including Taylor Kitsch… he has brought a maturity to Riggins this year that highlights that this kid has the goods. He is truly the real deal and I cannot even imagine how many gifts he's going to give to his viewing audiences over his career.
As much as I like Mary Lynn Rajskub and want to acknowledge the progress she made with Chloe, Sandra Oh did a much better job with her role this year than Rajskub did with hers. And why is there absolutely no mention of any of the great supporting actors from The Pacific?? That should have had contenders in nearly every single category, as should Treme.