Who Should Win the 65th Primetime Emmys

Corey Stoll in "House of Cards"

On July 18, the nominations for the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards were published. The awards show looks at programming from the 2012/2013 season. In that time period, many new television shows have come and gone. A few of them were recognized on that very hot day in July. One of which was one of my favorite shows of the year, CBS' Elementary, the modern-day, Manhattan adaptation of Sherlock Holmes.

Elementary was nominated for two Emmys, and I hope that it wins both. While I would have loved to see some recognition in the major categories like writing or directing, it was only listed under Outstanding Main Title Design and Outstanding Main Title Theme Music. The sound and rhythm are the catchiest of any drama besides The Good Wife and the images are that of a Rube Goldberg device, representing the complex cases but also the complex brain that is Holmes' murder-mystery-solving mind.

There were six songs nominated in the Outstanding Music and Lyrics category. Two are from the cancelled series Smash. Both play like Broadway standards, well-performed, but not all that memorable. The song from The Neighbors, the freshman ABC comedy, basically makes fun of Broadway standards. The song from The 66th Tony Awards is in celebration of Broadway standards. The final two nominees have me torn. I think "Rural Juror" from 30 Rock is hilarious, but the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences might be better served going with the nominee from Nashville called "Nothing in this World Will Ever Break My Heart Again."

While I appreciate Oprah's Master Class, the show is basically doing the same thing as one of the shows against which it's nominated. Only, it's not doing so as clever or as entertaining. Even though he's not new, I'd rather give the Emmy for Outstanding Informational Series to James Lipton for his long-running Bravo program Inside the Actor's Studio.

Two, great programs are going head to head for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series, which used to be a part of the News Emmys. Through the Wormhole, narrated by Morgan Freeman, appeals more to science geeks whereas Vice on HBO appeals more to news geeks. I'm a little of both, which makes my meaningless choice still difficult. My vote still goes to American Masters on PBS. Staying on this track, the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for Nonfiction Programming goes to Alex Gibney for Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God, a searing look into the Catholic Church scandal.

The writing and directing categories for miniseries or movie are tough. They represent some high-caliber talent, including Tom Stoppard, Steven Soderbergh, David Mamet and Jane Campion. I thought it was great that actors Elisabeth Moss, Nathan Lane and Bobby Cannavale are both, double nominees for their works on two different shows.

Neil Flynn (left) and Patricia Heaton
in "The Middle"

Of course, I'm a little disappointed that my all-time favorite comedy Arrested Development only got three nominations. It, like Parks and Recreation, my second favorite comedy this past year, was snubbed from the top prize of Outstanding Comedy Series. In terms of snubs under the comedy umbrella, I'm glad Jason Bateman got a nod, but so should have Will Arnett. I'm glad Amy Poehler got a nod, but so should have Adam Scott or Chris Pratt. Patricia Heaton continues to do stellar work on ABC's The Middle. Yet, she was ignored.

In terms of drama, the big snub is no question the absence of Corey Stoll from House of Cards. The Netflix, political remake received an impressive nine nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series. The Emmys have done a good job of collecting the best performances from the most acclaimed dramas. The ignorance of Jennifer Carpenter in Dexter this past season is shameful, but in general the best have been named.

Yet, the over-looking of Corey Stoll is to me unforgivable. If you watched House of Cards, Stoll's role is integral and key to everything. Stoll also gets many of the best emotional moments and delivers knock-out punches each and every time. Kevin Spacey is the star and he is a powerhouse, but Stoll was the unsung hero that drew the audience along after a while.

I've looked at all the major categories and all the nominees. I watch a lot of TV. I don't claim to be an expert, but I think I know enough to voice what should be honored. Here are my picks for the 65th Primetime Emmys.

Outstanding Variety Series: Real Time With Bill Maher

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries or Movie: Jane Campion and Gerard Lee - Top of the Lake
Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or Movie: Steven Soderbergh - Behind the Candelabra
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries: Sarah Paulson - American Horror Story: Asylum
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Peter Mullan - Top of the Lake
Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or Movie: Jessica Lange - American Horror Story: Asylum
Outstanding Actor in a Miniseries or Movie: Matt Damon - Behind the Candelabra
Outstanding Miniseries or Movie: American Horror Story: Asylum

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy: Melissa McCarthy - Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy: Justin Timberlake - Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy: Jane Krakowski - 30 Rock
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy: Bill Hader - Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy: Tina Fey - 30 Rock
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy: Jason Bateman - Arrested Development
Outstanding Comedy: 30 Rock

Outstanding Writing for a Drama: Henry Bromell - Homeland
Outstanding Directing for a Drama: David Fincher - House of Cards
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama: Carrie Preston - The Good Wife
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama: Michael J. Fox - The Good Wife
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Christine Baranski - The Good Wife
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Mandy Patinkin - Homeland
Outstanding Actress in a Drama: Claire Danes - Homeland
Outstanding Actor in a Drama: Kevin Spacey - House of Cards
Outstanding Drama: House of Cards