“Shōgun” began life as a limited series, a new 10-episode adaptation of James Clavell's novel. But audiences loved it (and critics did too), and FX decided to bring it back by popular demand, renewing the series for what appears to be two additional seasons.
Some detractors think this is a bad idea, saying that “Shōgun” told Clavell's story from beginning to end and kept the landing. Moving forward would mean playing with perfection.
Me? I don't consider these things sacred. I think it's good, for example, that Francis Ford Coppola made “The Godfather III.” I wish Winona Ryder had not abandoned the film and I have only seen it once since its release in 1990. But its imperfections in no way tarnish the two previous masterpieces.
To put it another way: I'm still waiting for that second season of “Mare of Easttown.” If I love something, I want more. So bring back Lord Toranaga and John Blackthorne. A flashback episode with Lady Mariko? Risky. But it could work. And if everything crashes and burns, it will be years from now: the perfect time to rewatch Season 1.
But the renewal of “Shōgun” did ruin the 2024 Emmy Awards. Instead of competing as a limited series, “Shōgun” will now annihilate all entrants in the drama categories. That's bad news for “The Crown,” but it's an encouraging development for all the limited series contenders in what appears, for the moment, to be a wide-open race.
Kali Reis, left, and Jodie Foster in “True Detective: Night Country.”
(Michele K. Corto/HBO)
LIMITED SERIES
Let's start with franchises. After a disappointing fourth season, “Fargo” returned with a new sense of purpose and a back-to-basics story that tapped into the tension present in America right now. “True Detective: Night Country” also took shape again, delivering a tense, mind-bending mystery that deftly wove together observations about misogyny, corporate pollution, and racism. Its six-episode run should be the standard for a format that too often feels filled with stories that exist only to boost streaming numbers.
Some thoughts “Ripley” was overly methodical (well…slow) in its approach, although I'd argue that, in its meticulous attention to detail, it raised the stakes and tension and also made the main character's wit all the more delightful. If you've seen it, you'll know that Robert Elswit's gorgeous black and white cinematography was magnificent. Does anyone offer tours of the Italian stairs these days? They should.
“Baby reindeer” It was a lot, but in a good way. It began as a stalker story and then became deeper and more complex as it explored the neediness and shame of its main character. He's the most watched contender, for what it's worth. “Masters of the air” He also found an audience with his detailed look at the American air campaign against Nazi Germany. Maybe it wasn't as good as “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” but I didn't hear many story parents complaining.
Really, after a couple of bad years for limited series, no one should complain, as this category has so many worthy contenders that you could spend the rest of the summer watching them. “Chemistry Lessons”, “Fellow Travellers”, “A Gentleman in Moscow”, “Mary and George” parts of “The Sympathizer” all the art of Lulu Wang “Expats” a series all the more powerful for its lack of neat resolution. One certainty: With this depth, there can be no argument for any “snubs” when nominations are announced in July.
Sofía Vergara's strong role as Colombian drug trafficker Griselda Blanco in “Griselda” could lead to a nomination.
(Elizabeth Morris/Netflix)
LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE ACTRESS
First a trio of women who elevated their series: Sofia Vergara'yes Strong turn as Colombian drug trafficker Griselda Blanco in “Griselda.” Naomi Watts' heartbreaking work on “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans” and Kate Winslet mad genius in “The Regime”. They could all get nominations without their series being recognized. That's star power.
jodie foster He got it too, and his work on the finale of “True Detective: Night Country” was heartbreaking. Between this and “Nyad”, it has been a very good year for this legend. Then there is Temple of Junoa far cry from her playful “Ted Lasso” character, taking on a Minnesota housewife with a mysterious past (and a knack for setting booby traps) in “Fargo.”
There are also three Oscar-winning women who continue to challenge themselves and viewers: Nicole Kidman (“Expatriates”), Brie Larson (“Chemistry Lessons”) and Julianne Moore (“María and Jorge”). And for voters with long memories, “Painkiller” couldn't escape the long shadow of “Dopesick,” but Uzo Aduba'yes The rage against the Sackler pharmaceutical family was a marvel to behold.
Jon Hamm plays “Fargo” Sheriff Roy Tillman, a modern-day Marlboro man who loves militias, hates women and believes he is above the law.
(Michelle Faye/FX)
TV MOVIE/LIMITED SERIES ACTOR
If you thought Don Draper was a jerk, jon hamm I'd like to introduce you to “Fargo” Sheriff Roy Tillman, a modern-day Marlboro man who loves militias, hates women (even if they know their place), and believes he's above the law because is Law. I can't remember hating a character more, which I suppose is a tribute to Hamm's talent for conveying delirious arrogance.
This category doesn't have the depth of the lead actress side, and voters could easily check the box next to Hamm's name, along with Tom Hollander for his magic act in “Capote”, Richard Gadd and his self-lacerating bravery in “Baby Reindeer,” the brilliant andres scott (“Ripley”) and Matt Bomer's the best performance of his career in “Travel Companions,” and call it a day.
But I also hope that people catch Ewan McGregor playing a charming exiled nobleman who clings to optimism in “A Gentleman in Moscow” and Hoa Xuande'yes Impressive work as a double agent in “The Sympathizer”. And if it really is “Mr. Monk's Last Case,” would give Tony Shalhoub, who won three Emmy Awards for playing the detective plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder, a chance to prevail. Or at least get a nomination.
On “Feud,” Diane Lane brought a malicious severity to her Slim Keith.
(Pari Dukovic/FX)
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE
You can't nominate Foster for “True Detective” without also recognizing his partner in (solving) crime. Kali ReyesSuch as Jessica Gunning's A empathetic and terrifying turn when the bully from “Baby Reindeer” must be rewarded along with Gadd. Continuing with the last series, “Baby Reindeer” would not have worked without Nava Mau's raw candor as a trans therapist. She personified compassion.
Among the “swans” who avoid Capote, Diana Lane he brought a malicious severity to his portrayal of Slim Keith. Ignore it at your own risk. Jennifer Jason LeighShe also played an intimidating woman not used to hearing the word “no” in “Fargo.” Her transatlantic accent sounded like music. And I loved the way her character approached Juno Temple's Dot, culminating in a hug that couldn't feel more deserved.
Robert Downey Jr. appears in multiple roles in “The Sympathizer.”
(Hopper Stone/HBO)
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE
Robert Downey Jr. Appearing in multiple roles in “The Sympathizer” was fun and also a bit of a distraction. It's a stunt that will likely guarantee him an Emmy Award just months after he took home the Oscar for “Oppenheimer.” But maybe I'm underestimating “fellow travelers.” If you watched the series until its devastating finale, you know that Jonathan Bailey Perhaps he is the actor most deserving of the award.
Months after many of these shows aired, I'm still a little nervous about messing things up. Which brings me to Luis Pullman, playing a brilliant researcher blinded by science (and Brie Larson) in “Chemistry Lessons.” Her two episodes with Larson made up my favorite romantic comedy of the year.
