|
GOLDEN GLOBES, MY MAN McSHANE,
AND THE FANTASTIC FOUR
Dec. 17, 2004
Christmas is just about here, and along with all the presents and holiday joy, Santa always brings something else with him every year--reruns. The networks don't want to waste new episodes while people are out shopping, partying and visiting family, so don't expect to find too many first-run episodes on TV over the next few weeks.
Of course, such an occurrence leaves the intrepid television columnist in quite a predicament: What exactly to write about when there isn't anything good to watch. Not to worry though. Just like Santa carries his never-ending bag of toys, I've got my own sack of TV topics that never runs dry. Let's pull a few out, shall we?
Golden Globe nominations were announced Monday, and while it's the big-screen categories that get most of the press, the Hollywood Foreign Press (which awards the Globes) did a bang-up job singling out the best in television in 2004. Remember when I complained so much about Emmy voters undervaluing the extraordinary HBO western "Deadwood?" No such problem here, as Globe noms went to the show (for best drama) and to lead actor Ian McShane, who, despite giving the best performance on TV earlier this year, failed to earn an Emmy bid.
Joining McShane in the best actor in a drama race are Michael Chiklis ("The Shield"), Denis Leary ("Rescue Me"), Julian McMahon ("Nip/Tuck") and James Spader ("Boston Legal"). Say it with me … wow. Without question, that's a group of actors with some serious chops. Who will win? Who cares? Give an award to all of them.
Nominated alongside "Deadwood" as best drama series were "24," "The Sopranos," "Lost" and "Nip/Tuck." While McMahon is great on that last one, his show isn't in the same league as the other four. But, hey, it's a tall order for "Nip/Tuck" (at best a guilty pleasure) to compete against that quartet--they're only the very best TV has to offer.
Other shows and actors earning surprising yet deserved nominations include the HBO comedy "Entourage" earning a best comedy series nod; that show's Jeremy Piven nabbing a best supporting actor bid for his funny and cutting portrayal of a fierce Hollywood agent; and Zach Braff scoring a best actor in a comedy series nom for the comedy genius he displays on "Scrubs" every week.
The Golden Globes haven't always been the most well-respected of honors. (Actresses such as Sharon Stone and Pia Zadora are among those who have reportedly pocketed past awards thanks to some well-placed bribes.) Still, the Globes have regained some luster in recent years, and the Hollywood Foreign Press deserves kudos for just nailing these TV nominations. Hopefully, Emmy voters are taking notes.
Wonder where Chiklis and McMahon were when the heard they'd be competing for a Globe? Well, I can't say for sure, but there's a good chance they were kicking the crap out of each other. The pair are among the featured players in "The Fantastic Four," next summer's big-screen version of the Marvel comic book. McMahon will assume the villainous role of the green-robed, metal-faced Dr. Doom. Chiklis will be playing--who else?--the stout, loud-mouthed, rock monster known as The Thing (he of the much-beloved catchphrase, "It's clobbering time!")
Apparently, Hollywood Foreign Press members aren't the only people who have noted the nice work done by these gentlemen--big movie studio execs are noticing too. And, if Internet scuttlebutt is to be believed, Doom may not be the only big role in McMahon's future. He's also one of the candidates to become Pierce Brosnan's replacement as James Bond. Hey, why not? They both got their starts playing irresistible ladies' men on cornball TV series.
|
|
