2012 Emmy Contenders: Drama Series

2012 Contenders
Mad Men
Breaking Bad
Homeland
Game of Thrones
Downton Abbey
The Good Wife
Boardwalk Empire
Justified
House
Dexter
Smash
Damages
Revenge
Touch
Sons of Anarchy
Once Upon a Time
Awake
Shameless
The Killing
The Walking Dead
Grey's Anatomy
The Borgias
Harry's Law
True Blood
Parenthood
Southland
Fringe
Person of Interest
Hell on Wheels
Luck
Boss
The Closer
Rescue Me

Commentary - Can Mad Men do it? Can it go for five in a row? It is apparently having an incredible season, but I think that after last year's two-win total, that Emmy voters are starting to tire. Instead they may go for some alternative. Probably the biggest contender outside of Mad Men is Breaking Bad. Returning to the Emmy fold, it has continued to do well and has increased in popularity as it has grown with age. In terms of precursor support however, Boardwalk Empire looks like the one to beat with its PGA and SAG Ensemble win, but let's face it, its kind of boring, and probably won't have enough buzz to overtake its competitors. Game of Thrones had another thrilling season on HBO, but the fantasy genre will mostly likely be its downfall, a real shame if you ask me. Downton Abbey won the TV Movie/Miniseries last year, and so its popularity is proven. It will be interesting to see if it translates to the Drama categories. The Good Wfie had another excellent season, but with so much competition, it may not make the cut. Likely to get a nod is the new series Homeland, filmed near my hometown in North Carolina. It could be a popular choice among Emmy voters, and is probably the only new series that will get recognition, as Smash is a mess, Revenge is too soap-opery, and others like Touch and Once Upon a Time simply don't seem to have the buzz. Previous nominees Damages, Grey's Anatomy, True Blood, House, and Dexter all are possibilities again, but with diminishing chances as they age. Other contenders who have never made the cut such as The Killing, The Borgias, The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Parenthood, Southland, and particularly Justified, which performed relatively well last year, are all possibilities, but have been ignored before, and will most likely be ignored again.