News CBS All Access Wants Emmys For Star Trek: Discovery

[Mudd]

I am probably just a dinosaur that will be left behind as a fossil.

Okay.

So...

Cable and streaming shows win Emmys. The method of distribution has fuck-all to do with it. People's Choice Awards maybe.

 

[Steven P Bastien]

All I said was accolades, not any particular award. I don't follow any awards to know how they are determined. I'm sure you are correct.

Billj, are you sure there was no nerve to strike?

 

[Jadeb]

They might have a shot at some supporting actor awards.

Did any of the actors have the sort of big emotional scenes Emmy likes so much? If so, I've forgotten.

I thought Isaacs did yeoman's work elevating the material he was given, but "better than it had any right to be" doesn't usually win big awards.

 

[Kor]

Yes, TV show distribution is moving more and more to a model of separate pay subscriptions. Right now I would rather just have everything available on either cable or Netflix instead of having to pay for five different services (and more as time goes on). But in the end, maybe getting to select specific subscription services for shows that I actually like will be cheaper than a cable package that includes a bunch of stuff I don't care about but is missing channels I would really like to get.

Anyway, to remain relevant to this discussion, I just subscribe to CBSAA when new episodes of STDsc are available, then cancel as soon as I'm done watching.

Kor

 

[Vger23]

Did any of the actors have the sort of big emotional scenes Emmy likes so much? If so, I've forgotten.

I don't think so. Latif did a pretty good job in some of the mid-season episodes with the PTSD element of the character...and Isaacs was brilliant, but not in the way the awards shows generally recognize.

 

[Locutus of Bored]

Well, I see I struck a nerve. Billj, you are right.

Billj, are you sure there was no nerve to strike?

His responses to you were perfectly calm, rational, and polite. You were wrong in your assumptions about the Emmy's and other things by your own admission. Deal with it without the passive-aggressive sniping at him.

On topic:

I could see Jason Isaacs and/or Michelle Yeoh potentially getting supporting actor nods (though it's unlikely), but not winning. Not because of any deficiency on their part as actors, just because the field of potentials is so large and as good as they are they would not leap to mind for most Emmy voters. They made a valiant effort with often mediocre material, but it wasn't anything standout.

The makeup and costume departments both did exemplary work (regardless of your feelings about the new Klingons) and deserve nominations, and this is somewhere that Trek shows have a better chance of winning.

The production design department did a great job and deserves a nomination.

The VFX department will probably get a nomination because Trek shows frequently do, even though the visual effects have been lackluster to even poor in some parts. But it might win by virtue of laymen voters who don't know any better picking the flashy space opera.

The main title design is pretty good and could possibly get a nomination.

There hasn't really been anything memorable about the music. The main title theme is decent but not anything noteworthy.

 

[Refuge]

All I said was accolades, not any particular award. I don't follow any awards to know how they are determined. I'm sure you are correct.

Billj, are you sure there was no nerve to strike?

I'm inclined to agree with you regards the streaming aspect to Discovery. However if Emmys, other awards etc. are allocated to shows across the various platforms then so be it. If a streamed or paid access show gets an Emmy (as an example) it makes little difference to me to be honest. I watch Star Trek because it's Star Trek.

Does Discovery deserve an Emmy? Truly - maybe if its competition is of the same level it might. I can't think of any aspect where it excels though. The production is dark samey to other shows. Costuming - average. Makeup? Not that great really. The Klingons were pretty awful. Some of the external visuals have been all right. Acting? The median is good but not sure if any one actor is truly outstanding. Script and writing? Patchy, inconsistent with trite dialogue and unsympathetic characterisation. This show so needs a kick in the pants. It needs some bloody life pumped into it. A little joy, a little love.

 

[Vger23]

Right now CBS access numbers are far short of what they hoped for.

Not to pile on, but where is the source of your statement above? I've seen nothing that indicates CBS is displeased. I'd like to understand more.

 

[Lieut. Arex]

People in Hell want ice water

 

[DaveyNY]

Knowing Hollywood...

EMMY, probably already got an STD decades ago.

 

[mdtauk]

Apart from maybe visual effects, I don't think it is deserving of an Emmy. I can see why they may have to "play the game" to keep up momentum and consideration in the future, but it really is a stretch IMO

 

[Wowbagger]

It's a Star Trek forum, so let's handicap these for no reason and knowing that we have no influence over anything:

• Outstanding Drama Series

I hate the show, so it is unsurprising that I do not support it.

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama: Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham

Ms. Martin-Green did very good work elevating weak material. But, even at her best moments, I'm cringing at the scripts she's handed. I think she's got Emmy potential, but not in this role.

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Doug Jones as Saru

I love Doug Jones. My wife loves Doug Jones even more. Saru's arguably my favorite character. But he didn't do much this year. Nothing that would make me sit up and say "get this man an Emmy!" anyway.

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Jason Isaacs as Gabriel Lorca

This strikes me as plausible. Lorca got a lot of material that was not bad at all, and he took it to the next frontier. Just don't let the voters see the episode where he turned into a cardboard villain and I could see it!

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets

I got no problem with Rapp, but he spent too much of the year high on 'shrooms, I think, to qualify.

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Shazad Latif as Ash Tyler/Vok

I didn't think Latif did a good job at all. Whenever he did emotions, it scanned to me as "hunky actor trying to make emotions come out of his face" rather than... well, whatever Latif's character happened to be that week. Burnham's material was just as bad, but Martin-Green did a much better job with it.

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Wilson Cruz as Hugh Culber

For one episode, he was my favorite character (then he was fridged), but, again, I just didn't see enough stuff going on with Culber to merit an Emmy, and I don't think they give out Emmys just for being a member of Trek's first gay couple.

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Michelle Yeoh as Phillipa Georgiou

I could see this.

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly

Does the Emmy like young, funny people in serious dramas? If so, the Captain Killy scene alone should win her this.

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Mary Chieffo as L’Rell

If this happened, it would stun the world. She may be a great actor, but it was really hard to tell beneath all that makeup and iffy writing.

• Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

I know everyone submits for all awards they are eligible to win, but Discovery submitting for writing seems like hubris.

• Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

I don't understand enough about this award to comment.

• Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: James Frain as Sarek
• Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Rainn Wilson as Harry Mudd
• Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Kenneth Mitchell as Kol
• Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Jayne Brook as Katrina Cornwell

I hated what Discovery did to Mudd, but I thought Rainn Wilson did an amazing job with it. He was, objectively, a standout for the season -- and it doesn't hurt that he appeared in its best episode.

• Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or Special
• Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes

I'm sorry, I can't see past the Klingons.

• Outstanding Visual Effects

Depends how much the voters like the color blue, am I right?

Seriously, though, the show was visually stunning, but in a busy, crowded, often dark way that I personally didn't like at all. But maybe the Emmy voters do.

• Outstanding Production Design For a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program

I hate the bridge design so much. I'd rather have the Abrams apple store bridge at this point.

• Outstanding Main Title Design

They might win it, but my main reason for saying that is that I can't think of a lot of competition that's new this year. It was imitating Westworld, which was better -- but Westworld's opening came out last year (and was a nominee). I don't think it's eligible again, is it?

• Outstanding Music Composition For a Series (Original Dramatic Score)

Ramin Djawadi deserves to win this. Problem: Ramin Djawadi has deserved to win this every year of the 2010s and hasn't yet. Clearly the Emmys don't see things my way. (Jeff Russo is clearly imitating Jeff Beal and Djawadi, which can't hurt his chances -- but, at least for my money, Beal, who won in 2015 and 2017 is still well ahead of Russo.)

• Outstanding Cinematography For a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)

I can barely even define "cinematography." Audio drama forever!

 

[Rahul]

• Outstanding Drama Series

Holy fuck no! I can see it getting nominated, purely because of the lobbying push by CBS All Access. But it's a super conservative and derivative Star Trek show. There's TONS of better and smarter television out there. That nomination would feel, like, I don't know, Voyagers "Parallax" being submitted as "best drama". I mean, sure, it's not bad and watchable. But what the hell...?

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama: Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham

I like SMG. I like the character of Burnham. She (plus Saru and Stamets) are the sole reassons I will be back next seasons. And SMG did a great job of delivering the hamfisted poor material she was given. I wouldn't feel bad about a nomination. But I see no chances of actually winning - she feels a lot like Tom Paris in both acting and character: Sure, I like the guy. But why would you nominate him for the awards?

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Doug Jones as Saru

Fuck, I love Doug Jones. He would be IMO the only one with an actual chance of pulling a win off. That he won an Oscar recently surely won't hurt. He just had nothing to do this series. I hope we will get a lot more (and better written) Saru next season. Otherwise they are wasting their greatest asset.

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Jason Isaacs as Gabriel Lorca

Yeah, no. Jason Isaacs is an outstanding actor, who could win in any other role. But his Lorca - especially post revelation - was a cheesy, schlock-y, over the top Ming-the-Merciless type of Flash Gordon villain. Paper-thin cartoon cut-outs of badguys usually don't sweep any awards.

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Shazad Latif as Ash Tyler/Vok

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama: Wilson Cruz as Hugh Culber

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Michelle Yeoh as Phillipa Georgiou

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly

• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama: Mary Chieffo as L’Rell

None of those got anything meaningfull t do this season. Hugh Culber? Seriously? Are you guys thinking he's worth an award for his one toothbrushing scene? Because that was the single, only time he was allowed to act, and not deliver exposition.

• Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You've GOT to be fucking kidding me right there, right???

• Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series

Naw. Dutch angles and lense flares are SO not hot right now. Even in the sparce field of space opera, something like "The Expanse" is vastly less generic.

• Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: James Frain as Sarek
• Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Rainn Wilson as Harry Mudd
• Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: Kenneth Mitchell as Kol
• Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series: Jayne Brook as Katrina Cornwell

Yeah, no. None of these are bad performances, and each of those could warrant a nomination with better material. Rain Wilson as a fucking maniac might come closest. But as of now, they simply had nothing meaningfull to do. Fucking Kol? Does anyone still has an impression about the klingon Kol?

• Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Limited Series, Movie or Special
• Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes

My distaste for the klingon re-design disregarding - the make-up simply wasn't actually that good. The actors were completely incapable of speaking, less alone emoting beyond those thick layers of latex. And apart from them, there simply was nothing there - the Andorian and Tellarite re-design had the same problem of obscuring the characters for a design that really wouldn't need to. Michael Westmore was always capable of having the actors be able to move their face under equally thick make-up.

• Outstanding Visual Effects

Yeah, absolutely no. The CGI work was absolute garbage compared to stuff that Trek did on ENT or VOY twenty fucking years ago, let alone compared to modern day television effects like on Game of Thrones or Netflix' Lost in Space.

• Outstanding Production Design For a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program

Depends on how much you love that sci-fi original production metallic grey/blue light combo for schlock-y sci-fi b-movies that re-run at 10 p.m. at night.

• Outstanding Main Title Design

• Outstanding Music Composition For a Series (Original Dramatic Score)

• Outstanding Cinematography For a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)

Whatever. I have no idea about the technical categories, but so don't usually the people giving out prizes. I expect them to go the series that would deserve more ambitious nominations as a consolidation prize for getting snubbed by the truly prestigious awards. Say giving them for something like Westworld Season 2, that would deserve bigger awards, but just isn't that fresh or in the news right now to win the "best drama" category.

(Thanks to @Wowbagger, for shamelessly copying your post)

 

[Steven P Bastien]

His responses to you were perfectly calm, rational, and polite. You were wrong in your assumptions about the Emmy's and other things by your own admission. Deal with it without the passive-aggressive sniping at him.

Yes, his responses were perfectly calm, rational and polite. Yes, I'm wrong about some things, but I also have some valid comments. I didn't intend to come across as sniping at him, and I apologize if it seems that way.

It just seemed to me that I wrote a comment and suddenly a whole bunch of comments came back very quickly. That's never happened when I wrote anything before. It's not an insult to say I may have stuck a nerve. I only mean that perhaps people are (maybe) a little sensitive about something related to this issue. Anyway, I'll keep reading the thread and try to learn.

 

[Steven P Bastien]

Not to pile on, but where is the source of your statement above? I've seen nothing that indicates CBS is displeased. I'd like to understand more.

So, it's just something I've read about here and there, but doing a search I found an example.

http://www.nscreenmedia.com/cbs-all-access-star-trek-discovery-growth-slows/

 

[Locutus of Bored]

I think you'll find that BillJ is not overly sensitive about criticisms of Discovery. Quite the opposite, in fact, as he's one of the more vocal critics.

[Seinfeld] Not that there's anything wrong with that. [/Seinfeld]

 

[Steven P Bastien]

I think you'll find that BillJ is not overly sensitive about criticisms of Discovery. Quite the opposite, in fact, as he's one of the more vocal critics.

[Seinfeld] Not that there's anything wrong with that. [/Seinfeld]

I'm sure that's true. I didn't mean him specifically with regards to sensitivity. I was referring more to the total volume of responses and the quickness with which they came. Reading back, I see that the way I wrote it seems like I was targeting him. That was not my intention at all.

And likely no one is sensitive at all, and it just seemed that way to me.

 

[Jadeb]

I can't see Yeoh winning or even getting nominated, except maybe because she's a "name" doing television. She served up a huge serving of ham as evil Georgiou. Admittedly, that's what the part demanded, but it's really genre. Her winning would be like Max Von Sydow (another good actor) winning for his turn as Ming the Merciless.

 

[Sophie74656]

And I want a toilet made out of solid gold, but it's just not in the cards now, is it?

 

[Rahul]

I can't see Yeoh winning or even getting nominated, except maybe because she's a "name" doing television. She served up a huge serving of ham as Georgiou. Admittedly, that's what the part demanded, but it's really genre. Her winning would be like Max Von Sydow (another good actor) winning for his turn as Ming the Merciless.

You know what? Max von Sydow would have earned it.