A Woman’s Take on Mad Men

With it’s third season more than half complete, it seems like I should talk about Mad Men, which is one of the shows I love, but manage to not talk about here. I’ve been watching the show, at the urging of another friend, since the start of the second season (having mainlined all of season one via On Demand.)

As each season airs, I take the time to try and think through all of the images on my screen, with very little help from the outside. Sure, I talk to my friends about an episode here and there, trying to understand exactly what is going to happen next. But that’s one of the best parts about the show–the anticipation of what’s to come.

This season, the largest elephant in the room is Kennedy’s impending assassination in 1963. In the premiere, the audience was told that Roger Sterling’s daughter’s wedding will be the day after the assassination. With the finale quickly approaching, I constantly wait for more clues about how that one piece of history will actually affect the ad agency. As last year’s finale ended with the resolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis, I can only assume that the moment will play a pivotal role.

Are any of you else watching? What are you thoughts on this season? Disgusted with Peggy’s sexual exploration? Wondering about who will be named Head of Accounts?

Emmy Spotlight: Oh, the Drama

The Emmys are coming! The Emmys are coming! This week the Nice Girls will preview some of the contenders for Emmys in a variety of categories, focusing on our faves.

Outstanding Drama Series:

Mad Men (AMC)

Though, I never find the time to talk about how this show moves me each week, it goes without saying that Mad Men has captured the attention of the critics. In the show’s sophomore season, the audience saw that while some things changed around Sterling Cooper (Peggy’s absence and later rise to more than a junior copywriter), most things stayed the same (Don’s philandering ways). In between all of that, more about the lives of the rest of the company came into focus—Pete and Trudy’s baby woes, Peggy’s family issues—all of which ended with the season looking at the Bay of Pigs confrontation. Only time will tell before we know how the critics really responded to the second season. -Louise

Also nominated: Big Love, Dexter, Breaking Bad, Lost, House, Damages

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series:

Jon Hamm – Mad Men (AMC)

Don Draper—the man men want to emulate women want to sleep with—continues  captivate the  audience. Most of the second season found Don trying to find himself, and reconcile the man he is to everyone with the man he was (Dick Whitman). Throughout the season Hamm worked with Don’s flaws, allowing the audience to empathize with a man we should all detest. -Louise

Simon Baker – The Mentalist (CBS)

In its debut year, The Mentalist scored a major Emmy nomination for its lead, Simon Baker, who was nominated for “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.” The Mentalist is a television series based on a fictional California Bureau of Investigations which enlists the aid of a former fraudulent psychic, Patrick Jane (played by Baker). Jane is a valuable asset to CBI as his keen intellect and powers of observation often allow him to pinpoint the culprit of crimes quicker than through conventional crime-fighting techniques. Jane also has a personal motivation, as in quid pro quo for his unique talents, he is given the aid of CBI in tracking down the serial killer, Red John, who killed his wife and daughter. As portrayed by Baker, Jane is playful, cocky and yet endearing all at once. Watching Baker so fully embody such a rich, diverse and fun character is riveting and he has full earned the Emmy nomination. -Tiffany

Also nominated: Hugh Laurie (House), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment)

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series:

Holly Hunter – Saving Grace (TNT)

Previously nominated in the “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series” in 2007 and 2008, this year marks the 3rd consecutive nomination for Holly Hunter, star of the TNT series Saving Grace. In Saving Grace, Hunter plays Grace Hanadarko, a police detective in Oklahoma City who balances the challenges of her grueling professional life against her hard-living and hard-loving lifestyle, while under the protection and guidance of her last chance angel, Earl. Hunter is riveting as she effortlessly slides between Grace’s free-wheeling personal life and tough-as-nails, no-holds barred professional life. One minute she is carefree and the next she has flipped the villain on his back. Hunter’s portrayal is fearless and makes her the perfect match for such a complex and intriguing character. -Tiffany

Kyra Sedgwick – The Closer (TNT)

One of the nominees in this category is Kyra Sedgwick, who stars as Deputy Chief Brenda Lee Johnson in TNT’s acclaimed series The Closer.  As one of a handful of “older” actresses in a lead role in a prominent hit cable series, Kyra and her fellow nominees – which include Holly Hunter (Saving Grace), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters), Glenn Close (Damages) and (youngster) Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men) – will be in a tough “battle” for the golden statuette.  It is anyone’s guess who will receive the honor of this award, but I sure wouldn’t want to be an academy voter, as this category is simply too difficult to choose just one. -Rueben

Also nominated: Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters), Glenn Close (Damages), Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men)

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series:

John Slattery – Mad Men (AMC)

Roger Sterling is an ass, but one that somehow it’s impossible to look away from as he does something stupid. In the second season, we watched as Roger had one last boys’ night with a departing member of the company before ending his twenty-plus-year marriage and wanting to marry one of the girls from the secretarial pool. -Louise

Also nominated: William Shatner (Boston Legal), Christian Clemenson (Boston Legal), William Hurt (Damages), Michael Emerson (Lost), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad)

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series:

We don’t watch any of these series, so by default our vote goes to the always wonderful Dianne Wiest (In Treatment). -Melissa

Also nominated: Cherry Jones (24), Chandra Wilson (Grey’s Anatomy), Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy), Rose Byrne (Damages), Hope Davis (In Treatment)

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series:

Mad Men – “A Night To Remember” (AMC): Robin Veith, Matthew Weiner
Mad Men – “Six Month Leave” (AMC): Andre Jacquemetton, Maria
Jacquemetton, Matthew Weiner
Mad Men – “The Jet Set” (AMC): Matthew Weiner
Mad Men – “Meditations In An Emergency” (AMC): Kater Gordon, Matthew Weiner

The writing of Mad Men weaves a series of tapestries where some small string from early in the season will pay off into the larger piece through a collection of carefully dropped lines in each episode. With the help of the rest of the writers, Matthew Weiner has managed to work the myriad storylines into a season that takes all thirteen episodes to fully understand. -Louise

Summer Preview: The Nice Girls Make a Date With Summer TV

It used to be that summer TV was a draught of reruns with the occasional awards show or holiday concert to break up the monotony. Not any more ! As the cable nets present more original programming and even the traditional networks start focusing on year ’round scheduling, summer TV is looking rich indeed. Here are the shows the Nice Girls are looking forward to this summer.

ROYAL PAINS
Royal Pains just might be Mark Feuerstein’s breakout role, after years of other promising attempts. I’ll admit it, I have a soft spot for the guy, but bland network sitcoms weren’t doing him any favors. Now he’s trying his hand at quirkier cable fare that could finally make him a household name. Feuerstein stars as Hank, an up-and-coming New York doctor who loses everything fighting for the life of a patient. He takes off to the Hamptons with his younger brother Evan in what’s supposed to be a weekend of wallowing in self pity – in the lap of luxury. After making a dramatic medical rescue at a party, Hank inadvertently finds himself the Hamptons’ hottest new doctor-on-demand as his MacGuyver-ish medical skills wow the denizens of New York’s most elite summer retreat. Royal Pains premieres Thursday, June 4 at 10/9C on USA Network. -Melissa

BURN NOTICE
Burn Notice returns this summer for a third season. This time, Michael Weston learns how to deal without the “protection” he has had since getting burned. He’ll have to deal with the police now that he’s on their radar, and the police are not going to make things easy for Michael, Sam and Fiona. We’ll learn more about their past lives, and they will all be dealing with some pretty interesting characters and situations that we haven’t seen in the first two seasons. I can’t wait to meet police detective Paxton, played by Moon Bloodgood, who looks like she’ll be giving  Michael a lot of headaches. Burn Notice returns June 4 on USA Network, in a new time slot – 9/8 p.m. Central. -BethAnne

THE LISTENER
This Canadian import centers on Toby Logan, a 25-year-old paramedic who has a big secret – he’s a telepath. Until now, Toby kept his ability hidden, exploring its possibilities only with his long time mentor and confidant, Dr. Ray Mercer. The Listener follows Toby as he tries to help people in crisis, and in the process, unravel the truth about his past. While his professional life is in check, Toby’s personal life could use its own rescue. And with the help of Detective Charlie Marks and his E.R. doctor/ex-girlfriend Olivia Fawcett, Toby realizes his gift can help others. I’m a sucker for these shows. The Listener premieres on NBC Thursday, June 4 at 10/9c. -BethAnne

WEEDS
Back for another season of high-jinks, Nancy Botwin and her family have returned to the San Diego area and are still trying to handle Nancy’s Mexican drug lord of a boyfriend.  Between the baby that may be his and his desire to punish her for ratting out his business dealings, the show will continue to push the envelope.  And from Doug working with Silas in growing, to Andy spending time with Nancy’s  sister (Jennifer Jason Lee) to protect Shane, and Celia being held capture by Mexican gangsters, the season, as usual, will take all of us on a ride towards another cliffhanger. Weeds season 5 premieres Monday, June 8 at 10/9c on Showtime. -Louise

TRUE BLOOD
HBO’s hit vampire soap opera returns for a second season with more supernatural goings on in rural Louisiana. This season will also see telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse and her vampire lover Bill Compton road trip to Dallas on official vampire business. Hunky Viking Eric Northman gets more screentime, at least judging by the previews, which should make a lot of female fans happy. Plus Jason Stackhouse joins an anti-vampire church (cult?), shifter Sam Merlotte deals with a mysterious woman from his past, and trainwreck Tara Thornton tries to put her life back together. All of that, and we meet the Queen of Louisiana. Can’t wait! True Blood premieres Sunday, June 14 at 10/9c on HBO. -Melissa

HAWTHORNE
Jada Pinkett Smith – better known for her film work in The Matrix -  is the latest talented actress to join TNT’s line-up of strong, complex female characters, following in the footsteps of Kyra Sedgwick on The Closer and Holly Hunter of Saving Grace. This summer, Pinkett Smith executive-produces and stars in Hawthorne, a character-driven drama series about a nurse who is a true everyday hero. This show would fit in well with NiceGirlsTV and our cadre of female-centric shows. I’m curious about the Hawthorne and I like Jada Pinkett Smith, so I’ll be watching. Hawthorne premieres June 16 at 9/8c on TNT.  -BethAnne

MERLIN
Merlin brings to life a new legend for a modern audience. This exciting, hour-long fantasy series set in the mythic city of Camelot — but is inspired by 21st Century storytelling. Before Merlin and Arthur became legends, they were ambitious young men looking for adventure, hoping to live up to their family’s expectations, discovering love and finding their own true destiny, making mistakes along the way. The innovative, action-packed drama has cross-generational appeal and paints a picture of Merlin and Arthur’s early life that audiences have never witnessed before. Anthony Head, Richard Wilson, Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath also star. This is right up my alley. I’m a sucker for legends and myths. And a favorite face will be appearing! Alexander Siddig (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Syriana, Kingdom of Heaven) will guest star in one episode. Merlin comes to our summertime lineup June 21st on NBC. -BethAnne

EUREKA
Eureka is a high tech community, located somewhere in the Pacific Northwest and inhabited entirely by brilliant scientists working on new scientific advancements for the United States government that frequently go disastrously awry. The town’s existence and location are closely guarded secrets. Despite not being a genius like most members of the town, Sheriff Jack Carter’s ability to connect to others repeatedly saves Eureka, and indeed the entire world, from one would-be disaster after another. I may be the only Nice Girl watching this, but I think everyone should. It’s very entertaining and sometimes sad. Join the quirky citizens of Eureka when the show returns July 10 at 9/8c on Sci Fi. -BethAnne

LEVERAGE
Our favorite band of thieves will be back again this summer for more heists, but under what circumstances?  When we last left our merry band of criminals, they had all separated to go their own ways.  However, it won’t be long before they are all reunited to pull off even bigger scams on people looking to screw over the little guy. Star Timothy Hutton says his character is “out for revenge” this season, ready to crush those who deserve to be taken down. Look out, bad guys! Leverage returns on TNT July 15 at 9/8c. -Louise

PSYCH
It’s the return of Shawn & Gus! My favorite psychic detective and his reluctant but faithful sidekick are back for a fourth season of solving crimes despite their best efforts. This season promises to be another wild ride with guest stars like Christine Baranski and Carey Elwes, and storylines involving Bollywood, the Wild West, and an exorcism. Plus Shawn gets shot and dumped in a car. Say what?!? If you’re looking for more PSYCH goodness, check out the writers on Twitter! PSYCH returns Fridays this summer on USA Network. -Melissa

MAD MEN
The advertising agents of Sterling Cooper are back for a third season of drama.  This time, the British company that helped saved them at the end of last season will still be around in the form of a new character, Lance Pryce (played by Jared Harris, from Fringe), who is the new man with the purse strings.  Who knows what will become of everyone after Don Draper disappeared or what social upheaval will affect the advertisers. Mad Men returns to AMC in August. -Louise

SAG Nominates ‘30 Rock’, ‘Weeds’, More

The Screen Actors Guild announced their nominations for the best of 2008 this morning and a few of the Nice Girls faves made the list:

Outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series
Michael C. Hall, “Dexter”
Jon Hamm, “Made Men”
Hugh Laurie, “House”
William Shatner,” Boston Legal”
James Spader, “Boston Legal”

Outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series
Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters”
Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: SVU”
Holly Hunter, “Saving Grace”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Kyra Sedgwick, “The Closer”

Outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy series
Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Steve Carell, “The Office”
David Duchovny, “Californication”
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Tony Shalhoub, “Monk”

Outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series
Christina Applegate, “Samantha Who?”
America Ferrera, “Ugly Betty”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Mary-Louise Parker, “Weeds”
Tracey Ullman, “Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union”

Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series
“Boston Legal”
“Dexter”
“House”
“Mad Men”
“The Closer”

Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series
“30 Rock”
“Desperate Housewives”
“Entourage”
“The Office”
“Weeds”

See the complete list of nominations here. No love for True Blood or Chuck or Pushing Daisies? Discuss.