Friday Night Lights Award - Drama Series

Named For: Friday Night Lights (NBC/The 101)
Awarded To: The best drama series of the season
2009 Winner: Friday Night Lights (NBC/The 101)
2010 Winner: Friday Night Lights (NBC/The 101)
2011 Winner: Friday Night Lights (NBC/The 101)
2012 Winner: House (FOX)

And here are this year's honorees...

10th. Nashville (ABC) 4 points
3rd by Tyson

9th. Treme (HBO) 4 points
2nd by Jaydon

8th. Shameless (Showtime) 8 points
1st by Bonz

7th. Parenthood (NBC) 8 points
2nd by Matt; 4th by me

6th. Hart of Dixie (The CW) 10 points
2nd by Jack; 2nd by me

5th. Bates Motel (A&E) 11 points
2nd by Lenny; 3rd by me

4th. The Newsroom (HBO) 17 points
1st by Tyson, Lenny

3rd. House of Cards (Netflix) 18 points
1st by Cecil, Larry

2nd. Mad Men (AMC) 18 points
1st by Jaydon, Mags, Braids; 5th by me

and the Poolie goes to...

1st. The Vampire Diaries (The CW) 19 points
1st by T-time, Jack, Matt; 1st by me

The Dynasty Award- Drama Series

Named For: Dynasty (ABC) 1981-89
Awarded To: The best drama series on television
2009 Winner: Friday Night Lights (The 101/NBC)
2010 Winner: Friday Night Lights (The 101/NBC)

Place. Series (Network) Points (My Vote)

10. Greek (ABC Fam) 2 points

9. 90210 (The CW) 5 points

8. Treme (HBO) 5 points (5th)

7. Lights Out (FX) 7 points

6. Parenthood (NBC) 7 points (4th)

5. Entourage (HBO) 11 points

4. Jonas (Disney) 11 points (3rd)

3. Mad Men (AMC) 12 points (1st)

2. House, MD (FOX) 14 points

and the Poolie goes to...

1. Friday Night Lights (The 101/NBC) 34 points (2nd)

This is Friday Night Lights' third Poolie nomination, and third straight win for best drama series.  The show won by three points in 2009 and eight points in 2010, making this 20 point victory something to talk about.

We here at the Quiet Pool Perspective are proud to welcome Poolie voter Lar, who has some nice things to say about the final season of Friday Night Lights.

                                                                                                                                                                 

Friday Night Lights is, by my measure, one of the top five TV shows of all time. Season five, the last in this great series, had everything one could want from a closure stand point. In fact, there were so many characters it’s kind of amazing they were able to wrap up everyone’s storyline without interrupting the continuity of the show. It deserved the nod this year and will surely be missed in the TV landscape going forward.

On a separate note, FNL is the headliner of the fake TV network that should pop up in two years. FNL was essentially pushed out by NBC, who everyone knows is stocked with good TV. This fake TV network takes all the good shows cancelled/forced out and gives them the correct amount of air time. FNL and Chicago Code are two of this year’s shows that would get additional seasons. Not even close to being picked up by this network: The Cape.

~ Written by Larry Avitabile

Spring Poolies Watch- Drama

With only two months left in the Poolies season, it's time to take another look at how things are shaking out before the final ballots are released on June 1st. Here's your chance to agree or disagree with the chairman in order to give whatever show or character tickled your fancy this year a shot at glory. First up are the drama awards, let's take a look around the pool...

The Dynasty Award for Best Drama Series

Definites
Mad Men, Friday Night Lights, Treme, Lights Out, Parenthood, and Jonas. These shows won't need to be discussed before the final ballots come out in June. The only reason to bring up Treme is because it only aired a couple episodes of last season during this year's voting period. If the early part of season two is similar to what we saw in season one, I'm confident it makes the cut. Parenthood is really coming on as one of my favorites as of late, and although I continue to get made fun of for my love of all things Jonas, this series was great for so many reasons.

In For Now
Californication, Greek, Entourage, and 90210. This is where the discussion begins. Cali has had a bit of a down season in comparing it to last year, while Entourage definitely had an uptick in quality. Greek, in its final season, was good but unimpressive. And while I'm always a sucker for 90210, does its great female character hi-jinx make up for its complete lack of quality acting or writing?

Outside Looking In
Shameless, House, Glee, One Tree Hill, Men of a Certain Age, Gossip Girl, and Hellcats. I have heard from Jaydon that he is not enjoying House, which makes it easier to keep it out, but I'm not sure how others still feel about the old favorite. Shameless and Glee are the only other two that are worth mentioning, in that one I find interesting at times, and the other is a pop phenomenon. If Men of Age had more than six episodes it definitely would have been in the conversation.

The Dr. Doug Ross Award for Best Lead Character in a Drama Series

Definites
Don Draper (Mad Men), Greg House (House), Cappie Jones (Greek), Ari Gold (Entourage), Joe Lucas (Jonas), and Eric Taylor (Friday Night Lights). As we get closer to the actual ballot, the amount of definites has to increase. Although House the show has deteriorated into a series I let pile up on my hard drive, House the character is still fun to watch. The rest need no explanation.

In For Now
Hank Moody (Californication), Davis McAlary (Treme), Adam Braverman (Parenthood), and Patrick Leary (Lights Out). The two I am most concerned about are Davis and Patrick here. Davis, of course, because I haven't seen him in forever. He might come back later this month as a complete idiot, as many others found him during the first season. And Patrick, did he do enough to secure himself a spot on the ballot?

Outside Looking In
Antoine Batiste (Treme), Joe Tranelli (Men of a Certain Age), Julian Baker (One Tree Hill), Vincent Chase (Entourage), and Johnny Leary (Lights Out). Now that I'm looking at this list of those on the outside, I'm not sure there is much to worry about for the current nominees. Again, Ray Romano's Joe suffers from only six episodes of material. Also, who knows who might come out of the woodwork as a lead character in the start of Treme's second season?

The Noah Hunter Award for Best Supporting Character in a Drama Series

Definites
Roger Sterling (Mad Men), Scott Lavin (Entourage), Ornette Howard (Friday Night Lights), Chase Adams (One Tree Hill), and Buddy Garrity (Friday Night Lights). I had a tough time figuring out how all the FNL guys would shake out, but at the end of the day, Riggins, Saracen and the rest of the old crew didn't have enough screen time to warrant a nomination, so Buddy is the beneficiary.

In For Now
Dale Kettlewell (Greek), Noah Puckerman (Glee), Robert Chase (House), Alex (Parenthood), and Albert Lambreaux (Treme). The Big Chief will depend on what happens throughout April and May, as will Alex, depending on if Vince Howard's doppelganger comes back at all to Parenthood. Since I'm behind on House, Dr. Chase could be back to his old terrible self for all I know, but he was killing it to start so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Outside Looking In
James Wilson (House), Ed Romeo (Lights Out), Beaver Beudreaux (Greek), Billy Riggins (Friday Night Lights), Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl), Max Braverman (Parenthood), and Chuck Scolnik (One Tree Hill). After the first Ed Romeo episode of Lights Out, I was prepared to make him a definite. That was until they shipped him out after his second ep. Now the only thing keeping him alive is a surprise return in the finale. Anybody else from this group catching somebody's fancy?

The Veronica Mars Award for Best Female Character in a Drama Series

Definites
Macy Misa (Jonas), Sue Sylvester (Glee), Naomi Clark (90210), Peggy Olsen (Mad Men), Alex Dupre (One Tree Hill), and Stella Malone (Jonas). Now these aren't my six favorites in the category per say, in fact as of now, I'll be voting for two others ahead of this group, but these are the ones that have secured spots. There is a difference.

In For Now
Annie (Treme), Rebecca Logan (Greek), Santana Lopez (Glee), and Adrianna Tate Duncan (90210). Although Adrianna is going to receive my vote if she continues the way she has, 90210 can be so eratic with its characters, that I don't think she is definitely on the ballot. Treme continues to keep things up the air for Annie, and Santana hinges on how much screen time she gets.

Outside Looking In
Savannah Munroe (Hellcats), Ashleigh Howard (Greek), Brooke Davis (One Tree Hill), Becky Sproles (Friday Night Lights), Fiona Gallagher (Shameless), Brittany Pierce (Glee), and Blaire Waldorf (Gossip Girl). There really just are so many avenues to go here. As you notice, the two time defending champion Julie Taylor (Friday Night Lights) has yet to be mentioned. That is because she was the worst this season, and I'm afraid that if I give her a courtesy nomination, some idiot voters will give her the award for a second straight undeserved time.

The Marissa Cooper Award for the Character You Love to Hate in a Drama Series

Definites
Kurt Hummell (Glee), Tanya Skagle (Hung), Tami Taylor (Friday Night Lights), Turtle (Entourage), Erin Silver (90210), and Artie Abrams (Glee). Wow do I hate all of these people. It's rare to see an Entourage guy up here whose name is not Eric Murphy, but Turtle definitely outdid him this season. The thing about Glee and 90210 is that there are so many people I hate, that it's tough to decide between them all.

In For Now
Serena van der Woodson (Gossip Girl), Haddie Braverman (Parenthood), Quinn James (One Tree Hill), and Calvin Owens (Greek). While I may hate these four as much as the other six, for some reason I feel as if they may not deserve it as much as the others. Well that is except for Quinn, who absolutely deserves to be nominated for being terrible.

Outside Looking In
Julie Taylor (Friday Night Lights), Clay Evans (One Tree Hill), Dixon Wilson (90210), Will Schuester (Glee), Marcy Runkle (Californication), Ian Gallagher (Shameless), Camille Braverman (Parenthood), and Lisa Cuddy (House). This list could go on and on, and I won't even take into consideration those that I detest like Meredith Grey (Grey's Anatomy) and Kitty Walker (Brothers and Sisters) because their shows don't deserve nominations.

The "One Wedding and a Funeral" Award for Best Drama Episode of the Year

In For Now
Mad Men 407 - "The Suitcase"
Friday Night Lights 513 - "Always"
Treme 108 - "All on a Mardis Gras Day"
Jonas 213 - "Band of Brothers"
One Tree Hill 813 - "The Other Half of Me"

Outside Looking In
Parenthood 217 - "Do Not Sleep With Your Autistic Nephew's Therapist"
Greek 410 - "Legacy"
Entourage 710 - "Lose Yourself"

Surprisingly, I have found more stand out episodes in this than in action so far. I have a tough time keeping both the Parenthood and Greek ep off of the ballot.

Holiday Poolies Watch- Drama

I'm a little late on my first of the month timeline for these now bi-monthly Poolies Watch posts, but as the saying goes "better late than clever." That's not it? Well either way, the 2011 Poolies Ballots are six months away, which means the season is six months over. Here we'll take a look at how the awards are stacking up so far, with who's in, who's out, and who's awful. First up are the drama awards. As always, if you think a show or character deserves more credit, or any at all, feel free to leave a comment. You don't want to end up like Mags last year, trying to illegally write in Tom Haverford for the Arthur Spooner Award. Also spit any performances you've liked at me on Twitter via @quietpool.

The Dynasty Award

The outlook on the award for best drama series hasn’t changed much since the October Watch. Friday Night Lights, the two-time winner, has begun its final season and inserted itself amongst the definites in the category. In doing so, Life Unexpected loses its spot amongst the probables. I enjoy The Defenders, but look for Hellcats as the only one on the outside to maybe grab a spot if it outshines Gossip Girl, Parenthood, or 90210 in the spring. Then again, the returns of Men of a Certain Age and Greek are on the horizon, so nobody is safe.

Definites
Friday Night Lights
Mad Men
Treme

In For Now
Jonas
Entourage
House
Glee
Parenthood
90210
Gossip Girl

Outside Looking In
Hellcats
The Defenders
Life Unexpected
One Tree Hill
Grey’s Anatomy
Brothers and Sisters
Pretty Little Liars

The Dr. Doug Ross Award

Vince and Coach Taylor

As always, working out who will end up as lead and who will be supporting, is the toughest part of this whole thing. As we take a look at the best lead characters in a drama, we have to add some Friday Night Lights dudes to the mix, namely Coach Taylor and Vince Howard. With Tim Riggins taking most of the season off, I see last year’s winner, Greg House, as the early favorite. Vinny Chase remains in the running after what I thought was a fantastic drugged and drunken season, but I fear he will lose out on a spot after being off the air for almost a year by the time ballots come out.

Definites
Greg House- House
Don Draper- Mad Men
Ari Gold- Entourage
Eric Taylor- Friday Night Lights

In For Now
Joe Lucas- Jonas
Davis McAlary- Treme
Antoine Batiste- Treme
Adam Braverman- Parenthood
Vince Howard- Friday Night Lights
Vincent Chase- Entourage

Outside Looking In
Nate Archibald- Gossip Girl
Nick Morelli- The Defenders
Liam Court- 90210
Dan Humphrey- Gossip Girl
Julian Baker- One Tree Hill
Johnny Chase- Entourage
Nick Lucas- Jonas

The Noah Hunter Award

Dr. Chase

After realizing that two-time winner Ari Gold was really more of a lead character, and moving him up accordingly, the award for best supporting character in a drama looks to be up for grabs. If Tim Riggins, Matt Saracen or someone else from Friday Night Lights comes back for a great three or four episodes down the final stretch of the season, I might like them to be a contender, but right now I have no idea what will happen come voting time. I personally think it is Roger Sterling’s category to lose, but Mad Men might not have enough pull amongst the Poolies voters. In a surprising turn, I’ve really enjoyed Dr. Chase on this season of House thus far. If I had to pick one dude from the doctor drama in this category, it would be Chase over Wilson.

Definites
Roger Sterling- Mad Men
Scott Lavin- Entourage

In For Now
Albert Lambreaux- Treme
Buddy Garrity- Friday Night Lights
Noah Puckerman- Glee
Chase Adams- One Tree Hill
Robert Chase- House
Chuck Bass- Gossip Girl
Ornette Howard- Friday Night Lights
James Wilson- House

Outside Looking In
Dan Patch- Hellcats
Crosby Braverman- Parenthood
Lane Pryce- Mad Men
Mark Sloan- Grey’s Anatomy
Oscar- 90210
Paul Jamison- The Big C
Miles Cannon- 90210

The Veronica Mars Award

Naomi Clark

Julie Taylor deservedly won this award two years ago, then last year she somehow stole it from everyone else in the category. The way she has started out in the final season of Friday Night Lights, I don’t even see her getting nominated for the best female character in a drama award. Even though there aren’t nearly enough Jonas viewers that are also Poolie voters, Macy Misa should hands down win this award. Everything in this category looks the same as the Fall Watch, other than the addition of Becky Sproles, which knocked out Sally Draper. The young Mad Men star didn’t see much action down the stretch and shouldn’t be in line for a nomination this summer. Look for the girls of Glee, 90210, and Gossip Girl to jockey for position as you never know which ones will step up in the spring.

Definites
Macy Misa- Jonas
Naomi Clark- 90210
Annie- Treme
Sue Sylvester- Glee

In For Now
Peggy Olsen- Mad Men
Santana Lopez- Glee
Savannah Munroe- Hellcats
Stella Malone- Jonas
Becky Sproles- Friday Night Lights
Alex Dupre- One Tree Hill

Outside Looking In
Juliet Sharp- Gossip Girl
Ivy Sullivan- 90210
Sally Draper- Mad Men
Vanessa Abrams- Gossip Girl
Quinn Fabray- Glee
Adrianna Tate Duncan- 90210
Rachel Berry- Glee
Julie Taylor- Friday Night Lights

The Marissa Cooper Award

Serena van der Woodson

The award for the character you love to hate in a drama is always a tough group to crack. I could come up with 30 qualified contenders if I wanted to, but after the start to this season of Glee, how is Kurt Hummel not the one to beat? Sure Tanya Skagle of Hung might be more detestable, but nobody even watches that show so she’s probably out of luck. Serena is definitely back to her Marissa Coooper-like ways on this season of Gossip, which should place her among the top candidates this season. There are so many people to choose from on Glee that it ends up being a crap shoot and they will knock each other out of the running on a consistent basis.

Definites
Kurt Hummel- Glee
Tanya Skagle- Hung

In For Now
Turtle- Entourage
Will Schuester- Glee
Tami Taylor- Friday Night Lights
Serena van der Woodson- Gossip Girl
Erin Silver- 90210
Clay Evans- One Tree Hill
Artie Abrams- Glee
Dixon Wilson- 90210

Outside Looking In
Quinn James- One Tree Hill
Emma Pillsbury- Glee
Charlie Selby- 90210
Mercedes Jones- Glee
Meredith Grey- Grey’s Anatomy
Jess Merriweather- Friday Night Lights
Eric Foreman- House

The “One Wedding and a Funeral” Award
I don’t see the Mad Men or Jonas eps losing their respective spots here. Treme’s first season gem may lose its spot to a superior ep from the upcoming second season. The most recent episode of Friday Night Lights was good, but I expect much better as the final season heads down the stretch.

In For Now
Mad Men- “The Suitcase” – 407
Treme- “All on a Mardis Gras Day” – 108
Jonas- “Band of Brothers” – 213
Entourage- “Lose Yourself” – 710
Friday Night Lights- “Kingdom” – 505

Fall Poolies Watch- Drama

I have grown accustomed to reviewing television here at the Quiet Pool Perspective as of late, but my first love in regards to tv has always been ranking, voting and listing. So as we get closer to the Third Annual Quiet Pool Television Awards, we will continue to take a look at how things are shaping up. With some of our favorites gone, and plenty of new competition, the 2010 Poolies should once again be quite the event. As always, I'm looking for input from both Poolie voters and non-voters in order to make the nomination process of a more democratic nature. Sound off in the comments, email me at d4cella@gmail.com or hit me on twitter @quietpool.

We are beginning with the drama categories, and why not start with the Dynasty Award for Best Drama Series.

The Definites

Mad Men
Treme

In For Now
Entourage
Parenthood
House, MD
Jonas
Glee
Gossip Girl
90210
Life Unexpected

Outside Looking In
One Tree Hill
The Defenders
Hellcats
Grey's Anatomy
Brothers and Sisters
Pretty Little Liars

Now onto the character awards, first of which is the Dr. Doug Ross Award for Best Lead Character in a Drama.

The Definites

Hugh Laurie as Greg House

Don Draper- Mad Men
Greg House- House, MD
Ari Gold- Entourage

In For Now
Davis McAlary- Treme
Antoine Batiste- Treme
Adam Braverman- Parenthood
Vincent Chase- Entourage
Kevin Lucas- Jonas
Nate Archibald- Gossip Girl
Nick Morelli- The Defenders

Outside Looking In
Nate Bazile- Life Unexpected
Dan Humphrey- Gossip Girl
Derek Shephard- Grey's Anatomy
Nathan Scott- One Tree Hill
Johnny Chase- Entourage
Nick Lucas- Jonas

Next up is the Noah Hunter Award for Best Supporting Character in a Drama Series.

The Definites

John Slattery as Roger Sterling

Roger Sterling- Mad Men

In For Now
Scott Lavin- Entourage
Albert Lambreaux- Treme
Crosby Braverman- Parenthood
Chase Adams- One Tree Hill
Lane Pryce- Mad Men
James Wilson- House, MD
Chuck Bass- Gossip Girl
Noah Puckerman- Glee
Liam Court- 90210

Outside Looking In
Mark Sloan- Grey's Anatomy
Zeke Braverman- Parenthood
Dan Patch- Hellcats
Pete Campbell- Mad Men
Paul Jamison- The Big C

On to the ladies. The Veronica Mars Award for Best Female Character in a Drama Series.

The Definites

Nicole Anderson as Macy Misa

Sue Sylvester- Glee
Macy Misa- Jonas
Naomi Clark- 90210
Annie- Treme

In For Now
Alex Dupre- One Tree Hill
Peggy Olsen- Mad Men
Stella Malone- Jonas
Sally Draper- Mad Men
Savannah Munroe- Hellcats
Santana Lopez- Glee

Outside Looking In
Vanessa Abrams- Gossip Girl
Adrianna Tate Duncan- 90210
Quinn Fabray- Glee
Ivy Sullivan- 90210
Rachel Berry- Glee
Lisa Cuddy- House, MD
Blaire Waldorf- Gossip Girl
Sasha Grey- Entourage

And we do have so much hate in our hearts. The Marissa Cooper Award for the Character You Love to Hate in a Drama.

The Definites

Jane Adams as Tanya Skagle

Tanya Skagle- Hung
Kurt Hummell- Glee

In For Now
Turtle- Entourage
Dixon Wilson- 90210
Quinn James- One Tree Hill
Will Schuester- Glee
Erin Silver- 90210
Serena van der Woodson- Gossip Girl
Clay Evans- One Tree Hill
Artie Abrams- Glee

Outside Looking In
Mercedes Jones- Glee
Sonny- Treme
Vanessa Page- Jonas
Eric Foreman- House, MD
Meredith Grey- Grey's Anatomy
Aunt Lisa- Jonas
Henry Francis- Mad Men

Which episodes have stood out? The "One Wedding and a Funeral" Award for Best Episode in a Drama Series.

Treme- "All on a Mardis Gras Day" - 108
Mad Men- "The Suitcase" - 407
Entourage- "Lose Yourself" - 710
Lone Star- "Pilot" - 101
Jonas- "A Wasabi Story" - 207

What and who do you like fellow Poolies?

The Dynasty Award- Best Drama Series

Named For: Dynasty (ABC) 1981-89
Awarded To: Best drama series from June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Last Year's Winner: Friday Night Lights (The 101/NBC)

Place. Show (Network) Points (My Vote)

10. Men of a Certain Age (TNT) 3 points

9. 90210 (The CW) 3 points

8. Greek (ABC Fam) 5 points

7. Parenthood (NBC) 5 points (5th)

6. Californication (Showtime) 9 points (2nd)

5. Glee (FOX) 10 points

4. Treme (HBO) 18 points (4th)

3. House, MD (FOX) 21 points

Runner-Up
2. Mad Men (AMC) 21 points (3rd)

and the Poolie goes to...
1. Friday Night Lights (The 101/NBC)
29 points (1st)

Here with his thoughts on Friday Night Lights is Poolie voter Mags...

I’ve got a pretty big secret and I’m gonna spill it here.

This freaking show is really sweet. To prove my point I’m going to name a bunch of sick joints from FNL (in no particular order):

1. Football
2. Partying with your boys
3. Loads of cute shorties
4. Tackling
5. Tim Riggins
6. Lyla Garrity
7. The nerd ginger kid who’s kinda funny

Now you probably thought to yourself: ”That’s no secret, anyone who has seen the show knows all that stuff.” Here’s what you don’t know: I voted this show the winner for the 2010 Dynasty Award and I only saw the first 6 episodes of the season. So in order to congratulate the show and round out this post, I am going to predict what happened on the 2nd half of the season (in no particular order):

1. Football
2. Partying
3. Cute shawties
4. Tim friggin’ Riggins aka The GOAT
5. Lyla Garrity
6. State Championship
7. Lyla gets preggers
8. Nerd ginge tells a couple jokes

There’s no way to tell exactly what happened, but if I had to guess I’d say I’m pretty damn close. Congrats to FNL and Tim Riggins.

by Kyle Magnus

Poolies Watch- Dynasty Award

Once a week we're going to take a look at how one of the Quiet Pool TV Awards is stacking up. This week we begin with the Dynasty Award for Best Drama Series. I've done a bit of reshuffling in how I've categorized the shows. Taking Reality and Variety out of the equation, the Big Three have a bunch over overlaps.

The way I've split the series into Comedy, Drama and Action is like this:
--A comedy is a show that is fueled by comedic values and are theoretically a sitcom.
--A drama is a show that is based on the relationships between the characters. Sure they may be comedy involved, but its the people that make up the show.
--An action is a show that begins and ends with the action of the show itself. There can be both dramatic and comedic elements, but its about the events.

Two major changes...
-House has moved from Drama to Action.
-Greek has moved from Comedy to Drama.

Currently holding nomination spots:

90210
Breaking Bad
Brothers and Sisters
Californication
Entourage
Friday Night Lights
Gossip Girl
Greek
Mad Men
One Tree Hill

Outside looking in:

Eastwick
Glee
Grey's Anatomy
Melrose Place

With House switching categories, the Dynasty Award is now much less competitive for Friday Night Lights. Although it won't start until mid-October (this summer on NBC), FNL is looking way behind them at their strongest competitor. Greek steps into the category and is near the top of heap in my opinion. With time we'll see what happens with newbies Melrose, Glee and Eastwick. I see Melrose having the most upside out of those three shows.

Fellow Poolie voters, what show should be nominated that isn't here?