The 'Crazy' James Zinkand Award- Worst Reality Contestant

Named For: 'Crazy' James Zinkand, contestant on Big Brother Season Nine
Awarded To: The reality competition contestant you love to hate from
June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Last Year's Winner: Margie and Luke- The Amazing Race

Place. Contestant (Show) Points (My Vote)

10. Lisa Leslie (Superstars) 1 point (5th)

9. Gramma Lee (America's Got Talent) 9 points

8. Michael Lynche (American Idol) 10 points

7. 'Shambo' Waters (Survivor) 11 points

6. Ronnie Talbot (Big Brother) 11 points

5. Chima Simone (Big Brother) 13 points (3rd)

4. Rupert Boneham (Survivor) 14 points

3. Carol and Brandy (Amazing Race) 15 points (2nd)

Runner-Up
2. Natalie Martinez (Big Brother) 15 points (1st)

and the Poolie goes to...
1. Aaron Kelly (American Idol)
17 points (4th)

Here with his thoughts on Aaron Kelly is Poolie voter, Rizzo...

Aaron Kelly is the type of person that needs to be thrown in a locker, every three days for at least two years. Nothing about him is cool. If you’re a good singer on American Idol, you can be liked even if you not a very cool person. But if you suck, and you’re a loser, well, then you’re Aaron Kelly.

Aaron Kelly brought nothing to the table, in my opinion he was the worst singer for at least five weeks in a row. I wanted him to go home every single week. The difference between Kelly and Tim Urban was that Urban knew he was a bad singer. He was happy to be insulted and thus made himself more likable every week he survived. Tim Urban made a mockery out of the system by being by far the worst singer, and hanging on week after week. Kelly made me wonder who could possibly be voting for this scrub.

Personality wise Aaron Kelly reminds me of Dwight Howard. I know you might find this to be far fetched but hear me out. Dwight Howard thinks he is hysterical, it’s like one person 15 years ago told him he was funny and he has been riding it out ever since. Sportscenter commercials are always funny, but his is horrible. His Superman shtick is so old I can’t stand to hear it anymore. Now let’s focus on Kelly so you can see the similarities. Aaron Kelly is young, and someone early in his life told him that he was an amazing singer. Let’s make sure we are all on the page, Aaron Kelly is not a good singer, he will never amount to anything and in the weakest season of Idol in recent memory he will still not be remembered.

To be popular at Kelly’s age you have to be super cute (Justin Bieber, no homo) and have a voice that is decent enough to edit in the studio to sound amazing. You also have to be versatile. Can you even fathom an Aaron Kelly feat Ludacris single. No, you can’t, because that would be the worst song ever.

I am not an Aaron Kelly fan and never will be I really hope you were not one of the people voting for him every week.

by Andrew Reuss

The Chris Farley Award- Sketch Show Performer

Named For: Chris Farley, Saturday Night Live performer from 1990-95
Awarded To: The best sketch show performer from June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Last Year's Winner: no award

Place. Performer (Show) Points (My Vote)

5. Jason Sudeikis (Saturday Night Live) 3 points

4. Fred Armisen (Saturday Night Live) 8 points

3. Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live) 12 points (1st)

Runner-Up
2. Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live) 14 points (2nd)

and the Poolie goes to...
1. Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live)
23 points (3rd)

Here with his thoughts on Bill Hader is Poolie voter, T-time...

Last year, Bill Hader was just one of a young ensemble cast. This fall, like Aykroyd in season two, Hader emerged as the star of SNL. He began popping up everywhere, impersonating James Carville, hosting an Italian talk show and displaying alarming reactions on Hollywood Dish. He sold the small bits, such as his acceptance of being bumped yet again by D'Andre Cole. He nailed the signature skits like Greg the alien. The highlight is his impression of Dateline's Keith Morrison who becomes overly interested in the news stories and attempts to delve deeper into irrelevant details.



by Tim Forcella

The Samantha Marquez Award- Female Character Action

Named For: Samantha Marquez played by Vanessa Marcil in Las Vegas
Awarded To: The best female character in an action series from
June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Last Year's Winner: Sarah Walker- Chuck

Place. Character (Show) Points (My Vote)

10. Erica Evans (V) 3 points

9. Teresa Lisbon (The Mentalist) 3 points

8. Ellie Bartowski (Chuck) 6 points

7. Deb Morgan (Dexter) 6 points (3rd)

6. Tara Knowles (Sons of Anarchy) 7 points

5. Ava Crowder (Justified) 10 points (4th)

4. Maryann Forrester (True Blood) 13 points (2nd)

3. Chloe O'Brian (24) 14 points

Runner-Up
2. Kate Austen (Lost) 23 points (5th)

and the Poolie goes to...
1. Sarah Walker (Chuck)
32 points (1st)

Over the past three years we've all loved Sarah Walker because A) she's hot and B) she's kicks the deuce out of bad guys. This season she failed to disappoint on either count.

As awesome as it has been for her to save Chuck time after time early on in the series, this year she played the damsel in distress extremely well. Like Longfellow Deeds, I enjoy that type of girl. When Daniel Shaw kidnapped Sarah and brought her to Paris, we not only loved Chuck for killing Shaw and saving her, but Sarah took a step up as well.

"You saved me."

Before the saving took place during the quasi-season finale, Sarah appreciated Chuck's first attempt and did it in a surprisingly comedic way.

"Thank you for saving me. I appreciate the tank."

We also got plenty of sappy Sarah lines to keep me satisfied throughout. My favorites were of course,

"Once we get back, it's all gonna happen. You and me."

"You're still Chuck. You're still my Chuck."

Sarah Walker wins the first two Samantha Marquez Awards and I don't see that trend stopping until Chuck finishes its run.

Bi-Monthly Power Rankings- Top Ten

Today the Quiet Pool Power Rankings conclude with the July 2010 version of the top ten tv series. There has to be a new number one, as the long-time champion Lost has ended forever (single tear). Not much movement other than that as not much has happened since May.

Top Ten

Show- (last time)...red=moving down, green=moving up

10. Dexter (-) Sundays on Showtime
And 48 episodes later, I've seen all of Dexter. The reason I started the series, John Lithgow, ended up being well worth the wait as the fourth season was terrific.

9. The Office (9) Thursdays on NBC
Certainly a weak season in terms of The Office, but I'm not one too jump off the bandwagon too soon. Too late? Maybe.

8. True Blood (10) Sundays on HBO
The first season has started strong this summer. Let's hope the addition of were wolves doesn't send it into a turn for the worst.

7. Breaking Bad (6) Sundays on AMC
This is the best show on television. Blah, blah, blah. You can't just say it. You have to prove it by entertaining. Still great, but not my favorite.

6. Community (8) Thursdays on NBC
Just re-watched paintball ep, 'Modern Warfare' and my God is this show unbelievable at times. Some of the early season stuff wasn't great but we're definitely on the right track.

5. Friday Night Lights (7) Wednesdays on 101 Network
One final season of the football drama set to go and lucky for us many of the characters we've lost or are going to lose will be back for the final four episodes or so. Sounds like a great ending is in store.

4. Modern Family (5) Wednesdays on ABC
Unlike Community, Mod Fam started out with a bang, and finished with one as well. There were a few duds here and there but it's the best comedy to hit network tv since The Office.

3. Sons of Anarchy (4) Tuesdays on FX
Have yet to watch my third favorite series live, so I'm nervous about it holding up the same way as when I was able to watch four eps in a row. Starts up again this fall so get pumped.

2. Curb Your Enthusiasm (3) Sundays on HBO
LD usually takes longer than this to guarantee another season. Curb will be back again and the only thing we know is that Ricky Gervais will guest star.

1. Chuck (2) Mondays on NBC
We didn't have to worry as long as last year to get a renewal for Chuck. Having said that, I assume and hope that next fall will be the final season of the spy comedy. End it well and don't let it drag on Schwartz.

The Phoebe Buffay Award- Female Character Comedy

Named For: Phoebe Buffay played by Lisa Kudrow in Friends
Awarded To: The best female character in a comedy series from
June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Last Year's Winner: Liz Lemon- 30 Rock

Place. Character (Show) Points (My Vote)

10. Veronica Palmer (Better Off Ted) 6 points

9. Jenna Maroney (30 Rock) 7 points

8. Liz Lemon (30 Rock) 8 points

7. Dee Reynolds (It's Always Sunny) 13 points (5th)

6. Miley Stewart (Hannah Montana) 14 points (2nd)

5. Alex Russo (Wizards of Waverly Place) 16 points (1st)

4. April Ludgate (Parks and Recreation) 17 points (4th)

3. Annie Edison (Community) 18 points

Runner-Up
2. Gloria Delgado-Pritchett (Modern Family) 19 points

and the Poolie goes to...
1. Erin Hannon (The Office)
20 points (3rd)

In what many called a terrible season, and what I called merely a mediocre misstep, one of the highlights of The Office this year was Erin Hannon. Although she came to Dunder Mifflin as Pam's replacement as receptionist last season, she really came into her own this year.

Whether it was her shy behavior towards the blossoming relationship between Andy Bernard and herself, or her naivity for Michael Scott's ridiculous shenanigans, Erin stepped up to the plate in a season when not many females in Scranton did.

After Holly left for New Hampshire, you had to figure Office mainstays Angela and Kelly could step up to the plate and give us some chuckles. But alas, at least for me, they did not. Erin's ability to withstand Michael was a big attribute, as anyone who enjoys the Dunder Mifflin boss is already a step ahead in my book.

What put her over the top in getting my first non-Disney vote was Erin's reaction to Andy stopping by her home un-announced.

Erin: Oh! Andy.
Andy: Hi.
Erin: I’m in my jammy jams.

Just gold. Congrats on the second annual Phoebe Buffay Award.

Bi-Monthly Power Rankings- 20 Through 11

The Quiet Pool Power Rankings continue with my 11th through 20th favorite shows. A few new series made the cut this time around thanks to the end runs of a couple long timers.

20 Through 11

Show- (last time)...red=moving down, green=moving up

20. American Idol- (15) Tuesdays on FOX
A lackluster season combined with the loss of Simon Cowell doesn't give anyone high hopes for 2011 Idol.

19. Sonny With a Chance- (-) Sundays on Disney Channel
A fantastic recent two part episode, 'Falling For the Falls' sky rocketed Sonny to the top of my Disney standings. Demi Lovato is cracking me up left in right in this comedy.

18. Treme- (HM) Sundays on HBO
I'm really starting to really warm up to many of the characters in the Treme, and unlike most of the stuff I wrote about the season one finale, the show itself is growing on me.

17. Californication- (-) Sundays on Showtime
Hank Moody comes back to the air soon and apparently they'll be shooting a movie for Hank's new book. Sounds good.

16. Parks and Recreation- (17) Thursdays on NBC
Yeah they snagged Adam Scott from Party Down, but what really gave this show a jump up near the end was the addition of Rob Lowe. Let's get him signed to full-time status already.

15. Justified- (20) Tuesdays on FX
Fantastically explosive finally for Raylan and his merry crew. Positive outlook for next season is that Walton Goggins is now a regular castmember. Negative outlook? MC Gainey's Bo Crowder got shot to death.

14. Survivor- (14) Wednesdays on CBS
Every time it's a different game. It continues to shift itself over the years. When it comes back in the fall with a regular group of contestants, my tune might change.

13. Mad Men- (13) Sundays on AMC
It has been quite a long layoff. The fourth season starts up soon and here's hoping that it's as good as the end of season three.

12. Big Brother- (11) Summers on CBS
My favorite reality series is returning soon for the summer. The cast can't be as terrible as it was last season with the likes of Natalie, Chima and Ronnie.

11. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia- (-) Thursdays on FX
After shooting through seasons one through three, and then skipping four to catch up five before the Poolies, the Gruesome Twosome, the Dynamic Duo and Sweet Dee have me wanting more.

The Veronica Mars Award- Female Character Drama

Named For: Veronica Mars played by Kristen Bell in Veronica Mars
Awarded To: Best female character in a drama series from
June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010
Last Year's Winner: Julie Taylor- Friday Night Lights

Place. Character (Show) Points (My Vote)

10. Ella Simms (Melrose Place) 0 points

9. Adrianna Tate-Duncan (90210) 4 points

8. Karen van der Beek (Californication) 10 points (4th)

7. Rebecca Logan (Greek) 11 points (3rd)

6. Rachel Berry (Glee) 12 points

5. Naomi Clark (90210) 13 points (2nd)

4. Betty Draper (Mad Men) 14 points

3. Sue Sylvester (Glee) 16 points (1st)

Runner-Up
2. Becky Sproles (Friday Night Lights) 17 points (5th)

and the Poolie goes to...
1. Julie Taylor
(Friday Night Lights) 18 points

This is truly a sad story. Julie Taylor has repeated as the winner of the Veronica Mars Award. Not a single person voted for her first and I didn't even vote for her at all. Don't get me wrong, last year she was very deserving. I recently re-watched a bunch of the third season on dvd and she showed quite the transformation from her terrible season two self. But she brought hardly anything to the table in 2009-10. A female on her own show, newcomer Becky Sproles, outdid her in every sense of the category in my opinion. Sproles was funny. She pined over Tim Riggins. She deserved this more than Julie this year.

And then there is the travesty that Sue Sylvester finished two points behind Julie. Only receiving points from four voters, Sue was picked first by me and Larry and second by Tyson and Jaydon. I understand that many people think that Glee is terrible, and I don't whole-heartedly disagree, but Sue carries it at times and is more deserving of this award.

Having said that, Jules earned back to back honors and deserves a nice pat on the back for her accomplishment. Here's hoping that she gets more to work with in the final season of Friday Night Lights and can win her third straight with dignity.

Bi-Monthly Power Rankings- Honorable Mentions

Since many shows are on hiatus during the summer, and I am getting ready to leave for an LA vacation (writing this on Sunday), I'm only going to post a few notes on each series. The honorable mentions are some shows that I watch that don't currently make my top 20. They're not necessarily 21-30, but I enjoy them and others should think about checking them out. Without further ado, here are July's Quiet Pool Perspective Power Rankings.

Honorable Mentions

Show- (last time)...red=moving down, green=moving up

30 Rock- (12) Thursdays on NBC
The TGSers seem to really be falling out of good graces at the Pool as 30 Rock falls from 13th to honorable mention after a strangely bad season.

Eastbound and Down- (-) Sundays on HBO
The Danny McBride comedy finally has a second season premiere date. Kenny Powers will return to the screens, where he's always f'ing in, on September 26th on HBO.

Greek- (-) Mondays on ABC Family
Cappie and company are on what I believe will be a quick hiatus. Greek returns for a fourth and final installment before the end of the summer.

Hung- (-) Sundays on HBO
I'm not a big fan of the HBO quasi-comedy, but since I'm writing about it for TVFanatic.com, I figured I'd give it a quick plug here.

Jonas LA- (19) Sundays on Disney Channel
The reinvention for season two takes a dip in comedy but the corny drama is still really good.

Men of a Certain Age- (-) Mondays on TNT
Ray Romano is getting Emmy buzz for his dramatic role as Joe Tranelli, and deservedly so.

Mentalist, The- (16) Thursdays on CBS
The procedural is losing no steam in terms of ratings, but for personally I'd like to see a bit more serialization here.

Persons Unknown- (-) Mondays on NBC
The first three episodes have been decent to good. It's a nice summer thriller if not nearly on par with last season's Harper's Island.

Ricky Gervais Show, The- (-) Sundays on HBO
Probably just as good as a podcast, but the added animation puts it at the top of my animated series list. Can't beat Ricky's laugh.

Top Chef- (-) Wednesdays on Bravo
Quality reality competition currently airing this season from D.C.