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We are well into Emmy Awards campaign season, and with it the question of the episodes submitted by the nominated actors. The performers nominated in lead and supporting categories in comedy and drama are each called upon to submit just one episode from their eligible seasons to present to Emmy voters. In the past, shrewdly chosen episodes have certainly helped performers on their way to the podium. These days, with the entire academy voting for winners in each category, the suspicion is that episode selection doesn’t matter as much as it once did. But the politics and vagaries of Emmy voting have always been something of a mystery, with the episode submissions a rare tangible piece of evidence. Did an actor pick an episode that put their best foot forward? Does that mean big emotional moments? Likeable character triumphs? A format-breaking spotlight-grabber?
Today, we’re taking a look at the episode submissions for the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series award. Seven nominees in all, including last year’s winner Tony Hale and first-timers Louie Anderson and Matt Walsh. Whose submissions were better, whose worse?
Louie Anderson
Show: Baskets
Submitted Episode: “Easter in Bakersfield”
Synopsis: Mom Baskets forces Chip to go to church with her and unexpectedly learns that she has more in common with her son than she thought.
This episode is all about Mom Baskets, which is always a plus when it comes to episode selection. But Zach Galifianakis’ show is dedicated to shining a light on the sad side of comedy, which you’d think might hurt Anderson’s chances in a comedy category. Anderson certainly shines as he portrays the worst version of the most annoying mother, especially when he’s interacting with Martha’s parents. But the takeaway from the episode isn’t how funny Anderson is; it’s how hurt and relatable his character is. The Emmys have been known to reward dramatic moments in comedy performances before. Will they again?
You can stream Baskets‘ “Easter in Bakersfield” on Amazon Video.
Andre Braugher
Show: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Submitted Episode: “The Oolong Slayer”
Synposis: Captain Holt breaks away from his desk job to help Jake catch a long-sought serial killer.
Andre Braugher is one of the Emmys’ favorite actors, historically, but “The Oolong Slayer” probably won’t be enough to grab him another trophy. It’s great to see Braugher and Andy Samberg out on a case, as they’re one of the show’s best pairings, but it’s not the kind of spotlight episode that will overcome the fact that the voters don’t seem super into Brooklyn Nine-Nine as a whole.
You can stream Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s “The Oolong Slayer” on Hulu
Tituss Burgess
Show: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Submitted Episode: “Kimmy Gives Up!”
Synopsis: Through a series of musical numbers, Titus slowly comes to the realization that he’s in love with his new boyfriend.
The only reason “Kimmy Gives Up!” isn’t one of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt‘s worst episodes is because of Burgess. The A story (Kimmy ignores her impending GED exam to try to win back Dong again) is borderline exhausting, but Burgess delivers some great lines (Stoop crone!) that offset much of Kimmy’s drama. However, the show is betting on Burgess’ performances of this episode’s many funny and fake show tunes to get him that much-deserved statue, and it’s a smart bet. This is Titus at his best, most vulnerable, and oddest.
You can stream Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt‘s “Kimmy Gives Up!” on Netflix
Ty Burrell
Show: Modern Family
Submitted Episode: “The Party”
Synopsis: Phil and Mitch geek out to go see a sci-fi movie, but their decision to partake of a marijuana gummi bear while in line backfires when they have to go back home and check on the kids.
As a two-time winner in this category, this is not Ty Burrell’s first rodeo. He (or his team) knows how to pick a strong episode. And Phil-high-on-pot-candy certainly qualifies. Burrell and Jesse Tyler Ferguson are great, goofy fun together, and with their storyline sequestered from the others, they don’t suffer from the fact that the rest of the show is all unfunny screeching and too-old kids.
Tony Hale
Show: Veep
Submitted Episode: “Inauguration”
Synposis: Gary has a meltdown when Selina Meyer is betrayed by her party and stands by Selina during the political transition.
At first, “Inauguration” might seem like an odd choice since Tony Hale has nothing to do for the first act, but that first act ends with an emotional display that takes acting chops and comic timing. Besides that, Hale has a couple of sharp moments — but not too many. He seems to be betting that one spectacular scene is worth the prize of the year.
Keegan-Michael Key
Show: Key & Peele
Submitted Episode: “Y’all Ready For This”
Synopsis: Featuring the sketches “Prepared For Terries”, “He’s Got A Gun”, “Pre-Game Pump-Up”, and “Hillary’s Anger Translator”
This submission covers nearly all the bases for Keegan-Michael Key. He’s got his perfect Obama anger translator character, a one-upping football player, and an airplane passenger who speaks, at best, 40% English and 60% Gibberish. The episode truly highlights his skills when it comes to being everything from shouty to uniquely silly.
You can stream Key & Peele‘ “Y’all Ready For This” on Comedy Central
Matt Walsh
Show: Veep
Submitted Episode: “Kissing Your Sister”
Synopsis: As captured by Catherine’s documentary, Mike spends the tense days surrounding the House vote failing to renovate a nursery at home and being oblivious to President Meyer’s plans to fire him.
As press secretary Mike McLintock, Walsh is so subtly funny, his comedic moments can be overshadowed by ginormous goofball Jonah or the crudely comedic Selina. But this episode was perhaps his finest of the entire series, as we learn Mike is equally as clueless outside of the office, through the renovation of the baby nursery/man cave in his home. He was as earnest yet pathetic as ever, in a performance that will will have you doubled over with laughter as your heart slowly breaks.
You can stream Veep‘ “Kissing Your Sister” on HBO Go and HBO Now
