Now that the awards season is basically over, let’s talk about who got robbed. While I’m happy enough with the results of the Oscars (yeah, Emma Stone!), I’m still shaking my head at the knowledge that Better Call Saul was nominated for 53 Emmy Awards over its six year run and won not a single one. How can that be possible?
I recently watched the final two episodes of Better Call Saul. Yes, I know. I’m kind of late to the series, but that seems to be my M.O. In fact, the very first episode I ever watched of Better Call Saul’s “sister show,” Breaking Bad, was actually the series finale. Having no context, I quickly forgot the finale, other than the excellent song played as things got, shall we say, lit.*
But, I digress.
It was probably 2 or 3 years after that final episode of Breaking Bad aired when I finally began the series. I eventually watched all of the episodes and very much enjoyed it, despite struggling with the graphic violence. When my fella suggested I dive into BCS, I did so with moderate enthusiasm. As I racked up the episodes in my Seen column, my admiration and excitement about what might happen next both grew. It was so damn good.
I don’t know much about film making or the finer aspects of creating a quality series, but BCS caused me to pause and nod my head in admiration with some frequency. I’d sit on my couch and be absolutely struck by what appeared on the screen. Images composed with an attention to detail that was impossible to not admire. The use of shadows and the landscape, the choices made about lighting and colors, all combined to make a visually arresting show.
And the performances? My God, how these actors never were acknowledged for their remarkable display of craft is truly beyond me. As the series grew closer to its final episode I was awestruck by the acting. One of the last episodes contained a minute amount of spoken dialogue with most of the conversation conveyed wordlessly. It was mind blowing and heart stoppingly effective. Bravo.
The fact that performers were never honored for their work is criminal. Call a lawyer.
*I eventually watched the entire series.
DelSo 