I’ve pitched her as the new Bionic Woman, as a sub for Mariska Hargitay on Law & Order: SVU, and as the leading lady in the TV movie of PopWatch: Comments Section, but apparently Ally Walker knew better all along. The actress, who’s only taken a handful of roles since leaving NBC’s Profiler back in 1999, returned to the airwaves last night as suburban mom Katie in HBO’s Tell Me You Love Me (get Karen Valby’s full TV Watch here) and her performance was downright revelatory. I can’t recall many recent instances of an actress (or actor) saying so much in so few words. From Walker’s luncheon scene opposite Sherry Stringfield — discussing how a mutual pal’s declining sex life led to divorce — to her heartbreaking therapy session opposite the equally effective Jane Alexander, Walker alternately conveyed fear, longing, desire, isolation, embarrassment, and anger all through the most subtle facial expressions. Thank goodness Walker hasn’t followed so many of her contemporaries into the murky waters of cosmetic surgery. After all, there’s far more beauty in the imperfection of human emotion than there is in the blank palette of one too many Botox shots — and Walker’s performance was achingly powerful evidence.
Sep 10
2007
05:32 PM ET
Could Ally Walker be a contender for the 2008 Emmys?
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Nope, I don’t think Walker’s performance was a revelation. I knew she was capable of this level of work since her underrated “Profiler” days. More recently, she did a fantastic guest spot on “ER” where she held her own and even outclassed a scenery-chewing James Woods. In that therapy scene in particular, Walker did what I’ve always known she was capable of. She’s long overdue for some Emmy love, and if subsequent episodes are as good as the first one, I hope she gets it.
I hope HBO gives this show a full season. It’s terrific. Hopefully the people whining about the sex scenes will be in the minority. I am much more disturbed by Tony Soprano blowing someone’s head off without remorse, than some naked flesh and groping.
Ooh. OOh. OOH. Thanks for letting me know she’s back! Show now added to TiVo Season Pass.
She can also be very funny. I loved a show (I think it was Moon over Miami) in which she was a receptionist for a PI. I think she’s great.
Louise, HBO has produced 10 episodes for the first season. I’m sure they’ll show them all.
And finally, my favorite actress gets the recognition she deserves! She is able to exhude such grace and devotion with every fiber of her being. Adore her.
P.S. You shouldn’t be getting my hopes up, Michael. Those Emmys are so political, and I think hell will have to freeze over before they embrace a show this risqué, “Sex and the City” nonwithstanding.
Louise, you hit it right on the head. The big controversy surrounds these sex scenes and you’ve got all these groups complaining about them (and to be honest some people tuning in just to see those scenes), but if “The Sopranos” went three episodes without a brutal whacking, everyone started whining.
Some people’s priorities are a little out of whack about what’s offensive/reprehensible. I loved Karen Valby’s in-depth TV Watch and it’s good to see Ally Walker back on TV
I have been a huge fan of Ally Walker for years! She’s got talent, uniqueness, I could go on and on! Just love her, and it’s nice to see her in anything!
Loooooove Ally! I loved that show Moon over Miami, wish that would come out on DVD but fat chance. It was really hitting its stride when it got the ax. I’m STILL bummed about that after all these years.
I LOVE HER!!!!!
So much so, I might have to get HBO again!
Slezak – you get me, you really get me! I have professed my love for Ally Walker for years. I really hope this amazing actress finally gets the credit that she is due. Team Ally!!
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I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com
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