I know we’ve been talking about best-of and worst-of lists for the last couple weeks — the end of the year is always like that for all of us pop-culture hounds. But I was watching a backlogged episode of NBC’s sloppily written (and shoddily assembled) Bionic Woman the other night, and out of nowhere, Molly Price (pictured, left right, as Berkut Group psychiatrist Ruth) busted out a perfectly timed, hilarious zinger about how she’d once slept with Isaiah Washington’s late, not-so-great Antonio. If there’s anyone left on the planet still watching this show, isn’t Price priceless each week in her few minutes of screen time? Also, am I the only person who just realized she’s the same actress who starred on NBC’s Third Watch several seasons back? It took an IMDb check this afternoon before I came to this realization. Either way, get this woman her own series, pronto!
Similarly, while FX’s Damages got a lot of buzz this summer for Glenn Close’s riveting star turn, and Ted Danson’s dark, brilliant support, I felt like Zeljko Ivanek (pictured, left), playing conflicted, sexually ambiguous attorney Ray Fiske, was every bit as good (if not a fraction of a millimeter better) than his bold-faced co-stars. I sure hope Emmy doesn’t forget him when it comes time to hand out nominations.
So in the spirit of these two praise-starved thespians, let’s start a list here that probably won’t be found anywhere else, anytime soon: Who were the biggest unsung heroes of TV in 2007?
Thank you for paying homage to Zeljko Ivanek (or as I call him, ASA Danvers from Homicide). I love this guy, and once you memorize his face, you come to realize he’s basically in every movie or TV show ever made.
If you’re talking about unsung heroes though, you must mention the entire cast and crew of BSG.
This year I’ve loved watching Michael Emerson on LOST and Kristin Chenoweth on Pushing Daisies – opposite ends of the spectrum, character-wise, but the pair inject the same kind of energy and enthusiasm into their roles. I’ve also loved the casts of The Office and Mad Men for working so fluidly as both groups and individual actors/actresses.
Rhys Darby is terrific as the rock band manager on Flight of the Conchords.
Unless Molly Price is a bald old guy, then she’s not pictured on the left…
Allison Mack, without a doubt. Someone needs to hand her an Emmy already.
Mcisluv: Ha! It should read “on the near-left” since it’s still left of the text.
Gabrielle Anwar (far better on this than her consumptive turn as Princess Margaret on The Tudors) and the great Bruce Campbell: both on Burn Notice.
Both Ivanek and Price are outstanding!
If you ever get the chance to catch up on old Law & Order episodes, both of them have popped up a few times are are always amazing.
to Pamela: you took the words outta my mouth! Loved Burn Notice. Bruce Campbell is one of the best supporting actors/scene stealers in the business.
Indeed, great work on highlighting ADA Danvers – finally. I cast my vote for pretty much any one on Mad Men, but especially Christina Hendricks and John Slattery. And who else is surprised by how funny Kevin Nealon is on Weeds?
allison mack- smallville.
shes a funny, smart, and a great character, but shes always overlooked by tom welling.
Allison Mack from Smallville!
Does anyone else remember Molly Price on Sex and the City as Susan Sharon, Carrie’s friend who had that verbally abusive husband? She was terrific in that, too.
Allison Mack….come on she’s awesome and gets over looked all the time, her character is always kicking major butt and she’s been known to save Superman a time or two..how many characters can claim that?????
Allsion Mack Rocks!~
Praise starved? This has Allison Mack’s name written all over it. I keep waiting for the CW to wake up and realize what a gem they have in her. Allison Mack consistently elevates the material she is given on Smallville. She creates moments out of very ordinary lines and scenes. Her character is smart, inquisitive, determined, funny, strong, compassionate and caring, but tough enough to kick behind to save the day when needed. On a show about young Superman, Allison Mack has created an equally compelling heroine to root for.
Kristin Bell was always lauded for her performance as Veronica- and she was fabulous, but the supporting cast was equally wonderful. Enrico Colantoni, Francis Capra, Jason Dohring, Ryan Hansen, Tina Majorino, and Micheal Muhney all deserve praise for a funny and intelligent show.
And then there’s the entire cast of Men in Trees. I can’t even name a favorite. Not one is out of place in this quirky dramedy.