Game of Thrones would not be dethroned. Mrs. Maisel had a Marvelous night. Someone got engaged! All were great moments that happened in spite of, not because of, the show’s producers. The 2018 EMMY celebration never found its footing, and had us longing for the much talked about first ceremony that was only ten minutes long.
The opening number got its point across in the first minute and a half and could have been slashed. Co-hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost did a monologue that felt like Weekend Update without the desk and went on too long. Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen as clueless EMMY experts didn’t work on any level.
This was clearly an SNL production. Besides the hosts, there was a parade of cast members past and present and the music was provided by the show’s band.
That said, the three hours weren’t a total waste, and there were some..
Memorable Moments
Let’s be honest, the winner for Outstanding Directing of a Variety Special isn’t usually the talk of the after parties. But when Glenn Weiss was accepting his EMMY for directing the Oscars, he said he didn’t want to call Jan Svendson his girlfriend anymore, he wanted to call her fiancée. This brought down the house, Jan went on stage, Glenn got down on one knee. John Oliver later thanked her for saying ‘yes,’ or the show could have taken on a much darker feel.
We have no doubt they’ll be on the Today Show on Tuesday and on Ellen by the end of the week, where she’ll surprise them with some shockingly awesome and meaningful gift.
Henry Winkler brought home the first award of the night and set the standard that all other acceptance speeches would try and fail to reach. He is fantastic in Barry and totally deserved to win. His surprise was genuine and his speech heartfelt. Bill Hader also won for Barry. He should have let Henry give his speech for him!
We Didn’t See This Coming
Someone call the police, because Benedict Cumberbatch was robbed! Don’t get us wrong, Darren Criss did a great job. But Ben’s role in Patrick Melrose was heartbreaking and transformational.
Atlanta got shut out.
RuPaul picked up a statue for Drag Race. Deserved for sure but weren’t sure voters would push the show over the finish line.
The Americans finally got some EMMY love.
The Critic’s Cocktail Recommendation
Whisky and bitters. It fits the tone of the show: bitter that it could have been so much better but still gets the job done.
Cheers!
Critic's Cocktail 