comments on Nathan Fillion:
http://www.tvguide.com/News/Ask-Matt-Dome-1067581.aspx
Question: I recently read your article with Bruce Fretts, "Emmy Awards: Our Dream Ballot" in the July 1-July 8 issue of TV Guide Magazine. I know you are very knowledgeable as far as TV programs, actors and the entire "Emmy" process is concerned, so maybe you can answer a question that truly confounds me: Why is Nathan Fillion never nominated for an Emmy for Castle? In my opinion, he is the best actor on TV, and Castle is the best drama. I realize that the show is not strictly drama, but Nathan is so good that if the type of show is holding him back, then why can't the Emmys create a category that covers a drama/comedy? I think there are others that would fit into that category, or else the drama category should be loosened up so it includes Castle and Nathan, since Nathan has done plenty of dramatic scenes in the show. I think it has been proven that Nathan deserves recognition from the Emmys by winning the People's Choice Best Dramatic TV Actor award. Is it only the fans that recognize talent and not the people selecting the Emmy nominees? I think Nathan would also hold his own against any of the major movie stars, given a leading role in a major move production. I think he is as good as, or better than, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, etc. However, for now, I and his other many fans would be happy just to see the Emmys recognize his excellent acting skills. Charlotte
Matt Roush: Nathan Fillion is awfully good at what he does, that's a given, but what he does isn't the sort of thing that tends to win awards. Popularity contests like the People's Choice, absolutely, but he's working in an arena of light comedic (and yes, crowd-pleasing) drama that is very hard to break through in an era when so many tremendous roles are being written for actors in tougher, rangier, meatier dramas, especially on cable. (And being on a network series, he faces an even higher hurdle of being noticed by the powers that be. Even The Good Wife is having trouble cracking into the best-series race any more, which is absurd.) Is Fillion being taken for granted? Quite possibly, but in this case, success is its own reward, and he's unquestionably popular, and he's making the most of his Castle stardom. Once that show finishes its run no time soon, I'm sure, don't panic I'm hoping Fillion will find a niche in a flat-out comedy series, and in that world, he might have a better shot at being nominated and even winning awards.