The final season of How I Met Your Mother begins Monday night at 8pm. During last year’s finale we finally met The Mother, now it’s Ted’s turn. The entirety of season 9 will be set over Barney and Robin’s wedding weekend. There will be plenty of episodes that jump backward and forward in time. The audience will get more than a moment with Ted and The Mother, meaning we will get to see some of their life together. And if that’s not enough excitement, the slap bet countdown is back on.
Major questions involving the other characters will also be answered. What will happen to Marshall and Lilly and their competing job offers? What is the fate of Barney and Robin’s relationship? Will the wedding happen? We have to watch to find out!
The Emmys air live Sunday night, September 22 at 8pm on CBS.
OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Girls • HBO
Louie • FX Networks
Modern Family • ABC
30 Rock • NBC
Veep • HBO Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Modern Family
Louie or 30 Rock should win but Modern Family is loved by the Emmy’s.
OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad • AMC
Downton Abbey • PBS
Game Of Thrones • HBO
Homeland • Showtime
House Of Cards • Netflix
Mad Men • AMC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – House of Cards
We’re all curious to see how the Emmy’s recognize Netflix originals since their format is quite a bit different. House of Cards is just a phenomenal show across the board. Downton, GOT (besides the Red Wedding), Mad Men, and Homeland fell flat this season. Breaking Bad would be our next choice.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Bryan Cranston as Walter White
Breaking Bad • AMC
Hugh Bonneville as Robert, Earl of Grantham
Downton Abbey • PBS
Damian Lewis as Nicholas Brody
Homeland • Showtime
Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood
House Of Cards • Netflix
Jon Hamm as Don Draper
Mad Men • AMC
Jeff Daniels as Will McAvoy
The Newsroom • HBO Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Kevin Spacey
Hands down. Have you seen this performance? It’s amazing. No one has broken the third wall like this since Zack Morris. He can convince me he’s from South Carolina any day (even though we’ll never forgive him for Russo).
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates
Bates Motel • A&E
Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley
Downton Abbey • PBS
Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison
Homeland • Showtime
Robin Wright as Claire Underwood
House Of Cards • Netflix
Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson
Mad Men • AMC
Connie Britton as Rayna James
Nashville • ABC
Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope
Scandal • ABC
Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Claire Danes
It’s a safe bet. The content of season two Homeland was lackluster but her performance was still magnificent. We would love to see Robin Wright or Kerry Washington take it but they seem unlikely.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth
Arrested Development • Netflix
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper
The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Matt LeBlanc as Matt LeBlanc
Episodes • Showtime
Don Cheadle as Marty Kaan
House Of Lies • Showtime
Louis C.K. as Louie
Louie • FX Networks
Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy
30 Rock • NBC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Alec Baldwin
Since it’s 30 Rock’s last season, give it to Alec. Louis C.K. has a strong chance too.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Laura Dern as Amy
Enlightened • HBO
Lena Dunham as Hannah Horvath
Girls • HBO
Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton
Nurse Jackie • Showtime
Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope
Parks And Recreation • NBC
Tina Fey as Liz Lemon
30 Rock • NBC
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer
Veep • HBO Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Lena Dunham
Dunham is a total wildcard and for that we’re picking her to win. Her portrayal of Hannah with OCD this season was just disturbing and downright sad. The season itself was nothing outstanding but she gave the character way more depth than she had in season 1. Guys, she actually cut her hair like a bowl.
OUTSTANDING MINISERIES
American Horror Story: Asylum • FX Networks
Behind The Candelabra • HBO
The Bible • HISTORY
Phil Spector • HBO
Political Animals • USA
Top Of The Lake • Sundance Channel Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Behind the Candelabra
Behind the Candelabra is our first choice followed up by Phil Spector.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Behind The Candelabra • HBO
Michael Douglas as Liberace
Behind The Candelabra • HBO
Matt Damon as Scott Thorson
The Girl • HBO
Toby Jones as Alfred Hitchcock
Parade’s End • HBO
Benedict Cumberbatch as Christopher Tietjens
Phil Spector • HBO
Al Pacino as Phil Spector Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Michael Douglas
Hands down, his portrayal as Liberace was genius.
OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN MINISERIES OR MOVIE
American Horror Story: Asylum • FX Networks
Jessica Lange as Sister Jude Martin
The Big C: Hereafter • Showtime
Laura Linney as Cathy Jamison
Phil Spector • HBO
Helen Mirren as Linda Kenney-Baden
Political Animals • USA
Sigourney Weaver as Elaine Barrish Hammond
Top Of The Lake • Sundance Channel
Elisabeth Moss as Robin Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Jessica Lange
Her portrayal of Constance in season 1 was flawless but as Sister Jude she was dark, gritty, and disturbing. It was great to see Lange go there.
SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Bobby Cannavale as Gyp Rosetti
Boardwalk Empire • HBO
Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut
Breaking Bad • AMC
Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman
Breaking Bad • AMC
Jim Carter as Mr. Carson
Downton Abbey • PBS
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
Game Of Thrones • HBO
Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson
Homeland • Showtime Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Aaron Paul
His character’s vulnerability makes you root for him, despite the fact that he’s a drug-addicted scumbag. He’s proven to be the unlikely moral compass of the show. His performances are riveting and gut-wrenching, and he has continued to evolve his character in each new season. He created a character that America loves, despite all of the terrible and evil things he has done.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Anna Gunn as Skyler White
Breaking Bad • AMC
Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
Downton Abbey • PBS
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
Game Of Thrones • HBO
Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart
The Good Wife • CBS
Morena Baccarin as Jessica Brody
Homeland • Showtime
Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris
Mad Men • AMC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Anna Gunn
Anna Gunn has finally earned her place among the top performers of Breaking Bad. Her characters’ transformation from Walt’s innocent wife to Mrs. Heisenberg was tragically beautiful. The strong fan reaction to her character, albeit its negative, is proof of her incredible performance.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Adam Driver as Adam Sackler
Girls • HBO
Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell Pritchett
Modern Family • ABC
Ed O’Neill as Jay Pritchett
Modern Family • ABC
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy
Modern Family • ABC
Bill Hader as Various characters
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Tony Hale as Gary Walsh
Veep • HBO Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Adam Driver
It would be nice to see the men of Girls get some recognition! Adam’s performance this year mirrored the crazy of Dunham’s Hannah perfectly. And who can forget this “You’re here?,” whispers Hannah. “I was always here,” replies Adam. Bill Hader is a close-second, he brought us the best characters during his time on SNL and it would be great to see that recognized.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Mayim Bialik as Amy Farrah Fowler
The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester
Glee • FOX
Sofia Vergara as Gloria Pritchett
Modern Family • ABC
Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy
Modern Family • ABC
Merritt Wever as Zoey Barkow
Nurse Jackie • Showtime
Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney
30 Rock • NBC
Anna Chlumsky as Amy Brookheimer
Veep • HBO Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Sofia Vergara
Her chemistry with the cast is outstanding. This season was especially heartwarming and funny as she had to balance her two greatest loves (Manny and Jay) with becoming a mother again.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
James Cromwell as Dr. Arthur Arden
American Horror Story: Asylum • FX Networks
Zachary Quinto as Dr. Oliver Thredson
American Horror Story: Asylum • FX Networks
Scott Bakula as Bob Black
Behind The Candelabra • HBO
John Benjamin Hickey as Sean
The Big C: Hereafter • Showtime
Peter Mullan as Matt
Top Of The Lake • Sundance Channel Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – James Cromwell
He played an ex-Nazi that falls in love with a nun that is possessed by the devil. I mean, really. Cromwell’s performance was something else. If he doesn’t win, we’re rooting for Zachary Quinto because we love him and his performance as Bloody Face still keeps us awake at night.
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR MOVIE
Sarah Paulson as Lana Winters
American Horror Story: Asylum • FX Networks
Imelda Staunton as Alma Hitchcock
The Girl • HBO
Ellen Burstyn as Margaret Barrish Worthington
Political Animals • USA
Charlotte Rampling as Sally Gilmartin
Restless • Sundance Channel
Alfre Woodard as Ouiser
Steel Magnolias • Lifetime
Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Sarah Paulson
This one is too easy. If Paulson doesn’t get it, there’s something wrong with the world.
OUTSTANDING REALITY SHOW HOST
Ryan Seacrest
American Idol • FOX
Betty White
Betty White’s Off Their Rockers • NBC
Tom Bergeron
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Heidi Klum
Tim Gunn
Project Runway • Lifetime
Cat Deeley
So You Think You Can Dance • FOX
Anthony Bourdain
The Taste • ABC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Anthony Bourdain
This category is a wildcard, always. Ratings were low for most of these shows, so we might as well pull for a personal favorite.
OUTSTANDING REALITY COMPETITION
The Amazing Race • CBS
Dancing With The Stars • ABC
Project Runway • Lifetime
So You Think You Can Dance • FOX
Top Chef • Bravo
The Voice • NBC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – The Voice
It killed in the ratings this year and is an easy stand-out among the competition. And we’re secretly hoping they bring back Shakira and Usher, so much more interesting than Christina and Cee Lo.
OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM
Antiques Roadshow • PBS
Deadliest Catch • Discovery Channel
Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives • Food Network
MythBusters • Discovery Channel
Shark Tank • ABC
Undercover Boss • CBS Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Deadliest Catch
Seriously, these guys deserve one, this show is just outstanding.
OUTSTANDING VARIETY SERIES
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Jimmy Kimmel Live • ABC
Late Night With Jimmy Fallon • NBC
Real Time With Bill Maher • HBO
Saturday Night Live • NBC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – The Colbert Report
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Nathan Lane as Clarke Hayden
The Good Wife • CBS
Michael J. Fox as Louis Canning
The Good Wife • CBS
Rupert Friend as Peter Quinn
Homeland • Showtime
Robert Morse as Bertram Cooper
Mad Men • AMC
Harry Hamlin as Jim Cutler
Mad Men • AMC
Dan Bucatinsky as James Novack
Scandal • ABC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Michael J. Fox
He’s priceless on The Good Wife and we can’t wait for his show to start in the fall. Rupert Friend is also a contender.
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN DRAMA SERIES
Margo Martindale as Claudia
The Americans • FX Networks
Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell
Game Of Thrones • HBO
Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni
The Good Wife • CBS
Linda Cardellini as Sylvia Rosen
Mad Men • AMC
Jane Fonda as Leona Lansing
The Newsroom • HBO
Joan Cusack as Sheila Jackson
Shameless • Showtime Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Margo Martindale
Her performance as a ruthless spy/killer who could be your grandmother is perfect. It will probably go to Jane Fonda, we’re okay with that too.
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Bob Newhart as Arthur Jeffries/Professor Proton
The Big Bang Theory • CBS
Nathan Lane as Pepper Saltzman
Modern Family • ABC
Bobby Cannavale as Dr. Mike Cruz
Nurse Jackie • Showtime
Louis C.K., Host
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Justin Timberlake, Host
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Will Forte as Paul
30 Rock • NBC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Nathan Lane
OUTSTANDING GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Molly Shannon as Eileen Foliente
Enlightened • HBO
Dot-Marie Jones as Shannon Beiste
Glee • FOX
Melissa Leo as Laurie
Louie • FX Networks
Melissa McCarthy, Host
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Kristen Wiig, Host
Saturday Night Live • NBC
Elaine Stritch as Colleen Donaghy
30 Rock • NBC Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Kristen Wiig
OUTSTANDING ANIMATED PROGRAM
Bob’s Burgers • O.T.: The Outside Toilet • FOX
Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness: Enter The Dragon • Nickelodeon
Regular Show: The Christmas Special • Cartoon Network
The Simpsons • Treehouse Of Horror XXIII • FOX
South Park • Raising The Bar • Comedy Central Rock Paper Watch’s Pick to Win – Bob’s Burgers
The Season 3 winner, and Blake Shelton prodigy, returned to the stage that made her famous on Tuesday night’s episode of The Voice. Cassadee Pope performed a new single off of her much-anticpated forthcoming album entitled “Wasting All These Tears” in front of her presumably proud former coaches.
The 23-year old Florida native looked a little nervous, but seemed to really come into her own as the song progressed. Her performance (which can you watch below) was quite the production, and full of emotion, as it seems like The Voice star only knows how to go big or go home. And Cassadee looked gorgeous in a silver-glittery frock and heel ensemble as she waded through the misty fog.
It seems like Cassadee is approaching music in a genre all of her own as her song is a true hybrid – an upbeat tempo mix of pop-rock with a blend of country. It’s catchy and fun to sing along to, and it doesn’t hurt that its break-up theme is relatable for thousands of girls across the country. Cassadee has a ton of potential to shake things up in music. Her Avril-esque voice and bridges are refreshing, and I think we are on the verge of watching a true star emerge.
Cassadee’s new album is supposed to drop later this year. RPW will keep you posted.
Ever find a song you absolutely, cannot stop listening to? The Weekly Rock is a list of tunes we can’t get out of our head. Check out the playlist on Spotify and be sure to subscribe!
Ashley’s Picks
Here I Go Again by Whitesnake I can’t help but feel like a badass driving with my windows down on a spring day with this blaring.
Gold on the Ceil by The Black Keys Again, bad ass.
I’m Shakin’ by Jack White Jack White is a bad ass.
Kiara by Bonobo
Diane Young by Vampire Weekend
You are a Tourist by Death Cab for Cutie
Bloodstream by Stateless Remember that time Damon thought he kiss Elena and it was really Katherine? Yeah, this song was playing.
Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths
Miss Halfway by Anya Marina
Friday I’m in Love by The Cure I mean, who doesn’t love this song?
When My Time Comes by the Dawes
Roslyn by Bon Iver & St. Vincent Hauntingly beautiful and I don’t even care if its off a Twilight soundtrack, its perfection.
Elizabeth’s Picks
Pop Gun by Erin McCarley I can’t stop listening to Erin McCarley this week, all of her songs make me want to dance through the streets. Join the fun!
Nobody by Kate Earl Hello, lover.
Torpedo by Jillette Johnson I saw Jillette in concert when she opened for Kris Allen. I didn’t really enjoy her show, but I’m liking the album version of this song. Let me know what you think.
I Will by Dia Frampton featuring Blake Shelton Dia was on the first season of The Voice, she’s my favorite performer to come out of the show and I love this song. Her and Blake’s voices blend together nicely.
Man in the Mirror (Acoustic) by James Morrison The world has combined two of my favorite things, James Morrison’s raspy voice and Michael Jackson.
Say Anything by Tristan Prettyman
Jailbirds by Cold War Kids The new album dropped this week, check it out!
Out of My League by Fitz and the Tantrums
Sounds Like Hallelujah by The Head and the Heart
Sunset Blvd. by Tyler Hilton I just got tickets to see Tyler Hilton in concert, love that tall glass of water.
Leave You Alone by Kris Allen I’ve been listening to this song on repeat for three weeks now, its a downer but sometimes you need that.
Barlights by Fun. This song reminds me of spring and I want spring to come to Boston so badly I’ll try just about anything.
Jenn’s Picks
Gray or Blue by Jaymay
This song is so fun to listen to on any spring day, and brings back the best college memories.
Hey Soul Sister by Train
This song goes out to my fellow writers of Rock Paper Watch!
Stay By My Side by Good Old War featuring Claire Wadsworth and Allison Wadsworth
Lucky by Britney Spears
My fellow Karaoke Queens understand why this song is so fantastic!
The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot by Brand New
Baby I’m Yours by Arctic Monkeys
This is oddly reminiscent of the Beatles, and so fun to sing to when you’re stuck in traffic.
Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers
A Long December by the Counting Crows
I’m hoping the cold weather will break and spring will come to Philly if I play this song enough times!
Undone – The Sweater Song by Weezer
Everlong (Acoustic Version) by Foo Fighters
Rolling Stones T-Shirt by Dada Life
There is nothing quite like jamming out to this song with your windows down and no one else in the car, or when you’re in the club in AC 😉
Don’t Come Around Here No More by Tom Petty
Yeah, I’m talking to you cold weather.
I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to celebrate for the return of NBC’s The Voice. Who can blame me? Not only do we get coach eye candy with Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, but now we get to see Usher and Miss-Hips-Don’t-Lie Shakira! Can you imagine the performances we are in store for?!
With some fresh new blood, and the returning champion coaches, this season of the Voice looks like it will be fierce, fresh, and fabulous!
ROCK PAPER WATCH 
