Here are the latest Vegas odds on the Emmy awards. The following is quoted from a UPI story:
--- LAS VEGAS, Nev. (UPI) -- A Las Vegas oddsmaker who has successfully predicted past Oscar winners says the series ``Cheers'' and ``Seinfeld'' are likely winners at next month's Emmy Awards. In his first try at forecasting winners in the television industry's top awards, Lenny Del Genio of Bally's said both the NBC sitcoms were even money in the comedy series category. He said ``Murphy Brown'' on CBS has a 3-to-1 shot and ``The Larry Sanders Show'' on HBO a 5-to-1 chance. Ratings winner ``Home Improvement'' on ABC was a longshot on Del Genio's list at 10-1. His ``even'' picks for outstanding drama series were ``Picket Fences'' on CBS and the canceled series ``I'll Fly Away'' on NBC. Last year's winner, ``Northern Exposure'' on CBS, was 3-1, followed by ``Homefront'' on ABC (5-1) and ``Law & Order'' on NBC (10-1). The 45th annual Emmy Awards will be presented in Pasadena, Calif., on Sept. 19. Del Denio said Jerry Seinfeld of ``Seinfeld'' and Ted Danson of ``Cheers'' were even in the running for lead actor in a comedy series honors. John Goodman, nominated five times but still winless, was at 3- 1. Next was Tim Allen of ``Home Improvement'' at 5-1 and Garry Shandling in ``The Larry Sanders Show'' at 12-1. The field was tighter for lead actresses in a comedy series. Del Genio rated Marion Ross of ``Brooklyn Bridge'' even, as he did past winner Candice Bergen of ``Murphy Brown.'' Roseanne Arnold of ``Roseanne'' was given 3-1 odds, followed by Kirstie Alley in ``Cheers'' (4-1) and Helen Hunt of ``Mad About You'' (6-1). Sam Waterston of ``I'll Fly Away'' and Tom Skerritt of ``Picket Fences'' led their category of lead actor in a drama series with even chances. Scott Bakula of the canceled series ``Quantum Leap'' was at 3- 1, Michael Moriarty of ``Law & Order'' at 5-1 and Rob Morrow of ``Northern Exposure'' at 6-1. Regina Taylor was the only nominee among lead actresses in a drama series to have an even chance. ``Murder, She Wrote'' star Angela Lansbury, with a record 13 Emmy nominations and no statuette, was given 2-1 odds. She was followed by Kathy Baker in ``Picket Fences'' at 3-1, Janine Turner of Northern Exposure at 5-1 and Swoosie Kurtz of ``sisters'' at 10-1. ---
Now for some comments.
First, drama. What? How did "Picket Fences" (PF) get in there? Of all the "crap" I've heard coming out Hollywood, PF hasn't been attached to any of it. Hmm. Maybe there is a buzz in Hollywood we don't here. They probably love the liberal-left-wing-clinton-butt-kissing theme that comes up every three episodes. You never know. Hey, if PF does win, I'll be thrilled. PF is a great show that seems to have avoided viewers. But you can't tell me that PF has the same probability of "I'll Fly Away" (IFA) and a better chance than "Northern Exposure" (NX) of winning. Some one in Vegas is either god or hasn't been keeping up with the literature. IFA should and is the favorite.
As for lead actor in a drama, Scott Bakula at 3-1 is very high, but having Waterson and Skerritt even money sound about right. Morrow seems awfully cheap. Waterson should be far and away the favorite. I guess Skerrit gets an extra nod for 1) his great performance on PF and 2) his Burt Renylds-ness, mainly a guy goes from film to TV gets an extra nod.
Lead drama actress looks OK to me.
Now, comedy. "Seinfeld" and "Cheers" should be up there. "Seinfeld" for quality, "Cheers" for history. But watch out for "Larry Sanders," which looks to be a good value at 5-1.
Best actor is kinda wierd. No way should Jerry Seinfeld be even and Tim Allen be 5-1. Ted Dansen should win this. But with all the network angst, look out for HBO's Garry Shandling, a steal at 12-1.
Two words for best actress: Helen Hunt. Of all the long shots, this one seems to have the best chance of winning. You want two reasons? Look at Tom Skerrit. More reasons? This year is for Rosanne Arnald, and if the academy doesn't want to vote for her, which looks to be the case, this catagory is wide open, leaving it for an outsider like Hunt. I just can't believe Ross will win this year. Then again, Alley could win it and prove everyone wrong.
hwn. -boy this is a tough Emmy year!