Jason Isaacs shines as 'Awake' goes down to sleep
No lead drama actor on a canceled freshman series has earned an Emmy nomination since Andre Braugher for "Gideon's Crossing" in 2001. So any fans of Jason Isaacs' work on NBC's "Awake" are going to have to light quite a few candles — in this universe and any parallel ones — to get him a spot on TV Academy's dance card.
But Isaac's work on "Awake" shouldn't go unnoticed, especially with the show heading toward its finale Thursday. In its final episodes, as it has raced toward a resolution of its season-long mystery, Isaacs has been given even more opportunity to showcase his range in a challenging part that requires him to be at once tough and desperate. (Steve Harris is among the supporting cast that has also had some great moments.)
Last year's lead drama actor Emmy went to a thesp from a farewell series, Kyle Chandler of "Friday Night Lights," but Chandler had five seasons to build toward that honor. And frankly, Isaacs' Michael Britten isn't as iconic as Chandler's Eric Taylor was. But anyone voting this year needs to at least take Isaacs' performance into account. It was little seen, but hardly of little value.
A native of Los Angeles raised by two parents and "Hill Street Blues," Jon Weisman ankled his scriptwriting career and began working for Variety in 2004, subsequently serving as associate editor of features and television reporter before becoming awards editor. He promises not to use this platform to retroactively campaign for Oscars for “The Misfits,” though he’d feel justified in doing so.
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Thanks for recognizing Jason Isaacs' incredible performance. He was great in Brotherhood on Showtime and he really deserves to be noticed by Emmy this time around.
Posted by: Charuwan Siri | 05/18/2012 at 07:08 PM
I second Char's thanks. His performance on Awake was amazing. He deserves the consideration, and a win. He is an excellent actor, and Awake was no exception. It was often amazing how Jason Isaacs could convey so much emotion and story building even without saying a word. His facial expressions and mannerisms were as much a part of the story as the words, probably more so at times. I'm upset that the show was cancelled, but it would be great if he was nominated for an Emmy for this performance.
Posted by: Whitetigress73 | 05/19/2012 at 03:47 AM
KEEP AWAKE ON THE TV THIS IS ONE OF OURS SHOW THAT WE WATCH!!
Posted by: Deborah Cook Petty | 05/22/2012 at 09:03 AM
And don't forget the fact that he's British, speaking with an American accent... quite well at that!
I will miss this show. It's outrageous that fluff idiocy and reality tv win out over a thoughtful, suspenseful, intelligent drama.
Posted by: Rici Larsen-Young | 05/22/2012 at 09:12 AM
https://www.facebook.com/SaveAwakeOfficial
Posted by: Tom Coolen | 05/22/2012 at 11:29 AM
Jason kudos to you, you have earned this honor. This Character is so deep and dimensional that had the talent you bring not been there, well frankly it would not be the show that it is. This to is a testament to the intelligent creative writing, finely cast production that is Awake. I am disappointed to say the least that a show of this quality and depth with the ability to pull one in and keep them coming back is being CANCELED. I truly believed this show was a winner and in light of the reviews of your performance my belief has been reinforced. I do hope that this winner will be pulled from the waste can, and with your drawing of much deserved attention Jason perhaps it will. Oh, and by the way I will say thanks to NBC on one thing, and that is bringing this gem to us. I will also say boo, for one season to see how this works. One season,not enough, that said when we finely do get some quality programs on T.V. they lose out. Perhaps as a viewing audience we are partly to blame. We are willing to not only taste of, but swallow the reality crap that is being force fed us....Shame on us for loosing God's gift of intelligence, class and dignity. Reality has it's place I guess (waste bin)...As for me though and many others we still want intelligent, quality television. The reality stuff just doesn't cut it. Reconsider NBC or for God's sake some other network pick this treasure up. Jason, cast, writers and all that brought this show to life...THANKS..now help save it...I now step off my soapbox...Have a blessed day.
Posted by: Linda Spencer Rothluebber | 05/22/2012 at 11:34 AM
Congratulations! You truly deserve it. This show was AWESOME. It is just a shame that mindless entertainment has taken over the networks and something that is actually engaging, well-written, well-thought out, well-scripted, well-acted, well-videotaped is being cancelled. What is the world coming to?
- Veronica
Posted by: Veronica Lias Johnson | 05/22/2012 at 01:20 PM
Anyone else see the irony that last years best actor winner was from another show that NBC attempted to cancel?
"Last year's lead drama actor Emmy went to a thesp from a farewell series, Kyle Chandler of 'Friday Night Lights'"
Posted by: 4Tiles | 05/22/2012 at 03:09 PM
Jason Isaacs brings his vast experience to this role with grace and good humor. Every eyebrow twitch and word utterance raises the bar of Awake higher than any other show due to his background. He was surrounded by a stellar cast and crew of writers, and was slotted into a rotten time slot for which we are all very sorry, but thankful that NBC DID give them a half hearted chance to make a go of it. I am very hopeful he will end up in the winners circle come awards ceremony time, and win or loose, the fact that he is IN the winners circle will again remind the world what a gem of a thespian he is. Thank you to the company, one and all.
Posted by: Ellen Abramowitz | 05/23/2012 at 04:05 AM