Tactically Emmys

…. Thank GOD this debate is over.

For those that haven’t heard the news – it was announced on Friday that Orange Is The New Black will be relegated to the drama categories for this year’s Emmys competition.

Some people are happy, some people are mad.

I am in the VERY happy camp, and no, it’s not because I don’t love OITNB – because I do! It’s because it’s NOT a comedy. Yes, I hear you internet – they had an entire episode about chasing a chicken in the yard, and yes that was an amusing episode. EP-I-SODE. Singular. It was not two seasons, or even one season, of none stop laughs – it was one episode. ONE.

Now, having said that I will tell you another reason that I am happy with this decision. It’s setting a precedent – there can no longer be cherry picking, and playing the system to getting nominated/win, and rightfully so!

If you don’t know the back story here it is: after an unsuccessful campaign in the drama category during their first season OITNB decided that they would submit themselves for consideration in the comedy categories. And that tactic worked. It was nominated for Emmys, Golden Globes, and SAG Awards, all in the comedy category, and even took home the top trophy at the SAGs. Good for them. But that trophy, I’m sorry, was tactically won. And I will keep saying that. Someone at Netflix decided the competition for dramas was too much, and thought they could muscle into the comedy category. Great move. But it was unfair. And more to the point, why should they be allowed to do that? You YOURSELVES submitted in drama for the first season. You YOURSELVES considered the show a drama. So what changed in a year? Nothing. Just the tactics.

Before I get hate mail I will point out that Orange isn’t the only show trying to play the system, after THREE unsuccessful attempts in the drama division, Shameless used the quick switch-a-roo this past year as well.THREE YEARS! THREE! The only difference in these shows is that the Emmy Committee have ruled that Shameless can compete as a comedy – which I still think is mind boggling, since I find that show even less funny than OITNB, but you can’t win them all I suppose. Unless you play the tactics game.

So the big question now is how will this ruling affect Orange’s chances? I don’t reckon it will effect it at all. It’s a popular show, it’s a well known show, and it’s a show that’s in everyone’s mind because of this hoopla. I’m fairly confident that Schilling and company will hear their names called out on July 16th, only this time they’ll be competing on a level playing field.

Comedy world, rejoice!