Another great week of television, another slew of impressive performances. This week we said goodbye to How I Met Your Mother and The Walking Dead season 4, but had a few surprising characters step up to take their places in our hearts.
This week’s best performances came from a wide variety of shows. These very talented men and women proved once again that it doesn’t matter if you’re playing the Queen of country music, a man in a hood, or a flirty OB/GYN, if your character is bursting with heart, the fans will follow.
Drama
Show: ‘Arrow’
Actor: Stephen Amell
This week’s episode of Arrow changed the stakes for every character involved, but none more than Stephen Amell’s Oliver Queen. While both Thea Queen and Laurel Lance may have learned some surprising truths throughout the events of “Deathstroke”, Oliver’s world is being turned upside down. Stephen does an incredible job of showing just how effective Slade’s plan is on his character.
Stephen Amell has always been the stoic center of the Arrow universe, but it was abundantly clear this episode just how lucky we all are to have such a capable actor leading the show. He played his character’s most vulnerable self to date with subtlety and nuance as yet unseen.
This is particularly clear in the scene with Slade in the police station. Oliver literally begs Slade, the man who will stop at nothing to destroy everything good in his life, to spare his family and is met with silent observation. As Oliver manages to choke back tears, you can’t help but wish that you could reach through the screen and hug the man as everything he knows seems to be unspooling before his eyes.
Via: tumblr
Otherwise Noteworthy
Show: ‘Nashville’
Actor: Connie Britton
This season on Nashville has been one crazy roller coaster for Rayna James, played by Connie Britton, but this last episode drummed up all kinds of old trouble in a brand new way. As she put out public relations nightmare fires and dealt with the aftermath of her daughter’s impulsive teenage ways, Connie Britton showed Rayna’s incredible sense of control over her own life and that of her daughter with grace befitting her country royalty status.
Just when you think this is truly a one sided affair, Rayna dives headfirst into her own pool of reason and hits Deacon with valid reason after valid reason as to why she kept the truth hidden for so long. Every week it is truly a blessing to see Britton’s lively portrayal of the Queen of country music, but this week stood above and beyond her usual work. Rayna is a force to be reckoned with, and Connie Britton is the power behind it all.
Show: ‘Once Upon a Time’
Actor: Michael Raymond-James
It is quite the accomplishment to embody the frustrations and anger of a young boy whose father abandoned him in a quest for power, and Michael Raymond-James did just that. He brought life and fire to Neal Cassidy, and made him a fully fledged member of the OUAT gang in no time.
His role as Emma’s former flame and Henry’s father balanced his character’s reason with his heart, as he too was forced to abandon his son at an early age. Raymond-James will be missed as the series trudges forward, and his death is sure to be a thorn in Emma’s side for quite a long time, particularly until Henry regains his memories and can recall the short but sweet moments he had with his father.
Comedy
Show: ‘The Mindy Project’
Actor: Mindy Kaling
Fans of The Mindy Project have been anxiously awaiting the show’s return due to the amazing cliffhanger they left us on. Mindy and Danny have always been the heart of the show, and their relationship makes up much of what keeps the laughs coming week after week. Their new status is sure to keep us tuning in as they progress from make out buddies to an actual relationship. While it takes both of them to keep the show as flirty and fun as it is, Mindy Kaling is a huge part of its humor which was abundantly clear in this week’s episode.
While Danny was laid up in the hospital with viral meningitis during “Indian BBW,” Mindy took the reigns and ran around town with Peter trying to keep her sex tape a secret from Danny. She was probably at her funniest while dealing with her ex, Tom, and stealing toothbrushes, but it’s a close call between that and, well, any moment between her and Danny… ever.
Via: tumblr
Otherwise Noteworthy
Show: ‘Parks and Recreation’
Actor: Chris Pratt
Andy Dwyer rocked “Prom” in more ways than one. King Andy may be in his 30’s, but April proved that if you’re willing to stuff the ballot box and break all the rules, anyone can have a great time at prom. Even April Ludgate.
From shoeshine boy to office boy, Andy Dwyer is a man that is always out of his element. He never really understands all of what he’s doing, but that’s what makes him so loveable.
He infuses the character with so much love and warmth that watching him stumble through whatever obstacle might be in his path that week is an exercise in just how tightly you can hug your television without feeling awkward. If you always lose that battle, you are not alone.
Show: ‘Modern Family’
Actor: Eric Stonestreet
Cam is consistently one of the funniest members of the Dunphy/Pritchett clan, but this week he was on a whole new level. Cam went out of his way to manipulate his fiance, Mitch, into letting him fire the DJ for their wedding.
Eric Stonestreet is a valuable member of the Modern Family cast and he proves it again week after week as he entertains us with his antics. Whether he’s doing elaborate photo shoots with Lily, or going a little Missouri on Mitch, Cam brings the funny and we are grateful he is always there to make us laugh.