Review: Sarah Paulson in Hulu’s "Run"

By Abe Friedtanzer

Is there any project that wouldn’t be able to write in a great part for Sarah Paulson? The Emmy-winning actress is a frequent Ryan Murphy collaborator, most recently working with him in the title role of Netflix’s Ratched, which finds a role almost tailor-made for her as a passionate nurse with subversive aims and a formidable will to achieve them. She was also very memorable as one of the few fictional characters in Mrs. America, a stoic supporter of conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly who undergoes a fascinating transformation over the course of the limited series. Now, she’s back on streaming in the Hulu movie Run, a tense thriller not to be confused with HBO’s recent dark comedy effort.

Paulson stars as Diane, a woman who is devastated to learn upon giving birth that her daughter is afflicted with a number of conditions that will make her life very difficult...

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Curio: To Domhnall on his 37th Birthday

Digital painting by MenekahCurated by Nathaniel R

This week's episode of Curio is inspired by a recent screening of the first four episodes of HBO's Run. The series is so unusual in its pacing, withholding, character work, and sense of untethered possibility that it's difficult to say what it might amount to once the season (or series) is a wrap. On a scene by scene basis, though, it's a thrill. That's due at least in immeasurable part, to the chemistry between series stars Merrit Wever and Domhnall Gleeson. Neither of them are generally tasked with selling this kind of romantic comedy / sexy yearning and the series is all the better for that. So fresh!

With today being Domnhall Gleeson's birthday, let's look at how arts and crafts people capture his ginger gorgeousity...

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Emmy Watch: Best Actor in a Comedy

by Abe Fried-Tanzer

The "what will be nominated at the Emmys?" conversation continues. Today: Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.  Looking at last year’s nominees, this field may not be all that different apart from the top. Only one nominee, two-time defending champion Bill Hader won’t be back. Barry hasn’t yet announced its season three premiere date. On the other hand though there’s every reason to expect that the two departing contenders, Ted Danson (The Good Place) and Eugene Levy (Schitt’s Creek), will return for their show’s swan songs. Those two shows seem to have the largest fanbases among TFE readers so we assume you're rooting for them.

Another nominee from last year, Don Cheadle (Black Monday), is a toss-up. But given that he earned four consecutive nominations in this category earlier this decade as pretty much the only representation from House of Lies, scoring yet another solo bid doesn’t feel far-fetched. Anthony Anderson (Black-ish) has been nominated five times in a row, and he survived his show being ousted from the Best Comedy Series race last year, so he may be able to do it again. Michael Douglas (The Kominsky Method) is a good bet to return, but his show’s snub in the top race last year makes his chances less secure than they should be…

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Emmy Watch: Which Comedy Series will it be?

by Abe Fried-Tanzer

We’re looking at another Emmy Awards category today – Best Comedy Series. Unlike the corresponding drama field, this one isn’t quite as overflowing with potential returning nominees. That said, it’s still worth taking a closer look to see which shows have the best shot at scoring a bid this year. 

Last year’s big winner, Fleabag, has ended, though there’s always a chance it may return someday if fans clamor hard enough for it. Three-time victor Veep is also over, and both Barry and Russian Doll haven’t yet debuted their newest seasons. Previous winner The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a sure thing, while the final seasons of Schitt’s Creek and The Good Place are probably safe, though they were both only nominated for the first time last year (for their fifth and third seasons, respectively)...

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