Steven Hill - "Law & Order" (7-1)Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Gordon Clapp - "NYPD Blue" (5-1)
For the first time in a long time, Clapp represents the only entrant from "NYPD" in this category. His character has become more assertive this year, but Det. Medavoy sure had some trying times to face. For instance, the lesbian couple whose child he agreed to father had a bit of an argument: the pregnant mother shot and killed her companion. He is certainly a factor in this Emmy race because, if not for his perfomance, voters may take note that his cop stands out among a bunch of doctors and administrative characters.Hector Elizondo - "Chicago Hope" (2-1)
I pointed out last year that Elizondo has a natural charisma that, when combined with his impressive range, allows him to overcome the mediocrity of the plots on "Hope." He wasn't my choice last year, but voters thought otherwise, and Elizondo won his first Emmy for playing Dr. Phillip Watters. This year, "Chicago Hope" has only gotten worse, as evidenced by its absence in the Best Drama category. The meatier storylines have gone to Mark Harmon, whose character battled a gambling addiction, and Adam Arkin, whose character suffered a stroke. Throughout it all, Elizondo has portrayed the same old Watters - firm in business, caring in personal relationships. Repetition bothers me, but since it's quality repetition, Elizondo may very well score the repeat.
Steven Hill - "Law & Order" (7-1)
This was one of the many surprise nominations this year, and I applaud it. Hill's character, District Attorney Adam Schiff, has been the patriarchal presence on "L&O" since its second episode. He may be advancing in years, but Hill's storylines certainly got fresher this season. He was forced to turn against one of his old friends, a powerful Manhattanite, when the man's nephew was found to be mentally unstable. The powerful friend, in turn, became a powerful enemy, who took the chip on his shoulder and aimed it at unseating Schiff from his D.A. post. As the season ended, Schiff continued to stand up against the pre-election pressure with the dogged determination that, in my book, makes Hill deserved of this year's award.
Eriq La Salle - "ER" (6-1)
La Salle's Dr. Benton was not as powerful a presence as last season, but he still had his moments. Among them, a man he was treating was suddenly healed, thus giving Benton a temporary reputation as a miracle worker; and the romantic tension that has been developing between he and Alex Kingston's character, Dr. Corday. Their courtship is odd indeed, but seems more realistic than, say, that of Dets. Russell and Simone on "NYPD Blue." Nevertheless, La Salle's screen time was cut this season, and his storylines are still maturing, so I'd say his Emmy is still a season or two away.
Noah Wyle - "ER" (3-1)
Everyone's favorite young doctor went through another season of turmoil, but unlike earlier years, many of Carter's battles were not medically-related, but personal. His relationship with his stern grandmother continued to sour, severing him from the family fortune. Plus his cousin's drug habit became even more tragic, as he is now in an incapacitated state. Romantically, things were rocky between Carter and Dr. Del Amico, and to make things worse, that intriguing relationship will be terminated at the beginning of next season with the departure of actress Maria Bello. So to recap, Carter is now a caring cousin, and, thanks to all of his relationships, an apparent Svengali. Certainly impressive plot credentials, but, wait a minute. He forgot something this year. What makes "ER" so interesting to watch? James Carville could tell you: "It's the doctor-patient relationships, stupid."
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