Why Boomer Sally Field Should Win an Emmy for Brothers & Sisters Role

With the plethora of web sites/blogs with names such as Boomer Towne, Baby Boomer Bev, and Over the Hill Boomer Chick, you might conclude that this is the "Year of the Boomer." If this is true, then Sally Field, as a lead runner of the generation born 1946-1964, should win the Emmy for "Outstanding Lead Actress for a Drama Series" for her role as matriarch Nora Walker in "Brothers & Sisters".

Growing up watching Sally Field play "Gidget," I was feeling confused at first to see her at this age. How did this happen? And who are those people cast as her children? These would not be Gidget's children. But then the more I watched, the more I fell in love with this well-written show. Not only are tough subjects addressed, topics such as the dead father's secret love child he left behind (how would the half-siblings deal with this?), but the most endearing episodes in the show are when Sally Field is given humorous lines to deliver--showcasing her comedic talent.

The most gut wrenching, dramatic scenes, though, are when Sally Fields plays off Emmy nominee for "Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series," Rachel Griffiths, in her role as Nora Walker's daughter, Sarah. Sarah is stung by the repeated rejection and impossibly high standards Nora holds her to--treatment so unlike what her mother gives to her other daughter and sons. The only redeeming factor is that Nora is honest about it, unlike many mothers who deny it.

According to some of the Emmy predictions on the TV Yahoo site, none of the nominees for "Brothers & Sisters" have much of a chance of winning. But isn't that true of most intelligent shows with clever writing and seasoned performers? The masses turn their backs on these types of shows in favor of more crowd-pleasing television programs written to a common denominator. Nielsen ratings reveal time and again that intelligent programs fare better in more sophisticated and educated markets such as San Francisco, for example. So what chance does a show like "Brothers & Sisters" have at winning an Emmy?

While there have been many criticisms about "Brothers & Sisters" (some say it's a big flop even though it has a prime spot following "Desperate Housewives"), the San Francisco Chronicle says this: "Despite some faults, 'Brothers & Sisters' is vastly superior to the tired (but trying to rebound) "Desperate Housewives.' " I agree.

Okay, so maybe I'm biased since I find so few mainstream television shows that interest me. In addition to being a fan of "Brothers & Sisters," I also enjoy "Mad Men" on AMC--another brilliantly written show. And in case you think I'm a TV snob, I must admit to enjoying several reality shows, such as "Survivor," "Top Chef," and "The Amazing Race"--the latter two competing for an Emmy in the "Best Reality/Competition Program" category. Also, with low predictions, I might add. I guess I like rooting for the underdog.