Emmys 2013: Kurt Sutter on ‘Sons of Anarchy’ snub, and we revive a larger debate

Another Emmys has come and gone, and it is another Emmys without “Sons of Anarchy” getting the love that both fans, some critics, and show creator Kurt Sutter believes that it deserves. Over the years, journalists have been able to speak about his post-award shows rants with sensationalism, talking about whether or not his harsh language towards the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is something that prohibits the show from being nominated.

In reality, we don’t think one has that much to do with the other; it’s instead still the sad state of affairs of how voters, who tend to view many shows with a myopic lens, choose to perceive television outside of a select group. For the time being, FX is just not taken seriously in the main drama category. While “American Horror Story” had a massive heap of nominations, they were in the miniseries realm. Where was “The Americans” or “Justified,” who both are coming off very strong seasons? How did Jimmy Smits not get a nomination in guest acting over Robert Morse, who really had very little to do on “Mad Men” last year?

Sutter did keep his own reaction contrite in a post on his Twitter account, though there was an air of despondence in it as he recognized the inability for voters to offer his show and the people who work on it a chance:

“some surprises with the 2013 emmy noms. but it remains an elitist white club and we are still the dirty white boys you hide in the garage.”

We really want to try and reinforce something that we said last year when talking about the “Sons of Anarchy” Emmy snub, and that is that once again, this awards show in particular often tends to believe that success is its own reward. This is FX’s highest-rated show, and it walked away empty-handed in all major categories. The same can be said for AMC and “The Walking Dead,” another well-reviewed show that is routinely ignored. While the quality of “True Blood” has fallen in recent years, it and “Game of Thrones” remain HBO’s top-rated programs, and only the latter received any recognition at all. Showtime’s highest-rated series is “Dexter,” and those hoping for Jennifer Carpenter to receive some love left sorely disappointed.

At the end of the day, it’s impossible to say with a straight face that getting accolades for a rewards show is irrelevant; you are going to be thrilled to have a nomination, and saddened when you do not. What matters more, though, is the way in which you treat the air in the days and weeks that follow. We suspect that in some ways, the snubs have motivated everyone on “Sons of Anarchy” to deliver a better product, and one that will be appreciated by viewers regardless of what some people casting ballots believe. These are the people that allow shows to continue doing the work that you love, and there are countless Emmy-winning shows that fail to see the light of day beyond just a season or two.

If you do want to read our full take on all of the Emmy snubs and surprises, along with checking out a full list for this year, be sure to head on over to the link here. Is success its own reward? Of course, we want to hear your thoughts on the subject below.

Photo: FX