‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ will bring Maya Erskine back to the Emmys
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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie‘s 2005 hit movie has finally been adapted into a TV show after several stop-start attempts. Created by Donald Glover and his “Atlanta” colleague Francesca Sloane, the series follows two secret agents who go undercover as a married couple in order to complete missions for a mysterious organization.
Glover stars as one half of the duo while “Pen15” star/creator Maya Erskine features as the other. Glover is reliably excellent as John Smith but it’s Erskine, as Jane Smith, who steals the show, as noted by critics.
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Kristen Baldwin (Entertainment Weekly) stated: “Erskine — so wonderfully, uninhibitedly awkward in ‘PEN15’ — brings a riveting stillness to Jane. Her character’s inscrutable mien keeps John and the audience a little off-balance, though Erskine reveals glimmers of emotional desolation in Jane’s steady gaze.”
Aaron Pruner (The Wrap) observed: “Erskine, who many will recognize as the brace-faced 13-year old in Hulu comedy “PEN15,” is the one who truly steals the show. Calculated, detail-oriented, focused and potentially sociopathic, she delivers a performance that’ll leave an impression. Give her all the awards, now.”
Robert Lloyd (LA Times) opined: “Jane is more guarded, which makes it especially moving to see her subtle brightening and growing vulnerability as the couple’s fake relationship turns real. Previously best known for playing her middle-school self on ‘Pen15,’ Erskine is absolutely wonderful in the part, and one hopes for another season if only to keep that performance going.
As a result, Erskine is in serious contention for a Best Drama Actress nomination. Our current predicted nominees in this category are Jennifer Aniston (“The Morning Show”), Imelda Staunton (“The Crown”), Emma Stone (“The Curse”), Anna Sawai (“Shōgun”), Carrie Coon (“The Gilded Age”), and Reese Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”). But don’t rule out Erskine just yet — there are several reasons why she could break into this lineup.
Firstly, Erskine has already proven that Emmy voters like her as she has three nominations to her name so far. All three bids came for “Pen15” — for Best Comedy Writing in 2019 and 2021 and Best Comedy Series in 2021. Erskine hasn’t received an acting bid just yet but it feels like that would be the natural next step in the progression of her career and now could be the right time of that to happen.
Erskine is also a multi-hyphenate herself, just like co-star Glover. Although she doesn’t take on any further roles in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” aside from acting, her status as a multi-talented creative could help her out here. Sharon Horgan (“Bad Sisters”), Witherspoon (“The Morning Show”), and Robin Wright (“House of Cards”) are just a few such storytellers who have earned nominations in this category. Erskine could follow.
Erskine is also something of an ingenue. Many actresses of this profile have been nominated for Best Drama Actress, including Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”), Zendaya (“Euphoria”), Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”), and Claire Foy (“The Crown”).
Plus, the rule itself will also appeal to Emmy voters. Action and spy series always do well in this category, with the likes of Comer (“Killing Eve”), Oh (“Killing Eve”), Keri Russell (“The Americans”), and Claire Danes (“Homeland”) all earning nominations. Erskine could be next.
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