‘APPLES NEVER FALL' IS RISING FAST IN OUR EMMY PREDICTIONS

Peacock’s new limited series “Apples Never Fall” is cut from the same cloth as “Big Little Lies,” with both shows adapted from the novels of Australian author Liane Moriarty.

“Apples Never Fall” follows a family, led by four adult children, trying to piece together the mysterious disappearance of their mother Joy (Oscar-nominee Annette Bening). Bening is reliably excellent in this limited series, as is “Jurassic Park” star Sam Neil, who plays her on-screen husband. And Jake Lacy and Allison Brie shine as two of the four adult kids. All four performances have been praised by critics and its these turns that could lead the Emmy charge for the series.

Brian Lowry (CNN) stated: “As for the old expression ‘How do you like them apples?,’ in this case, happily, the answer is quite a lot.”

Matthew Gilbert (Boston Globe) opined: “If the ending to the mystery is predictable, the getting there has enough value as a well-acted, dishy look at a family whose pit of secrets and lies seems bottomless.”

Felipe Rangel (Screen Rant) explained: “‘Apples Never Fall’ presents intriguing questions, but its biggest strength lies not in its mystery but in the relationships between its characters.”

Tom Gliatto (People Magazine) observed: “The mystery evolves considerably over seven highly bingeable episodes that shift perspective from one member of the family to the next.”

Cristina Escobar (Roger Ebert) summarized: “‘Apples Never Fall’ becomes a treatise on the ways we fail women, big and small.”

“Apples Never Fall” is poised to crack this year’s Best Limited Series lineup at the Emmys. It is a very competitive year with the likes of “Fargo,” “Shōgun,” and “Lessons in Chemistry” also competing for this top prize. However, “Apples Never Fall” fits the profile of a Best Limited Series nominee in a number of ways.

Firstly, we already know that Emmy voters like Moriarty’s work. “Big Little Lies” won eight Emmys in 2017 including Best Limited Series. That show then earned five nominations for its second season (when it was submitted as a drama rather than a limited series) in 2020. “Apples Never Fall” is very much a similar show to “Big Little Lies” - both are family dramas with a mystery at their core with stunning performances from A-list performers sweetening the whole deal. It would make sense for Emmy voters to like this entry, too.

This genre of show has been very popular with Emmy voters indeed, with other family dramas with an edge to them nominated including “Little Fires Everywhere,” “Sharp Objects,” and “Big Little Lies.” Adapting a limited series from a book is always a good way to earn a citation here as plenty of nominees in this category have been adapted from novels, including the aforementioned trio of “Little Fires Everywhere,” “Sharp Objects,” “Big Little Lies,” plus the likes of “Fleishman is in Trouble,” “Daisy Jones & the Six,” “The Underground Railroad,” “The Queen’s Gambit,” and “Patrick Melrose.”

Those A-list names are also important here, too. Bening is a legend of the industry and a huge star. Her presence and central performance could propel the show to a cumulative nomination for Best Limited Series in the way that several other shows have been driven to this nomination thanks to their leading actress’ acclaimed performance. Recent such nominees include “Mare of Easttown” starring Kate Winslet, “I May Destroy You” with Michaela Coel, “Mrs. America” starring Cate Blanchett, “Little Fires Everywhere” featuring Kerry Washington, and “Sharp Objects” with Amy Adams.

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2024-04-23T14:28:35Z dg43tfdfdgfd