Golden Globe challengers for television

The Globes get first crack at praising new fall Television shows, but they are available in second towards the Emmys if this involves spring debuts. The way these newcomers fare against 'Boardwalk Empire,' 'Good Wife,' 'Modern Family' and 'Glee'?Bet on Thrones(Cinemax)Precursor: "Rome"Why it could: The pay cabler's much-anticipated adaptation of George R.R. Martin's best-selling books would be a large success early in the year, spiking the fantasy milieu with gritty human drama. On the other hand, the genre is not for everybody, a smaller amount the show's penchant for graphic sex and violence.Otherwise the large one: Viewer favorite Peter Dinklage's portrayal of cagey outsider Tyrion Lannister has gained him an Emmy.An upbeat opinion: Mary McNamara, La Occasions: "An excellent and thundering number of political and mental intrigue bristling with vivid figures, mix-hatched with enticing plotlines and seasoned having a a little fantasy." * * * The Killing(AMC)Precursor: ABC's "Murder One," which initially gambled using the one-situation/one-season construct.Why it could: Moody North American atmospherics, a twisty murder and compelling figures added up to and including water cooler spring hit for AMC. On the other hand, red-colored herrings within the plot did not always please fans nor did the growing season-ending episode.Otherwise the large one: Mireille Enos obtained because the series' thoughtful, melancholy lead investigator, while Joel Kinnaman as her enigmatic, tart-tongued partner grew to become an admirer favorite.An upbeat opinion: Alessandra Stanley, NY Occasions: "Frightening and suspenseful, however in a subdued, meditative way that's in some way even more chilling." * * * Homeland(Showtime)Precursor: "24" for that propulsive feeling of a threat within our midst, combined with the mental suspense of "Rubicon."Why it could: A timely show about the price of hypervigilance within the Fight against Terror, it combines thriller inteligence with acute character study. On the other hand, the up-and-comer batch of dramas is strong this season, and also the popular holdovers ("Boardwalk Empire," "The Great Wife") showed tough endurance.Otherwise the large one: Claire Danes, being an intensely committed intelligence analyst, and Damian Lewis, because the coming back war hero she suspects of sinister doings, are submiting memorable work every week.An upbeat opinion: Matt Zoller Seitz, Salon: "The very best new show from the fall." * * * Enlightened(Cinemax)Precursor: Phone self-destructive side of well-meaning enhancement, "Samantha Who" and "The Brand New Adventures of Old Christine."Why it could: Edgy yet understanding, it stands for HBO's stature as a spot for offbeat, culturally relevant comedy, while offering a killer star turn from Laura Dern. On the other hand, the humor may be too brittle and spread for those tastes -- and it is not necessarily a comedy.Otherwise the large one: It's difficult to deny the pressure of character that Dern is here now, a potent combo of pinwheeling eyes, proper gamesmanship and hair trigger temperament.An upbeat opinion: Robert Lloyd, La Occasions: "Whitened and Dern may have settled for lampooning a particular strain of spiritual striving and also the blindness the convert mistakes for sight. But they are out for some thing.Inch * * * New Girl(Fox)Precursor: The twentysomething camaraderie of "Buddies," however with the 3 women concentrated into one kooky charmer.Why it could: Fueled through the star energy of Zooey Deschanel's winning lead perf along with a blessedly raunch-less method of dating humor, the show continues to be the breakout sitcom hit from the fall. On the other hand, by opting for oblong laughs instead of sporty guffaws, it runs the chance of not stimulating all tastes.Otherwise the large one: Deschanel is year's It Girl, fighting the restrictions of 1-lining sitcom convention with refreshingly off-kilter scene-stealing along with a charming inner light.An upbeat opinion: Matt Roush, TV Guide: "Everything about 'New Girl,' from her wacky co-stars towards the exclusively cool writing, is irresistible." * * * GOLDEN GLOBES RACETops in tubthumps? Best Picture: Drama Best Picture: Comedy or Musical Television Animation Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com