The annual Primetime Emmy Awards, for the 62nd time, still finds a way to offer a little something for everyone. Whether it’s host Jimmy Fallon joined by the “Glee” cast, Tina Fey, and others for the comical opening number, or simply Betty White in her amazing sherbet-inspired getup that tickles your fancy, the Emmys make for an exciting Sunday night. Listed below are several apps around 2010 Emmy Award-winning shows, actors and actresses. Almost as good as if you had witnessed the red carpet parade in person . . . well, not really, but close.
All About Claire Danes (99 cents)
There is no iPhone app under $14.99 for “Temple Grandin,” but the show won five awards, so it seemed obvious that it deserved some kind of acknowledgement. And who’s going to argue with a little Claire Danes to brighten up your day? Temple Grandin in real life is an animal behavior expert with high-functioning autism. In the 2010 semi-biographical HBO film, Claire Danes plays Grandin, and apparently does an outstanding job. (The real Grandin was at the Emmys, and, coincidentally, it was also her birthday.) The All About Claire Danes app is one of the standard celebrity kinds that relies on search engines to provide pics, text and “other” of the celeb, but this one kind of holds up. There are lots of movies to buy via Amazon, pics to view, and YouTube clips to watch (try 16-year-old Claire with Jared Leto awkwardly introducing “My So-Called Videos” on MTV).
Mad Men Cocktail Culture (Free)
Much like “Mad Men’s” good fortune at the Emmys, the Mad Men Cocktail Culture app is impressive. To play the game you select a drink (you have to purchase a pack of 10 drinks for $1.99 to play with any cocktails other than the vodka gimlet, which is an annoying hidden cost), choose to mix as novice or expert, and then pick the ingredients and extras you need to make your drink. Choose container, spirit, mixer, garnish, and then shake to mix. When you’re done, you receive a score and a witty comment based on your accuracy. If the game’s not for you, browse through the cocktail guide for recipes, images, fun facts and to “gulp down” your faux drink. (You can even have another if you’d like!)
Glee (99 cents)
The classification of “Glee” as a comedy in this year’s Emmys stirred up a bit of controversy, but let’s face it, when Jane Lynch is involved, it’s hard for things not to get comedic. Instead of comedy, though, the Glee app focuses on the show’s signature theme and appeal — singing! Sing along with the cast to a few selected, free songs, and have the chance to buy many others if you prefer more options. Listen to tracks recorded by other “Glee” fans across the globe (pretty cool feature), save your recordings, and share them via email, Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.
Nurse Jackie Soundtrack (Free)
I read an article this morning about how Edie Falco winning an Emmy for best actress in a comedy (for “Nurse Jackie,” of course), overshadowed the show’s Emmy win for best theme music, also an exciting achievement. But luckily, for all those who won’t stand to let the theme music Emmy be overshadowed, the Nurse Jackie Soundtrack app allows you to listen to tunes from the first season of this dark comedy. Play the “Nurse Jackie” theme song, and feel like you’re about to watch the show. Plus, read about Wendy and Lisa, the musical composing duo that is responsible for not only “Nurse Jackie’s” soundtrack, but for scoring other television shows and films, box office-hit “Dangerous Minds” among them.
Breaking Bad: Bad Chemistry (Free)
“Breaking Bad” is a drama about a high school chemistry teacher turned criminal, and according to Emmy, it has some pretty good actors on board. “BB” picked up awards for both outstanding lead and supporting actor in a drama series. Watch the actors doing their thing in the season three trailer, and if you step outside of the app and into iTunes, you can purchase episodes or seasons of the show, as well. The highlight of this app though is the Bad Chemistry game where you tap three elements (from the periodic table) and then shake your phone to find out how well you know your chemistry. If you pick a bad combo, your screen virtually explodes or cracks. Either I have bad chemistry or everyone does when they play this app — I never found a successful element recipe.
