A perfect Emmy Nomination list?

You've probably noticed that every year, someone or another who the television audiences know, love and rave about gets snubbed. Whether it's Ed O'Neill or LOST, it always happens. You can also usually find a hand full of "Seriously? That guy?" nominations that leave you shaking your head in bewilderment - like whenever Two and a Half Men gets any sort of recognition.

This year's Emmy Nominations are not so. In fact, I think this might be the first ever perfect (or very close to perfect) Emmy list I have ever seen.

In case you have any doubts in your mind, dear reader, I have two words for you: Ida Blankenship. Let's discuss.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

It's difficult to give any one else an award in a category that contains both Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. In addition to being real life best friends, they might be the two funniest women working right now (with the exception of maybe Maya Rudolph, a giant pillar in their trifecta of comedy greatness). In addition to these two, every one of the women in this category is exceptionally hilarious. My up and coming pick for this category would go, however, to Melissa McCarthy. The woman is extremely talented, and has transcended the superficial television lines. In Mike and Molly, she has pleasantly ascended from "fat friend" roles of the past (she was the always clumsy and hilariously lovable Sookie St. James on Gilmore Girls) to leading lady in this comedy. The show is doing well among the easily-amused-at-something-shiny demographic, but luckily for the show, in this country, that means ratings gold. But, in order for the Academy to recognize this multi-camera sitcom, it must actually be pretty good. Hats off to you.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Did anyone know that Matt LeBlanc was working again? Me neither! Good for him.

This category includes one of my favorite people in it, so I'm pretty excited - Louis CK. After living an unrewarded life of stand up clubs, sketch comedy writing, dick jokes and divorce, this brilliantly hilarious man (whose first language is Spanish!) is finally getting his due. Jim Parsons has taken this category before, so he has shown he can win, and Alec Baldwin is, well Alec Baldwin. And if he runs for some sort of office (as is his plan) when 30 Rock ends and I'm eligible, he's got my vote. But for Lead Actor? I'm going to go with Louis CK.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Another category with ridiculous choices - Jane Lynch, Betty White, Jane Krakowski, Julie Bowen, Kristen Wiig? Good lord. Every one of these women should line up and punch me in the face. That's how much funnier than me every one of these women are. Afterwards, if I am conscious, I will demand that this award be given to Kristen Wiig, and she can put the statuette on one of her hips that look like shelves. Anyone in this category could take this award home, but Betty White usually wins things, so she'll probably win this.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Charlie Sheen wasn't nominated? Fuck.

Ed O'Neill finally got a nomination, and I'm pretty sure that since he's amazing at life, he should win. Gooooo Bundy!

COMEDY SERIES

Nothing new to report, Folks. 30 Rock.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Again, every one of the women in this category should line up and punch me in the face. They are beautiful, talented, and incredibly iconic. However, if Kathy Bates can be beaten, I hope it gets done by Connie Britton. After playing the same part in the Billy Bob Thornton movie of the same name, this delightful woman began tenure as Tammy Taylor on NBC's Friday Night Lights. Like most other wonderful NBC shows, this got piss poor advertising and, in turn, got terrible ratings. This woman has taken this role from what it was in the movie, a giggly, opinion-less waif, to what it is now - quite possibly one of the strongest female characters ever seen on television. Also, it would slap NBC in the face for really just ruining this show's chances at success. Now that it's over, everyone involved deserves to know just how wonderful this show really was.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Every single one of these men deserves praise as being incredible at their profession. I can't even tell you how much. The clear choice based on ability here is Steve Buscemi. He's an incredible actor, and it's so refreshing to see him in a Lead role outside of Living in Oblivion. But if you're going to go with these individual performances, the choice has to be Timothy Olyphant. I've seen nearly everything this man has done, and this is just the best thing he's ever done. He's grown so much as an actor, and you can really tell how hard he's worked here. Of course, he has the show to thank - Justified is probably one of the best shows on the air right now, and the second season was just magnificent. Sorry to Jon Hamm, I love you and all, but there's just no US Marshall like a Kentucky US Marshall.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Go watch season two of Justified right now, and then agree with me when I say that this category is no contest - Margo Martindale. Her Mags Bennett is TERRIFYING. Think John Lithgow in Dexter last season terrifying. Although honorable mention goes to Christina Hendricks for being the most beautiful woman alive.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Game of Thrones was probably one of the coolest series I've seen in a long time. It has a huge cast and colorful, well written characters. So, rightfully, picking a favorite was difficult. But Peter Dinklage, you are a gem. The depth of his Tyrion is just incredible. He's goofy and sweet and a hopeless romantic, and he carries more expression in his face than most Disney characters. He might be a little man, but he's a big talent, and so sorry, John Slattery, my heart belongs to another.

DRAMA SERIES

Just cut the award in pieces right now and give a little bit to everyone. Every one of these shows has restored my faith in television a little more, and is a delight -- an absolute delight -- to watch. Cheers.

VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES

Everyone in this category is extremely talented, but like playing a percussion instrument, it's the silence that stands out here - Jay Leno's name is absent from this list. My prediction seems to be correct: that man will never earn an Emmy nomination ever again. Good for you, academy. Not only is this a good decision from a quality and comedy standpoint, it's a good decision morally.

So, there you have it. In conclusion - television is really freaking good right now, and as someone who fought through a lot of crap in her early 20s, it's truly refreshing to see. In congratulating the Academy for making completely perfect choices in every category, I would like to point this out - it's not hard to make good choices when there are ONLY good choices to be made. Hats off. David Sarnoff would be proud.


And there's more where that came from.
-Meljo

Oh my God. They even kept the theme song!

Listen. It's stupid to get excited for something a year early, but I just can't help it.

In the late 70s and into the 90s, the epitome of trash TV (as it was then) escalated to a point of no return - Dallas. Without it, we never would have had classic guilty pleasures like Melrose Place, 90210, or sweet, sweet, trashy Gossip Girl.  And now, thanks to TNT (who will always have a place in my heart for airing Brisco reruns in 1996), we have this:



That's right. Not a remake, a freaking CONTINUATION. OF. THE. STORY. Complete with Bobby and JR.

I hope they kept their license plates.