Emmys Reaction

So, they're not like the Academy Awards (or even the Golden Globes) but there is always a certain level of interest in the Emmy nominations. With TV rapidly becoming a place with more quality storytelling than the movies (anyone gonna argue that given the tepid 2011 we're experiencing at the Box Office), there is more interest than ever in TV awards.

Which is a problem, because the Emmys are probably the most predictably sad awards we have. Old guard shows and stars seem to rule year after year, while quality programs are routinely snubbed. This year is no different. Since the nominations were announced this morning, I figured I'd highlight a few nominees that caught my eye and some sad snubs.

The Good:

"Friday Night Lights" earned nominations for both leads (Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton) and for best Drama series. The show probably won't win, but I'm heartened to know that it was at least nominated and recognized for the quality it brought during its five-year run.

"Justified" earned several nominations for what was an exceptional second season. Timothy Olyphant does a great job in the lead role, and Margo Martindale and Walton Goggins were great in their supporting roles.

"Game of Thrones" broke into the fray, earning a Best drama nomination and a nomination for Peter Dinklage as supporting actor. There was no love for Sean Bean — who I thought would have been a great candidate for a lead role nomination — but you can't have it all.

Snubs/The Bad:

"The Killing" garnered nominations for two actresses — Mirelle Enos and Michelle Forbes. I watched the show, as it degenerated from somewhat promising to totally indefensible. I can almost understand the nomination for Enos, but Forbes?!!? Really????

"Fringe" is probably the best show on television right now. It has great writing, superb performances and some creative storytelling. It was completely shut out. I think Anna Torv — great in a lead role — and John Noble — incredible in a supporting role — should have been recognized, as should the show.

Do Emmy voters know what constitutes a mini-series? Sure, "Downton Abby" and "Luther" only had 6-7 episodes. But they weren't mini-series, they were British series which have fewer episodes per season. In fact, both are running their second seasons this fall. Yet, both shows earned nominations in the mini-series and TV movie category. What gives?

Interesting Races:

Drama — The nominees are "Justified," "Games of Thrones," "Boardwalk Empire," "Mad Men," "Dexter," and "Friday Night Lights." "Lights" is a great show, but this was not it's best season. Same for "Dexter." "Boardwalk Empire" was good, but it doesn't reach the level of some of these shows. To me, it would be between "Game of Thrones" and "Justified," and I honestly can't say at this moment which one I would give the edge to.

Best Actor, Drama — I thought Michael C. Hall should have won last year, and seeing as how these awards shows are usually a year behind he may get retroactive due this year. But, I think this comes down to Kyle Chandler and Timothy Olyphant. I'm torn, because both are great, but I would love to see Chandler rewarded for five years of excellence as "Friday Night Lights" comes to an end.

Best Mini-Series or TV Movie — There are several worthy entries here, but my two favorites are "Downton Abby," the beautiful British series that is like a modern "Upstairs, Downstairs," and "Too Big To Fail," HBO's incredible docu-drama on the financial crisis. I could see making a case for either, but I give the edge to "Downton Abby" for it's beautiful story, acting, and production values.