Yes, I wanted the Saints to win the Super Bowl for 2 reasons: 1) Drew Brees was my fantasy football quarterback and you gotta stand by your picks and 2) NFC South prevails.

I’m really a Falcons fan.

But Super Bowl Sunday is not just about the game for me. It’s also about the commercials. I’m one of those rare people who like commercials. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy commercial free television because I hate the suspense and the waiting from the breaks. But I like a good commercial when I see one and will pause the DVR fastforward if one looks good.

For the first time in a very long time, I watched the Super Bowl at a bar. A neighbor won a keg and 100 wings from a local bar, so the neighborhood headed down to the watering hole to take a gander at some men in tights running around the field. It was so loud in there that we barely heard Queen Latifah and Carrie Underwood singing (some people said it was a good thing). The consensus around the keg table (yes, there was a table… with a keg in it… beer on tap… at the table…) helped put these Super Bowl commercials at the top of the best Super Bowl commercials for 2010:

Coming in at #5 is the Clydesdale Fence commercial. For some reason, I always get a little teary when it comes to those Clydesdale horses and wasn’t that little baby bull so cute? Yes, I will eat him in a heartbeat if it came down to it, but we all went awwww when he finally busted through the fence.

The #4 commercial is the T-Pain voice box commercial. Now, I’m pretty sure we’re all tired of that T-Pain voice thing, but we still found ourselves laughing after we grumbled about it. Then, just as surprising as his appearance on a boat, he’s at the party, dipping guacamole. I hope he’s not a double dipper.

The #3 commercial signaled a round of nostalgia for some of us at the table, but also elicited response because it was just so darned cute. That’s right, a bunch of children’s toys walk into Vegas…

#2 made us all laugh. I think it was the slap…

The #1 commercial belongs to the one entity that doesn’t need a commercial. It’s become a verb, for god’s sake! Yes Google still continues to hold it down, not only in the search department, but also in the commercial department. Je me presente: How to impress a french girl!

Honorable Mention goes to three commercials for me, one because it reminded me of my trip to Africa (leopards in a tree, elephants on a night safari…) the second one because it involved Little Kiss, and the third, just because Stevie Wonder was in it… and because it involved people hitting other people. Enjoy!

For a worst Super Bowl commercials list, check out Jezebel.com – the link leads you to their “Pathetic Men and the Women who Ruined Them” commercials that played during the Super Bowl and their take on what the ad companies that made them must be thinking.

Check out EW’s PopWatch best and worst Super Bowl commercials list (they  hated little Kiss!).

Time.com’s James Poniewozik grades ALL of the Super Bowl ads here. (How did I miss the Tim Tebow ad???) Here is a more condensed version if you don’t want to go through all 68 ads!

What about you? Did you even watch the Super Bowl? If not, what held your attention, if not these commercials? Let us know in the comments!

Of course, there were other things that turned out well, although Jon Cryer winning the Oscar… Well, let’s just say that I do not like watching Two and a Half Men, so I have not been following the characters and I don’t know if his arc was particularly amazing last year or not, but I do know that Neil Patrick Harris or Jack McBrayer should have gotten that award. Tracy Morgan is a close third on that one. I guess it’s kind of like Roger Riddle’s Coffee Cake Extravaganza’s brackets. You know who should win, but you can’t imagine why other people are voting the opposite of you. I just want to hear the thought process of the Emmy voters.

Okay, enough about Jon Cryer. When is Hugh Laurie gonna win an Emmy? I like this past season of House, though it was uneven in some respects and went for the sentimental. Hugh Laurie was great as always and the reason that most people continue watching. I mean, if most people are like me.

I’m very happy that 30 Rock won for comedy, but Toni Collette? Toni Collette is a great actress and the only reason I kept watching United States of Tara was because of her. However, if I’m thinking comedy and laughs per page, I’m thinking Tina Fey. I did not laugh nearly as much with United States of Tara as I did in pretty much any of the other show nominated.

If you want Emmy coverage, you can go here, here, or here. Here, we’re just ranting, so get your rants in while the getting’s good.

Sorry, this is going up pretty quick without the normal post edits.

The 61st Prime Time Emmy Awards is September 20, 2009 at 8pm on CBS. So, to fill the time until you have to wait in eager anticipation for your favourite actor or show to lose to someone or some show you could care less about watching, I’ll give you a heads up on the more popular Emmy categories (read: the categories I care about) and nominees so you can take a shot at making your own predictions.

Outstanding Drama Series

Big Love – HBO – It’s waiting for me to watch right now. I have a friend that thinks Big Love is the bees knees (although I’m pretty sure he would never use that phrase…). I’m reserving judgement.

Mad Men – AMC – The storytelling may be a little slower, but the drama is high. I like this show because it is at the apex of so many things. The birth of advertising, the birth of empowered women, the death of Kennedy (a turning point in the life of our country)… However, sometimes the story is so slow, I would rather catch it all in one sitting when the DVD comes out than catch it weekly.

Dexter – Showtime – Last season of Dexter was kind of meh. I mean, it was interesting in that Dexter finds a friend and turns that friend into a murderer, but it was not interesting when it came to dealing with the skinner. Next season has the potential to be very interesting with John Lithgow as the most successful serial killer and the return of SOMEBODY in Deb’s life.

Breaking Bad – AMC – This show is waiting for me to watch now. I hear it’s good.

House – FOX – This year’s dramatic elements on House is more than enough for it to win best drama. After teasing the House/Cuddy kiss and especially the last episode of the season, I would not be upset if House walks away with this one. In fact, of all the shows on this list, this show was the most intriguing with lots of delicious drama.

Lost – ABC – I know I won’t know how I feel about this show until June of 2010, yet this season sort of dragged in the middle, only to explode at end. But it still was not the most dramatic season ender, which belongs to House. Yeah, House is still my pick for this Emmy.

Damages – FX – I gave up on Damages halfway through last season. You tell me if I was missing something.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Beau Bridges as Eli Scruggs in Desperate Housewives – While uniquely sentimental as well as partially enlightening about certain aspects of the wives background and a bit interesting as a concept for backstory, Beau Bridges was just a vehicle to get that backstory. Anyone could have been used, although I did appreciate the very loving energy Bridges brought to the role.

Alan Alda as Milton Greene in 30 Rock – Alan Alda was hilarious at Alec Baldwin’s long lost dad. Their interplay was spot on and it was enjoyable watching them on screen together. I think that a few other people listed in this category would deserve the win more than Alda.

Steve Martin as Gavin Volure in 30 Rock – Steve Martin was funny and the pairing as the odd millionaire with the eccentric Liz was perfect. But not as perfect as Jon Hamm. Just sayin’!

Justin Timberlake as Various Characters in Saturday Night Live – If you didn’t find yourself laughing at and re-watching so many of the shorts, I’m not sure you have a sense of humour. But, still not the best in this group. If it were not for Jon Hamm, I would make this a toss up between Steve Martin and Timberlake.

Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird in 30 Rock – oh my god! Every time I think about that tennis game and when Liz breaks the “bubble” – I’m laughing just thinking about it. Jon Hamm did goofy so well, especially after his very dramatic, very smooth, very suave Don Draper, and he was believable. Loved it, still laughing about it. He gets the Emmy for this.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Kevin Dillon as Johnny Drama in Entourage – The couple of episodes I saw, I found him very funny. It is sort of like finding out Charlie Murphy is funny as hell. Way to go celebrity family members!

Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother- How can you not want Barney to win? Harris makes Barney ridiculous and you love him anyway.

Jon Cryer as Alan Harper in Two and a Half Men – I hate Two and a Half Men. Jon Cryer is a funny actor, but I can’t stand the show. I hope he doesn’t win because I think more of the actors in this category deserve it more.

Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan in 30 Rock – I think that people either love Tracy Jordan or hate him. I like him. Tracy Morgan’s portrayal is hilarious and frenetic. I didn’t think I would like it, but the more the show moves forward, the more I like the direction of the character. I like him, I wouldn’t cry if he got the Emmy, but I truthfully believe the Emmy belongs to another actor.

Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute in The Office – I love Dwight. There is something so obnoxious and lovable about this character. He makes me laugh with every episode and although the season one episode doesn’t figure into this Emmy, if he were to grab it, I would cheer. But the Emmy should go to Kenneth Parcell.

Jack McBrayer as Kenneth Parcell in 30 Rock – I LOVE LOVE LOVE this character. From the totally crazy southern things he says, it’s like they’ve taking every wrong stereotype of the south and found a non-offensive and funny way to bring out those stereotypes. McBrayer is a hoot and I look forward to every time he comes on screen. The Emmy should go to McBrayer.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

William Shatner as Denny Crane in Boston Legal – Never watched Boston Legal and I’m not ashamed to say it.

Christian Clemenson as Jerry Espenson in Boston Legal – Errrr, ditto!

Michael Emerson as Ben Linus in Lost – Fantastic. Just fantastic. He should get the Emmy. He’s my number one choice for that.

Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad – Haven’t seen this show. It’s waiting for me.

William Hurt as Daniel Purcell in Damages – Only got halfway through the first season then read Wikipedia to see how it ended. Yeah, I hope he did well, though.

John Slattery as Roger Sterling in Mad Men – If Slattery gets the Emmy, I would not cry. He is awesome in the show, just the right mix of successful, pathetic, douchebag and charming.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Kristen Chenoweth as Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies – Oh Olive, how I miss you. I can’t believe you are no longer on television. I miss Pushing Daisies.

Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney in 30 Rock – This is my pick for the Emmy, although I would give it to Kristen Wiig in a heartbeat as well. It’s sort of a toss up. I’m taking Jenna overall.

Elizabeth Perkins as Celia Hodes in Weeds – Haven’t seen Weeds yet.

Amy Poehler as Various Characters in Saturday Night Live – Love Amy Poehler. Love her. If she wins, I would be happy as well.
Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty – Wilhelmina is cold, nasty and funny. I like her on Ugly Betty, but I think that Becki Newton’s Amanda Sommers should have gotten the nod, not because she’s a better but because she was funnier.

Kristen Wiig as Various Characters in Saturday Night Live – Oh my god, I’m in love with Kristen Wiig’s performance on SNL. She has been the funniest by far and I’ve enjoyed just about every sketch she’s been a part of, even the very annoying Tilly. She should get the Emmy if Jane Krakowski doesn’t. Of the two, Wiig’s last season was the funniest. If you go by that, then Wiig deserves it.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Sandra Oh as Dr. Christina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy – Yes. I still watch Grey’s Anatomy. Yes, I like it. I really like Sandra Oh’s Dr. Yang. She is spicy and cantakerous and I like it! She is one of the ones I think should get the Emmy.

Dianne West as Gina in In Treatment – Didn’t watch it.

Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons in Damages – She did a good job in the first half of season one.

Hope Davis as Mia in In Treatment – Didn’t watch it.

Chandra Wilson as Dr. Miranda Bailey in Grey’s Anatomy – I love Dr. Bailey. She had a great storyline and she was very dramatic. It was awesome. She also finally had a great storyline outside of the others. I mean, even better than the pregnancy storyline because this was about her growing up and stretching her character. If Sandra Oh doesn’t get the Emmy, Chandra Wilson does.

Cherry Jones as President Allison Taylor in 24 – She was good and all of the things that happened this season tested the limits of her character. She is my third choice for an Emmy win.

I know I should be making these choices to see how well I can predict the Academy, but right now, I’m just trying to get up proof that I had thoughts before it happened. Okay, I’m off to watch the Emmys.

Every year I do this in some form or another. I go through all the clips and interviews for upcoming shows that are airing for the first time and I decide, based solely on those clips, whether or not the show will get a season 2 pick-up. I did it last year here and I always give each show 3 episodes to prove me right (though every now and then, I can be wrong).

My score from last year:
Total: 19 shows with actual comments
Correct:10
Incorrect:9
Percentage:53% correct

Not bad. If it hadn’t been for Fox and the CW, I would have lost out big! Anyway, you can play along at home, just add your thoughts to the comments.

The CW

Melrose Place – 9/8/09 – I have a feeling this will be high drama drivel filled with characters doing senseless things just because they want to and people will still watch it and declare it their favourite show (though not as good as the original). I’m hoping this show will fail, but I am pretty sure it will get a 2nd season. This show will not be canceled.

Vampire Diaries – 9/10/09 – There was a movie that came out recently, you may have heard of it. Twilight. Yeah, that one. It’s about a vampire who falls in love with a mortal (since when did we start calling humans mortals – or bloodbags for that matter???) and then has to fight other vampires to save said bloodbag mortal. Wait, am I talking about the movie or the tv show? Yeah, I don’t care either. However, Twilight made a shit ton of money and that practically guarantees that Vampire Diaries succeed. This show will not be canceled.

The Beautiful Life – 9/16 – A show about models. *sigh* Corbin Bleu is in this. You know, the cute kid from the High School Musical movies with the crazy awesome curly fro that the two little girls I baby-sit are in love with? Yeah, he’s in it. And some other people, trying to be tragic about being beautiful. Beauty if pain, blah blah blah. I have a feeling this show will not be canceled.

Of course, one of these shows has to go. Maybe I will re-analyze after I watch my 3 episodes.

Fox

Glee – 9/9 – I loved this premiere and can’t wait to see it again. The buzz about it is good, although two friends (thanks, B. and C. for your input!) think they got the singing team together too quickly and we all agree that his wife shouldn’t have been that much of a bitch. Other than that, good solid acting and a likeable lead has us anticipating this show’s season. This show will not be canceled.

Brothers – 9/25 – This is Fox’s attempt at a new comedy this season that is not a cartoon. Last year’s attempt was disastrous for all involved. Yikes, was it awful! (and if you remember that it was called Do Not Disturb, then you are disturbed. The only reason I remember it is because I wrote it down). Well, Brothers, don’t be another Do Not Disturb. I can’t imagine, with CCH Pounder, that it will be. Michael Strahan did not even seem to be straining too hard either. Fingers crossed for more black people on prime time television. This show will be canceled.

The Cleveland Show – 9/27 – I hate Family Guy. No. I don’t hate it. I just despise that it is so funny. I don’t have a real reason and giving Cleveland his own show makes me want to scratch my head. I really hate American Dad, but this is about the Cleveland Show. Obviously, I haven’t watched Family Guy enough to really understand why Cleveland gets his own show. Is he still with his cheating wife? *sigh* This show will not be canceled because of Family Guy. *sigh*

NBC

The Jay Leno Show – 9/14 – Although The Jay Leno Show took the place of 4-5 new one hour dramas or reality shows, I will judge it by the same harsh standards that I judge everything. I mean, I hate stuff that I think will stay on the air and stuff I want to get off the air will stay. It is certain. However I think the Jay Leno Show will be funny. Jay is pretty consistent and the move to primetime, while it saddens me, just makes him more accessible to others and will give NBC the much needed financial boost they seem to need. This show will not be canceled.

Community – 9/17 – Starring The Soup host Joel McHale, Community is about a lawyer who is disbarred and must graduate from college (community college, hence the title) to become a lawyer again. Also stars Chevy Chase and Ken Chong. What I saw was very funny. This show will not be canceled.

Mercy – 9/23 – Another nurse drama that is a season late and a dollar short. It has all the elements of a nurse drama, a tough as nails nurse that heads the whole show, a newbie nurse that wants to kill themselves or change the world with their sunshine and light, an ethnic nurse who is the embodiment of the black/gay neighbor, someone to add some *spice* to the mix, the handsome doctor who cares but not as much as the nurse and I’m pretty sure some manager that is usually caustic but shows a heart every now and then. Yeah, pretty standard. Also, considering Royal’s Pain’s penchant for being the McGyver of doctors, they added a little bit of that for the head nurse. This show may be canceled, but for the purpose of my count, This show will not be canceled.

Trauma – 9/26 – I have a friend that is an EMT. He wants to start being able to carry guns and break up street fights and arrest people. Yeah. Scary right? That’s how I feel Trauma is going to be. The concept seems sound, but based on the preview, it just doesn’t look like it’s going to cut it. This show will be canceled.

CBS

Accidentally on Purpose – 9/21 – Jenna Elfman made me laugh as Dharma in Dharma and Greg, but can she pull off this tv baby (that is the older woman with the younger man). This comedy does not scream funny to me, but then again, how many other comedies on CBS gets my “not funny” check mark? This show will be canceled.

NCIS:Los Angeles – 9/22 – Yeah, so O’Connell gets shot up at the end of the 2 part “premiere” during the regular NCIS and we have to wait a few NCIS episodes and the whole summer to find out what the heck happened to him? Yeah, I’m pretty hyped up for this show. Therefore, in all my bias, I’m going to say this show will not be canceled.

The Good Wife – 9/22 – A wife whose politician husband is disgraced goes back to work as a lawyer and must deal with having been in the public spotlight and using a skill she hasn’t used since she got married… lawyering. Anyway, it seems very dramatic and that guy from Gilmore Girls is in it and though I found him annoying, most people like him and we need something to fill the empty void that whatever that law show with William Shatner was called left, so I say this show will not be canceled. It actually looks good.

Medium – 9/25 – While not technically a new show, the move from NBC to CBS is something. Also, Medium will be playing with a show that I just can’t stand, The Ghost Whisperer, which means that those Friday night seance followers just might have another spooky show to add to their repertoire. I already liked Medium so this show will not be canceled.

Three Rivers – 10/4 – I miss Moonlight. Alex O’Loughlin stas in this drama about organ transplantation set in Pittsburgh that tells a story from three perspectives – the donor and the donor’s family, the recipient, and the surgical team of the hospital. Please, can their be a doctor that doesn’t care about shit? Can you also have someone who is an adrenaline junkie! Can we have a head of the hospital that impedes the doctors from doing their work? Can we also add a dash of the “second chances” moral every episode??? This show will be canceled. Too bad. I like looking at O’Loughlin.

ABC

The Forgotten – 9/22 – Christian Slater certainly is trying, isn’t he, to make a comeback. Jerry Bruckheimer has another show on television. I fell for the face/off ripoff that was My Own Worst Enemy and I think I’m going to do it again in this Cold Case-esque drama about people who find out the identity the Jane and John Does in homicides. This show will not be canceled. I believe in you Christian Slater!

Modern Family – 9/23 – 3 different types of family that make up one. Ed O’Neill and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (the one that goes crazy about the creampuff comment) let me know I’m going to be watching this until they cancel it. Which they won’t. So it has been said, so it shall be! This show will not be canceled.

Cougar Town – 9/23 -  What happens if you get divorced at 40 and look like Courteney Cox? You get some hot guy. But fortunately Courteney Cox is funny, although I’m not 100% sure of the concept. I will give this it’s 3 episodes, but I don’t think this show will make it. This show will be canceled.

Eastwick – 9/23 – I have a thing for witches. Not the Wiccan variety who are just plain people that are a little too close to nature, but the idea of a woman who has a familiar who cause things, good and bad, to happen to those around them. It’s a bit romantic, I guess, and something of a “living in the shadows” type thing, but I like it. However, this show is not gonna make it. It’s the Sex and the City, Candace Bushnell-esque story of women with supernatural powers. Unlike Sex and the City, it’s not going to succeed unless the concept has much changed from the pilot. This show will be canceled.

Flash Forward – 9/24 – People lose a few minutes of their lives… or do they? After they come back to the present world, they discover that they may have traveled forward in time. To what end? I dunno. I guess we gotta watch. Yet the previews for this didn’t seem half bad so, this show will not be canceled.

V – 11/3 - Very happy to see some 4400 people on this show. You know with a big ball of aliens appearing in the sky and all… In the preview where the reporter is about to interview the head alien in charge (it’s Inara!!!!!), the tension there is so palpable that I can’t wait to see how it is resolved and see when they first become the lizard like creatures we know they are (although we seem to be in love with lizards now, I’ve seen so many commercials with the reptile in them). This show will not be canceled.

The 61st Prime Time Emmy Awards is September 20, 2009 at 8pm on CBS. So, to fill the time until you have to wait in eager anticipation for your favourite actor or show to lose to someone or some show you could care less about watching, I’ll give you a heads up on the more popular Emmy categories (read: the categories I care about) and nominees so you can take a shot at making your own predictions.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Entourage – HBO – I only saw one episode of this show and it was okay. Not super hilarious by any means, but I guess you can’t expect every show to be funny. Entourage fans, tell me why this is the winner in the comments.

30 Rock – NBC – This is my pick for the Emmy. What’s not good about this show. From the forever thwarted Liz Lemon to the eternally cocksure Jack Donaghy as well as Kenneth, Tracy Jordan and the entire writing and acting staff. Craziness always ensues and it has been top grade hilarity since show number 5, season 1.

Weeds – Showtime – Another show I haven’t seen at all. I’m sorry, I can’t watch everything, people.

The Office – NBC – This show is really funny in a very different kind of way, different from most comedies. After a few seasons, it has started to rival the British series. It’s not there yet, but it’s close. That, of course, means it’s less about outright laughs and more about the humourous situations from the sticky and awkward situations in life, in particular, at work. A lot of people don’t like this, but those of us who get it love it. Also, Dwight and Angela were a couple. That’s pure comedy gold, Monkey!

How I Met Your Mother – CBS - This is a feel good comedy with the best wingman in the business, and I’m not saying that because he’s hosting the show. Barney Stinson makes me laugh and makes me laugh hard. I also like Marshall and Lily. Every now and then, I find Robin funny and I really wish that Ted would just find the fraking mother. Otherwise, solid comedy.

Family Guy – FOX – I am not in love with this show. I know, I know, you love it and think it’s soooo funny, when really, it’s a bunch of non sequitors for people with no attention spans, like every one of us who grew up watching Sesame Street. Stupid Sesame Street. Now all you effers like this show that is, at best, only marginally funny. Just say no to Family Guy.

Flight of the Conchords – HBO – Haven’t seen the show, but love the act. Especially the Hiphopapotamus.

Comedy is tricky. Most of what is funny is much more personal. Comedy styles, types of shows, etc. So what shows tickle your funny bone? Put it in the comments!

The 61st Prime Time Emmy Awards is September 20, 2009 at 8pm on CBS. So, to fill the time until you have to wait in eager anticipation for your favourite actor or show to lose to someone or some show you could care less about watching, I’ll give you a heads up on the more popular Emmy categories (read: the categories I care about) and nominees so you can take a shot at making your own predictions.
Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House in House – So, after being told that House is like the Sherlock Holmes of Medical Mysteries, and loving Hugh Laurie’s take on what a drug addicted genius would act like, I find that he is one actor I thoroughly enjoy watching as he does the same thing over and over again. Also, I found last season’s Dr. House very compelling as he disintegrated from one death to the next. Am I looking forward to next year? Hell yes!

Gabriel Byrne as Paul in In Treatment – I like Gabriel Byrne and I’ve been told the show is really good, but I have not taken the time to watch so I can’t complain if he wins or loses. Sorry Gabriel.

Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan in Dexter – I have seen episode 1 of next season and I am totally in love with this show. Maybe it says something about me, especially considering I thought the idea of watching a show about a serial killer and rooting for said serial killer was despicable, that I love this show so goddamn much, but it is a great show. Michael C. Hall brings Dexter to life and makes him a very amicable anti-hero. You almost forget that Dexter has no true feelings because of how warm Michael C. Hall is, but in an instant, in the blink of an eye, Hall takes Dexter from fooling the world with his charm to cold blooded killer and you can have no doubt which Dexter you’re facing. However, last season’s storyline was a bit lackluster, despite some surprising events, so if he loses the category over Hugh Laurie, I would understand.

Bryan Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad – I was very disappointed with Bryan Cranston’s win last year, but I only saw a couple of episodes of the series and probably not in the right order. I was talking to a friend and he said that he thought that Bryan Cranston deserved the win last year because his character is not only so different from the ones he’s played in th epast, but that he is finally showing his chops in this dramatic role. So I have the entire season one on standby and waiting to get season 2, but based on what I’ve seen, I still say no to Cranston.

Simon Baker as Patrick Jane in The Mentalist – While I don’t think that Baker deserves this award over Michael C. Hall or Jon Hamm, I definitely think he deserves to be on the list with his portrayal of Patrick Jane. Maybe it is because he didn’t have as much time to show the depth of emotions that this character has (I can only think of 2 episodes where we actually see that his hatred of Red John goes very, very deep – versus assume, since RJ killed his wife and child), but I found that Baker brought a great deal more levity and made us believe Patrick Jane was capable of the surprising things he was known for doing. Maybe next year, as the season unfolds, as we begin to get closer to Red John, maybe we will plumb the depths of Patrick Jane, but brilliant start, Mr. Baker!

Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men – Maybe it’s because we have all wanted to Draper some shit, maybe it’s because his character has a lot of depth, but he is one of two actors I wouldn’t mind winning this category over Michael C. Hall. Also, I am voting for him for guest actor in a comedy because he was funny as hell on 30 Rock. And if he’s living in a bubble on Mad Men, it will be striking, and very entertaining, if and when that bubble breaks.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Mariska Hargitay as Dt. Olivia Benson in Law and Order: SVU – I haven’t watched SVU in a while. And by in a while, I mean I’ve only been watching the show on USA when they show like the first two seasons over and over again. So, that being said, I like Mariska Hargitay and if she won, I think I would be okay with that.

Sally Field as Nora Walker in Brothers and Sisters – I’ve only seen 4 episodes of Brothers and Sisters: the first three episodes of the first season and one from this current season. The only person I liked in each one was Sally Field. I can think of at least two other entrants that should win over Sally Field and I’m going to talk about them in just a few seconds.

Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson in The Closer – Kyra Sedgwick is my pick for the Emmy in this category. If it went to Elizabeth Moss, I would also be okay. Kyra Sedgwick’s Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson is a bad mutha-shut-your-mouth! She brought her whole team from dissension to compliance in season one just because she was just that damn good at her job. Then she solidified the connection, making them all know she had their back if they effed up. Then she made them a team with each other, so much so that when one was shot saving the other, it became a blood bond as solid as the blood and spit you and your best friend shook on when you were 7. When two people started dating and then got their emotions so tangled up they couldn’t do their jobs, they didn’t mind that they weren’t as connected in the job, they worried that they would upset their boss, who was Brenda Leigh Johnson. Yeah, she was a bad ass and Kyra Sedgwick made her so. Vote for Kyra!

Elizabeth Moss as Peggy Olson in Mad Men – Peggy is the strongest wall flower I’ve ever seen on television. I mean, the only times you really notice her is when she finally stands up for herself. I think that wall flower persona is a calculated action on the part of the writing and the actress and I think that is what makes Elizabeth Moss’s inclusion in this category worth it.

Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko in Saving Grace – Grace was a drinking, sexing, lunatic driving, goddess of a character. Also, her show got canceled. I loved Holly Hunter as Grace, loved the characters, but I didn’t like the pace of the show and found myself watching it less and less as the series went on. Holly Hunter’s performance, however, was very compelling. A vote for her wouldn’t be a vote in vain.

Glenn Close as Patty Hewes in Damages – Patty Hewes is a cold hearted bitch, and yes, that’s a compliment to Glenn Close’s portrayal. I loved how you didn’t know if she was the good guy or the bad guy and sometimes, neither did the show. They just followed this character wherever she was going and it was a fun ride. I found, however, that I didn’t like the show as much and watched only a few episodes here and there. I know the show shouldn’t distract me from the acting, but it does influence how strongly I believe the character should be rewarded.

In all of this, I know that I haven’t seen some of the shows. And to be honest, neither has many of the voters. They may see a clip or an episode and even if it’s the best clip/episode in the world, it still isn’t the same as watching the show and become attached to the characters.

So who did you become attached to? Do you agree with me that Bryan Cranston doesn’t deserve his nomination or do you think I’m an idiot and should get my television watching license revoked? Who do you think has been left off of the nomination list? Who would you like to see on there next year? Let’s get this Emmy party started, right!

The 61st Prime Time Emmy Awards is September 20, 2009 at 8pm on CBS. So, to fill the time until you have to wait in eager anticipation for your favourite actor or show to lose to someone or some show you could care less about watching, I’ll give you a heads up on the more popular Emmy categories (read: the categories I care about) and nominees so you can take a shot at making your own predictions.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Steve Carell as Michael Scott in The Office – Steve Carell is still funny, but the funnier components of The Office involves Dwight Shrute as played by Rainn Wilson. I love The Office and I think the show is finally getting that brand of humour right, but I just can go with Carell in this category.

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory - Jim Parsons is funny, but I hate.hate.hate The Big Bang Theory. I gave it its three views during the first season. And then people I know and whose opinions I value told me how much they loved the show, so I gave it a few more tries. Still hate the show, but Jim Parsons definitely deserves to be in this category. I’m just not sure he deserves to win.

Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk in Monk – We’ve been watching Tony Shalhoub do his thing and I have to say, this nomination is earned. He was so funny last season. No, I love this character for Shalhoub, but not as funny as a few others in this category.

Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy in 30 Rock – This is the man to beat. I think that Alec Baldwin has gotten funnier and funnier as he moves through the show. 30 Rock is one of those shows that you either find hilarious or annoying. I fall on the “find hilarious” side of that line. And because I don’t let my politics inform my opinion of what is actually funny and what isn’t, I find Baldwin’s eagerness to pick at his own political beliefs to be overwhelmingly hilarious. My vote, if anyone cared, would go to Baldwin because, of this group, he’s been the most consistently funny.

Jemain Clement as Jemain in Flight of the Conchords – I’m the Hiphopapotamus, my rhymes are bottomless… There is no doubt this man is funny. If he were to win, I would not cry or feel like Baldwin got robbed. So get it right, Academy!

Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper in Two and a Half Men - Why is he consistently put in this category? Can they not find anyone else. Is that show really that funny? Do I need to watch it with someone to get the show? I think this show is the one I like the least that I’ve watched the most just trying to figure it out. Like when Taylor Swift beat Prince in Roger Riddle’s Coffee Cake Extravaganza Pop Stars Brackets, I just don’t get other people!

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Sarah Silverman as Sarah Silverman in The Sarah Silverman Program – I’m just not a Sarah Silverman fan. I don’t find her funny at all. That being said, I do acknowledge that she has a lot of comedic traction and as such, if she were to win, I wouldn’t cry, but she doesn’t get my vote.

Toni Collette as Tara Gregson in United States of Tara - Was the Tara character funny? I didn’t even think of this show as a comedy. Buck was kind of funny, since he was a girl, but other than that…

Mary Louise-Parker as Nancy Botwin in Weeds – An incident that shall remain nameless kept me from watching this show. I still have not seen a single episode. I hear Kevin Nealon is good though.

Christina Applegate as Samantha Newly in Samantha Who – Loved Christina Applegate as Samantha. I liked how she could just get in trouble without even thinking about it. And Jean Smart as her mom was even more hilarious. They had a good on screen love hate relationship. I think Christina Applegate could win this category, but I also know that not many people watched the show…

Julia Louise-Dreyfuss as Christine in The New Adventures of Old Christine – While I think Julia Louise-Dreyfus is hilarious, I’m not that big a fan of the show. I watched a few episodes, but when I stopped watching, I didn’t really miss it. Is her husband still with other Christine? Are they trying to get back together? Did her brother and best friend ever get together? Oh! and are the mean moms still mean?

Tina Fey as Liz Lemon in 30 Rock – My favourite in this category, simply because I can’t watch the show and not laugh at her. And the fact that nothing can go right compounds the ridiculous. Like I said, this is a show you either love or find annoying, and if it’s annoying to you, you will completely disagree with me that Fey totally deserves this award.

So what is it folks? Do you think these two categories had the right nominees? Or do you think they made the egregious error of not picking so and so. Let me know your thoughts in the comments and look for the drama series nominees tomorrow.

While we are still basking in the glow of several good finales (House, Supernatural, Grey’s Anatomy) and are still wondering WTF for some (Bones season=great, Bones finale=WTF?), as we look to the summer season as well as dip our toes in the previews for the new fall season shows, we must remember the shows that we left behind.

All canceled show are not deserving of a send off. Life on Mars, Kath & Kim, Dirty Sexy Money, Eleventh Hour, Prison Break, The Riches – I never liked these shows. Their cancellation comes at no great loss to me as a tv viewer.

Yet there are a few shows who lost their lives this season, due to poor rating, that were well written, well acted, and just did an overall great job of keeping me entertained. If it were up to me, I would bring every one of these shows back for several more season.

Life – We didn’t get to see if Charlie Crews was going to fall in love with his partner, or if she would return his love. We know that the only reason he trusted her is because he realized he trusted her. That was a love triangle waiting to happen. And what about Ted? Did he get Mrs. Malcolm Reynolds or didn’t he? I’ll never know and I’ll forever hate that.

Pushing Daisies – The most unique and unusual show on the air, of course it suffered the cancellation fate. People didn’t get how funny Chi McBride was or how great Lee Pace was or how beguiling  and lovely Anna Friel and Kristin Chenoweth were in this delightful fractured fairytale that was one of the best shows on ABC. Oh, how I miss Emerson Cod. And Ned. And Chuck. And Olive Snook. And Lily and Vivian Charles.

The Unusuals – From the first episode, I loved this show. From the second episode, I fell in love with the opening credits. Love that song and the sense of adventure it sets up. What I do not love is that, after only 5 episodes, it was canceled. Not only did it not get enough time for those of us who liked it to talk it up, but it didn’t have a chance to come out of its “new in the middle of the season” slump that wasn’t actually a slump. Everyone that I have turned on to this show likes it. ABC is out of their frakkin’ minds.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles – I know that people feel like there was a good ending to this episode and everything, but I wanted to see John Connor on his own without his mom as he grows into a man. I wanted to see how he would be brought back to the “past/present” and how what he gained from the future would aid in the salvation of the planet. I mean, that’s what I wanted to see. I hate that more people didn’t watch it because the finale was off the chain. I’m just sayin’.

Kyle XY – This one is for nostalgia sake. I grew up in a shitty household, to be frank. I always wanted a tv family. So whenever I get one that also had a good story (and I didn’t mind the bit of sci-fi thrown in either), I like to keep watching. I know that I will get other shows, but I miss the Traegers and Kyle. I wish I could get at least one more season of Kyle XY without the surprise cancellation.

Other shows that aren’t coming back:

ABC

Cupid
Eli Stone
In the Motherhood
Samantha Who?

CBS

Harper’s Island
The Unit
Without a Trace
Worst Week

FOX

King of the Hill
Sit Down, Shut Up

NBC

Kings
Knight Rider
Law & Order: CI:
Lipstick Jungle
Medium
My Name is Earl

The CW

Everybody Hates Chris
The Game
Privileged
Reaper

If you know of any other shows that have been canceled, that you miss or that you won’t miss drop a line in the comments.