Rolling The Dice on the Emmys

I have no crystal ball to peer into the future. I have no psychic powers to peer into the minds of voters of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (and I'm not sure I'd have the mental fortitude to withstand that anyway). I do have a heart that has its favourites, a head that processes what more knowledgeable critics think, and a random number generator. I figure that last one is just as accurate a predictor as trying to apply rationality to an irrational process, so join me as my heart, head, and computer attempt to predict the unpredictable Emmy awards.

Drama Series

1. Boston Legal
2. Damages
3. Dexter
4. House
5. Lost
6. Mad Men

Heart: House will always have a piece of my heart. But this season wasn't its strongest, plus ...Head: I think Mad Men is a lock. Though I'm not as sold as all the salivating critics, but I don't think it would be undeserved, either. Random Number Generator: 1, Boston Legal. Right out of the gate, I hate the random number generator. I don't hate the show, but I don't get it as anything other than a guilty pleasure, either.

Actor in a Drama Series

1. Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
2. Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
3. Michael C. Hall, Dexter
4. Jon Hamm, Mad Men
5. Hugh Laurie, House
6. James Spader, Boston Legal

Heart: Hugh Laurie definitely has my heart. For the Emmy Award, I mean. Head: Laurie is overdue, and Michael C. Hall and Bryan Cranston were amazing, too, but my head's going with Jon Hamm. Mad Men has the buzz and the momentum, and Hamm brings nuance to a role where so much is below the surface. I have turned into a pessimist and have come to think that one day, when House is limping along in its 10th season, voters will finally realize they haven't yet given it to Laurie and reward him when someone else has had stronger material. As long as James Spader doesn't win, I think I can deal with the disappointment. But I don't want to test that theory.Random Number Generator: 1, Gabriel Byrne. I haven't seen In Treatment but he's no slouch as an actor.

Actress in a Drama Series

1. Glenn Close, Damages
2. Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters
3. Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
4. Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
5. Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Heart: These aren't shows I watch, but I've gotta go with Glenn Close, a powerhouse actress in a strong field. Head: Close is an Academy Award nominated movie star, and the Emmys are seduced by big names, so she's got a great chance for a role that apparently uses her talents very well. Random Number Generator: 3, Mariska Hargitay. I can't stand her show, so this is the one pick I'm rooting against.

Article Author: Diane Kristine Wild

Diane runs the TV, Eh? website, a compilation of news about Canadian television. Follow her on Twitter @deekayw for more random thoughts.

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