Emmy Show Stutters and Repeats Itself Ad Nauseam — It’s Time to Vote In Our Own Unsung Favorites

Last night’s Emmy telecast was so dull, so soulless, so unadventurous in its choices (Mad Men excepted) that viewers could be forgiven for thinking the television academy had aired a repeat of last year’s snoozefest. Yes, Neil Patrick Harris made a livelier host than last year’s wooden reality show contingent. His opening parody song hit paydirt, and I smiled broadly when Harris reprised the character from his Web series, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, to skewer an Internet future in which we glue ourselves to small computer screens that freeze while a spinning wheel tells us it’s “Buffering.” But watching the “Buffering” wheel would be preferable to suffering through time-warp choices (Jon Cryer wins best supporting actor for the six-year-old sitcom Two and a Half Men — Really? Really), absurd snubs (Drew Barrymore and Kevin Bacon, you guys were robbed), and the umpteenth victory for The Amazing Race. “Upsets at every turn,” quipped Harris. I wish.

For the rare fresh choice — Toni Collette for United States of Tara, Cherry Jones for 24 — came dozens of echoes. Is it because TV offered no viable alternatives to the old guard? I think not. Even the trashy Golden Globes have a keen nose for newer, more vital stuff. As a call to arms, I’ve decided to hand out my own Alternative TV Awards to people and shows that Emmy didn’t even nominate.

Best Series: True Blood

Best Comedy: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Best Actress: Edie Falco in Nurse Jackie tied with Anna Paquin in True Blood

Best Actor: David Duchovny in Californication

Best Supporting Actress: Christina Hendricks in Mad Men

Best Supporting Actor: Alexander Skarsgard in True Blood tied with John Mahoney in In Treatment

Best Variety: Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson

OK, your turn. Give your unsung favorites some attention. It’s fun and, like all harmless revenge, therapeutic:

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