Quality Wins

But I'm positively geeked about the inclusion of Zeljko Ivanek of "Damages," who managed to muscle his way into best supporting actor in a drama, making it a six-man race. Ted Danson's performance in "Damages" seemed an obvious finalist, and I'd feared there may not be room for the both of them. So kudos to ATAS for recognizing Ivanek's layered, deeply sad performance. I'm also pleased that the academy realized what I've known since the first time I watched it: "Heroes" is terrible. After somehow getting eight nominations last year (from which the show took home nothing), the show's nomination take was slashed to three noms this year, all of which came in technical categories. Patience, Milo Ventimiglia, patience.

Narrowing down a list of Emmy nominees is a sloppy science, but if this year's nominees are any indication, we're getting closer to a system that works. Now let's see if September's winners' list is as heartening.

© 2008