If I Had an Emmy Ballot: The Best TV of 2011 to 2012

CHICAGO – So you’re an Academy voter who has put off filling out your ballot for the 2011-12 season. I understand. It’s been a ridiculously tough year for me to pick and choose my dream nominees for the major categories and my votes don’t even count. Maybe you want some help? We’re all about charity here. As someone who’s seen more TV in the last year than most people do in their lives, let me guide the way.

First and foremost, we need to recognize that it’s been an AMAZING year for television. It was one of the strongest in the history of the medium as great series and performances kept popping up out of nowhere. There’s not one category this season that will be as desperate for choices as it has been in the past. And some of them — Best Drama, Best Actress in a Comedy Series, Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series — are arguably more crowded than ever.

While some of the major nominees of year’s past (“Entourage,” “Glee,” “Weeds,” “The Office”) fell far enough down the creative ladder that they should be left out entirely, incredible new offerings took their place in TV’s circle of life. New shows eligible for the first time that should be able to put “Emmy-nominated” on their inaugural season DVD sets include “Veep,” “Girls,” “Enlightened,” “American Horror Story,” “New Girl,” “Suburgatory,” “House of Lies,” “Homeland,” “Smash,” and “Luck.”

How do you make these tough decisions without a little help? Let me do my best for 11 major categories…

OUTSTANDING MOVIE/MINI-SERIES

Before you draft your email about the absence of Ryan Murphy’s brilliant “American Horror Story” from this year’s nominees, make sure to look at the movie/mini-series categories where I expect the show to deservedly DOMINATE. With the news that the program would have a fresh cast of characters every year, it technically qualified it as a mini-series instead of a drama. It should make stiff competition for HBO’s incredible “Game Change” and PBS’s brilliant “Sherlock.” Latex sex monsters, Sarah Palin, and Dr. Watson — it’s been a unique year for this category that should see some more fun nominees than usual. You’ll have to find a different time to take a pee break during the awards show.

“American Horror Story” (FX)
“Game Change” (HBO)
“Great Expectations” (PBS)
“Hatfields and McCoys” (History)
“Luther” (BBC)
“Sherlock” (PBS)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Adam Driver of Girls Photo credit: HBO

Last year, they might as well have just renamed this the “Modern Family” ensemble award. Eric Stonestreet won it in 2010 and Ty Burrell took the prize last year alongside three of his fellow cast members — Stonestreet, Ed O’Neill, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. I love “Modern Family.” You’ll see it throughout this feature. But, come on people, this category is too crowded with talent to allow one show to take up 2/3rds of it (especially since it wasn’t the program’s strongest season).

There are SO many great comedy ensembles on TV right now that it just doesn’t make sense to let one show dominate this coveted category. So, here’s my suggestion — pick one supporting actor. Spread the love. Pick ONE gentleman from “Modern Family” to represent the show. My pick? Eric Stonestreet had the strongest year, getting to play Cam’s adoption arc with a wonderful blend of excitement and fear.

With my suggestion of leaving Burrell, Ferguson, and O’Neill for next year and the fact that Jon Cryer has moved to Lead Actor, it leaves space for a ton of new blood. I would also axe Chris Colfer, a nominee for the last two years. While Colfer is arguably the best thing about “Glee,” the show has gone so far downhill and the comedy genre is so accomplished right now that it’s time to move on. Ryan Murphy will dominate the Movie/Mini-Series category with “American Horror Story” and that should be enough love for him. Let’s leave “Glee” behind.

Five new spots. Where do we look? The ensemble of “Community” is certainly one of the best on TV but I don’t think Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, and Chevy Chase had consistent enough seasons to make the difficult cut. There are similarly strong choices in the cast of “Happy Endings” (I’d be happy with Adam Pally or Damon Wayans Jr.) and the old standby, “30 Rock” (Jack McBrayer & Tracy Morgan). “The Office” was a mess this year but Rainn Wilson had some standout episodes in the second half of the season (especially in Florida). A nod for him wouldn’t be a crime. It’s a TOTAL pipe dream but anyone from FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” or “The League” would be fun. It’s never gonna happen. Finally, there’s the always-hysterical Garret Dillahunt of “Raising Hope.” He’s got no shot (and may be in Lead), sadly, but he’d be a wonderful surprise.

Who does this leave to join Stonestreet? The best comedy ensemble on network TV award goes to “Parks and Recreation” and I’d love to see any of the cast get nominated. (How great would it be if the four-peat nomination this year went to Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Chris Pratt, and Adam Scott instead of the “Modern Family” quartet?) I’ll just pick my favorite two from this stellar season — Offerman and Scott.

FOX’s “New Girl” went from a good show to an often-great one when the writers expanded the focus from their talented lead to the rest of the ensemble. While it first appeared that Jake Johnson’s Nick would be the obvious choice here (and he’d still be a good one), I think Max Greenfield is the way to go. Schmidt is arguably the breakout character of network TV this season.

That leaves two geniuses from HBO comedies, one we knew about and one who was a stunning new surprise. All of those who bow at the altar of Bluth knows that Tony Hale is amazingly talented. His turns in the “sneeze” episode and the Orioles episode of “Veep” were absolutely brilliant. Finally, there’s my true, more-than-anyone long-shot dream — a nod for Adam Driver, the most fascinating character on HBO’s “Girls.” He had the most impressive arc of the season, going from total creep to a fascinating character. He probably won’t make the cut but whoever from the “Modern Family” cast steals his spot should feel guilty.

Adam Driver. “Girls”
Max Greenfield, “New Girl”
Tony Hale, “Veep”
Nick Offerman, “Parks and Recreation”
Adam Scott, “Parks and Recreation”
Eric Stonestreet, “Modern Family”

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Julie Bowen of Modern Family Photo credit: ABC

Many of the ensembles in the previous category should, of course, be represented here and I’d be happier with some repeats from last season than most categories overall. As easy as it was to pick Stonestreet as the best of the men from “Modern Family,” I just can’t choose between Julie Bowen’s election arc and the person who arguably has the best comic timing on the entire show, Sofia Vergara. They both will and should get nominated.

That leaves four spots. While I’ve been somewhat averse to the “Saturday Night Live” nominations in the past, this is the Academy’s last chance to nominate Kristen Wiig, one of the best cast members in the history of the show. They should take that chance.

We’re down to only three spots, which were occupied by Jane Krakowski, Jane Lynch, and Betty White last year. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if all six of the 2012 nominees were exactly the same as the 2011 nominees. But there are better choices.

The cast of “Community” is a fantastic one but, like the men, I can’t exactly argue that Alison Brie, Yvette Nicole Brown, or Gillian Jacobs deserve a nod over some of their competition. And, like Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer surely isn’t to blame for the downfall of “The Office” although she wasn’t nominated for superior seasons and so probably shouldn’t be considered here.

Finally, there’s the cast of the consistently funny “Happy Endings.” Any of the three women — Eliza Coupe, Elisha Cuthbert, and Casey Wilson — would be a lovely surprise. But none stood out enough to break through.

We still have three open spots. How about the three supporting actresses on “Girls”? I’ve argued against the “one show category domination” already so I’m going to pick a favorite to represent all three and suggest Allison Williams. Zosia Mamet was absolutely hysterical when she needed to be and Jemima Kirke was possibly the most interesting of the three but if Williams submitted the penultimate episode of the season for consideration, the one in which she finally told Hannah what she thought of her, this nomination should be a slam dunk.

Two spots left for two very different performers. I’ve loved the way that Aubrey Plaza has matured and developed on “Parks and Recreation.” She’s always had solid comic timing but she developed much more of a fully-rounded character this past season. She’s awesome. And then there’s the great Cheryl Hines, the best thing about “Suburgatory.” Her timing is a thing of beauty, getting laughs in every single episode.

Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Cheryl Hines, “Suburgatory”
Aubrey Plaza, “Parks and Recreation”
Sofia Vergara, “Modern Family”
Kristen Wiig, “Saturday Night Live”
Allison Williams, “Girls”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Louis C.K. of Louie Photo credit: FX

Finally, a category with some space. While Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor are likely to look very similar to last year’s nominees, there’s going to be some change here. The great Matt LeBlanc didn’t have an eligible season of “Episodes” (but should be back here next year) and Steve Carell is no longer on “The Office.” And, hopefully, the Academy will realize that Johnny Galecki is merely good on “Big Bang” but not worthy of a nomination.

Three likely returning nominees are Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K., and Jim Parsons, three men who it’s difficult to have any argument with nominating. In fact, the first two did some of their best work in the 2011-12 season.

While most categories are tough to whittle down to six, this one is actually a little difficult to pump up. Jeremy Sisto is solid on “Suburgatory,” as is Will Arnett on “Up All Night” and even Elijah Wood on “Wilfred” but few would argue they’re Emmy-worthy. Danny McBride rocked on the last season of “Eastbound & Down” but the HBO show was inconsistent and I’ve given up on that suggestion. If you didn’t nominate him for one or two, he’s not getting in for three.

If Galecki is out, LeBlanc is ineligible, and Carrell is trying to seduce Keira Knightley, who’s left? Larry David is eligible again for the great eighth season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and he’s a likely, smart decision. After that, honestly, this category is surprisingly bereft of choices — more so than any on this list. I could easily see the Academy going with Jon Cryer now that he’s reportedly submitted for Lead. Ashton Kutcher seems less likely and choosing Cryer wouldn’t be the end of the world.

If Cryer just misses out, it still leaves two open spots — Joel McHale delivered throughout the season of “Community” and it would be nice to see one member of the cast nominated as a representative (even if it is largely because he’s in the least-crowded category). Finally, there’s the great Don Cheadle on the average “House of Lies.” The show has some issues but his work is strong and any recognition this underrated actor can garner is fine by me. Certainly more so than Johnny Galecki.

Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock”
Louis C.K., “Louie”
Don Cheadle, “House of Lies”
Larry David, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Joel McHale, “Community”
Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Julia Louis-Dreyfus of Veep Photo credit: HBO

On the other end of the talent spectrum from the comedy men is one of the most crowded categories in the history of the Emmys. I’m stunned by the unbelievable amount of choices here, enough so that one could easily field a group of runner-ups that would best most year’s lists of actual nominees. Want me to try?

Christina Applegate, “Up All Night”
Beth Behrs, “2 Broke Girls”
Zooey Deschanel, “New Girl”
Tina Fey, “30 Rock”
Patricia Heaton, “The Middle”
Laura Linney, “The Big C”

Not only do I expect more choices from the list above than from the list below to actually get nominated but I won’t be THAT disappointed. They’re all amazingly talented actress who only fail to make my cut by virtue of working in a great time for women in comedy. The group below those six runner-ups — Melissa McCarthy (a great star but please don’t let her win again), Kaley Cuoco, Krysten Ritter, Kat Dennings, and Mary-Louise Parker.— would be better than some year’s winners. Screw Adam Carolla.

Who rises to the top of this talented group? Well, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that cable comedy has been the most fertile playground for actresses. Linney and Parker have already been mentioned but even better are the stunning Laura Dern for HBO’s “Enlightened” and one of the best actresses in the history of television — Edie Falco on Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie”. They are both very likely, deserving nominees.

Dern shouldn’t be the only HBO nominee. Two of the most interesting comedies of 2012 debuted on the network in the stunning hour block of “Girls” and “Veep” and their stars deserve nods. Lena Dunham may not be the most talented actress in this category but she merits recognition for driving the most talked-about show of the season. Love it or hate it, Dunham is delivering something completely daring and original to the comedy scene. And Julia Louis-Dreyfus should win for “Veep” if she submits the right episodes. She only got better and better as the season went along, ending with her best performance to date.

This leaves two spots and they should be occupied by two of the reasons to still watch network television — Martha Plimpton & Amy Poehler. They rock. ‘Nuff said.

Laura Dern, “Enlightened”
Lena Dunham, “Girls”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”
Martha Plimpton, “Raising Hope”
Amy Poehler, “Parks and Recreation”

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

Parks and Recreation Photo credit: NBC

Let’s play the runner-ups game again. I’d be happy with any of the six shows below getting nominated and yet they just barely miss the cut for the 2011-12 season in my opinion:

“30 Rock” (NBC)
“Happy Endings” (ABC)
“New Girl” (FOX)
“Nurse Jackie” (Showtime)
“Raising Hope” (FOX)
“Veep” (HBO)

Aren’t those better choices than “The Big Bang Theory,” “Glee,” or “The Office,” three shows more likely to repeat than anything above without a number in the title? There are even LONGSHOT nominees like the FX comedies “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Archer,” or “The League” that would be wonderful but they don’t have a shot in comedy Hell.

ABC’s Wednesday night lineup may seem like it’s just “Modern Family” but there’s more to it and it’s arguably been the most consistent night of comedy on TV in the last year. “Modern Family” is surely and deservedly in but “Happy Endings,” “The Middle,” and “Suburgatory” are better than most alternatives.

Which brings us to Thursday nights on NBC, long the staple of this category. “The Office” is out and the revolving door of “Up All Night” and “Whitney” isn’t showing up here. “30 Rock” had one of its strongest seasons but just misses out for me. It would be the 7th nominee if I could expand the category and that’s by virtue of stiff competition not because Fey’s show wasn’t spectacular. “Parks and Recreation” is the best comedy on network television and “Community,” while inconsistent in 2012, is still one of the most original programs on the air. I’ve given up on this actually happening, but I’m still hoping.

What’s left after you slot in “Community,” “Modern Family,” and “Parks and Recreation”? Turn to cable, Emmy voters. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” has been nominated before for lesser seasons and should be so again. And then we have the two most daring, original comedies on TV in not just the last year but of the last several — FX’s “Louie” and HBO’s “Girls.” These two shows have more in common than you probably ever considered in that they’re both written/directed/starring the powerfully talented creative forces behind them. What’s the lesson here? Don’t write for committee or build shows around long casting sheets. Find good writer/actors and unleash their creativity on shows that interest them. And then turn them into multiple Emmy nominees.

“Community” (NBC)
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO)
“Girls” (HBO)
“Louie” (FX)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“Parks and Recreation” (NBC)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMATIC SERIES

Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad Photo credit: AMC

The competition in this category is heartbreaking. You’re going to simply have to leave some talented actors off your ballot. There’s no way around it. You could have twelve nominees here and still keep some award-worthy men from getting that anticipated call on nomination morning.

One possible route is that the Academy could play it very safe. Nominate Josh Charles & Alan Cumming again for “The Good Wife,” Bring Peter Dinklage, last year’s winner for “Game of Thrones” back to the party. Throw in the fantastic Walton Goggins (“Justified”) and John Slattery (“Mad Men”) one more time and replace the departing Andre Braugher (his “Men of a Certain Age” was axed) with the returning Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad”). Call it a day. This would be a solid, admirable list of choices.

But it wouldn’t be the best one. Who would you miss? Let’s start with the co-stars. Slattery had a great year but why not consider the always-underrated Jared Harris for “Mad Men”? And can you really ignore what Giancarlo Esposito and Dean Norris did alongside Aaron Paul this past season on “Breaking Bad”? There are three choices that I would say are better ones than the “Good Wife” boys (although even I’m not willing to give 50% of the category to AMC’s best show…sorry Dean).

And what about new blood? Are you telling me Nick Nolte (“Luck”) and Mandy Patinkin (“Homeland”) are going to do weekly TV and get no consideration at all? For me, Patinkin is a no-brainer. You have to nominate him. (Nolte just misses the cut.)

And what of the people who have just missed out in past seasons like John Noble of “Fringe,” Brendan Sexton of “The Killing” (arguably the best performer on the show this past season), or the great Michael Cudlitz of “Southland”? Or the ENTIRE ensemble of “Boardwalk Empire” (with special citations for the three Michaels — Pitt, Shannon, and K. Williams — all worthy of a nod)?

Seriously, this category is so rich with timeless, remarkable performances that it alone destroys the argument that TV isn’t what it used to be. If you know anyone who still thinks that, they’re just not paying attention.

Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones”
Giancarlo Esposito, “Breaking Bad”
Jared Harris, “Mad Men”
Mandy Patinkin, “Homeland”
Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad”
John Slattery, “Mad Men”

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMATIC SERIES

Christina Hendricks of Mad Men Photo credit: AMC

It may not be as strong a list as its male counterparts but it certainly is stronger than years past (and strong enough that we don’t need to nominate Sharon Gless for “Burn Notice” to fill it again). There are some choices here that would fall into that underrated category, the women who truly support the men who typically end up getting more attention.

Like who? Is “Breaking Bad” going to end without Anna Gunn ever getting nominated? Do you think what Bryan Cranston has done would be as effective without her? And her arc in season four as she took on more of the business aspect of Walter’s job was her best yet. Give her what she’s been due for a few years now. On a similar note, “Justified” crashed the party last year but winner Margo Martindale isn’t eligible any more. Why not consider the stellar Joelle Carter & Natalie Zea? Then there are the supporting actresses who have popped up before but never get quite the credit of their lead counterparts like Rose Byrne (“Damages”) and Jennifer Carpenter (“Dexter”) — both good choices who just miss out for me this year.

Who else deserves consideration but just misses out? It may be tempting to nominate Madeline Stowe for the breakout hit “Revenge” but there are better choices. Dame Maggie Smith seems a likely nominee for the second season of “Downton Abbey” now that it has moved from mini-series to drama but she didn’t stand out this year like she did in the first one. Emilia Clarke would be a pleasantly stunning surprise for “Game of Thrones” and I wouldn’t be too disppointed if last year’s nominee Michelle Forbes landed a spot again for “The Killing.” Of course, there’s aways Christine Baranski & Archie Panjabi but rooting for them to get nominated here is like rooting for the Yankees to make the Playoffs. It’s probably going to happen and sometimes you just want to see some new blood.

This year’s new series blood should include a seasoned veteran of the field along with a relative newcomer. Anjelica Huston is the best thing about “Smash” and while the show went drastically downhill, she delivered enough interesting moments in the first half of the season to represent the program at this year’s awards.

Gunn & Huston — still four spots left. Christina Hendricks should have won this award at least once by now for “Mad Men” and I truly think she’s the odds-on favorite to do so this year. Deservedly. Kelly Macdonald was nominated here last year and was stronger in season two and so she should be again.

It leaves two spots. If anyone in the Academy takes the time to watch the episode of “Southland” in which Regina King’s character questions whether or not she can be a police officer and a mother when she thinks she’s pregnant, I can’t see how they could NOT vote for her. Finally, I think the entire cast of “Homeland” deserves a nomination — one in each category — and so I’m not about to leave the beautiful Morena Baccarin off the list. She was often the emotional anchor of half of the best new drama on TV.

Morena Baccarin, “Homeland”
Anna Gunn, “Breaking Bad”
Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”
Anjelica Huston, “Smash”
Regina King, “Southland”
Kelly Macdonald, “Boardwalk Empire”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMATIC SERIES

Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad Photo credit: AMC

Neither of the dramatic lead categories are as strong as the supporting ones in terms of overall depth but the very top of the list for Lead Actor is incredible. It’s going to be tempting to nominate Hugh Laurie for his final season of “House” and I’ve argued before that Michael C. Hall deserved to win for “Dexter.” Neither should make the cut this year although they just barely miss out. And as much as I love them in general, neither Jeremy Irons (“The Borgias”) nor William H. Macy (“Shameless”) are on shows strong enough to be Emmy-nominated.

There are a few other notable runner-ups who I would place just outside the top six. Two are obvious — Hugh Bonneville should be considered for “Downton Abbey” and Kelsey Grammer is the best thing about Starz’s “Boss.” The show still needs some work so I’d like Grammer to sit out the first season and he can get a nod next year if the show, as I expect, improves. Then there’s the beloved Nathan Fillion, an actor who takes a role on “Castle” that’s much harder than it looks and totally rocks it. He’s terminally underrated. He should be a household name. And, finally, a wave and a thanks to Jason Isaacs, who was consistently interesting on “Awake,” even if the show never took off with viewers.

Grammer, Fillion, Hall, Laurie, Isaacs — all great choices, but not in the top six. Who is? Well, the Academy will have to be investigated for a payola scandal if Steve Buscemi (“Boardwalk Empire”), Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”), and Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) don’t make the list. They deserve to as they’re giving three of the most interesting performances of the last decade. Expect them to be nominated every year that their shows are on the air.

The other three choices are less obvious but clear if you really think about it. As much as it saddens me that “Luck” will not return, it’s impossible to deny how magnetic Dustin Hoffman was on that show. He should get a nod. Damian Lewis is a part of the aforementioned “four actors, four categories” dynamic I’d really like to see for “Homeland”. And that leaves the awesome Timothy Olyphant, an actor who gets more and more confident with every season of the great “Justified.”

Steve Buscemi, “Boardwalk Empire”
Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”
Dustin Hoffman, “Luck”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Damian Lewis, “Homeland”
Timothy Olyphant, “Justified”

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMATIC SERIES

Damien Lewis and Claire Danes of Homeland Photo credit: Showtime

The hardest category to fill for years remains a tough ballot. I really like Mariska Hargitay (“Law & Order: SVU”) as an actress and Kathy Bates (“Harry’s Law”), Kerry Washington (“Scandal”), and Ashley Judd (“Missing”) are better than their shows but I think there are smarter choices for 2012. Hargitay and Bates shouldn’t repeat and Connie Britton is gone as “Friday Night Lights” has ended. That leaves three spots open to match up with obvious choices Mireille Enos (arguably better in season two of “The Killing” than she was in season one), Juliana Margulies (“The Good Wife”), and Elisabeth Moss (“Mad Men”).

Enos, Margulies, and Moss. Who joins them? Debra Messing might seem like a choice for “Smash” but part of the decline in that show’s quality was in her labored infidelity arc. Stana Katic is underrated for “Castle” and Kyra Sedgwick isn’t a bad choice for “The Closer” (although I expect she’s more likely next year for her final season). And then there’s the always-mesmerizing Katey Sagal on “Sons of Anarchy.” She’d be my 7th choice if there was an extra nominee.

So who are the lucky three? AMC has reportedly entered Jessica Pare in lead for “Mad Men” and that would be a truly inspired choice. Megan was one of the most fascinating characters of the year and maybe she’ll sing “Zou Bisou Bisou” at the ceremony. “Damages” may have returned a step down from what it used to be on FX but that’s got nothing to do with what the great Glenn Close brought to the show. She very likely will and should get be the only “Damages” nominee this year. And then there’s the clear winner, in my opinion, the best performance in any category on any show — Claire Danes in “Homeland.” If she’s not nominated, I won’t be watching.

Glenn Close, “Damages”
Claire Danes, “Homeland”
Mireille Enos, “The Killing”
Juliana Margulies, “The Good Wife”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Jessica Pare, “Mad Men”

OUTSTANDING DRAMATIC SERIES

Mad Men Photo credit: AMC

We’re going to do our final category in reverse since there are four shows that are such clear-cut, no-denial, absolute nominees that we’re really only talking about four spots. If “Breaking Bad,” “Game of Thrones,” “Homeland,” and “Mad Men” aren’t nominated, every TV journalist who writes a “biggest snubs” piece will have their headline. The most interesting question is which one of that amazing quartet is going to win?

It leaves two spots. Last year, “The Good Wife” and “Dexter” made the cut and they very well could again but there are better choices. AMC’s “The Killing” was down enough and socially poisonous enough that I don’t think it’s getting a nod. The tide turned on “Smash” as well. Votes for those two shows are probably wasted. As is a vote for “Luck,” a show that arguably deserves a nod but that people will probably want to avoid after bad publicity (except for the Hoffman nod). I would love to see the best cop show on TV — “Southland” — sneak in but it’s very unlikely. More likely choices are the final seasons of “House” or the transplanted “Downton Abbey.” I’d be OK with either.

But they’re not as good as FX’s “Justified” or HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.” I think the third season of the FX show was down a tick from two but it’s still some of the most riveting television on the medium and it should be recognized as such. I have some issues with the writing of “Boardwalk” but EVERY other element — the ensemble, the production design, the cinematography — is stellar. It’s a deserving sixth nominee in a very tight year.

“Boardwalk Empire” (HBO)
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Game of Thrones” (HBO)
“Homeland” (Showtime)
“Justified” (FX)
“Mad Men” (AMC)

Who are your favorites? Who did we forget? Stay tuned all summer for Emmy coverage, including nominations on July 19th, 2012.

[21]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [22] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [21]