The Good, the Bad and the Emmys

I'm a sucker for awards shows. I practically watch them all, no matter how pathetic or drawn-out they are. Anything from the "MTV Video Music Awards" to the "Guys' Choice Awards" on Spike TV. I'm there.

And so, as most know, the Emmys started off the awards season Sunday. And I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Usually there are a few laughs here and there, the award recipients are predictable, and it drags on for what seems like forever. But all of those statements rang false this year. Overall, there was more good than bad. Here's my recap of the star-studded night.

THE GOOD

• Jimmy Fallon: He stuck to what he does best - musical parodies. Just as he did when he hosted the "MTV VMA's" back in 2002, he did it just as well here. From the opening Bruce Springsteen opening number, to his farewell songs to "24" (Elton John's "Candle in the Wind"), "Law & Order" (Boyz II Men's "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday) and "Lost (Green Day's "Good Riddance"), Fallon pulled it off.
  
  
• "Modern Family": It's one of the best new comedies out there, if not the best. I absolutely adore this show, and each and every cast member is funny in their own way. It's one of the few shows that will make you laugh out loud. And I'm glad to see the Academy gave credit where it's due. Major awards went out to Eric Stonestreet for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series; Chris Levitan and Christopher Lloyd (Yes, the same Christopher Lloyd currently performing at The Weston Playhouse) for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series; and Outstanding Comedy Series.
  
  
• George Clooney: For his humanity work, he won the Bob Hope Award. For his comedic work, he pulled off a wonderful skit involving the cast of "Modern Family." For "Family Guy" lovers out there, Stewie Griffin plays a small role in the skit too. YouTube it; you won't regret it.
  
  
  
• Jon Hamm and Betty White: The "Mad Men" star and White took part in some risky dance moves together in the opening number in order to prep for a "Glee"-inspired performance, along with Tina Fey, Jane Lynch, Hurley from "Lost," and Joel McHale of "Community," among others.
  
  
• This joke from Jimmy Fallon: "NBC asking the host of 'Late Night' to come to Los Angeles to host a different show ... what could possibly go wrong?" Fallon asks. A quick pan to Conan O'Brien, Fallon continued, "Too soon?"
  
  
• Ricky Gervais: His witty banter is always top notch. And he gave out free beer.

THE BAD

• Tweet Intros: Fallon tried out a new gag. Let's have people send in what they think of the presenters, and we'll read them out loud before they go on stage - Tweet style (under 140 characters or less). Didn't work as well as everyone had hoped. Turns out fans aren't that funny. At least they scrapped the gag half way through the show.
  
  
• Cutting off acceptance speeches: I don't care how long the show goes, no matter who the recipient is, I always stand by the fact that everyone should get their time to thank whomever they wish without getting rudely interrupted. I think we can all handle it. Unfortunately, "Mad Men" writer Matthew Weiner was a casualty of the night when accepting for Outstanding Writer for a Drama Series.

MODERATE

• Jane Lynch wins Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her role as Sus Sylvester on "Glee": I love Jane Lynch. And I love her character on "Glee." But I don't love "Glee." It just doesn't do it for me, sorry. Yes, the cast can sing well. And I get that Ryan Murphy (the show's creator) is trying something new out, so bravo to that. But the plot lines are weak, and the musical covers, meh. Anywho, cheers to Lynch, she deserves it.
  
  
• The made for TV movie "Temple Grandin" winning back-to-back-to-back-to-back awards: It's a great story based on the autistic professor and doctor of animal science, but the four wins in a row, with repetitive acceptance speeches, made me want to take a snack break. Congrats on the wins, but the Emmys need to find a better way to space out similar categories.
  
  
• "Mad Med" winning for Outstanding Drama Series: I love "Mad Men" as much as the next person. It's classy. But I love "Dexter," "True Blood," and "Breaking Bad" so much more. Those shows are darker, gritter and more fun.
  Unfortunately, the Academy is stuck in the '50s for this category. Luckily, "Dexter" picked up Outstanding Director in a Drama Series and Brian Cranston of " Breaking Bad" won his third Emmy in a row for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, as well as Aaron Paulso winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. So I guess things even out.
  "True Blood" didn't have the same luck though. Maybe next year.
  

• "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" winning for the eighth time in a row for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series: I love Jon, but share the wealth.
  
  

Hopefully the Emmys start off a precedent of well-done awards shows to come this season.