'The Good, the Bad, and the Emmys'

It’s Saturday, and I realize the Emmys were on nearly a weekago, but I can’t just not write about them. As you know, I love my award shows — and I’d say the Emmys are my favorite, simply for the entertainment factor. And so, since many people are still talking about what went down last Sunday, here’s my take with the second annual ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Emmys.’

THE GOOD

• Although I wasn’t psyched with JaneLynch as host, her opening number was decent. Not as good as Jimmy Fallon was last year, but Lynch had her moments. The opening had her traveling through an apartment building that happened to house every TV show out there, all while showcasing her “Glee-ful” chops with a tune called “TV is a Vast Wonderland.”

There were cameos from characters Ari Gold of “Entourage,” Doug Benson of “Weeds,”and personalities Randy Jackson from “American Idol,” Andy Richter of “Conan” and even the guys behind “Mythbusters” — Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman. And let’s not forget Leonard Nimoy himself playing the part of Mr. President of Television.

It was a neat concept, especially when Lynch stopped in on “The Big Bang Theory” and had some fun with the piped-in laugher effect. Another highlight was when she made her way over to “Mad Men.” Lynch told those ad executives of the ’60s that, in 2011, you can watch TV on your phones and even fast-forward through commercials. To which, Don Draper (Jon Hamm) responds: “You’re gonna turn around, you’re gonna walk out of here and we’re going to pretend like we never

met you.”

Overall, it was a tad on the long side, which Lynch even admitted in her song, but it worked for the most part, and got the show off to a good start.

• Congrats to the cast and crew of “Modern Family.” This ABC comedy is a personal fave, and the show and its team swept the comedy category. In total, the show picked up five wins — including Outstanding Comedy Series, Supporting Actor — Ty Burrell, Supporting Actress — Julie Bowen, Writing, and Directing.

After their fourth win, Lynch put it best: “Welcome back to the ‘Modern Family’ awards. We’ve decided to throw them into the drama category to see what happens.”

• Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon presenting the award for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. While on stage, they discussed whether Fallon had a speech ready in case he won for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series, in which he was nominated. Fallon denied saying that “The Daily Show” would surely win.

Having his suspicions, Kimmel leaps on Fallon and after a small struggle pulls an acceptance speech out of Fallon’s pocket. Kimmel reads it out loud, and at the conclusion of Fallon’s written speech, it states “But most of all, I want to thank Jimmy Kimmel. Jimmy has been there for me since day one — he’s the kindest and most supportive person in my life. He would never mock me or belittle me, especially in a large public venue such as this. I love you, Jimmy Kimmel.” Though obviously staged, Kimmel appeared slightly embarrassed but humbled all the same. Well played boys.

• A pre-taped skit involving the cast of “The Office” with numerous other TV characters making appearances and talking to the camera as the members of “The Office” do on a weekly basis.

Appearances from characters Jessie Pinkman of “Breaking Bad,” Tracy Jordan of “30 Rock,” and Roger Sterling of “Mad Men,” and a conclusion with Ashton Kutcher thinking he’s the new manager of Dunder Mifflin made for quite a laugh.

• “Mad Men” winning — for the fourth year in a row — the award for Outstanding Drama Series. The show’s fourth season was its best yet, so here’s to season 5 — you can’t come soon enough.

• The nominees for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for being original. As each of their names were announced — Amy Poehler, Martha Plimpton, Laura Linney, Tina Fey, Edie Falco and Melissa McCarthy — they descended upon the stage as if they were beauty pageant contestants. When McCarthy took home the win (a surprise one at that), she was also handed a tiara and roses to complete the look.

• This joke from “Modern Family” co-creator Steve Levitan as he accepted the award for Outstanding Comedy Series: He stated that a gay couple approached him and said “You’re not just making people laugh; you’re making them more tolerant. And I thought to myself, ‘Well, they are right; we are showing the world that there is absolutely nothing wrong with a loving, committed relationship between an old man and a hot young woman.’ And looking around this room tonight, I see many of you agree.”

• Kate Winslet wins Lead Actress in a Miniseries for “Mildred Pierce.” She’s now one Tony award away from completing the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony award). And I have a feeling she’ll have no trouble doing so.

• This joke from Jane Lynch: “Some people wonder why I’m a lesbian.” Without skipping a beat: “Ladies and gentlemen, the cast of ‘Entourage.’ ”

THE BAD

• The Emmytones: Before each category, a group of TV stars introduced the overall genre (Comedy, Drama, etc. etc.) in a sing-song chorus style. The group consisted of Joel McHale of “Community,” Zachary Levi of “Chuck,” Kate Flannery of “The Office,” Cobie Smulders of “How I Met Your Mother,” Taraji P. Henson of “Person of Interest,” and … Wilmer Valderrama of “That ’70s Show”? All five others are current TV stars. Wilmer Valderrama — why were you there? Did Ashton hook you up or something? Either way, it was an unnecessary gag.

• Steve Carrell losing out on forever winning an Emmy for his role as Michael Scott on “The Office.” He’s been nominated six times, and this was his last chance. Instead Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory” won Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for the second year in a row.

MODERATE

• For the ninth consecutive year, “The Daily Show” won for Outstanding Variety Show, despite many other great contenders including the likes of Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Bill Maher and “Saturday Night Live.”

I said it last year, and I’ll say it again: Spread the wealth, Jon Stewart. “The Daily Show” is a great show, with smart writing, I know. But other people are funny and clever too! Maybe after they win next year, they’ll give it a rest with 10 and retire out of the category.

• Kyle Chandler of “Friday Night Lights” picks up Lead Actor in a Drama. Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad” has won the last three years, deservedly so, but unfortunately the fourth season was not eligible in time for this year’s awards. So with Cranston out of the picture, this was the category to which many thought long-overdue nominees such as “Mad Men’s” Jon Hamm, Michael C. Hall of “Dexter” or Hugh Laurie of “House” would finally win. Throw in Steve Buscemi of “Boardwalk Empire” and Timothy Olyphant of “Justified” and you’ve got quite a list of contenders.

But the underdog won it — and I say good for him. After all, it was the last season for “Friday Night Lights,” and although I’ve never watched the show, all I’ve ever heard for it is praise.

• Charlie Sheen returned to present, as he said, his former category — Lead Actor in a Comedy. He was surprisingly subdued, and even took the time to wish his former “Two and a Half Men” colleagues the best with their new season. “From the bottom of my heart, I wish you nothing but the best for this upcoming season. I know you will continue to make great television.”
What now? Where’s the crazy Sheen from six months ago? Cleaned-up Sheen is not nearly as amusing but good for him. Here’s hoping he comes back to television with a bang.