Emmys 2011

Host Jane Lynch couldn't quite save the night

Modern Family once again reigned over the Comedy category

I like to think of myself as a amateur connoisseur of television. I ingest half-hour sitcoms like candy, and marathon through seasons of hour-long dramas like I’ve got nothing better to do with my time. And, as a consequence, I love it when my favorite shows head off to an awards ceremony. The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, held on the blistering hot LA night of September 18, were possibly the most bipolar awards I’ve seen in years. And while they could have made for an enjoyable night, I spent most of the time cringing for all of the awkward comedy and repeat winners.

The night started off on a fairly flat note. Host Jane Lynch began an extensive song and dance number under the premise that all of the people working in television live in the same building together. Lynch wandered in to multiple different sets of popular shows, such as Mad Men, and The Big Bang Theory. The comedy was only moderately funny, and mostly just seemed like a pile of jokes were flung against the wall, and nothing completely stuck. Once the pre-taped portion was over, Lynch came out singing with dancers in a choreographed routine that could barely hold my interest.

Then we headed into the comedy category, after a brief original musical introduction by “The Emmytones”, a group of television actors who looked awkward while singing, but adorable once they were just standing there. (I blame the silly grins of Community’s Joel McHale and Chuck’s Zachary Levi for the most part.) Right off the bat, Modern Family took home the first three trophies of the night. Which, given the history of the show, was pretty much expected. The real surprise of the night was Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (the voters for these particular awards) finally recognizing Friday Night Lights, possibly one of the most underrated shows of all time. In a move that can only make fans and critics happy, the final season of the critically acclaimed show won for Best Writing of a Drama Series (Jason Katims) and Best Lead Actor in a Drama (Kyle Chandler). Although fans are undoubtedly miffed at the snub of Connie Britton for Best Leading Actress in a Drama, they should still go away happy to be able to call their beloved show as “Emmy award winning”.

The highlight of the night for myself was the presentation of Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy. Instead of the nominees staying in their chairs, acknowledging the camera in their face for reaction shots, all of the nominees climbed up on stage, ala a Miss America pageant. (Special kudos to Tina Fey, who attempted to kiss her 30 Rock costar,  a faux disgruntled Jack McBrayer.) And when surprise winner Melissa McCarthy from Mike & Molly was crowned victor of this year’s race, she literally was crowned. Complete with roses and an tiara, McCarthy gave a tearful speech that I found adorable and endearing. I’ve enjoyed her work since Gilmore Girls, but have yet to check out Mike & Molly. But considering the heavyweights in the category, she must be doing something right.

But, at the end of the day, predictability won over the competition. Mad Men continued into its fourth straight win in the Best Drama category, while Modern Family got its second consecutive win for Best Comedy. It sort of felt like I was just watching the recorded version of last year’s ceremony. The same people were on the stage at the end of the night, and the same speeches were made. I’m all for the Academy celebrating the excellence of their peers, but only if we change up every once and awhile what “the best” is. Overall, the night took me on an emotional roller coaster, and by the end, I just wanted off.

Here's a complete list of the 2011 Emmy winners.