You can't please everyone! Once again the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has proven that point. On Thursday morning, the nominees for the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced and, as always, there was a fair mix of shocking snubs and surprise inclusions.
At first glance, the best drama group appears as it should: "Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones," "Homeland," and "Downton Abbey" were all deserving shoo-ins. And "House of Cards"? Who could argue with that?
But "Mad Men"? After the last two frustrating seasons, even some fans of the series have to wonder if it really deserved that nod. After all, "The Walking Dead" and "Boardwalk Empire" are still in their prime by comparison.
As for the talent in drama, there were a few jaw dropping omissions there. Neither Julianna Margulies ("The Good Wife") nor Katey Sagal ("Sons of Anarchy") made the outstanding lead actress list. But the surprise inclusion of "Bates Motel's" Vera Farmiga almost makes up that disappointment. Her "Bates Motel" performance has been surprisingly sympathetic at times, allowing the audience to actually feel for Norma Bates — the woman largely responsible for making a monster.
For supporting ladies, the big oversight was would-have-been first-time nominee Monica Potter ("Parenthood.") Thanks to an emotional breast cancer storyline last season, Potter provided and Emmy-worth scene in nearly every episode. If ever there was a year that was "her" year, it was this. At least, Morena Baccarin ("Homeland"'s tortured wife Jessica Brody) made it in her stead.
For the fellas, Michael C. Hall ("Dexter") and Steve Buscemi ("Boardwalk Empire") are the ones missing without a good cause. A nice surprise would have been seeing Kevin Bacon make the list for his freshman season of "The Following" for his dark and divided portrayal of FBI man Ryan Hardy (and maybe just for bringing his big screen presence to the small screen). But with such stiff competition in the category -- including nearly everyone's favorite for the win, Bryan Cranston ("Breaking Bad") -- that doesn't quite count as a snub.
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2013 Emmy nominees
In comedy, the only show that failed to make the cut that possibly deserved it was the critically-praised-and-panned "Arrested Development." (But don't feel too sorry for the online network that released it. Netflix took a hefty 14 nods across all the categories.) The surprise in this category — which is only a surprise after last year's oversight — was that "Louie," Louis C.K.'s groundbreaking FX comedy, made it.
The leads were well represented in comedy, with Zooey Deschanel's ("New Girl") absence being eased by the unexpected nom for Edie Falco ("Nurse Jackie"). And Jon Cryer's ("Two and a Half Men") lack of nomination, after he won in the same category in 2012, being equally assuaged by the Don Cheadle's nod for "House of Lies."
But there's no righting the wrong that happened in the supporting actor in comedy roundup. Last year's winner, Eric Stonestreet, is no where to be seen, while his castmates Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O'Neill, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen and Sophia Vergara all scored nominations. Guess the line has to be drawn somewhere.
Really, though, the biggest snub of the day had nothing to do with the Academy overlooking a particular show or actor. It was bigger than that. Broadcast networks were snubbed. Sure, they got their due where sitcoms are concerned, as they always do, but for the second year running, the old guard didn't get any recognition when it comes to dramas, miniseries and movies.
What did you think of the newest Emmy nominees? Who didn't make the list but should have? Who was the biggest surprise inclusion? Click "talk about it" below and tell us your thoughts.