The Safe House - Expositions

Yes, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" did manage to get nominated for four Emmys this year: Outstanding Hairstyling, Outstanding Makeup (Prosthetic), Outstanding Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) and Outstanding Music Direction. No, neither star Sarah Michelle Gellar nor show creator Joss Whedon were singled out for recognition.

However, despite the ritualistic snubbing of one of TV's critical darlings and fan favorites (okay, two, "Gilmore Girls" move from the drama to comedy category still didn't translate into potential Emmys), not all of the nominations made on Thursday were the same old same old.

For one thing, several freshman shows, which usually don't make a huge impression right out of the gate, had strong showings -- including the FX series "The Shield" which was recognized for Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Writing and an Outstanding Lead Actor nod to star Michael Chiklis.

HBO's "Six Feet Under" managed to squeeze in two seasons worth of drama since last summer, and as a result scored the most nominations of them all with 23, including nine for performances by Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Rachel Griffiths, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Patricia Clarkson, Lili Taylor and Illeana Douglas.

Of course, there's always that one guy who manages to get overlooked. In this case, it would be Mathew St. Patrick, who plays Keith Charles, the troubled ex-cop, current lover to Hall's David. Jeremy Sisto, who plays the mentally disturbed younger brother to Griffiths' Brenda was also passed over.

NBC's "The West Wing" also appears to be leaving no stone unturned in mining acting talent, as the show managed to snag 12 of its 21 nominations in acting categories.

Gone entirely from the list is Rob Lowe, who was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor last year, while Martin Sheen remains in the category. Allison Janney, who has won in the Outstanding Supporting Actress category for the past two years, moves up to the Outstanding Lead Actress race this year. The other 10 nominees are Dule Hill, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Mary-Louise Parker, Stockard Channing, Janel Moloney, Ron Silver, Tim Matheson and Mark Harmon.

A bright spot in ABC's otherwise dismal year, "Alias" came away with 11 nominations, including one for star Jennifer Garner (who won a Golden Globe in February for the role) and Victor Garber, who plays her father on the show.

"Alias'" strong showing was a bit surprising. While definitely a fun show, many have dismissed it as fluff or a great guilty pleasure, not a carrot on a stick for Emmys.

More in keeping would be the 10 nominations FOX's "24" received. While only star Kiefer Sutherland was singled out from the solid ensemble cast for recognition, the show more than made up for it by also getting a Outstanding Drama Series nod.

This might have been a case of the Academy unconsciously realizing that they should honor the show, before it pulls a "Murder One" and can't live up to its grand idea the second time around.

Freshman comedies didn't fare as well, except for Bernie Mac who's up for Outstanding Lead Actor. NBC's widely praised "Scrubs" only has two nominations -- one for Outstanding Casting and one for Outstanding Directing. The good news being that the show, and the oh-so-deserving John C. McGinley should have plenty of opportunities to take home a statue in the future.

After all, Outstanding Comedy nominee "Curb Your Enthusiasm" received its first nomination ever this year, as it prepares to enter its third season on Sept. 15.

"Malcolm in the Middle's" brilliant Bryan Cranston finally scored an Outstanding Supporting Actor nomination for his role as the under-the-radar father figure on the hit FOX comedy, joining TV-wife Jane Kaczmarek, who received her third Outstanding Lead Actrress nomination for her role as Lois.

Kaczmarek and real-life husband Bradley Whitford (who won last year for "The West Wing") are both nominated again this year. Another married couple, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, are also up for Emmys -- both for roles on "Friends."

FOX's midseason comedy "Andy Richter Controls the Universe," which will get another chance to find an audience next midseaon, is nominated in the Outstanding Writing category, while cancelled series "Emeril," "Family Guy," "Titus" and "Wolf Lake" all managed to find their way into the running as well.

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