The Safe House - Expositions

If my life were like a one hour television drama, everything interesting would happen to me Wednesdays at 9 p.m. or Thursdays at 10 p.m. (but not on Tuesday nights when there's way too much competition).

Not only would I never be without a date, but I'd always be embroiled in some steamy love triangle (hmmm ... who will it be today Noah Wyle or Goran Visnjic? I simply can't decide). I'd have to work, but not too hard, unless, of course, I was in a workplace drama. Then I would always solve the crime, examine the evidence, cure the patient, slay the demon and litigate the case all while flirting coquettishly with my co-workers.

The downside would be that I would always be in some sort of crisis -- I'd have a disease, someone I know would be dying, close friends would move away and I'd completely forget about them, I'd develop a drug addiction, find the strength to stay sober and then fall off the wagon. The list goes on and on.

What am I talking about? Today's column isn't about me. Here's my list of who I think should be nominated for an Emmy in the drama categories.

Outstanding Drama Series

* "24"
* "Alias"
* "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
* "NYPD Blue"
* "Once and Again"

Sure "24" was flawed. Palmer's kids were the worst actors on prime time (I honestly think Robbie on "7th Heaven" could have done a better job). Teri's amnesia was a poorly thought out plot decision. I'm still not sure if it exactly fits together that Nina was the second mole. But the show took a tricky, never-done-before concept and saw it to completion quite brilliantly. Even with its imperfections, "24's" twisty story arc was a compelling, basically well-acted, and breath-taking ride. This season the much missed "Once and Again," took on Jessie's romantic revelation, Karen's depression, Judy's search for love, Grace's search for acceptance and Eli's apathetic rebellion with a delicate grace. It will be a long time until we see another family drama like this. By the way, it's tough love time. I simply can't include "The West Wing." Last season it became pedantic and predictable -- a mere shadow of its once inspiring self.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

* Michael Chiklis, Vic on "The Shield"
* Dennis Franz, Andy on "NYPD Blue"
* Michael C. Hall, David on "Six Feet Under"
* William L. Petersen , Grissom on "CSI"
* Kiefer Sutherland, Jack on "24"

"24" would never have worked if we didn't want to follow every move Sutherland, with his hangdog, deadpan style, made. As the simultaneously both good and bad cop, Michael Chiklis simmers underneath a deceptively calm exterior. I wish there was room to include the sinewy Vincent D'Onofrio on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and the wonderful Billy Campbell (Rick on "Once and Again" ). If I didn't think Dr. Greene's death was the most drawn out, laborious thing ever forced upon loyal viewers, I might be able to concede that Anthony Edwards did a good job with his "give me an Emmy" death scenes. I can't get past my bitterness.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

* Kim Delaney, Kathleen on "Philly"
* Jennifer Garner, Sydney on "Alias"
* Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
* Marg Helgenberger, Catherine on "CSI"
* Sela Ward, Lily on "Once and Again"

Gellar and Garner both bear the brunt of their show's believability. If we didn't buy them, we wouldn't have faith in their shows. Garner set the benchmark for bringing emotional gravity to a series where outlandish things constantly happen (effortlessly breaking into the Vatican was my favorite "Alias" plot development). Delaney created a character that made us forget about Diane Russell (although I still can't forgive her for missing Danny's funeral). As much as I'm going to miss my favorite co-eds, I didn't think Keri Russell's performance was not strong enough to be included in this list.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

* Alexis Denisof, Wesley on "Angel"
* Jamie Denton, Ripley on "Philly"
* Victor Garber, Jack on "Alias"
* James Marsters, Spike on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
* Ron Rifkin, Sloane on "Alias"

Rifkin is deliciously evil on "Alias." He concurrently convinces us of his cruelty and vulnerability. This season on "Angel," Wesley fiercely tried to protect Angel's son and had to live with the disastrous consequences of his actions. Distraught and abandoned by all those who loved him, Wesley hit rock bottom (what would you call sleeping with Lilah?). We had to be willing to follow Wesley on his downward spiral and we were. Again, I'm so disheartened by "The West Wing," that I can't include Bradley Whitford or Richard Schiff on the list. I'm sorry they have to suffer for their show's foibles.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

* Alyson Hannigan, Willow on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
* Leslie Hope, Teri on "24"
* Charlotte Ross, Connie on "NYPD Blue"
* Susanna Thompson, Karen on "Once and Again"
* Evan Rachel Wood, Jessie on "Once and Again"

Thompson and Wood gave two of the best performances seen on television this season. That Wood possesses such talent and can harness such depth and breadth of emotion at such a young age is remarkable. All the children on "Once and Again" were fabulous (I wish there was room to nominate every single one of them, especially the wonderful Julie Whelan), but there were several times this season where Wood's performance literally took my breath away. Hope was realistic no matter what preposterous thing happened to her character. If there were room for more that five nominations, I'd include Lauren Ambrose (Claire on "Six Feet Under") and Sarah Clarke (Nina on "24"). If I was in a really forgiving mood, I'd include Allison Janney (C.J. on "The West Wing"). Truth be told, I still kind of want to be C.J. when I grow up.

Agree? Disagree? Who would you nominate for an Emmy in the drama categories? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk about it on the TV Gal Message board. And don't forget to participate in Zap2It's Emmy Shadow Poll.

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