So, let's talk about drama, where Julianna Margulies, star of CBS' "The Good Wife," won for lead actress, and Kyle Chandler, of "Friday Night Lights," a co-production of DirecTV and NBC, for lead actor. (The show also won for writing.)
Even in movies and miniseries, a category where HBO could expect to dominate, PBS' "Downton Abbey" gave "Mildred Pierce" a run for its money, pulling in the Emmy for outstanding movie or miniseries as well as awards for writing and directing and for supporting actress Maggie Smith.
That's an awful lot of award-winning television you didn't have to pay to watch last year.
As always, there were awards that couldn't be squeezed into even a three-hour show (hosted on Fox by "Glee" star Jane Lynch):
Least convincing rehabilitation: Charlie Sheen, for those carefully scripted words of encouragement to his former "Two and a Half Men" colleagues: "From the bottom of my heart, I wish you nothing but the best for this upcoming season." Note: Demand immediate scan of Sheen's heart, refuse to buy a used anything from this man.
Most understandable wardrobe choice: "Modern Family" supporting actress winner Julie Bowen, for a gown that was way, way lower in the front than in the back. Not the first time a working mom has left the house with her dress on backwards.
Second most understandable: Lynch's decision to wear gowns (and more than one, at that) instead of a tuxedo. Because, yeah, she's gay. But she's also 6-feet tall, and who wants to waste a body like that on basic black?
Least understandable: Margulies' opting for a dress that she apparently didn't expect to have to climb stairs in. I mean, she obviously prepared an acceptance speech? Why not at least make sure her dress could easily make it to the stage?
