Neil Patrick Harris gets nominated, Pushing Daisies impresses, and Damages disturbs
Neil Patrick Harris
Question: I'm so pleased with this year's Emmy picks for supporting actor in a comedy. I had figured that
Neil Patrick Harris would be overlooked, and seeing his name on the list is great. He's truly great in his role and, to me, he's had a harder job than most TV actors, since he had to break the stigma of
Doogie Howser, M.D. I know when the show started, I was convinced he'd still always remain Doogie to me. But Barney really is as awesome as he considers himself to be, and NPH is hilarious. Also, while I adore
The Piven/Ari to no end, I am so happy about
Kevin Dillon being nominated for
Entourage. I feel like the four other guys are too often overshadowed by Piven, so this is great. The only thing I have to complain about in this category is that I don't know who I want to win! Way to go, Emmys, on getting this right! Do you have a favorite, Matt?
— Gina
Matt Roush: This really is one of the more satisfying categories, although some still gripe that
Jon Cryer is a co-lead actor, not a supporting player, in
Two and a Half Men, and I went on record with my reservations about
Rainn Wilson's over-the-top antics as Dwight on
The Office long ago. (Plus, I'm sorry that
John Krasinski isn't on the list.) Still, I love the fact that Neil Patrick Harris and Kevin Dillon broke through (thank you,
Will & Grace, for finally bowing out so
Sean Hayes no longer takes up a slot). Last week I suggested the race is likely to be between Harris and Wilson, but Kevin Dillon is just as viable, and you never want to count out Piven. Really, it's just about anyone's game in this tough category. But personally, I'd love to see it go to Harris. He makes Barney one of TV's most endearing cads since the days when
John Larroquette ruled this category in
Night Court's prime. He is (wait for it) fantastic.
