An infusion of new blood re-energized House, Damages was an edge-of-your-seat, genre-busting delight, and Big Love, which failed to live up to its lofty ambitions in Season 1, became an intricately plotted, insanely addictive and supremely acted treasure in Season 2. But if there's one thing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association likes more than a comeback, it's showing how cool and hip it is. And there's nothing cooler or hipper right now than Mad Men.

Should Win: Big Love
Will Win: Mad Men

I can maybe forgive the inclusion of Entourage, which even at its worst is still pretty damn fun, but Californication? One of the five best comedies? Really? It's also hard to take seriously a category that fails to acknowledge the funniest show on TV (read: Ugly Betty), but I suppose I can look past that since they reserved a spot for Pushing Daisies, which, let's face it, is the show to beat. But for once, the Hollywood Foreign Press should forego the new and go with the newish and near-perfect 30 Rock.

Should Win: 30 Rock
Will Win: Pushing Daisies

What exactly does the Hollywood Foreign Press have against Connie Britton? I mean, they expand this category to include an unheard-of seven actresses and they still can't make room for the best one of 'em all? And to add insult to injury, they nominate Patricia Arquette instead? But ultimately it's Glenn Close's loss — her riveting Damages work is almost sure to net her a win, but without her stiffest competition in the mix, it'll be a hollow victory to be sure.

Should Win: Glenn Close
Will Win: Glenn Close

There may be five nominees here, but make no mistake: This is a three-person race between Hall, Hamm and Rhys Meyers. (Laurie already has two of these, and Big Love is all about the wives; Paxton's just along for the ride.) Hall should've won last year, so it's possible voters may look to right that wrong. But the more deserving choice is Hamm, whose subtle, nuanced Mad Men work was beyond compare. (Unless, of course, you compare him to James Gandolfini, Kyle Chandler and Matthew Fox, three more bonehead omissions.) But my gut is telling me that the HFP will go the unpredictable route and single out Meyers for his flamboyant, over-the-top turn as Henry VIII.

Should Win: Jon Hamm
Will Win: Jonathan Rhys Meyers

I don't have a single negative thing to say about this category. Any of these women could win and I'd be perfectly happy (although I'd be less happy if it was Parker, but only because she has, like, 400 of these). Having said that, Applegate is the clear favorite. Remember what I said about the HFP and comebacks? Well, this year no one staged a bigger one than she did.

Should Win: America Ferrera
Will Win: Christina Applegate

Although I wouldn't put it past the HFP to give the statue to Duchovny — again, they love being unpredictable — he's out of his league in this field. On the flip side, Carell and Gervais, although deserving, would be too predictable. And while it would be a thrill to see Pace emerge victorious for his quiet, understated Daisies performance, Baldwin continues to scale new comedic heights (see: his high-larious role-playing scene with Tracey), and therefore should repeat.

Should Win: Alec Baldwin
Will Win: Alec Baldwin