Steve Carell, The Office
For as much as this season of The Office blew, Steve Carell handled even the most terrible material with the up-most class and grace. It’s not his fault that Michael toggles between lovable goof and despicable idiot from an episode to episode basis, right? Carell is always charming and still sympathetic even in the most ridiculous and cartoony of Michael episodes — like this season’s “Mafia” or “Scott’s Tots” — and even if his character has gotten worse, the performance has not.
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
He’s a repeat winner for a reason. Everyone loves Alec Baldwin. He’s charming. He’s funny. His performance on 30 Rock is sometimes the only way to enjoy the series when it kind of sucks. And when the material is good like it was this season, Baldwin takes it to another level. I think he was better in season four than he was in season three, which probably means he’s winning.
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
I don’t watch The Big Bang Theory often, but when I do, it’s because of Mr. Jim Parsons. He’s one of the most charming and appealing lead actors in comedy and even if I think the series he’s trapped in isn’t that wonderful, he makes it as good as it is. His performance is also one that will play more appealing to Emmy voters than those from Adam Scott or Zachary Levi. He’s probably the lead contender to take down Alec Baldwin and I’m also okay with that.
Well, what do you think folks? Are there performers that you feel as if I stupidly left out? Or maybe you just agree with me? Let me know below.
Tomorrow we move on to the highly-competitive Lead Actress and Actor in a Drama Series categories. Can't believe we're near the end already, hopefully you're enjoy the Dream Emmy Ballot.
i think you're missing edie falco on Nurse Jackie – maybe you just haven't watched it, but i think most people would consider her nomination a shoe-in, and deservedly so