Brett's Emmy Picks: Lead Actor - Comedy

Clockwise from left: Zach Braff, Alec Baldwin, Steve Carell, Lee Pace, and Zach Levi

Steve Carell as Michael Scott in The Office

Previous Nominations: 2006, 2007, 2008

I had a big internal debate about this one. On the one hand, it's undeniable that The Office has gone downhill and it's hard to say that Carell isn't partly responsible for that. On the other hand, his interactions with Amy Ryan's Holly (doing her best to try and save the show) this year allowed Michael to almost approach seeming like a normal human being. Almost. Still, props have to be given to Carell for continuing to play such an outlandishly cringe-inducing character with aplomb. I'll make Mike happy by saying that his performance will never approach that of Ricky Gervais (a sentiment I agree with), but for this version of The Office, he's still the shows heart. For better or worse.

Zachary Levi as Chuck Bartowski in Chuck

Previous Nominations: None

As the leading man of the (in my opinion) most underrated show on television, Levi was an easy choice for a nomination here. Chuck has continued to get better and better as it has gone on, and with it Levi has grown more comfortable and capable in his starring role. Maybe its just sympathy for a fellow nerd, but as far as I'm concerned Chuck is the most consistently likable and sympathetic character on television. Levi manages the transition from "regular nerd" to "super secret pseudo-spy" seamlessly and makes you root for Chuck every step of the way. If you haven't checked out the show yet, I highly recommend it (obviously).

Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy in 30 Rock

Previous Nominations: 2007, 2008 (won)

I really don't have too much to say here. 30 Rock is a really good show. I like it a lot. Alec Baldwin is very good in it. He won the Emmy last year. He's going to be nominated again this year. He might win. No need for me to waste any words talking about it. Like these words. And these ones. Purple monkey dishwasher.

(when in doubt, Simpsons reference)

Zach Braff as Dr. John "J.D." Dorian in Scrubs

Previous Nominations: 2005

It is absolutely criminal that in eight seasons of Scrubs, Braff has only been nominated once. I don't really understand why - Scrubs has always been among the funniest shows on TV and Braff has always been great on it. Oh, I remember why: Emmy voters are idiots. Well, there are no idiots on this site, and we will give Zach Braff his due. Scrubs has had its ups and downs (mostly ups) but really recaptured a lot of the magic this season after the move to ABC. The show may be continuing without him, and may very well end up being good, but there's no doubt that it will never be the same without J.D. roaming the halls.

Lee Pace as Ned on Pushing Daisies

Previous Nominations: 2008

This nomination is for Mike. I really didn't watch this show, but he swears by it. I asked him for comment:

me: anything to say about Lee Pace?

Mike: besides something about him being the best actor on the best comedy in the 2008-2009 tv season

me: i'll reprint that word for word, seems unbiased
Mike: are you still coming over later to tag team my girlfriend?

There you have it.

The Pick: This might come off as more of a "lifetime achievement award" than anything, but so be it. I can't think of anyone more deserving than Zach Braff, who has given his all for eight seasons with little recognition and fanfare. In a just world, Braff would probably have several Emmys on his mantle by now. In his final season of Scrubs I can't think of a more fitting sendoff than an Emmy win.