'30' gets divided by two
Comedy
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The series has two entrants in the comedy writing category -- both legitimate contenders in their own right, which means they could be sunk by a split of the vote from the "30 Rock" supporters. In addition, the rivals for the Emmy aren't slouches by any means. "The Office" remains even more highly regarded than "30 Rock" in some circles, while "Flight of the Conchords" and "Pushing Daisies" offer fresh, out-of-left-field alternatives.
JAMES BOBIN, JEMAINE CLEMENT, BRET MCKENZIE
Series: "Flight of the Conchords" (HBO)
Episode: "Yoko"
Highlight: The catchy clever courting Coco song, "If You're Into It," was an instant classic.
Why it might win: For once, "Conchords" won't be too hip for the room, as this category is filled with unconventional entries. And yet, the show's complete originality can't help but make an impression.
Maybe not: The underpromoted HBO half-hour remains underexposed compared with the NBC powerhouses and ABC's "Pushing Daisies."
JACK BURDITT
Series: "30 Rock" (NBC)
Episode: "Rosemary's Baby"
Highlight: Not only did this episode contain Alec Baldwin's role-playing tour de force in the therapy session with Tracy Morgan, it also featured Carrie Fisher's nommed appearance as a '70s-era writer idolized by a soon-to-be-disappointed Liz (Tina Fey).
Why it might win: Emmy's latest comedy darling overflowed with great moments in this installment. That Baldwin clip might air on awards shows 50 years from now.
Maybe not: An internecine battle between pages Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and Donny (Paul Scheer) was more strange than funny.
LEE EISENBERG, GENE STUPNITSKY
Series: "The Office" (NBC)
Episode: "Dinner Party"
Highlight: Jan (Melora Hardin) has a sloshed meltdown, highlighted by her suggestive swaying to her former assistant's love song about sex with an older woman.
Why it might win: It was a firecracker of an episode, capturing the show's brave willingness to go dark and shun the easy laugh.
Maybe not: There are those who think the show's darkness is over the top, who cringe rather than chortle.
TINA FEY
Series: "30 Rock" (NBC)
Episode: "Cooter"
Highlight: Liz learns that her pregnancy scare is the result of OD'ing on cheese snacks infused with bull semen -- a perfect little window into her character.
Why it might win: Fey is the big name in this category, and her work scripting the show's season-two finale drew widespread praise (boosted by Matthew Broderick's guest appearance).
Maybe not: Another eccentric subplot involving Donny saddles the episode, which isn't as enduring as "Rosemary's Baby."
BRYAN FULLER
Series: "Pushing Daisies" (ABC)
Episode: "Pie-Lette" (ABC)
Highlight: The quirky, well-crafted chemistry between Ned and Chuck leads to the promise of an intriguing love affair in which they're not allowed to physically touch.
Why it might win: Showrunner Fuller launched the distinctive look, characters, dialogue and concept of his new ABC dramedy with this pilot episode, the most highly regarded fall 2007 entry.
Maybe not: Accused by some of being too cute by half, "Daisies" also must win over those who would tend to vote for a more obvious comedy.
