Critical faves find a haven

Drama

By STUART LEVINE

Todd A. Kessler

In recent years, the drama writing category has acted as a clearinghouse for those that don't get enough respect on the best series side. Basically, you're not good enough over there, but we'll grant you some acknowledgement here.

Such is certainly the case for HBO's "The Wire," which despite overwhelming critical praise, could not make the Emmy cut as a series, so voters gave David Simon and Ed Burns their due. Same for Michael Angeli and "Battlestar Galactica," which has long been a hit for Sci Fi.

For basic cablers "Mad Men" and "Damages," the recognition is a nice addition to their other series and acting category noms.

MICHAEL ANGELI

Series: "Battlestar Galactica" (Sci Fi)

Episode: "Six of One"

Highlight: Since revealing the human-looking Cylons living anonymously among the Earth-seeking colonial fleet, the show has been an even deeper rumination on morality and paranoia in the age of terror.

Why it might win: At its best, the show remains a tense, tightly woven serial, using its sci-fi backdrop to zero in on modern issues.

Maybe not: Um, the title is "Battlestar Galactica," so its demo isn't exactly Academy-friendly.

TODD A. KESSLER, GLENN KESSLER, DANIEL ZELMAN

Series: "Damages" (FX)

Episode: "Pilot"

Highlight: The overall framing of the series as shown here in the first episode: showing Ellen (Rose Byrne) fleeing from a Manhattan apartment -- bloodied and dazed -- and how she first met Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) and eventually was hired by her.

Why it might win: "Damages" clearly resonated with voters, the pilot drawing praise from the get-go.

Maybe not: With a few seasons ahead of it, "Damages" could struggle to compete against series ("The Wire," "Battlestar Galactica") gone or going off the air.

DAVID SIMON, ED BURNS

Series: "The Wire" (HBO)

Episode: "30"

Highlight: Too many to pinpoint just one, but there was something so joyful in the faux eulogy for McNulty, especially in bringing together cops who are so often fighting among one another yet put their differences aside to revel in their honorable profession.

Why it might win: How about because it might be the best drama in the history of television? With it being deprived of a series nomination, this might be the most equitable way to rectify that mistake.

Maybe not: "The Wire" began on such a high note, it didn't improve with age.

MATTHEW WEINER

Series: "Mad Men" (AMC)

Episode: "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Pilot)"

Highlight: Sterling Cooper earns the Lucky Strike account, and Don Draper & Co. must figure out a way to sell cigarettes despite the fact they've been deemed dangerous to one's health.

Why it might win: In a sea of cop, doc and lawyer skeins, Weiner brilliantly addressed a world outside the usual TV morass, one that seemed both familiar and completely distant in terms of sexism and corporate culture.

Maybe not: With two episodes of "Mad Men" competing against each other, one is bound to lose. Plus, "The Wheel" might feel fresher as the season finale.

MATTHEW WEINER, ROBIN VEITH

Series: "Mad Men" (AMC)

Episode: "The Wheel"

Highlight: Don flips through images of his family album using a photo carousel during a meeting to impress Kodak clients, who immediately sign on with the firm.

Why it might win: Lots of great scenes here to wrap up the season, including Peggy being promoted to junior copywriter and having a baby, and Don arriving home too late to be with his family for Thanksgiving. Probably the best episode of the season, which is saying something.

Maybe not: If voters didn't follow "Mad Men" throughout the year, this season-ender might not resonate.