Emmy Race: Best Writing in a Drama Series

Again, as with my previous post (Best Writing in a Comedy Series), I am not quite certain what is eligible and what is not, but I will do my best to make accurate predictions. I think the nomination for "The Wire" here two years ago was a one-time thing, but "Final Grades" is my definitive alternate/16th prediction.

Last year's nominees:
GREY'S ANATOMY, "Into You Like a Train"
GREY'S ANATOMY, "It's the End of the World"
LOST, "The 23rd Psalm"
SIX FEET UNDER, "Everyone's Waiting" (show ended last season)
THE SOPRANOS, "Members Only" (winner)

This year's top contenders:
BROTHERHOOD, "Mark 8:36"
Wouldn't that be great? I feel like this show will be completely ignored by Emmy voters but the pilot definitely has the best chance since the two strongest episodes ("Samyutta 11:10" and "Ecclesiastes 7:2") were not submitted for consideration. Other Showtime shows have had success with Emmy voters, will "Brotherhood"? This is definitely the category where it could get recognized.

DEADWOOD, "Tell Him Something Pretty"
I am never quite sure with episodes of "Deadwood", but the pilot was nominated here three years ago and I figure the series finale probably has the best shot at a nomination, though it easily could be any of the other seven submitted episodes.

DEXTER, "Pilot"
A great, well-written episode that started off this excellent series. This really all depends on how much Emmy voters embrace "Dexter", that is, if they nominate something or someone besides just Michael C. Hall and the main title designer & composer. It is really either this episode or...

DEXTER, "Born Free"
...the stunning season finale which gives great material for Hall and Christian Camargo. A perfect finish to an amazing first season. The pilot is probably more likely to catch voters' eyes.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, "Pilot"
"Friday Night Lights" seems primed to do extremely well at the Emmys this year, and I am fairly certain that the writing for its pilot will go the distance and get recognized here.

GREY'S ANATOMY, "Six Days, Part 1 &2"
Two "Grey's Anatomy" episodes made in it here last year, and three are submitted this year. The other two are part of the infamous Meredith-drowning plotline, which I imagine is too despised by even fans to merit a nod. "Six Days" is a two-parter, which gives it an added advantage.

HEROES, "Company Man"
The extremely popular "Heroes" submitted the pilot and its two best episodes, "Company Man" and the future-set "Five Years Gone". While the other two are entertaining and fun, "Company Man" is by far the most well-written.

HOUSE, "Half-Wit"
I have heard great things about this episode, and a "House" episode won in this category two years ago. Really just luck of the cards here, since "House" gets recognized in alternating categories each year.

LOST, "The Man from Tallahassee"
An extremely popular episode, answering a desperate fan question regarding Locke, despite not really being an amazing episode. I do not think this episode will make it in, especially with competition from...

LOST, "Through the Looking Glass"
...the awesome season finale. This episode rectified people's opinions of the show and really closed out the season with a bang. If "Live Together, Die Alone" (last year's season finale, nominated for Directing) is an Emmy-worthy "Lost" episode, this finale certainly merits a nod.

THE RICHES, "Pilot"
I am still not sure that this will make it onto Emmy's radar, but the pilot might fare well here. It is excellently written and heavily compelling. The other submitted episode, "Anything Hugh Can Do, I Can Do Better", certainly will not make the cut.

THE SOPRANOS, "Kennedy and Heidi"
This is an episode practically written for an Emmy nomination. Some dramatic, story-changing events make this decent episode a good bet for this category, mainly facing internal competition. Three years ago "The Sopranos" dominated this category with four nominations; I think it may happen again.

THE SOPRANOS, "Made in America"
You may have heard of this one: the series finale of what many call the greatest drama ever. Yeah, I think this is a lock.

THE SOPRANOS, "The Second Coming"
This episode packs a dramatic punch with several of its storylines. I put this ahead of the best "Sopranos" episode I have seen this season (still have not seen "The Blue Comet" and the yet-to-be-aired finale), the season premiere, "Soprano Home Movies", because I feel the directing is much better than the writing (both are great, though). It could easily place here, I am not really sure.

STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, "Pilot"
I actually did not like the pilot of this otherwise great series that much, but detractors of the show even agree that this is a great episode. This category loves Aaron Sorkin, and I doubt he could be easily snubbed, even if the show is absent elsewhere.

Closing note: I am easily seeing more than five nominees here, with "The Sopranos" taking up to four slots, very likely.

Current predictions:
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, "Pilot"
LOST, "Through the Looking Glass"
THE SOPRANOS, "Made in America"
THE SOPRANOS, "The Second Coming"
STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, "Pilot"

Tomorrow: Best Directing in a Comedy Series.