AFT Awards: Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

This is the twelfth category of the 3rd Annual AFT Television Awards, my personal choices for the best in television this past season. This year, semi-finalists are included to recognize more of the impressive work being done on television today. Nominees are pictured in the order I’ve ranked them.
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Last year’s nominees: Susan Blakely, Mary-Kate Olsen, Amy Ryan, Brooke Smith, Kerry Washington

Emmy nominees: Jennifer Aniston, Christine Baranski, Gena Rowlands, Elaine Stritch, Betty White

Semi-finalists: Judy Greer (Californication) was positively charming in her endearing repeat performance as a prostitute who clearly got into Hank’s head. Milena Govich (Psych) possessed a rare, wonderful genuine enthusiasm for her job and her work with Shawn. And I should note that while Tina Fey (Saturday Night Live) was spot-on in her impression of Sarah Palin, I don’t consider variety performances equitable with guest posts, and therefore she doesn’t make my list in this category (I have no separate category for her because I don’t watch any variety shows on a regular basis)

Finalists: Jordana Brewster (Chuck) was sweet and seductive but ultimately treacherous as Chuck’s ex-flame. Paula Marshall (Californication) rocked the boat with her unexpected pregnancy and impingement onto Hank’s life. Kristen Bell (Party Down) was ultra-efficient and spared no breath for unnecessary words, making for the perfect contrast to the lazy, useless Party Down employees. Tricia Helfer (Burn Notice) was a constant commanding thorn in Michael’s side, and her loyalties were never quite clear. Lily Tomlin (Desperate Housewives) acted like she was just trying to have a good time as she stopped by Wisteria Lane to help her sister spy on a naughty neighbor.

The nominees:

Justine Bateman (Californication) was intensely vulnerable and the perfect conquest for Hank, despite her surprising link to his daughter. Rachel Leigh Cook (Psych) instantly conveyed years of longing and disappointment as Shawn’s ditched prom date, and her chemistry with him was palpable. Amy Ryan (The Office) was the only character geeky enough to make Michael seem cool – and evidently she left more than an impression on him. Jane Lynch (Psych) toned down her usual raunchiness to play the Chief’s sister, and the two had a perfect familial dynamic. Meredith Monroe (Californication) was simply immutable as another conquest of Hank’s, and watching her get taken down a peg was one of the most enjoyable moments of the season.

Next up: Best Directing in a Drama Series