There are, of course, a number of snubs and disappointments in this year’s long list of Emmy nominations. But there are a few pleasant surprises, too.
SNUBS AND DISAPPOINTMENTS
Tatiana Maslany
Tatiana Maslany? A snub of epic proportions. By ignoring her amazing work in “Orphan Black” as a group of clones, the Emmy voters undermine their credibility.
The Americans
Not acknowledging “The Americans” and its actors is ... is ... oh I just can’t. It has become one of TV’s best, most electric, and finely acted dramas. Pictured: Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings and Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings.
Demian Bichir
Sadly ignored: Demian Bichir (at left) of “The Bridge.” He’s one of TV’s best actors right now. Guess he’s just not blustery enough cough Jeff Daniels cough.
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‘The Good Wife’
The lack of a “Good Wife” nomination in the best drama category after such a riveting season is tragic. At least the actors, including the fantastic Christine Baranski (at right), got some due.
‘Masters of Sex’
The absence of nods for “Masters of Sex” and its male star Michael Sheen (at right) is sad. Thankfully, Lizzie Caplan got recognition for her fine, spirited performance.
Elisabeth Moss
What’s up with ignoring Elisabeth Moss for “Mad Men” this year? She was as poignant as ever. She has built a rich and yet quite ordinary character across the seasons.
Timothy Simons
Timothy Simons should be on the list, for his zinger-loving Jonah on “Veep.” Among his many funny lines: “You take that chicken soup and you shove it up your soul.”
‘Downton Abbey’
On nomination auto-pilot: The much-faded “Downton Abbey.” Pictured: Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary.
‘Vikings’
Why have the Emmys failed to notice the enormous power of “Vikings,” which also features a commanding lead performance by Travis Fimmel? Pictured: Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok leading his team of Vikings.
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Joe Mantello
Glad to see Joe Mantello (at left) was not lost in the shadows of his more famous costars in “The Normal Heart,” including Alfred Molina, Jim Parsons, and Matt Bomer.
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‘Shameless’
By switching over to the comedy categories – even though it had one of its most dramatic (and best) seasons so far – “Shameless” at least earned one major nod, a best actor nomination for William H. Macy.
Woody Harrelson
With all the McConaughey noise, I was afraid Woody Harrelson (at right) would be forgotten. His was the more naturalistic, complex performance in “True Detective.”
‘Game of Thrones’
How great that “Game of Thrones” emerged with the highest number of nominations – 19 in all. It’s a fine show that just might win best drama this year, after a strong season and record-breaking ratings for HBO. It’s buzzier than a beehive right now. Pictured: Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister.
‘Homeland’
Phew. “Homeland” and Damian Lewis weren’t automatically put onto the nominations list; they had an extremely uneven third season.
Kate McKinnon
With her nomination, Kate McKinnon makes her reputation as the new Kristen Wiig on “Saturday Night Live” official. She’s the reason to watch “SNL” during this difficult period of cast flux.
More coverage:
• Matthew Gilbert: Emmy snubs and surprises
• ‘Game of Thrones’ earns a leading 19 Emmy Award nominations