1. "John Adams." The best television show of the year walked off with more Emmys than any program has ever won.
2. Reality at the Emmys. I agree that reality TV shows need to start paying "producers" for what they really do -- write -- but it's silly to use that as a reason to ban reality from the Emmy Awards. Reality dominates the Top 20 Nielsen ratings, and the best shows stand out for a reason: they're well made. That should be honored, period.
3. Strong sophomores. Three shows had their promising first seasons cut short by a strike. Now NBC's "Chuck" (Sept. 29), and "Life" (Sept. 29) and ABC's "Pushing Daisies" (Oct. 1) are back and better than ever, with terrific second-season premieres.
... AND WHAT'S NOT
1. "The Wire." The best television show of the decade departs with zero, repeat zero, Emmys and two nominations in five years. Snappy rejoinders cannot do this injustice justice.
2. Nielsen sues Wikipedia. The ratings giant ordered a copyright takedown because the free encyclopedia dared to use Nielsen market designations like "Chicago" and "Kansas City" in Wikipedia articles.
3. Probst over Seacrest. He gave an excellent Emmy acceptance speech, but the "Survivor" host does just two hours a year of live TV. Seacrest does 50 hours of "Idol" live every season and has a much longer job description. He deserved the first reality-host Emmy.
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