While some programs are still selecting the episodes for their comedy Emmy submissions, Deadline has 10 episodes that have already been selected. How exactly does a show chose the handful of episodes to be judged? As Community’s Dan Harmon put it, “I want to see character, I want to see story, I want to see television taken seriously. It’s grounded in character. Nobody is wearing a weird costume; no one is acting like they’re in The Matrix.†Or he just hasn’t seen the best Matrix-based situation comedy script. Yet. Each series is allowed to submit 6 episodes for the category of Outstanding Comedy series, so let’s start casting judgment their choices…now.
30 Rock, NBC: “100â€
The hour-long extravaganza commemorated the 100th episode of the 30 Rock, and the near cancellation of TGS. It has everything the viewer could want: gas leaks! Michael Keaton! Rachel Dratch as a terrifying Smurf beast!
Community, NBC: “Cooperative Calligraphyâ€
It’s the bottle episode! The gang hold each other captive until the truth about Annie’s missing pen emerges. Meanwhile, the Greendale Puppy Parade wobbles by unseen.
Modern Family, CBS: “Someone To Watch Over Lilyâ€
Mitchell and Cameron try to decide who will take custody of their kid if anything ever happens to them, and slowly realize that they aren’t exactly surrounded by the brightest bulbs in the box.
The Big Bang Theory, CBS: “The Justice League Recombinationâ€
The gang mercilessly rips on Penny’s non-nerd boyfriend Zack while entering a costume contest, until they realize that they are being worse than the bullies who used to mock them. The episode was picked because it is “highly typical of the series,†says showrunner Bill Prady.
Glee, Fox: “The Substituteâ€
Gwyneth Paltrow stops by as substitute Holly Holiday and teaches the kids the true meaning of Cee-lo.
Family Guy, Fox: “Road to the North Poleâ€
Enraged by a mall Santa, Stewie and Brian set out to the North Pole to visit the fat man himself.
Raising Hope, Fox: “Don’t Vote for this Episodeâ€
How about a touching flashback episode, bringing the audience back to a magical time when a 18-year-old Jimmy was Goth and lived in a grocery store, while Burt and Virginia figure out how to get their act together as functional adults.
The Big C, Showtime: “Taking the Plungeâ€
Cathy takes a risky cancer treatment and her son Adam finds a storage locker packed with wrapped presents for future birthdays and holidays, if she passes away. Says showrunner Jenny Bicks, “It is a bit of a game, because you want to pick the thing that people already remember, that will remind them that they liked the series. Does it have the highest comedy in it? Not necessarily. That was hard, because I do understand that we are asking people to vote for a comedy.â€
Hot In Cleveland, TV Land: “Pilotâ€
The series’ first episode introduces a gang of middle-aged ladies who move to Cleveland to Los Angeles for more fabulousness at much lower prices. Also, Betty White, people.
Nurse Jackie, Showtime: “Orchids and Salamiâ€
Jackie’s husband finds her stash of drugs stolen from the oncology ward. Hilarity, and despair, ensue.