I was saying to Duana and Sarah how unshiny I think the Emmys are. Part of that is because there is simply too much TV to watch, so getting super excited about one thing is impossible. Game of Thrones is great and is a juggernaut and it can win a million Emmys or none and, as a fan, I don’t care. There are shows I haven’t had a chance to watch yet, like Transparent. Shows that I hear rumblings about not being included, like The Americans. And the show I’m most excited about right now, Mr. Robot, won’t even be eligible for a nomination until next year, and by then what will I be on? It’s semi-exhausting, in a “watching TV is exhausting” kind of way. (So, not exhausting at all.)

The Emmys does seem to find comfort in its friends and perennial favourites. But when does comfort turn to complacency? I think I felt it when Allison Janney picked up her seventh Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Mom. I have seen exactly one episode of Mom and of course Allison is good – she’s good in everything. She’s incredibly tall and stylish and just overall seems like a great time.

But, and I hate to ‘but’ Allison, I felt the room slightly deflated when she won. It wasn’t an audible sigh – oh, this one again – but it was a bit obvious. Not that the Emmys have ever pretended to not be obvious in their choices – I’m beginning to think they thrive on obvious. And it’s not as if Allison is undeserving.

When it comes to merit, there’s always a case to be made for her. If you think award designation should reflect a body of work, well, she’s deserving there, too. But seven Emmys – as a viewer, it’s not exciting to see that seventh win. I can't be the only one who feels that way. In fact, I’m sure I’m not. Shonda Rhimes, who also loves Allison, had this to say:

It would just be nice if the Emmys would share the love a little. You can say awards mean nothing, but look at Viola’s speech, or even Patricia Arquette’s speech at the Oscars. The award might not mean everything (or anything), but the platform and visibility can mean something.

But what the hell am I complaining about? At least I didn’t have to sit through Julie Bowen, also nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Imagine that speech? Ugh. Allison Janney for the win! (Or someone else equally deserving.)