Cory’s Dream/Goofy Emmy Ballot: Lead Actor, Comedy

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Alright folks, we’re getting into the heavy duty stuff now. First up in the Lead categories is Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Shall we?

Zachary Levi, CHUCK

As good as the writing and stories are on CHUCK, the thing that keeps me coming back week after week is Zachary Levi and his work as the title character. Levi really knows how to balance the comedy (both physical and verbal) with the serious moments (both action and emotion) and I’m not sure there is anyone working on network television as charming as this guy. Chuck is the guy we all want to be, be friends with and root for. He’s awesome, and a lot of that is because of Levi.

Lee Pace, PUSHING DAISIES

Another instance where the writing and plot are strong, but the lead character really brings everything together and to life. Though it took me a few episodes to grow into Lee Pace, I really thought his quick-talking delivery and chemistry with his co-stars in the midst of zany situations was fantastic. I think maybe he was weighed down a bit with the emotional side of things, but he certainly provided great performances each week.

Alec Baldwin, 30 ROCK

An obvious no-brainer here. It’s hard to imagine Baldwin in this spot when watching films like “The Hunt For Red October,” but it seems like this is the role he was born to play. Tina Fey might have gotten all the pub this season, but it’s Baldwin’s Jack that keeps the general public interested. It was nice to see the show explore Jack’s twisted childhood much more this year, giving Baldwin even more awesome material to chew on.

Steve Carell, THE OFFICE

Another no-brainer. I’ve been off THE OFFICE bandwagon for a season or so, mostly because of poor-writing and NBC milking it for all its worth. However, even when the writers make Carell’s Michael Scott change his personality as fast as some of the characters on HEROES, he still did solid work. And when they FINALLY gave him a real plotline with Michael Scott Paper Co. we got to see the Michael Scott we all loved from seasons one, two and three — a socially awkward, politically incorrect guy who just happens to be very, very good at selling paper. Of course, we cannot forget the great stuff he did with Amy Ryan as well.

Zach Braff, SCRUBS

Though he clearly takes himself too seriously, the improved writing of SCRUB’s “final season” allowed for Braff’s JD to seem much more down to Earth. Less stupidity, more maturity — something we’ve been waiting for since like season three from JD. Braff’s chemistry with Sarah Chalke was always great, so seeing them back together really helped his cause as well. All in all, I think Braff did some really good stuff this year after almost floating through seasons six and seven.

James Roday, PSYCH

I find PSYCH to be the most underrated comedy on television and James Roday is a very, very solid comedic talent. He does the smartass routine just about as good as anyone, and his timing is just great all the way around. And obviously, the work he does with co-star Dule Hill is beyond awesome, they are a great pair. It’s time the better comedy on USA makes some noise instead of freaking MONK.

Thoughts? Comments? Any comedic studs I left out?

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