ON THE 2008 BRAMMIES - TELEVISION

THE SHOW THAT WOULD GET ALL OF THE AWARDS - "Lost"

In the past year, this show surpassed "24" to be my favorite show on the air. Lost, more than any other show, has the "gotta" factor - as in, "I gotta keep watching to find out what's going on." To include it with the rest of the shows would provide for a very boring Television Brammies presentation. So Lost will get its own top-of-the-post entry, and then we can move on.

FAVORITE HALF-HOUR SHOW - "30 Rock"

This was a close race, but I have to give the nod to a show that is well-written, well-acted, and smart as hell. In previous years, my comedic crush on Tina Fey would have been the whole reason for the pick; not so this year. There are so many things about this show that I like, but the extra little bit that puts 30 Rock over the top consists of the little jokes that add up to a big joke at the end of the year. Everyone with a brain should be watching 30 Rock.

Honorable Mentions - "How I Met Your Mother," "The Office"

FAVORITE HOUR-LONG SHOW - "Chuck"

I don't think there's another show that balances action, comedy, and drama better than Chuck. Friends say that the blond secret agent is hot, but that has so little to do with what I like about the show. I find myself laughing out loud at the show, which is wonderful. Add in the recent inclusion of Reginald VelJohnson reprising his role as "Al Powell" and USING THE DIALOGUE from Die Hard, and you have your 2008 Brammy.

Honorable Mentions - "Eli Stone," "Life," "Psych"

FAVORITE ACTRESS - Julie Gonzalo, "Eli Stone"

This award was seconds away from being "more desirable female character." However, common sense prevailed and I went with a title that seems respectable. Julie Gonzalo's character is the most beautiful person on a show filled with beautiful people. But the altruism exhibited by "Maggie" is what causes me to fall in love with her week after week. If you see Julie Gonzalo around, ask her if she'd like to go out for pizza with me. That's all.

FAVORITE ACTOR - Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock"

No crush here. I just think he's extremely handsome. Funny! I mean extremely FUNNY!

FAVORITE "REALITY" SHOW - "Celebrity Rehab," VH-1

Normally, I hate the casts of reality shows. But on a show when people are really trying to improve themselves...how can one not get behind the personalities? When I see Jeff Conaway struggling through back pain issues, I think of how much my back problems impacted me (and continue to do so). And when I see Amber Smith, I would like to take her out for pizza.

FAVORITE SPORTS MOMENT - Michael Phelps's quest for 8 gold medals

U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!

LEAST FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE YEAR - Ted gets left at the altar, "How I Met Your Mother"

I've sworn at the TV before - a few episodes of Lost, anything involving Rex Grossman, but I think the "wedding" episode of HIMYM caused me actual anguish. I've said in the past that the writing on this show strikes a chord with me, because I really identify with Ted. And for him to get left at the altar like he did...for a karate instructor, no less - I flipped out, calling Sarah Chalke's character all kinds of un-reprintable names. Will it all work out for Ted? Yes. Would I still take Sarah Chalke out for pizza? Yes...but no cheese bread!

Monday...the Brammies for movies!