The Emmys don't exist to reward quality television so much as to transform passive viewers into passionate critics.

For instance: If the Emmy glass is half full for you, you are blissfully basking in the glory of proto geek Jim Parsons' nomination. If the Emmy glass is half empty for you with smudges around the rim, you are so embittered at the snub to "Battlestar Gallactica" that you just might start another online petition.

Maybe you are smug that "30 Rock" could run away with the whole ceremony because, after all, you discovered it first. Or maybe you are just now realizing how important "America's Next Top Model" is to you now that it's missing from the list.

I understand.

And with that in mind, I've categorized my reactions to the nominations into The Good, The Unexpected and The Snubs. Of course the last category was the easiest to write. And once I get some more signatures, I think we'll hear about some important changes to the Emmy process next year.

Seth MacFarlane, the creator of "Family Guy," already was honored with some pop-culture props this year, when he filmed an ad for Hulu.com, along with the likes of Alec Baldwin. And now comes further confirmation of his comedic genius: "Family Guy" is the first animated show to be nominated for best comedy since "The Flintstones" in 1961.

And so completes Phase One for Stewie Griffin's diabolical plan for world domination.

A few other surprises:
*Cult hit "Flight of the Conchords" got some unexpected love, with a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series and Jermaine Clement's nod for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy.

*Critics can't be complaining too much. Each show in the Outstanding Drama Series is a solid entry.

*Two fan favorites scored nominations: Simon Baker for "The Mentalist" and Jim Parsons (who also announced the nominations) for "The Big Bang Theory."

*Zach Braff was snubbed for his years of "Scrubs" duty.

*Sci-fi fans will be using the word "frak" a lot to complain about the absence of "Battlestar Gallactica" nominations.

*My biggest disappointment? No recognition for "Gossip Girl's" Leighton Meester. But mark my words, she will have her revenge.

*Sarah Silverman was a surprise pick for "The Sarah Silverman Show."

*The numbers: "30 Rock" has 22 nominations; "Mad Men" had 16; "Grey Gardens" has 17 and "Into the Storm" has 14.

By FRAZIER MOORE

No, last week's Emmy broadcast wasn't the most dismal sight on television lately. Nonstop TV coverage of the economic crisis has made sure of that.

In fact, the Emmys even packed an illuminating upside. (Don't you wish you could say that about your fiscal picture?) It might have left a stale aftertaste the night it aired, but, thanks to unusually smart choices this year, the broadcast should have whet your appetite to take a new look at these winners:

Co-host Heidi Klum was so bored (or boring?) during Sunday night's Emmys she fainted in Tom Bergeron's arms. Actually, it was a skit. (AP)

Did you watch last night's Emmy Awards? Don't lie to me, bub -- I've seen the numbers. You were watching football instead, I know.

So catch up with last night's shenanigans -- there were a few, despite a mostly dull show you're probably glad you missed -- and who won what over on our awards-show blog, The Gold Rush. The play-by-play is still on our Twitter feed, too.

The Emmys were fitting capstone to last season's tripped-up schedule. A new TV season starts tonight, thank heavens, and we can put all this behind us ...

Hey, TV fans: It's Emmys weekend! Wondering why there's not much Emmys stuff on this blog? Because it's on our award-shows blog, The Gold Rush!

Switch over there for a round-up of what the celebrities are doing to prepare for the big show, what some high-profile women will (or should) be wearing, how Bill Maher has surpassed Susan Lucci as Emmy's biggest loser, what the five nominated reality hosts think of this year's new category and more.

And tune into The Gold Rush on Sunday for live blogging of the show, or follow our celebrity Twitter feed for instant dish.

Kathy Griffin poses with her award for Outstanding Reality Program for her work on "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" -- her second Emmy. (Matt Sayles/AP)

Chicago-area native Kathy Griffin is shameless about showing her Emmy from last year -- she totes it when she travels, she even offers fans to take pictures with it.

Now she's got another one.

Go ahead, laugh, but Jim Nabors' Gomer Pyle deserved Emmy recognition. Do you think we'd have "30 Rock's" Kenneth the intern without him?

By MATTHEW GILBERT

What if the Emmy voters got everything right, and all the very finest shows and actors were honored every year? Yawn. The Emmy Awards would be a perfect bore.

So we probably shouldn't complain when worthy shows and actors are dissed -- it makes for lots of entertaining debate. But still, we love to complain. With the 60th annual ceremony airing on Sept. 21, it's time to look back at some members of the Emmy Snub Hall of Fame.

Real competition is coming to reality TV: Hosts including Ryan Seacrest, Howie Mandel and Tyra Banks are now eligible for an Emmy Award.

A category recognizing ‘‘outstanding host for a reality or reality-competition program’’ was created by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and will be presented at the 60th annual Emmys in September.