Glenn Close, "Patty Hewes," Damages
Lauren Graham, "Sarah Braverman," Parenthood
January Jones, "Betty Draper," Mad Men
Anna Paquin, "Sookie Stackhouse," True Blood
Jeanne Tripplehorn, "Barb Henrickson," Big Love
Britton is always excellent, but this year she was given great material with both the school-redistricting storyline and Tami's ongoing preparation for Julie's departure for college. Close continued to make Patty Hewes one of cable's most dynamic, fearsome characters. Graham fully stepped up to the dual task of replacing Maura Tierney and shedding her established persona from Gilmore Girls, and in turn delivered a heartfelt, vulnerable performance that helped to save Parenthood from network-drama mediocrity. I don't think either Jones or Paquin get enough credit for their roles within their respective ensembles. Whether Jones is Big-A Acting or not, her performance is an essential part of Mad Men's representation of femininity and gendered expectations. The show wouldn't be what it is without those moments where Betty's suburban ennui suddenly feels like barely contained rage. Paquin's Sookie represents a still point among True Blood's over-the-top craziness, but makes you believe somehow that fighting for a sense of normalcy in a world gone mad is a totally viable course of action. In looking over the nomination ballots, I was surprised at what a positive impression I retained of the performances in Big Love's fourth season, even though I remain dismayed at the plotting. No one can radiate quiet doubt quite like Tripplehorn, and she makes me root for Barb over and over again, even though she keeps sticking by that idiot.
Honorable Mentions: Emily Deschanel, Bones; Melissa Leo, Treme
Rendered moot since originally written last month, but for the record I wouldn't [have been] surprised to see: Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters; Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer; Julianna Marguiles, The Good Wife; Mariska Hargitay, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit; Holly Hunter, Saving Grace; Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy
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