Yes, “Modern Family’’ cleaned up — winning five Emmys (including best comedy, supporting acting trophies for TV parents Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell, and best writing and direction).
But Mark Burnett, the pasha of reality TV, was the night’s behind-the-scenes winner. Taking over for the first time as executive producer of the Emmys, he gave it a rare measure of class and pizzazz.
Best of all with the Emmys, there were startling surprises among the winners — and none undeserving.
After weeks of speculation over who would win for best actor in a drama (the long-denied Jon Hamm for “Mad Men’’ or Hugh Laurie for “House’’?), Kyle Chandler’s name was called for his performance as a Texas high school football coach in the final season of “Friday Night Lights.’’
“I knew for a fact I would not be standing here. I did not write anything and now I’m starting to worry,’’ said Chandler with a palpable mix of unease and joy. It was a glorious moment for him as well as for the show, which was critically acclaimed but struggled for an audience while its never-say-die football team played by the motto: “Clear eyes, full hearts can’t lose.’’
Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory’’ earned his second trophy in the best actor category — no big surprise.
But Melissa McCarthy of “Mike & Molly’’ rocked the room as she was honored as best lead actress in a comedy series with an Emmy and a glitzy prom queen’s crown.
“Wow! It’s my first and best pageant ever,’’ said the beaming McCarthy, who, moments earlier, had broken with tradition along with her fellow nominees by jumping up on stage as their names were called. This display of solidarity earned them a standing ovation from many in the audience.
It was a night of good will, even from bad boy Charlie Sheen, a surprise presenter.
