Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds"

Nomination Status: Three nominations for this character makes her a contender. And being on Showtime doesn't hurt. Unless it does.

In Her Favor: As noted above, Parker was Emmy-nominated for "Weeds" between 2007 and 2009, though she failed to pick up a single win. I find that as disappointing as the number of people who have decided that just because "Weeds" is no longer just a snarky comedy about a suburban pot dealer, it has somehow ceased to be one of TV's best showcases for semi-comedic acting. But I've written that column before. All I'm saying is that if you can look at last season's "Weeds" finale and give a semi-objective viewing and you *don't* think Parker continues to give one of the six best performances available in this category, you and I maybe can't be friends. As "Weeds" had gotten darker and less stable, not always in a good way, Parker's performance has gotten darker and less stable, always in a good way.

Working Against Her: Parker fell out of the category last year and it's just very hard to imagine Emmy voters giving four of six nods in this category to Showtime stars, no matter how deserving they may be.