Emmy slights

WHILE I agree with Mary McNamara that it’s nice for certain, more obscure shows and performances to be recognized with an Emmy nomination, her article [“It’s the Yearly Game,” July 20] seems to penalize and slight actors and shows that are fan favorites and critically acclaimed.

Just because actors have been nominated before doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t deserving of another nod. Case in point: Mariska Hargitay (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), whom McNamara refers to as a “default nomination.” Did she even see the episode for which Hargitay was singled out this year? The show, in which she was the only cop who believed a kidnapped girl was in danger, was heartbreaking and riveting for the entire hour. Hargitay displayed a huge array of emotions with subtle, intense authority and humanity in a bravura performance.

Lawrence Stern

Los Angeles

“THE WIRE” is the best written show on TV. It is dealing with issues that affect the country we live in. This past session took on the public school system and showed how it is failing the children of the inner city. That inner city could be anywhere, not just Baltimore. It is a very gritty show and does not sugarcoat the problems that face an urban inner-city.

Shame on the TV community for not rewarding a show that is well written, beautifully cast and well acted.

Mara Kelly

Los Angeles