Fearless Emmy Predictions: Drama Series

With so much great programming overwhelming even the most ardent fans of the medium, the annual Emmy Awards are both more exciting and exasperating than ever – though, given the volume of it all, it really has to be said that to be one of six or seven nominees in any category is honor enough. To be singled out as one of the best drama series in a field filled with dozens of deserving shows and hundreds of potential nominees must feel pretty damn special. On the downside, this new reality makes predicting the Emmys almost pointless. With few exceptions the nominees are all winners and picking one over the others in any category feels almost random. Consider: What’s the point of choosing either HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” FX’s “The Americans” or USA’s “Mr. Robot” as the Outstanding Drama Series? They were all the best of the best, as were their fellow nominees -- AMC’s “Better Call Saul,” PBS’ “Downton Abbey,” Showtime’s “Homeland” and Netflix’s “House of Cards.” Still, this game must be played.