TV watchers offer Emmy predictions

Sunday night, everyone will know who won the 57th annual Emmy Awards. But a pair of TV watchers already know – or claim they do. Here are predictions for who should get the trophies, who shouldn’t, and who will:

DRAMA SERIES:

Lynn Elber

Should win: “Deadwood.” Tragedy with Shakespearean sweep and a six-shooter.

Shouldn’t win: “The West Wing.” Reinvigorated, but had its day.

Will win: “Lost.” The series that saved non-cable TV!

Frazier Moore

Should win: “Deadwood.” A fascinating snapshot of America.

Shouldn’t win: “The West Wing.” A lame duck.

Will win: “Lost.” From week one, it was crazy, chilling and unmissable.

COMEDY SERIES:

Elber

Should win: “Arrested Development.” A manic exercise doomed to cult status.

Shouldn’t win: “Will & Grace.” Say good night, Gracie. The thrill is gone.

Photo placards hold the place of Desperate

Will win: “Desperate Housewives.” The other series that saved non-cable TV!

Moore

Should win: “Arrested Development.” Easily the funniest of the pack.

Shouldn’t win: “Everybody Loves Raymond.” The show is gone.

Will win: “Desperate Housewives.” Too bad it’s not a comedy.

ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES:

Elber

Should win: Hugh Laurie, “House.” He elevates a standard medical drama.

Shouldn’t win: James Spader, “Boston Legal.” Smarmy doesn’t compare.

Will win: Hugh Laurie, “House.” What can’t he play?

Moore

Should win: Hugh Laurie, “House.” Treated us to a fresh, cranky character when we needed it most.

Shouldn’t win: Hank Azaria, “Huff.” The series’ mediocrity devalues all the performances.

Will win: Hugh Laurie, “House.” Who can say no to a doctor with a sneer?

ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES:

Elber

Should win: Glenn Close, “The Shield.” Great actress and a movie star.

Shouldn’t win: Patricia Arquette, “Medium.” Good actress, standard drama, not a ghost of a chance.

Will win: Glenn Close, “The Shield.” Deny an Academy Award winner? No way.

Moore

Should win: Glenn Close, “The Shield.” She puts everything into her role.

Shouldn’t win: Mariska Hargitay, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” How did she get nominated?

Will win: Glenn Close, “The Shield.” Not just the best; in a class by herself.

ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES:

Elber

Should win: Zach Braff, “Scrubs.” Plays the naif with a wily touch.

Shouldn’t win: Ray Romano, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He’s gotten enough love.

Will win: Tony Shalhoub, “Monk.” Changed up his funny sad-sack routine, a winning ploy.

Moore

Should win: Jason Bateman, “Arrested Development.” Gets laughs playing sane in the company of masterful crazies.

Shouldn’t win: Ray Romano, “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Will win: Ray Romano, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Who, Ray?

ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES:

Elber

Should win: Patricia Heaton, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” Best portrayal of a sitcom wife who can dish it out.

Shouldn’t win: Marcia Cross, “Desperate Housewives.” So she can show she’s a class act despite bad publicity.

Will win: Teri Hatcher, “Desperate Housewives.” Take a hint from the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe Awards.

Moore

Should win: Teri Hatcher, “Desperate Housewives.” She’s got comedic chops.

Shouldn’t win: Patricia Heaton, “Everybody Loves Raymond.” She’s gotten enough Emmys, too.

Will win: Marcia Cross, “Desperate Housewives.” Extra points as a “widow.”