. . . the hot new show that proved its kudos clout by sweeping the Golden Globes. "30 Rock" has lousy ratings, but it's irresistible to voters of a TV award because it so brilliantly skewers the tube industry.

But what show fills the fifth slot? I THINK it will be "Scrubs" because it's been nominated for the past two years under two kinds of voting systems: one that favors a popular vote of TV academy members (that's how nominees were chosen two years ago) and one determined by judges (last year's process). Both systems are being used this year in a bizarre combination.

But watch out for "Entourage." Sometimes it takes shows a few years to break into a best-series race. "Scrubs" only did so in its fourth season. "Entourage" just ended its third and it continues to grow in buzz and Cool Quotient. Also, consider the possibility that allegations of bloc voting are true. If so, then HBO's mass army of voters have to fight for something and this is the only show they've got. The last time HBO did not have any show in the comedy-series category was 1992! But this one may just be too young-skewing for those geezer Emmy voters.

I guess it's possible that "Desperate Housewives" has a shot at rebounding here, after failing to be nommed last year. It's a longshot, though.

If there's any justice in Hollywood -- and there isn't -- "My Name Is Earl" would make the lineup. Heck, it WON best directing and writing last year. But it's probably too blue-collar for Emmy snobs.

"Weeds" and "Extras" are also among the Top 10 finalists, but too low-rated and marginally quirky.