Round up the usual suspects. That would seem to be the appropriate line when you look at the nominees for the 2010 Writers Guild Awards. That doesn't mean that all these nominees are not worthy; they are some of the best 2009 television for sure. It's just that inevitably some shows are left out in favor of the tried old faves.

For instance, in the comedy category, can you really put Modern Family in and completely diss The Big Bang Theory? I can't. I'm not even happy about the annual goopfest for 30 Rock, a sitcom that I've grown tired of -- but that's just me. I'd prefer How I Met Your Mother to get some time, or United States of Tara or Nurse Jackie or The Middle. All four of those show have been superior to 30 Rock -- to me.

You see what I mean? These nominations create as much controversy as clarity. But instead of squawking, I'm just going to say that every drama series nomination was extremely deserving. And it was great to see Friday Night Lights recognized.

Here's all the nominees in the top three categories:

DRAMA SERIES
Breaking Bad, AMC
Dexter, Showtime
Friday Night Lights, NBC
Lost, ABC
Mad Men, AMC

COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock, NBC
Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO
Glee, Fox
Modern Family, ABC
The Office, NBC

NEW SERIES
Glee, Fox
The Good Wife, CBS
Hung, HBO
Modern Family, ABC
Nurse Jackie, Showtime

[Check out many of these shows on SlashControl.]