It is television’s biggest night, a night to honor the finest achievements of a medium that is continuing to grow and prosper. For all the darts that can be justifiably thrown at the systematic support of individuals who crave celebrity above all else–the creation of an entire class of entertainment figures who are famous for no other reason than they’re famous–the claims of being immersed in a true golden age of television are justified with every new episode of Breaking Bad or 30 Rock (or even the flawed but frequently ingenious Glee) or any number of shows that capitalize on the inherent possibilities of long-term storytelling in way that the classics of bygone days could never even hope to achieve. Tonight’s award could change the career track of people who’ve been working hard in a exceedingly cruel business.

Still, let’s try to keep this in perspective.

They’re kinda willing to give these things to anybody. Well, except Bill Maher.

Also Lindsay Wagner won for playing the Bionic Woman. Tonight as a parade of very important performances lead to trophies, think about how great that is.