LAST SUNDAY, the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards not only presented a handful of awards to TV’s best, but also delivered a handful of surprises. Winning streaks were ended and excited first-timers graced the podium. And from the varying level of cheers in the audience as names of nominees were announced live, it was obvious the tide had changed. In the comedy categories, newcomer “Glee” picked up trophies for Director and Supporting Actress, a stunned three-time winner Edie Falco won her fourth, this time for Lead Actress for her “unfunny” role in “Nurse Jackie” and “Big Bang Theory’s” Jim Parsons took the prize for Lead Actor. “Modern Family” dominated the night with a surprise win in Supporting Actor for Eric Stonestreet, Writing and Best Comedy, besting the other favorite, “Glee.” In the world of drama, Kyra Sedgwick (“The Closer”) finally nabbed a Lead Actress win after five nominations and supporting wins went to “Breaking Bad’s” Aaron Paul and Archie Punjabi (“The Good Wife”). Not all winning streaks were stopped, however, with “Mad Men’s” three-peat as Best Drama and one for writing, and Bryan Cranston’s third for “Breaking Bad.” Perhaps one of the biggest surprises was “Top Chef’s” streak-ending victory over 7-consecutive winner “Amazing Race” as Best Reality Competition Program.

As for the show, kudos to the idea of grouping the awards by genre which worked very well. It gave the night cohesion and clarity, especially for the less recognizable writing and directing awards that used to float around when the show had less structure. However, not everything had satisfying results. There’s a strong belief, especially in comedy, to always leave the audience wanting more. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case for host Jimmy Fallon. His brand of humor tired quickly. Each time he appeared strolling with his guitar, the results weren’t any funnier. Not even singing with stars connected to the genre he was announcing could help. Fallon may be a rock-star wannabe, but he doesn’t have the chops, vocal or otherwise, to sustain it for three-hours. Even last year’s host Neil Patrick Harris knew when enough was enough.