Unlike the Oscars, in which nominations for comedies and comedic performances are rare, and go up against dramas and all other genres, the Emmy Awards ensure that comedy shows and comedic performances get recognized by giving them their own separate categories.

Last year, Arrested Development and the Daily Show were the big winners in multiple categories. In the past season since then that is being considered this time, both shows have stepped up their game considerably, becoming worthy of equal or greater honors this year. In its second season, Arrested Development built the complexity of its story even more and found new heights of absurdity. The Daily Show, which has been around longer with Jon Stewart now than with its first host Craig Kilborn, had just reaped its first multiple-Emmy recognition last year. Buoyed by that, it hasn’t slacked off, sharpening the bite of its political commentary and correspondents’ pieces all while blending in substantive discussions with guests drawn from the ranks of authors, scientists and politicians rather than just actors and musicians.

The Jester’s Blog has no idea who will end up winning -- perhaps the Academy will decree this to be the year for a Desperate Housewives sweep of the comedy categories, even though that’s more of a soap opera than a flat-out comedy -- but would like to issue a verdict on who is deserving this year.

Arrested Development deserves more honors. Along with best comedy and best comedy series writing, this time its actors should get recognition, namely Jason Bateman as lead actor, for anchoring the craziness of all the family and related characters around him, and Jessica Walter for supporting actress, for creating an unforgettable comedy character as the matriarch of the Bluth clan. Jeffrey Tambor, as Bluth senior, is funny in almost everything he’s done -- previously as Hank Kingsley on the Larry Sanders Show. But this year, however, Jester pulls for Jeremy Piven as best supporting actor, to edge out Tambor, whose role on Arrested Development was a bit diminished in its second season. Piven, as maniacal agent Ari Gold on HBO’s Entourage, gave another dimension to that show beyond just the Hollywood star and his friends who are the ostensible focus.

And unfortunately, the Ali G Show -- truly a singular achievement, if not just for Sacha Baron Cohen’s character of Ali G, but even more so for his other character, Borat, who is an even greater transgressor in his improvised interactions with heartland America -- is only nominated in categories where it goes up against the Daily Show. This doesn’t bode well for Ali G, as the Daily Show beat out Chappelle’s Show, Chris Rock’s special, Conan O’Brien and David Letterman last year. Here’s hoping for a split decision this time around in the variety/music/comedy series awards.