All a Canadian TV show wants is a little respect. That’s why the Geminis were created. Maybe it’s fitting that the awards show can’t get no respect either, a sentiment that shows up quickly when you talk to Canadian TV critics.

‘It is almost impossible to take the Gemini Awards seriously,’ says the Globe & Mail’s John Doyle. ‘The nominations are eccentric in some cases, and outrageous in others.’

Still, Doyle and the other critics we canvassed were willing to come up with favorites and opinions when pressed. ‘I do hope that CBC’s Intelligence wins big,’ Doyle admits. ‘It’s the type of smart, entertaining drama that we can do with aplomb in Canada. CBC should consider itself lucky to have it.’

While the latest series from Da Vinci’s Inquest creator Chris Haddock continues the writer/producer’s love affair with Canadian critics, another nominee for best dramatic series has caught the eye of Vancouver Province critic Dana Gee. ‘Slings & Arrows [the defunct TMN series by Rhombus Media] delivered richly drawn characters who, beneath their narcissism and professional ambitions, worried about things we all worry about. They just did it with a little more flair and, fittingly, a little more drama,’ says Gee.

Gee also supports Paul Gross’ nomination for best actor. ‘Gross’ tortured director Geoffrey Tennant burned as bright as a big spotlight,’ Gee enthuses. ‘From the rumpled trench coat to his equally unkempt mind, Tennant represented the tortured artist with an often abrasive aplomb. You wanted him to succeed, but deep down you knew he was going to make it very difficult for himself. And really, who wanted it any other way?’

Gee is also a fan of CTV’s popular Corner Gas, defending its title as best comedy series.

‘Corner Gas is a great example that comedy doesn’t always have to be edgy to be funny,’ says Gee. ‘In the right hands, a small town, regular folks and life’s daily grind are all great resources for comedy. Corner Gas is Mayberry for the new millennium, but just a little bit more screwy.’

A hearty second to that from Brendan Kelly of the Montreal Gazette: ‘I’m rooting for Corner Gas to win as best comedy series because it’s great to finally prove, once and for all, that the term ‘English-Canadian sitcom’ is not an oxymoron,’ Kelly says. ‘It turns out there is life after King of Kensington.’

The National Post’s Rob McKenzie has another favorite.

‘I’d like to see The Business win for best ensemble in a comedy program or series,’ he says. ‘It’s a spirited original from Montreal and the cast members contribute broadly. Wouldn’t break my heart if Corner Gas won the category, but in terms of shining attention on a less familiar show, The Business would be my choice.

With the Geminis being held in Regina this year, Butt and company may have something of a home-field advantage for the world’s first Saskatchewan-based sitcom. Another Regina advantage: all the critics live somewhere else.