Battle of the Network Gays: April 16, 2010

Oftentimes with Battle of the Network Gays you can tell by perceived popularity who is the probable front runner. But all of the candidates here are well-known sentimental favorites. And each have very strong reasons to vote for them this week. Quite frankly we're very curious to see who comes out on top.

More on this week's nominees and a chance to vote after the break!

American Idol's Adam Lambert

Why? Adam returned to the show that made him a star this week as a mentor to this year's crop of aspiring Idol hopefuls. He acquitted himself both as a mentor and as a consummate showman – on Wednesday delivering by far the best live performance on this season's Idol. "Whatya Want From Me?" As much as we can get!

Modern Family's Mitchell & Cameron

Why? Actors Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson truly got to shine this week in an insanely funny episode that had them reversing their usual breadwinner / stay-at-home dad roles. Watching Cameron put on a brave face while bringing home the bacon when all he wants to do is be a "trophy husband" was an Emmy-worthy performance.

Brothers & Sisters' Kevin Walker

Why? Poor Kevin finding out this week that he put the first guy who ever made a pass at him in a wheelchair was major melodrama, but it illuminated the human cost of internalized homophobia and actor Matthew Rhys was truly amazing in expressing his character's shock and remorse. Another Emmy-worthy performance. Unfortunately, the rest of this week's two-part episode was preposterous. 

Ugly Betty's Marc St. James

Why? Even thinking about losing Marc this week brings a tear to our eye. Of all the characters on Ugly Betty, Marc might actually have had the least satisfying send-off in the otherwise stellar series finale. (His pairing up with Troy at the end seemed a bit rushed.) But Marc remained the absolute emotional center of the show. His one-sided conversation with a comatose Wilhemina was a perfect example of actor Michael Urie's brilliance in this role: He managed to be sweet, sad and hilarious all at the same time. When Betty said her goodbyes to the various other characters it reminded us of Dorothy saying farewell to her friends in OZ. Guess who Marc St. James was?   

"Oh Scarecrow, we're gonna miss you most of all!"

Vote for your favorite by noon EDT Monday. And be sure to check back next Tuesday on the blog to see which network gay our readers have carried to glory!