The 11 Most Anticipated Cultural Events of 2011 -- Louis's Picks

7. Megan Draper's quick-learned worthlessness?

Last season's Mad Men finale sucked. Hated it. Hated Don's proposal to Megan, hated his final scene with Betty, and I hated Carla's obviously foreshadowed firing. However, I look forward to cipher Megan's evolution as a late-'60s housewife. Will she thrive? Or will she find herself a voiceless void in the Draper kitchen? I anticipate the former, but I'm a little excited for the latter.

8. Oprah's last show

I've never been a tremendous fan of Oprah's, but I just can't imagine how this will go: Will producers spring "surprises" on Oprah (who hates surprises)? Will Maya Angelou recite a poem about new mornings, spiritual fulfillment, and a $2 billion fortune? Will Oprah announce that she hates reading? There's already too much to love.

9. The vengeful resurgence of American Idol's Didi Benami

My favorite American Idol contestant this year wasn't Lee DeWyze (duh) or even the brilliant Crystal Bowersox -- it was Didi Benami, the tenth-place finisher who bleated stellar renditions of "Rhiannon," "Play With Fire," "Terrified," and "The Way I Am." The confessional quality to her performances reminded me more of Joan Osbourne and Alanis Morissette than Taylor Swift, and thus I fear she might've been too good for music in 2010.

10. An Emmy win for Jane Krakowski

You laugh, but I think we could be in for a surprise this year. Jane Lynch's alpha charms on Glee are peaking early, and it's evident that Krakowski -- who plays the trampy, delusional actress Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock -- plays our generation's version of Phyllis Lindstrom. If Cloris Leachman weren't still on TV, I'd say Krakowski was her undeniable successor.

11. The Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions

It's always the greatest part of the year. No explanation necessary, other than I'm still recovering from Larissa Kelly's eleventh-hour loss to Dan Pawson in the 2009 final. Heart-wrenching stuff. Alex's disapproval is my favorite potent potable!

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