In advance of the 2009 Emmys, I’ve prepared a brief speech to commemorate all the people that helped make the TV mini-series “John Adams” possible.

First and foremost, I want to thank God. Without Him, who knows where Hollywood would be? Thank you HBO for spending $100 million on the series. Thank you Tom Hooper for your directing and Tom Hanks for your producing. Thank you Kirk Ellis for your adaptation of David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Most important, I want to thank anyone who helped create “John Adams” because I’m sick of seeing Paul Giamatti’s talent wasted on excrement like “Lady in the Water” (wasn’t scary, Mr. Shyamalan) or “Fred Claus” (wasn’t funny, Mr. Vaughn), and do I have to even mention “Shoot ‘Em Up?” If I ever see Michael Davis, the director and writer responsible for that awful mess, I promise to shoot him up.

“John Adams” is the best production since “Sideways” for Giamatti because it’s built around long-winded, emotional speeches. It allows Giamatti to showcase his talents as the sagacious Adams, a composed man who holds his feelings inside while he ponders the just response. And when he responds, he releases his emotion with fire and brevity.

In reaction to the Intolerable Acts by Britain, Giamatti climbs to a church pulpit and speaks with assertion to his comrades:

“Liberty is not built on the doctrine that a few nobles have a right to inhabit the earth – No! No! . Liberty will reign in America.”

The series (which continues on Sundays at 9 p.m.) begins in 1770 Boston – a time of unrest between America and the British (obviously). Adams slowly rides to Boston on horseback, passing under two Tories hanging from a tree. He remains stoic.

Once home, he embraces his loving wife and counselor Abigail, played by Laura Linney. The scenes between Giamatti and Linney are the most candid moments in the episode. There is a palpable connection between the two that transcends the screen.

It’s clear that Adams is ahead of the times. He relies on his wife’s guidance during his defense of British Capt. Thomas Preston, who was accused of murdering five civilians in the Boston Massacre. During the trial, Adams questions a black man and pats him on the hand when the man aids Adams’ defense.

Adams’ position switches from a supporter of Britain to a hardened defender of America when Britain strictly and unjustly punishes Massachusetts. The rest of the seven-part series takes us through the life of Adams, the nation’s second President, until his death in 1826.

I have to say this is great historic stuff, probably the best since Steven Spielberg and Hank’s “Band of Brothers” – a mini-series driven by heart-pumping action. There’s hardly a trace of that in “John Adams.” Instead, the historical drama relies on Giamatti to drive the story. And he delivers.

Oh, and one last thing. Thank you John Adams for helping form America, because without you, who knows if there would even be a Hollywood where Giamatti can flourish.