By Ray Richmond, Special to the Los Angeles Times

It's rare, but not unprecedented, for television shows to win Emmy Awards as a going-away present for their final season. "Everybody Loves Raymond" did it in 2005, carting off the outstanding comedy series statuette. Ditto "The Sopranos" in 2007 for drama series.

With several high-profile shows, including ABC's "Lost" and Fox's "24," taking their final bows in 2010, it could happen again, though history tells us that it's far easier to bring home the gold when your show is just starting out than when it's wrapping things up.

Here's an assessment of the recognition chances of some of the Emmy-caliber prime-time programs that have, or soon will, bid prime time adieu this year. (With the Emmy-worthy FX drama "Damages" on the chopping block, The Envelope decided not to include it among the officially dead in hopes that it may get a reprieve.)

The Envelope Print Edition June 3

Photo top to bottom: Holly Hunter in "Saving Grace," Matthew Fox in "Lost" and Mary Lynn Rajskub and Kiefer Sutherland in "24."