30 Rock

[billynord]

It may be nothing, but in the News & Notes section of this week's Entertainment Weekly there was a tiny piece about NBC now needing to fill the post-Superbowl void since Amy Poehler/Greg Daniels' show wont be ready. It read:

The cast of 30 Rock had previously considered whether to pitch a live telecast after it successfully performed an episode at New York's Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre last winter. Says a network insider: "It's unclear at this point, but we're gonna put the best asset we can in that slot"

That would be hot.

[andrearunge]

I hope they do fireworks.

[BillBrasky]

n/m

[Berliner]

Thanks, I've been waiting for this!

[crimestick]

Thanks, Brasky!

[Kentock]

Having watched the original pilot, I have to say I think that recasting Rachel Dratch was probably the right move for the show. I am a big fan of hers, but Jane Krakowski does a better job putting across the self-absorbed, pathetic primadonna character.

[yumitree]

i found this (and a ready-to-burn dvd version) on piratebay in june and thought i was way late to the game until hound told me you were going to upload this to myspleen.
i'm definitely glad that this got recast and reshot because, as much as i complained about krakowski early in the show, she's grown into her role and i definitely don't think the show would have survived with dratch playing that part.

[rabbitandox]

Krakowski is more believable as a dopey primadonna, but watching Dratch, that was the first time I believed that Jenna and Liz were friends.

[BillBrasky]

I was going to put it on myspleen, but I forgot that I don't have the program anymore on my new computer to create torrents, so this was easier. If you really want me to, I guess I can put it up. Plus, as you said, this is available elsewhere, and I wasn't sure if you're supposed to put stuff on myspleen that's available on other trackers.

I agree with all of you. I think Dratch and Fey are more believable as friends who've known each other a long time and have a history doing sketch comedy together (because, duh, that's what they are). But as the show has developed, they've sort of eliminated that aspect of their relationship, and now the character of Jenna has become more about her vanity, her self-absorption; she's an older woman trying desperately to be young and hip. I think Jane has done a great job with that, and I don't know if Dratch would be able to pull that off as well (picture Rachel trying to do that whole plotline where she gains weight doing "Mystic Pizza: The Musical"; it just would have seemed mean instead of funny).

Plus, I think Dratch was funny doing all the different little character roles. They wouldn't have been able to do the episode where she was Elizabeth Taylor, or the one where she was Barbara Walters; it would have been weird to have her playing Jenna and those other parts too. I just wish they had kept her during the second season.

[BillBrasky]

Jennifer Aniston will return home to NBC, the TV network where she became a breakout star on the hit sitcom "Friends."

She's currently filming a guest appearance on the network's "30 Rock," Aniston publicist Stephen Huvane confirmed Friday.

There were no immediate details on the role Aniston will play — as herself or a fictitious character — or the episode's planned air date.

The New York-based series, which begins its third season in October, stars Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin.

[brianpalmer]

There's a <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/09/08/080908fa_fact_parker">great profile of Alec Baldwin in The New Yorker</a> wherein he discusses 30 Rock and a lot of other things.

Alec on 30 Rock:
“If the show does succeed, it’ll be something of a fucking miracle, because NBC hasn’t done a fucking thing to help this show at all. This show is the red-headed stepchild in the lineup. They’ve gone out of their way to wring the last drops out of ‘My Name Is Earl’ and ‘Scrubs.’ Those shows are done! They’re cooked! Yet they do a one-hour episode of ‘Earl’! You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!”

[BillBrasky]

http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/9/hulu-getting-nbc-shows-before-tv-does

It looks like NBC U really does believe some of its hype about the Web not detracting from TV. To wit: the network is putting five shows on Hulu.com a week before they air on broadcast TV to build buzz for their premieres.

This isn't too big a gamble: three of the shows -- Lipstick Jungle, Chuck and Life -- are struggling second-year shows lucky to be back on the air in any form this year. The fourth, Knight Rider, is a new show that dearly needs any kind of buzz NBC can generate. The fifth, 30 Rock, isn't coming back until the end of October, and NBC will need all the promotion it can get to remind its fans it still exists.

It's unlikely Hulu will have these shows exclusively for the week -- NBC will no doubt also air these on NBC.com. And it's not really unprecedented: NBC.com has been airing exclusive Webisodes of The Office this summer. But it is a coup for Hulu, which has a bigger audience than NBC.com, and for the first time gets some new network TV that hasn't yet appeared... on TV.

[disl]

does anyone know why 30 rock is starting so late? unless this means that there will be fewer off weeks, i just don't see why it has to start a month later than everything else, especially since it's the best show on the network.

[BillBrasky]

The only reason I can figure is because of the SNL "Thursday Night Live" shows, which start October 9th, the same night as "Kath and Kim". They air for three weeks leading up to the election, in the 9:30 slot. I guess we should be happy there aren't four of those shows, then the new season wouldn't start until November 6th.

Then again, there's no reason they couldn't have delayed the premiere of "Kath and Kim" until October 30th and put "30 Rock" in the 8:30 slot.

[BillBrasky]

Spoiler for an upcoming episode:

Following up on the previously-posted news that Jennifer Aniston will guest star on NBC's "30 Rock," NBC has revealed that the former "Friends" star will play the free-spirited, Fatal Attraction-like stalker Claire Harper, Liz Lemon's (Tina Fey) former roommate from Chicago who randomly shows up in New York and attaches herself to Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin).

"What a thrill to have Jennifer back on NBC on a Thursday night. She is the perfect comedic talent to work with the Emmy-winning '30 Rock' cast," said Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment. "This promises to be a memorable, hilarious night of comedy."

"Jennifer is not only incredibly lovely to have around, she also has what the young people would call 'mad skills.' We're very excited that she's joining us," said Tina Fey, creator, executive producer and star of "30 Rock."

"30 Rock" premieres on October 30 (Thursday, 9:30-10 p.m. ET).

[Mutant Despot]

That's not such a big spoiler.

[BillBrasky]

Ok, how about this?

Gossip Girl frenemies Leighton Meester and Blake Lively have closed a deal to guest-star in a November sweeps episode of NBC's increasingly stunt-happy 30 Rock. The dynamic duo will play former high school classmates of Liz Lemon's in a flashback sequence that reveals a shocking and deeply ironic truth about Tina Fey's morally superior alter ego: She was a Mean Girl!

The Gossip-inspired flashback coincides with Liz's 20-year high school reunion, which means we're also going to meet the adult versions of Meester and Lively's characters. (In a kicky twist, Rock execs are talking to Blake's older sis, Robyn Lively, about playing the latter part.)

[Chaza8]

I watched the pilot with Dratch, and I am very glad they got rid of her and the original Suri. They did not add much to the show, and I'm glad NBC mucked up the pilot.

[JKwac]

Yay to 30 Rock for winning a bunch of very deserved Emmys on Sunday, including...

Comedy Series (Having won last year as well)
Comedy Actor (Alec Baldwin)
Comedy Actress (Tina Fey)
Comedy Writing (Tina Fey)
Comedy Guest Actor (Tim Conway)
Casting
Sound-Mixing

Yay!

[stephan]

I've been rewatching season 2 to get ready for season 3 and every single episode is great. There's not a weak one in the bunch. Plus, everyone on the show gets to be funny, and then Alec Baldwin seals the deal.

These next 31 days are going to take forever, financial meltdown or not.

[Bucky_Sinister]

Baldwin, while talking to Buscemi, says, "My cousin Tim fixes NBA games."

For you non sports people out there, it's a reference to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Donaghy

[Bucky_Sinister]

There's some great extras on Disc 2 of Season 2. If you caught them all on TV, give the disc a rent. There's a live version of one of the episodes they did at the UCB theater! Also, a table read, if you're really nerdy.

[DonTGD]

There's some great extras on Disc 2 of Season 2. If you caught them all on TV, give the disc a rent. There's a live version of one of the episodes they did at the UCB theater! Also, a table read, if you're really nerdy.

yes, I AM really nerdy.

[BillBrasky]

It looks like the premiere of 30 Rock is going to be available early on Itunes, a week before it airs on TV. In this week's TV Guide, there's an ad that says "Get your free download code in next week's issue of Tv Guide". So keep an eye out, because it looks like you will need this code in order to download the episode.

[Dan B]

It looks like the premiere of 30 Rock is going to be available early on Itunes, a week before it airs on TV. In this week's TV Guide, there's an ad that says "Get your free download code in next week's issue of Tv Guide". So keep an eye out, because it looks like you will need this code in order to download the episode.
I think I read somewhere that it will be on hulu a week before as well. Probably won't need the code for that.

[BillBrasky]

It doesn't look like the 3rd season premiere is on Hulu yet, but it is on Itunes if you have this week's TV Guide and have the download code.
It's a good one; a lot of funny stuff and Will Arnett is in it.

One funny line I liked: Jack is talking about the summer when he was a boy that he "worked the day shift at that graveyard, and the graveyard shift at that Day's Inn". That doesn't really spoil anything, just a good example of 30 Rock's clever writing.

[BillBrasky]

Now it's up.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/40482/30-rock-sneak-peak-do-over

[stephan]

Now it's up.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/40482/30-rock-sneak-peak-do-over

They've still got it.

"They" being the wonderful people who make 30 Rock.

[man124]

Wow, that was a fantastic season premiere. I had kind of hoped that they would have continued the story-line that was setup by the crazy final scene of Kenneth in the season finale, just because it would have been ridiculous.

[pollymaepry]

I don't think that could've been better!

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

There's a <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/09/08/080908fa_fact_parker">great profile of Alec Baldwin in The New Yorker</a> wherein he discusses 30 Rock and a lot of other things.

Alec on 30 Rock:
“If the show does succeed, it’ll be something of a fucking miracle, because NBC hasn’t done a fucking thing to help this show at all. This show is the red-headed stepchild in the lineup. They’ve gone out of their way to wring the last drops out of ‘My Name Is Earl’ and ‘Scrubs.’ Those shows are done! They’re cooked! Yet they do a one-hour episode of ‘Earl’! You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!”

Looks like he got his miracle (Palin) Tina has gained a lot of new fans recently and brought millions of viewers to NBC. I have a feeling the new season will have a lot of new viewers! At least I hope!

ps- I checked out the link to the pilot and the file was deleted! Anyone know where to find it now?!

[BillBrasky]

Looks like he got his miracle (Palin) Tina has gained a lot of new fans recently and brought millions of viewers to NBC. I have a feeling the new season will have a lot of new viewers! At least I hope!

ps- I checked out the link to the pilot and the file was deleted! Anyone know where to find it now?!

The Hulu link above still works.

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

Bill I was talking about the pilot link you posted earlier ;} I haven't seen it with Rach as Jenna yet and it appears that file was deleted. Do you know where I can find it now?! THANKS! :)

[BillBrasky]

Edit: Oops, Ok.

[yumitree]

not to be a wet blanket, but nbc has been pretty vigilant about sending out letters related to this pilot. ask hound!

[hound]

hound has no comment about the SIX letters he may or may not have received from an unnamed network about an unnamed unaired pilot

[Babs]

Wow Krakowski's face looks quite...tight

[charles star]

"Have you ever been sexually harrassed? ... Of course not."

[rabbitandox]

This episode irritated one of my pet peeve's about this show: They once again pretended Liz Lemon is something other than a stone-cold fox. She's a hottie and everyone knows it and I don't know who they think they're fooling because these jokes about Liz being sexually unappealing are nonsense.

And then there were all those sitcommy jokes, i.e. "This place is great for a kid... (light crashes, someone curses)," "That's not slang, he has a speech impediment, (really?? Tracy Jordan has a speech impediment that we never heard about until right now? really?), Will Arnett has sex in the park with guys wearing leather vests? Amnesiac plot points??

Overall, I give this episode a Terrible, except for one Awesome which goes to Kenneth.

[heatherm]

baby i love you, don't ever leave me again baby

[YoungAmerican]

This episode irritated one of my pet peeve's about this show: They once again pretended Liz Lemon is something other than a stone-cold fox. She's a hottie and everyone knows it and I don't know who they think they're fooling because these jokes about Liz being sexually unappealing are nonsense.

And then there were all those sitcommy jokes, i.e. "This place is great for a kid... (light crashes, someone curses)," "That's not slang, he has a speech impediment, (really?? Tracy Jordan has a speech impediment that we never heard about until right now? really?), Will Arnett has sex in the park with guys wearing leather vests? Amnesiac plot points??

Overall, I give this episode a Terrible, except for one Awesome which goes to Kenneth.

You must have a really sad life.

[extrafacelol]

Seriously, isn't this show 75% jokes that could literally be done on any sitcom, but with an obnoxiously wacky-but-witty tone? I don't get what's so special about it.

[rabbitandox]

You must have a really sad life.

I like you better on the radio.

[hound]

HOW DARE THIS SITUATIONAL COMEDY MAKE JOKES! ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT WOULD NEVER DO THAT!

[Having Fun!]

Everybody calm down!

[YoungAmerican]

Seriously, isn't this show 75% jokes that could literally be done on any sitcom, but with an obnoxiously wacky-but-witty tone? I don't get what's so special about it.

I disagree entirely. It's the best cast sitcom on television, the best written sitcom on television, it's a spectacular program. If you find the tone obnoxious, well, that's your prerogative, Bobby Brown. As far as it being 75% jokes that could literally be done on any sitcom -- I think that there is no show on television that does better character-driven jokes than 30 Rock. The characters, down to very deep B and C characters, have very distinctive voices which are written for exceptionally well. That is something truly special.

A great example is Tracy Morgan. Tracy Morgan has always been fantastically funny, at least in my eyes. But 30 Rock is the first work he's done that's really written to his strengths. Why was The Tracy Morgan Show a failure? Morgan was typically excellent in it, but it didn't play to his strength. 30 Rock does. Even Tina Fey, who is a limited actress, has an incredibly strong character and voice on the show. One of the strongest in TV.

I think 30 Rock is a truly amazing, special program. I sincerely feel lucky to be alive at a time when 30 Rock is on TV. I've never felt this way about a TV show, but it's the highlight of my week.

[stephan]

The ratings seem to be up. #5 in the 18-49 last night is good, right? They pretty much tied Survivor, which didn't happen last year I don't think.

30 Rock also beat My Name is Earl pretty handily, so Alec Baldwin is probably feeling pretty good, or at least justified.

[BillBrasky]

Seriously, isn't this show 75% jokes that could literally be done on any sitcom, but with an obnoxiously wacky-but-witty tone? I don't get what's so special about it.

If you think it's easy to write something witty, then try it.
Your sentence is tantamount to saying "Isn't this show like every other show on the air right now, but better?"

[Having Fun!]

I don't think the show is obnoxious but the theme song is ridiculously obnoxious. When I think 30 Rock I think of big city horns, not a tuba and some "skip-diddly-dah-dah (continued below)

do-do-dippity-do-wow", lame. Now for someone on AST to say that so-and-so worked on the theme song to make me look bad. Such is the nature of the AST beast.

[charles star]

This episode irritated one of my pet peeve's about this show: They once again pretended Liz Lemon is something other than a stone-cold fox. She's a hottie and everyone knows it and I don't know who they think they're fooling because these jokes about Liz being sexually unappealing are nonsense.

And then there were all those sitcommy jokes, i.e. "This place is great for a kid... (light crashes, someone curses)," "That's not slang, he has a speech impediment, (really?? Tracy Jordan has a speech impediment that we never heard about until right now? really?), Will Arnett has sex in the park with guys wearing leather vests? Amnesiac plot points??

Overall, I give this episode a Terrible, except for one Awesome which goes to Kenneth.
Warning: explaining jokes sucks.

Liz Lemon isn't a "fox" because she doesn't see herself as one. Nobody else in the office would either; she isn't classicly hot like the receptionist, she is the kind of nerd-hot that ASTers (including me) go for. She is over 25 (so she's too old for Donaghy) and she is everyone else's boss. She sees herself as a workaholic, Sabor de Soledad eating schlump., not as a hottie. This is probably very close to how Tina Fey saw herself before she became famous and I doubt she has convinced herself that it isn't true now.

Tracy Jordan's ridiculous speech impediment hadn't been mentioned before? I think you just weren't paying attention to the character. Of courseTracy Jordan has a speech impediment that sounds like Snoop's dizzlespeak. That's who Tracy Jordan is. In any event, the speech impediment line was just a setup for his exit line.

Also, I had to pause the DVR so my wife could stop laughing at Jenna's Japanese bank commercial.

[BillBrasky]

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/10/jon-hamm-to-gue.html

Warning: This next story may make you pee your pants.

TV's best comedy and drama are about to collide in the most spectacular of ways.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that Mad Men star Jon Hamm is in advanced talks to do a multi-episode arc on 30 Rock.

Cross your legs -- there's more!

I'm told Hamm, who presumably got bit by the 30 Rock bug last week while hosting Saturday Night Live, would be playing a potential love interest for Tina Fey. Word is he's Liz's neighbor.

Although Hamm's deal isn't done, my Rock-solid mole assures me that it's happening.

Okay, go make your business now.

[FF Woodycooks]

Now for someone on AST to say that so-and-so worked on the theme song to make me look bad. Such is the nature of the AST beast.

Tina Fey's husband does all the music. YOU'RE NOT HAVING SO MUCH FUN NOW ARE YOU


I heard that thing about Hamm today too, that is so exciting!

[Having Fun!]

zit zippity dippy do fuck you

[justtookadump]

Is someone complaining that a comedy has setup-punchline jokes? If you know another kind, please let me know, as writing them is hard.

[rabbitandox]

Also, I had to pause the DVR so my wife could stop laughing at Jenna's Japanese bank commercial.

I usually don't appreciate people trying to convince me that I shouldn't like something, (there's a limited number of things in the world to like, let me keep this one at least!), so I won't try to do it to you or anyone else. But on the other hand, the reason I read comedy message boards is to get a feel for how other people are reacting to the things I like.

I usually like 30 Rock. It's not great, but it's good. However, in the last half of last season, something started to slip, and last night, I felt like the bottom fell out. There were so many terrible "sitcommy" (read: Two and a Half Men style, not Arrested Development style) jokes that fell flat, I was sitting on the couch completely stunned that a show that is usually pretty ok could take such a huge turn into awful. That's how I felt, take it for what it's worth.

(I agree with your wife, that part was funny.)

[aenemaTron]

When was Liz's attractiveness even brought up?

I thought this episode was great, really well balanced. When she told Frank to change his hat, I thought he might change it to one that said "NOT HORNY" but what he ended up doing was 1000 times better than my dumb idea.

I loved, also, when he said he would only use the gold nunchaku for good, then immediately didn't.

[YoungAmerican]

I think the music is wonderful. The tone of the show is part modern, part screwball comedy, part Mary Tyler Moore, and I think it creates an immediate feeling of that kind of New York. The kind that could as easily exist in 1939 or 1948 or 1966.

One of my favorite parts of 30 Rock is the way they marry this very contemporary style of comedy so flawlessly to a very classic sitcom foundation. It's tough to be so relentlessly silly and fun without making characters do things that don't feel right (see Simpsons season 4 V. Simpsons season 18). Also: the jokes are amazing.

I've said it before, but as much as I loved Arrested Development (a lot), I like 30 Rock better. There was something satisfying about the dense interlocking webs of allusion that drove AD, but the parts I found funny were the character driven bits, which seemed to come less and less often as the allusions became denser and denser. I love the way all the jokes on 30 Rock, even the really strange ones, feel like they really come from the voice of the characters and the situation.

[isoS]

This episode irritated one of my pet peeve's about this show: They once again pretended Liz Lemon is something other than a stone-cold fox. She's a hottie and everyone knows it and I don't know who they think they're fooling because these jokes about Liz being sexually unappealing are nonsense.

And then there were all those sitcommy jokes, i.e. "This place is great for a kid... (light crashes, someone curses)," "That's not slang, he has a speech impediment, (really?? Tracy Jordan has a speech impediment that we never heard about until right now? really?), Will Arnett has sex in the park with guys wearing leather vests? Amnesiac plot points??

Overall, I give this episode a Terrible, except for one Awesome which goes to Kenneth.

You must be a graduate student.

[isoS]

Well said, YA. This ep. made me laugh hard, and then the parting shot (Liz in Jack's doorway) melted my heart.

[dan telfer]

I love this show. This last episode reminded me that it makes me consistently laugh like an idiot, especially after yet another super dark episode of The Office.

This show was a hard sell for me- when it first debuted against Studio 60 I decided I could only handle one of the two shows. Despite having had a crush on Tina Fey since her Chicago days I went with the show that reminded me how much I missed Sorkin era West Wing. They were obviously completely different even in genre, but it kept me from watching 30 Rock until Season 2. I don't think I even need to comment on how disappointing Studio 60 was. I liked it more than most people, I think, and I was still really frustrated every episode.

30 Rock won me in one episode. And in the episode where Jack and Tracy went to therapy together I was dying laughing. I can't remember another show that has made me laugh that hard, even shows I would call my all time favorites. There is something perfect about the tone. It is a completely insane acid-trip level freakshow of anti-social people all hinged on Liz's sincerity. I can't think of a single episode that has disappointed me.

I was a little skeptical from all the ads touting guest stars this season like some kind of celebrity who-gives-a-shit parade. But man, Megan Mullally getting cracked in the face by solid gold nunchucks? There's something for everyone in that sentence.

When Frank gently set the chucks in her hand, as if to make it look like she'd done it to herself... oh man.

[dougbenson]

i haven't seen it, but the description of it just made me laugh out loud.

(lol, if you will)

[man124]

Well said, YA. This ep. made me laugh hard, and then the parting shot (Liz in Jack's doorway) melted my heart.

That was an amazing moment. I felt it really managed to sum up there entire relationship in a single shot and it was really touching.

[dan telfer]

What was funny about Will Arnett having a gay threesome in the park isn't the way he emerged from the bushes. It's the way he exited, frantic and barefoot in a suit, up a giant boulder instead of using the path for no apparent reason.

[Babs]

This is probably very close to how Tina Fey saw herself before she became famous and I doubt she has convinced herself that it isn't true now.


I completely agree. Of course most of us realize how gorgeous she is (having a hair and makeup and wardrobe person is of course always helpful in bringing it out physically) but when you grow up on the chubby side, a Star Wars geek, etc, it's hard compare yourself to the A-typical "hot chicks".

This is all why I completely relate to her character, the weird quirks, the single-woman embarrassing admissions, all of it. Countless times I have gawked at Liz Lemon's actions and said "that is me". I only wish I had her figure with our mutual love of food, however.

[andrearunge]

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/10/jon-hamm-to-gue.html

Warning: This next story may make you pee your pants.

TV's best comedy and drama are about to collide in the most spectacular of ways.

Sources confirm to me exclusively that Mad Men star Jon Hamm is in advanced talks to do a multi-episode arc on 30 Rock.

Cross your legs -- there's more!

I'm told Hamm, who presumably got bit by the 30 Rock bug last week while hosting Saturday Night Live, would be playing a potential love interest for Tina Fey. Word is he's Liz's neighbor.

Although Hamm's deal isn't done, my Rock-solid mole assures me that it's happening.

Okay, go make your business now.

Oh yes.

[stephan]

What was funny about Will Arnett having a gay threesome in the park isn't the way he emerged from the bushes. It's the way he exited, frantic and barefoot in a suit, up a giant boulder instead of using the path for no apparent reason.

I'm pretty sure that was a Jack Nicholson in Wolf homage.

[waxpop]

I thought this episode had that extra-sitcommy stank to it, but I still enjoyed it. My favorite line was Jack: “It will be just like when I worked the day shift at that graveyard and the graveyard shift at that Days Inn.”

[isoS]

When Frank gently set the chucks in her hand, as if to make it look like she'd done it to herself... oh man.


That probably made me laugh the hardest of anything. I never thought I'd be loving a nunchuck gag in 2008, but here we are.

[chapina]

All of you are wrong, the stickers signature was the best part.

(jon hamm, yowsa!)

[charles star]

When was Liz's attractiveness even brought up?
Here's one place (http://aspecialthing.com/forum/showpost.php?p=24144&postcount=38)

[crazyshat]

haha, lol, man o man, that was good.



hey, i wonder if tv shows can give people blow jobs?

or b t dubs vice/verca

[rabbitandox]

Well that's a little embarassing that I only got half a person on my side. I had no idea this show was so loved, I was actually thinking my op would be fairly uncontroversial, or I never would have come on so strong. I'll definitely be watching next week in a new light..

[dan telfer]

Well, 30 Rock does have some things that make is seem very mainstream and conventional:

-It's won Emmys.
-It has Alec Baldwin, a famous dramatic actor.
-Tina Fey is a household name.
-Primetime slot with lots of advertising.
-Mainstream accessibility in much of its writing.

So, I think it's easy to forget how much it really has going for it from a comedy nerd's perspective:

-It's a rare sitcom with a female lead who is not "dumb", "generous with her datebook" if you catch my meaning, or a "failed" film actress looking for something to revitalize their career. Tina drives the show, and is not holding the writing or the rest of the cast back. She created, writes, produces, AND stars in it. That's really rare, let alone rare to be done well.
-Despite winning awards, ratings are not fantastic and whether it will get picked up from season to season is not a shoe-in. It could easily go the way of Arrested Development if it starts costing too much to produce or if a stupidly appealing reality show runs against it on another network.
-The universe may be over the top, but it's really fleshed out. John Lutz, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Freedlander... these are people who came up in improv or alternative comedy and instead of being stock actors they often have their own loyal followings. And you don't have to be a cult fan to appreciate how developed and weird these minor characters are. So while it may seem cheesy to have Krakowski, Morgan, and Baldwin, lots of people are watching the extended cast.
-"Single camera" shows are still new. They might not become the new standard, but they are certainly reinventing the way sitcoms are developed. It's easy to forget how recently sitcoms were 90% dependant on a studio audience or laugh track. This is one of the big single camera shows.

Plus, the show is good.

[Berliner]

Don't worry. I'm sure that speech impediment joke is an elaborate story arc that's going to really pay off a few episodes later.

[DonTGD]

I disagree entirely. It's the best cast sitcom on television, the best written sitcom on television, it's a spectacular program. ...

I will agree with you on the writing, but the Simpsons and the Office have better casts. Alec Baldwin is an acting genius and it's amazing to see him and Tina fit into one category and then see Tina slip into her interactions with Jenna and then Tina interacting with Tracey- all great, but I think the Office is better cast and the Simpsons is damn near perfect.

[DonTGD]

...
I thought this episode was great, really well balanced. When she told Frank to change his hat, I thought he might change it to one that said "NOT HORNY" but what he ended up doing was 1000 times better than my dumb idea.
...

It took me such a stupidly long time to get that joke. I was back at Arrested Development again, rewinding the tivo...

I completely agree. Of course most of us realize how gorgeous she is (having a hair and makeup and wardrobe person is of course always helpful in bringing it out physically) but when you grow up on the chubby side, a Star Wars geek, etc, it's hard compare yourself to the A-typical "hot chicks".
...

I have never met Tina, but several friends have and one acquaintance worked with her in-depth, for weeks on a project and to suggest in any fashion that Tina grew up thinking she was gorgeous is... bizarre. Tina grew up working past a physical issue which I believe has made her the strong adult she is today. She helmed Mean Girls because it meant something to her. She is a classic sort of nerd with special ideas who got pushed around in school for no reason and when she had the chance to "Show them all" she did. So much so that in post-Mean Girls interviews you never hear her talk about her childhood.

[ericluxury]

I can't believe that rabbitandox's opinion is getting any kind of defensive reaction. It's so self-evident that the show is fantastic.

Also, if they were trying to pretend that Tina Fey wasn't good-looking, would they do a Sex & the City homage (because it wasn't really a spoof) in the begining of the season with Tina straight-facedly in the Carrie Bradshaw role? No.

It's been since last season that I laughed so much at a show. My favorite part was Kenneth saying 'Tell me, Tell me'.

[jon]

NY Times article on Tracy Morgan. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/arts/television/02itzk.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)

I can't decide if being in the same restaurant as him would be great or horrible.

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

That is a great article. I especially like the quote from Alec about two different types of alcholics...

I am proud of Tracy and hope he stays on this new path he is on. I love this show and hope it continues on for a while.

[BillBrasky]

After watching the episode a couple of times, I noticed that when Kenneth meets Megan Mullaly's character for the first time, he says "Can I he...rrp you?" The only reason I can figure that he says this is that Liz has just told them to be on their best behavior around her, and he doesn't want to say the "hell" part of "help". Which is hilarious. They really haven't put so much effort into the small moments of a show since AD.

[aenemaTron]

Here's one place (http://aspecialthing.com/forum/showpost.php?p=24144&postcount=38)

Ah. See, I thought he was talking about her looks being depicted as sub-par from the show's perspective, not Jack Donaghy's. If one character has a skewed perspective on looks, I guess that means the show lacks credibility. (sarcasm)

[rabbitandox]

:rolleyes: In this episode, it was from Jack's, Liz's, and the show's perspective. The latter is apparently arguable, but I'm not buying it, mostly because it's an ongoing thing. I have no idea if the show lacks credibility, I just know that these kind of jokes irritate my liberal-feminist sensibilities.

[aenemaTron]

You roll your eyes yet you give no examples.

[pollymaepry]

Why didn't everyone just listen to charles and dandyfop earlier. Cuz since they sorta nailed it. Tina created the show. This is how she seems to see herself (or did, but if you saw her Emmy acceptance it doesn't look like that changed with success). So the rest of the show follows suit to her vision. Also, being in a city like New York doesn't help confidence in the looks department. Remember the episode when she went to Cleveland and people thought she was a model? S'all relative, dudes.

[isoS]

There are constant jokes made at the expense of Liz's appearance. Usually it's more about how she dresses (shlumpy), but the gist of it is that she is not attractive to her co-workers, nor does she think of herself as attractive. This is about what she projects, not about her physical looks. She's a nerd on the inside and has never overcome that inner self-revulsion. And that's real, yo.

[YoungAmerican]

There are constant jokes made at the expense of Liz's appearance. Usually it's more about how she dresses (shlumpy), but the gist of it is that she is not attractive to her co-workers, nor does she think of herself as attractive. This is about what she projects, not about her physical looks. She's a nerd on the inside and has never overcome that inner self-revulsion. And that's real, yo.

I agree with Sass, and I think part of that joke rests on the idea that while she's actually pretty good looking, she's just such a dope/workaholic/nerd she can't get it together to be a pretty girl. Which was also the joke of the "Sex and the City" homage.

[AndyHohner]

I think part of that joke rests on the idea that while she's actually pretty good looking, she's just such a dope/workaholic/nerd she can't get it together to be a pretty girl.

People outside of the show environment often refer to her as good looking. If you'll remember she is a "hair". The best joke from the last episode was the, "it's just G now, I sold the E to Samsung, it's now Samesung." So great.

[(Mul)Doomstone]

Decent article on Tracy Morgan in today's NYT:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/arts/television/02itzk.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

[DrewSpears]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this before, but does it seem to anyone else that Devon Banks is becoming more and more of a parody of Ben Silverman?

[disl]

quick question: does tgs have any producers? i feel like we only ever see the writing staff and cast. not that it's essential to see them, i'm just sort of surprised that that's not something they've really explored yet.

[Berliner]

Pete

[man124]

So is Jack suppose to be gay now? It was sort of hinted that he became gay at the end of last season and some of the dialogue in this episode could maybe be seen to support that idea. I don't think he is, but I was curious what everyone else thought.

[DiscoInferiorityComplex]

So is Jack suppose to be gay now? It was sort of hinted that he became gay at the end of last season and some of the dialogue in this episode could maybe be seen to support that idea. I don't think he is, but I was curious what everyone else thought.

Yes. In last year's season finale, he was part of a comedic tandem with Matthew Broderick, a sure sign of impending homosexuality.

[man124]

Yes. In last year's season finale, he was part of a comedic tandem with Matthew Broderick, a sure sign of impending homosexuality.
No, I was talking about the final scene of the episode, where the gay gas stuff got released in the bunker.

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

I thought it was fake gas and it was exposing that those certain politicians were in the closet. At least thats why I laughed...

About Ben Silverman, in what way Drew?

[DiscoInferiorityComplex]

No, I was talking about the final scene of the episode, where the gay gas stuff got released in the bunker.

There's no such thing as permanent gay gas.

[man124]

Ok, I just thought that would have been a funny plot line for the season. Jack feeling that he had to hide the fact that he was suddenly gay and try to find a cure. It seemed like there would have been a lot of options for social commentary there.

[isoS]

If that turns out to be true, then you're the best detective in this thread.

[YoungAmerican]

If that turns out to be true, then you're the best detective in this thread.

I'm laughing, I'll tell you that much.

[DonTGD]

I don't know if anyone has mentioned this before, but does it seem to anyone else that Devon Banks is becoming more and more of a parody of Ben Silverman?

Last week everyone started repeating this story. I'm sure someone leaked this because people who don't know who Ben Silverman is were telling me this...

[DrewSpears]

Last week everyone started repeating this story. I'm sure someone leaked this because people who don't know who Ben Silverman is were telling me this...

I mostly made the assumption through Nikki Finke's portrayal of Silverman, the 'under prepared party boy drives network into ground'. I didn't see the link between the two people, fictional and real from any other sources. It's probably a side effect of over analyzing and an active imagination since Banks has been a character since before Silverman was fucking up NBC.

[BillBrasky]

This episode was great and very Arrested Development-y. Loved the fake Olympic sports: synchronized running and octuple tennis. Also, it's funny to go back and watch the episode once you know the "twist" and see that everything makes sense (Very M. Knight Shyamalan!)

Tracy Jordan: "I watched eight episodes of 'Boston Legal' before I realized it wasn't a new 'Star Trek'"...heh.

[Jouster]

My favorite: "That guy looks up to everybody. He even calls Tracy's lizard 'sir'."

[TacoSmith]

"Oh, I don't believe in hypothetical situations. It's like lying to your brain."

[yumitree]

this episode was really great, but man, the previews for next week looked bad.

[charles star]

This episode was so-so. Some very good moments (Kenneth in the elevator; the Sixth Sense Oprah moment at the end) but it didn't hang together for me. The Tracy/Jenna storyline in particular felt flat.

[DiscoInferiorityComplex]

Is Lonny Ross (Josh) no longer on the show?

[man124]

This episode was so-so. Some very good moments (Kenneth in the elevator; the Sixth Sense Oprah moment at the end) but it didn't hang together for me. The Tracy/Jenna storyline in particular felt flat.

I totally disagree, I thought that was one of the funniest parts. It may have been a bit cliched, but I thought there were some great jokes.

[extrafacelol]

Man I'm eating my words, I enjoyed last night's episode.

[Hated Milk Machine]

Does this show feel weird to you guys sometimes? Like sometimes it seems like 2 completely different writing staffs are working on the show.

The part in the beginning with "Whatever Donaghy says will have to work with both conversations!" felt really out of place. That felt like something you'd see on Tuesday night at Improv Olympic. Or the "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW HARD IT IS TO BE AN OVERWEIGHT TRANSGENDER?" Was that even a fuckin' joke?

I got the same feeling during the season finale last season. Like when there were all these camera-pointing-right-in-the-face-of-the-person-talking shots that seemed jarring.

I dunno, they're not HORRIBLE, they just feel.... weird. I'm doing a pretty shit job of describing it.

[disl]

i thought it was a very uneven episode. the kenneth half of the kenneth-jack feud didn't do it for me (although jack's part was great, especially the phone conversation with liz-- "i don't know what we're talking about." "we're talking about nobody. a hillbilly nobody who doesn't know anything.") and i really didn't enjoy any of the oprah stuff at all. i loved EVERYTHING in the tracy-jenna storyline, though, especially this exchange:

"tracy, your emotions are upside down."
"that's where my world is at right now."

[BillBrasky]

I thought the opening scene was OK, but I did kind of hate the end part, where Liz says "Haha, that last part didn't work for both conversations, you said 'sir"" And Jack says "I think it worked fine" That was just lame and they really should have come up with a better joke. Tina's "Oh, you....!" mugging after the punchline didn't help matters. They could have added a "WAHHH WAHHH" sound effect and accomplished the same thing.

Otherwise I thought the episode was funny.

[Popinjay-Z]

There are bound to be some duds when you're offering so many gags per minute, but this show makes me laugh so hard I never remember the parts I didn't like.

I can find no blame in a program that offers me a fake Olympian who signs his autographs "Believe in the stars" or a Tracy-in-whiteface gag that involves a monster claw for a hand.

Blameless.

[isoS]

^^^ This guy gets it.

[KeithTalent]

it's funny to go back and watch the episode once you know the "twist" and see that everything makes sense (Very M. Knight Shyamalan!)

Yes. "Stay close."

[Scammy Davis Boogah Jr.]

Loved Tracey getting arrested at Chuck-E-Cheese.

"Do you know who I am? Seriously, someone tell me!!"

[mezmorized]

I didn't have high hopes for the Jennifer Aniston episode, but I throughly enjoyed it. I never watched Night Court, so I don't know if it was great beyond what it was to a non-viewer, but other than that the episode was really funny.

Highlights:

Kenneth squealing.

Tracy Jordan in eyeglasses.

Liz's angry muppet face.

"She's just crazy, like grab a cop's gun crazy." - Liz

"Just got to hack it." - Jack D.

The Aquarium nightclub.

[crlygrl]

That Night Court "finale" really made my year.

I was one of those people who was crushed when they never finished the series. Watching that made me giddy... which disturbed me a little, but still...

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

Does this show feel weird to you guys sometimes? Like sometimes it seems like 2 completely different writing staffs are working on the show.

The part in the beginning with "Whatever Donaghy says will have to work with both conversations!" felt really out of place. That felt like something you'd see on Tuesday night at Improv Olympic. Or the "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW HARD IT IS TO BE AN OVERWEIGHT TRANSGENDER?" Was that even a fuckin' joke?

I got the same feeling during the season finale last season. Like when there were all these camera-pointing-right-in-the-face-of-the-person-talking shots that seemed jarring.

I dunno, they're not HORRIBLE, they just feel.... weird. I'm doing a pretty shit job of describing it.

I totally feel what you are saying. Could be that they have different writers and directors every episode. I actually really liked the phone conversation with Jack and Liz, it holds true to their relationship, expecially the sir ending.

And I agree with disl, for the first time ever, I barely laughed out loud at McBrayer. I don't know what it was. He is usually my favorite. I did laugh at the hypothetical line...

Apparently last nights episode was the least watched episode in history. Which in a way is good, because I'd have to say it was my least favorite.

[JKwac]

Apparently last nights episode was the least watched episode in history. Which in a way is good, because I'd have to say it was my least favorite.

This is just not true at all. 7.5 million viewers last night, which is among their highest ratings ever (although behind 8.5 for this season's premiere and I think around 8.0 for the Oprah ep.) The first season averaged around 5.8 million and the second season around 6.4. Even last season's premiere with Seinfeld was only about 7.3 million. 30 Rock's been holding on to a healthy percentage of The Office's viewers so far this season and is beating shows like Ugly Betty in the 18-49 demographic-- the most important demo for advertisers. If they keep this up (and it looks like they will) it will no longer be accurate for people to say that "no one's watching." So I don't know where the "least watched episode" thing comes from, but it's wrooong.

Also, I thought this episode was hilarious and I was laughing out loud a lot (even for 30 Rock.)

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

I did say apperently because I wasn't sure. I went back to my source though, it did say "of the season", guess I missed it.

Don't get me wrong here, I love this show. This and The Office are the only two shows I watch (online), because I'm busy at night. But there was something off about Thursdays show.

[jon]

It's like an owl without a graduation cap. Heart. Breaking.


(Also, Markie Post? Still gettin' it done.)

[TacoSmith]

I thought this episode was pretty perfect. So many great Tracy lines.

"What's the matter Kenneth? You've got wife eyes."

[charles star]

Meow.

[disl]

i thought this week's episode was okay, but i'm getting really sick of all the guest stars. there are enough interesting tertiary characters on 30 rock that have yet to be fully explored, i'd like to see them get more fleshed out before they go into full-on "season 3 of arrested development" mode. i want to know more about toofer, frank, pete, and lutz, characters that could exist in a greater capacity on the show, as opposed to oprah or jennifer aniston, who will presumably never again resurface in the 30 rock universe. i mean, what's more interesting just in your real life: getting to know people that you spend a lot of time with but don't know very well OR running into some random crazy asshole and never seeing them again? a drop-in from aniston or even david schwimmer (whose guest spot i actually enjoyed) might be fun for that one episode, but i'm much more interested in learning about the characters that are in it for the long run. i hope that all made sense.

[BillBrasky]

It's pretty clear they're using the big name guest stars to get more people to watch the show, which I don't really have a problem with. Other than the Jerry Seinfeld episode, I think all the guest stars have been handled relatively well. Usually they write a funny character role for the celebrity, instead of having them just play themselves (even in the Oprah episode, there was a funny twist that redeemed her appearance). I liked how this episode was titled "The One with the Cast of 'Night Court'", as if to say, "Yeah, we had to build an episode around Jennifer Aniston, but here's what this episode was really about".
Remember also that November is sweeps month- they want people watching the show now and getting used to watching it, so they're front-loading the season with Oprah, Aniston, Steve Martin, etc. I'm sure once sweeps is over, they'll settle down on the guest stars and the show will get back to being about the cast.

[disl]

yeah, i get that they're just trying to lure viewers right now, but i don't think this is the right way to do it. i feel like if that is how people are coming to the show, then that becomes their expectation from there on out. i just wonder how patient the average person will be when the guest stars stop rolling by and they have to start caring about what grizz and/or dot com are doing, that's all. i don't know how applicable this is to today's tv audiences, but i don't remember "seinfeld" rolling in the guest stars to try to build an audience. i think if you give a quality show a good 4-5 seasons, they will build an audience. "arrested development" would be going into it's 6th season right now and it's undoubtedly gotten much more popular over the last 2 years since it was cancelled than it ever was while it was on the air and that's almost entirely thanks to word of mouth without any gimmicks. and now they're getting a movie as a result.

i don't know. i guess i need an example where a parade of guest stars has actually helped a low-rated show build a real audience because none immediately come to mind.

[KeithTalent]

Yeah but aren't you kinda excited about Steve Martin actually potentially being funny

[Ian Brill]

Wasn't the role of "Liz's crazy friend" already fulfilled by Jenna? She's already boy crazy and acts out of low self-esteem. I mean, you could make the case that Aniston's character was crazier than Jenna (and a storyline about Jack sleeping with one of Liz's friend could only work in a one-off...I guess) but overall it seemed unnecessary.

[isoS]

"He gave me the business."

disl, it's well-documented that the TV landscape is completely different now than when Seinfeld was first on, and that no show will ever again be able to follow that path to success. AD had stunt-castings as well (Julia Louis-Dreyfus? Charlize Theron? Ben Stiller? Liza Minelli?) and I question how much more popular that show is now than when it was on (I also don't think the movie's a lock to get made -- it's going to be relatively expensive, and given the tiny audience the show had, a studio might not want to take the risk). 30 Rock is great, it is ratings-challenged, they're doing what they can to keep it on the air without compromising the sensibility. I can't fathom having a problem with that.

[TomHicks]

I wouldn't care if 30 Rock had guest stars every week walking around in sandwich boards advertising Lexus cars. This is not a popular show and it needs to work to stay on the air.

[disl]

disl, it's well-documented that the TV landscape is completely different now than when Seinfeld was first on, and that no show will ever again be able to follow that path to success. AD had stunt-castings as well (Julia Louis-Dreyfus? Charlize Theron? Ben Stiller? Liza Minelli?) and I question how much more popular that show is now than when it was on (I also don't think the movie's a lock to get made -- it's going to be relatively expensive, and given the tiny audience the show had, a studio might not want to take the risk). 30 Rock is great, it is ratings-challenged, they're doing what they can to keep it on the air without compromising the sensibility. I can't fathom having a problem with that.

i see your point and agree to an extent, but i guess what really bothers me is that a lot of the guest spots on 30 rock have been really bland this season. megan mullally's role could have been played by anyone, no reason to shoehorn her into an episode; if they're going to use her, then have her do something. why have a special guest and then don't give them anything to do? even james carville got something to do and he's not even an actor. that said, most of the guest roles have been great. it just annoys me when they throw someone on the show in a plea for ratings and then use them in a really uncreative way. it feels cheap to me.

as a side note, i think AD has definitely increased in popularity since it ended. i know a lot of people who have started watching it on dvd and now love it whereas i didn't know hardly anyone who did when it was actually on the air. kinda like how family guy got huge after it was cancelled in its original run. not that i like family guy, that's just another show that i don't remember compromising while on the air and it ended up paying off down the road.

[BillBrasky]

30 Rocks

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[rabbitandox]

30 Rocks


I love that! It's nice to see a sketch written in homage rather than in criticism. That it's so silly and pointless only makes it better.

[charles star]

Steve Martin was fantastic.

[jon]

Indeed. Tracy Morgan had a lot of hilarious lines that I can't remember right now. I really enjoyed this one, though like disl I'm ready for a guest star-less episode.

[Marty_Malt]

Gag of the episode for me was when Tracy freaks, takes down the picture of his sons smiling and behind it is a picture of his sons scowling at him. Such a simple gag but executed perfectly.

[satyricrash]

That's the last of the guest stars, right?

RIGHT?

[strangeinterlude]

Was that Ryan Seacrest's voice doing the weather while Tracy is channel surfing? I think it was, and I love the implication.

[nadsat droog]

"Menendi"

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

Steve Martin can still be funny when he's not stuck in huge box office gross mode with movies like Cheaper by the Dozen and Pink Panther. He had a crazy cameo in Baby Mama and I knew last night be no different. I MISCOUNTED THE MEN LIZ... I MISCOUNTED THE MEN! Also I was hoping for a good crazy TRACY SIDEPLOT and the SEX doll worked wonders. And it's good to see Pete get some more screen time because he really got robbed last season. Hopefully we get a little more Pete-centric now that the guest star

As for those who disagree with guest stars on the show. Aside from Seinfeld, I'd say 30 Rock works wonders with their guests and create pretty crazy scenarios, Oprah's was no exception. Even Aniston's appearance wasn't too gimmicky, altough the crazy female role has been done to death I didn't mind her at all. And of course, Saving Steve Martin for last was great. Hey if the show stays on the air I really don't care what happens because no matter how bad an episode is, there's still a ton or one-liners or minscule gags that keep the show on track.

[man124]

Fantastic episode. Can Steve Martin and Tina Fey just always work together from now on? They seem to play perfectly off each other. Also, its amazing how much more I enjoyed the episode because Jenna wasn't there. I am not saying that I hate that character, it just seems rare that the writers do truly funny stuff with her.

[megalope]

I loved how when Tracy is in the closet listening to his son talk to the Japanese-sex-doll-Tracy, you totally know what's coming, but when it happens it's still fucking awesome.

[peace pipe]

"Stop patriciding!" was my favorite line.

[Itslikeimsayin]

Car crash derails 30 Rock shoot (http://news.yahoo.com/s/eonline/20081121/en_top_eo/70176)

[TacoSmith]

The taxi crashed into another car which was not an NBC vehicle.
Thank GOD.

[Grant Pardee]

Though I typically like Steve Martin and Tina Fey together, I thought Thursday night's episode was pretty weak. The Steve Martin plot seemed way too busy for its own good, with everybody needing to explain exactly what they're doing at each moment, and the Tracy storyline may have been a little too out there.

Overall, the past two weeks have reminded me too much of season 3 Arrested Development. Some good jokes, but a big drop in quality. Hopefully this rights itself with the removal of the guest-star-of-the-week stuff.

I did really like Jack and Pete negotiating, especially with Jack's gutteral "Hornberger..." as they finished.

[pollymaepry]

Grant Pardee you are so darn wrong.

Oh and dudes, the guest stars aren't ending quite yet. There's gonna be a three episode arc with Salma Hayek. And if that doesn't sound good to you you're a stupid loser*!

"That paint's drying weeird"

[BillBrasky]

And don't forget, Jon Hamm is going to be playing Liz Lemon's boyfriend in a few episodes, but that's the kind of guest star you guys can get behind (probably literally in Jimmy Pardo's case).

[kwigibo]

And don't forget, Jon Hamm is going to be playing Liz Lemon's boyfriend in a few episodes, but that's the kind of guest star you guys can get behind (probably literally in Jimmy Pardo's case).

You think Jimmy's the top in that fantasy?

[disl]

i really liked this episode a lot. i like it when my favorite shows are fucking crazy (tracy afraid that his kids are going to menendez him) and also really silly (just about everything steve martin did). this episode fulfilled those two needs. also, i would love to sit around and goof on tv shows with liz lemon until we're both very old.

[jon]

I watched this again, and here are some things I loved, because you care:

Liz being nervous about an "away toilet situation"
Liz saying "these are not chips" then eating another one
"And rightly so. I'm a strange man who can't be taken seriously."
"I thought that was just the tagline to my movie, Death Bank."
"You can tell us apart because it's not suffering from a vitamin deficiency."
"Oh god, this dream again?"
Tracy pluralizing Menendez as "Menendi."
"Camp of Approval."
"I would feel safer with some saltines."

What a great episode.

[YoungAmerican]

When Steve Martin started climbing that ladder all goofy, I just about lost it.

[Popinjay-Z]

"Why isn't there any good art in here!?!?!"

I should just save "The Office" for another night, because even at its best that show never comes close to "30 Rock."

[charles star]

"... and if it works out, then what? You have to have a bunch of sex."

I don't think this is verbatim. Give me a break - it's been four days.

[BillBrasky]

We kind of got saved from another "guest star" episode, because originally the two "mean girls" who supposedly picked on Liz in high school were going to be played by Blake Lively and Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl. Amusingly, Blake's character as a grown-up was still played by Robyn Lively, Blake's real-life older sister. Remember her from "Teen Witch"?

[jon]

I was not a huge fan of this one. It felt like a rehash of the "Rural Juror" episode but with fewer jokes. I know the common complaint is that they never show Pete and the writers anymore, but I'd be happy if they just stopped making every episode about the relationship between Liz and Jack.

Also, there was too much "whoosh"ing in the beginning. What is this, Scrubs?

[Harry Bongers]

I was not a huge fan of this one. It felt like a rehash of the "Rural Juror" episode but with fewer jokes. I know the common complaint is that they never show Pete and the writers anymore, but I'd be happy if they just stopped making every episode about the relationship between Liz and Jack.

Also, there was too much "whoosh"ing in the beginning. What is this, Scrubs?

No, it's Parker Lewis Can't Lose.

I agree about the Liz and Jack bit. I'd like to see it focus on different characters a bit more. Otherwise it will likely wear itself out for me.

[aenemaTron]

Despite the wobbly pacing and weak b-plot, I laughed a lot and generally really liked this episode.

The lady with the face-mark was from SVU so that's a guest star. SUCK it, bitches.

[jon]

Despite the wobbly pacing and weak b-plot, I laughed a lot and generally really liked this episode.

The lady with the face-mark was from SVU so that's a guest star. SUCK it, bitches.

And the blonde lady was on the West Wing (it took me until this morning to remember it.)

Poor lady with the face-mark. The other lady from SVU got an entire episode about how cool and hot she was.

[aenemaTron]

Oh ma gad, I forgot about her. I guess Michaela McManus is next.

edit- I know way too much about a show I hate. Does that mean I deserved to get raped?

[Darryl]

For some reason "LEMON OUT!!!!!!" and knocking over the mike stand made me laugh myself silly. Awesome touch!

[TomHicks]

And don't forget, Jon Hamm is going to be playing Liz Lemon's boyfriend in a few episodes, but that's the kind of guest star you guys can get behind (probably literally in Jimmy Pardo's case).

I just started watching the first season of Mad Men in November, and when Pete Campbell has to ride up in the elevator with the black custodian, and then the custodian gets off, Pete says, What is this, the local?

I was wondering if the Kenneth line was a direct reference. Or maybe people in New York make that joke on elevators a lot, instead of dealing with the city's combustible racial issues.

[floedout]

For some reason "LEMON OUT!!!!!!" and knocking over the mike stand made me laugh myself silly. Awesome touch!

agreed.

[darrylduffy]

sorry AST, i really liked this episode.

[hughfitzgerald]

Yep, much funnier than last week.

[Jouster]

Jenna really likes dressing up as her co-workers. And there was that Frank/Toofer thing last season. What's going on?

[Babychoby]

Amusingly, Blake's character as a grown-up was still played by Robyn Lively, Blake's real-life older sister. Remember her from "Teen Witch"?

THAT'S where I recognized her from. Thank you, it was driving me crazy but not crazy enough to look it up.

[man124]

I don't know why, but the first scene with Tracy and Jenna was really funny to me.

[satyricrash]

I thought the episode was funny, and timely on a personal level: i just pretty much had Liz's exact same high school realization last week.

[Kentock]

I don't know why, but the first scene with Tracy and Jenna was really funny to me.

I think it was written with that intention.

Hope I cleared things up!

[Scammy Davis Boogah Jr.]

That woman at the reunion was a total dot-chin.

[Umlaut]

I want to go to there

[A Shot Glass of Humor]

The reunion plot was alright the anti-climactic thing with Don Geiss was expected. But I really wasn't feeling the Tracy-Jenna plot. 30 Rock has been skimping, on Frank, Toofer, the rest of the writers and Pete for most of this season. I want them to get back to the basics for godsakes. I realize the guest stars have been much but there weren't any big ones here and I'm gonna be honest, I thought Gavin Volure was funnier. Sure Lemon had some cool lines and those reunion-goers were pretty funny. But what really brought it down was Donaghy's fake student id-card gag and again that really lame elevator plot. Hopefully the Christmas episode makes up for it.

[man124]

I think it was written with that intention.

Hope I cleared things up!

My point was, people really seemed to be shitting on that storyline and I was just saying I found it really funny.

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

Tina on the cover of Vanity Fair:

<img src=http://www.vanityfair.com/images/magazine/2009/01/cover-0901-ht.jpg>


Article: http://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2009/01/tina_fey200901


<img src=http://www.vanityfair.com/images/magazine/2009/01/tina-fey-0901-01.jpg>

[charles star]

I thought the telescope Rashomon was great.

[disl]

The reunion plot was alright the anti-climactic thing with Don Geiss was expected. But I really wasn't feeling the Tracy-Jenna plot. 30 Rock has been skimping, on Frank, Toofer, the rest of the writers and Pete for most of this season. I want them to get back to the basics for godsakes. I realize the guest stars have been much but there weren't any big ones here and I'm gonna be honest, I thought Gavin Volure was funnier. Sure Lemon had some cool lines and those reunion-goers were pretty funny. But what really brought it down was Donaghy's fake student id-card gag and again that really lame elevator plot. Hopefully the Christmas episode makes up for it.

a "hello, my name is ____" sticker is not an ID card. where did you go to

anyway, i laughed a lot during the last episode, but both plots were pretty weak. the important thing is that it was hilarious, though. i'm willing to overlook the weak A and B stories so long as the content was hilarious and it was. great episode. i cannot get enough of that last line, still hilarious after dozens of replays. "that's right, a JET. to new york cit-ay! lemon: OUT."

[TomHicks]

Elaine Stritch was reading Kevin Turow's sequel to Rural Juror, Urban Fervor, when Lemon came to visit her.

" ... Trene."
"Irene."

[NausicaN]

Here's something I've been wondering about. So we know Leno's moving to 10pm, bumping all of NBC's shows outta there at that hour, and downsizing their overall production slate.

Poehler's Office Spinoff is premiering sometime early 09, though NBC never made it clear exactly when (after it was bumped from Super Bowl night).

This begs the (tricky) question.. with (A) 4 comedies on now, (B) NBC announcing their intentions earlier to have the Office Spinoff to follow the Office, or vice versa.. (C) their thinking of only having oneee night of comedies... (D) the fact that Kath and Kim is renewed.. Where is the extra sitcom going to go?

Either they are going to make an extra show that could be a companion piece to whatever is bumped from Thursday to another night(assuming Office Spinoff is moving in) OR they cancel a show from their Thursday lineup all together.

I have a feeling if ratings for 30 Rock aren't stellar the rest of the year, it will definitely be on the brink. After the Palin phenom died down, so did the ratings. Mainstream viewers just don't "get" the show, and with all the publicity/celeb wattage there's no reason that it should still be struggling. So what that it's critically loved, so was another show that only lasted 3 seasons cougharrestedcough

Thoughts?

[Hated Milk Machine]

Is it still struggling ratings wise? I thought it was doin' okay?

[NausicaN]

Is it still struggling ratings wise? I thought it was doin' okay?

It was in October, but starting with Oprah episode, ratings have decreased.

Here's an interesting piece about whether it's ratings matter...

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/10/do_ratings_matter_for_30_rock.html

[NausicaN]

Also..

Where the hell did Lonny Ross go?

[JKwac]

I have a feeling if ratings for 30 Rock aren't stellar the rest of the year, it will definitely be on the brink. After the Palin phenom died down, so did the ratings. Mainstream viewers just don't "get" the show, and with all the publicity/celeb wattage there's no reason that it should still be struggling. So what that it's critically loved, so was another show that only lasted 3 seasons cougharrestedcough

Thoughts?

I think this is a load of crap. Yes, 30 Rock is a smart, hilarious show that is criminally underwatched. What a cute little packaged news story! Well, actually, 30 Rock has beaten Kath and Kim AND My Name is Earl every Thursday this year in both total viewers and the 18-49 demographic, even as recently as this past week. In fact, it's right behind The Office. Still. And the lowest ratings this season have been well above previous seasons' averages. So the Arrested Development comparison doesn't apply. Sorry to be harsh but I'm ready for this false story of "30 Rock is doing terribly" to be over with. The very idea that NBC would cancel 30 Rock NOW --when Tina is wildly popular, they're cleaning up at awards shows, and their ratings are better than ever-- is a notion so absurd, it's laughable. Plus, I think the show has just as much (if not more) "mainstream appeal" than The Office.

[Hated Milk Machine]

I think this is a load of crap. Yes, 30 Rock is a smart, hilarious show that is criminally underwatched. What a cute little packaged news story! Well, actually, 30 Rock has beaten Kath and Kim AND My Name is Earl every Thursday this year in both total viewers and the 18-49 demographic, even as recently as this past week. In fact, it's right behind The Office. Still. And the lowest ratings this season have been well above previous seasons' averages. So the Arrested Development comparison doesn't apply. Sorry to be harsh but I'm ready for this false story of "30 Rock is doing terribly" to be over with. The very idea that NBC would cancel 30 Rock NOW --when Tina is wildly popular, they're cleaning up at awards shows, and their ratings are better than ever-- is a notion so absurd, it's laughable. Plus, I think the show has just as much (if not more) "mainstream appeal" than The Office.

Thats what I thought!

[BillBrasky]

How about:
8 Pm- The Office
8:30 PM- Kath and Kim
9 Pm- 30 Rock
9:30- Office Spinoff

Does anyone care about My Name is Earl anymore? Are its ratings still good enough to be the lead off show on Thursday nights?

[PinkieOfDoom]

How about:
8 Pm- The Office
8:30 PM- Kath and Kim
9 Pm- 30 Rock
9:30- Office Spinoff

Does anyone care about My Name is Earl anymore? Are its ratings still good enough to be the lead off show on Thursday nights?

My Name is Earl is still on? Granted I haven't been near a TV since August, I haven't heard about it in a while unless it was on TBS...

[DonTGD]

My Name is Earl is still on? Granted I haven't been near a TV since August, I haven't heard about it in a while unless it was on TBS...

I loved the first season of My Name is Earl. It was written from a Maryland perspective slightly differently than John Waters, but there was no mistaking the residents for any other state (let alone the existence of a Crab Shack). However season 2 and 3 were awful with unwanted and ill-conceived plot twists. There are still wonderful characters, such as the criminally underrated Dick Bakalyan as a retired mafioso crossing guard. Unfortunately the plots go nowhere and two major structural changes to the show flopped. I've got two months on my tivo to go through- I see no reason to completely give up on the show- but it's limping along at best.

[BillBrasky]

Yeah, I watched My Name is Earl pretty faithfully during its first season, but pretty much stopped after that. It's one of those shows like "King of the Hill" and "Everybody Hates Chris" that are, overall, good, well-written shows, but I always lose interest when I actually try to sit down and watch them.
NBC doesn't have to cancel it, but maybe they could move it to Friday nights and start a new family-oriented sitcom block there (MNIE isn't exactly the most family-friendly show in the world, but moreso than The Office, Kath and Kim, or 30 Rock).

[aenemaTron]

I watched the whole first season too. Then I just got sick of the "dumb hick" jokes. My tolerance hit a wall, I guess.

[metal2000]

Apparently I wasn't the only one! Haven't watched an episode of "Earl" in ages, either. I can't put my finger on what it was, but after a few episodes of season 2, I just stopped watching altogether.

"30 Rock" is indeed doing pretty well in the ratings (for an NBC show). Of course, as a counter, last year "Scrubs" was doing better in the ratings than "30 Rock", and it got booted to ABC while "30 Rock" got promoted to its post-"Office" spot. Maybe it's because "30 Rock" was far more critically acclaimed and is produced in-house, but it also shows that ratings (good or bad) don't mean everything over on crazy-and-stuck-in-4th NBC.

Really, they should just turn themselves into an all-comedy network. With 3.5 hours of late night talk, and the 2 most critically-acclaimed network sitcoms, they're pretty much branded as the "Comedy and Law & Order Network" anyway. "Chuck" is an hour-long but is a comedy. "Life" has a lot of humour in it, despite being a drama. They should just go all-comedy, all-the-time.




(Obviously, I'm not being serious -- they'd never do that. But I do think it could work for them, given their hopeless position in the ratings.)

[Berliner]

Hey, I've been watching Chuck, and I've developed a taste for it.

[DonTGD]

I watched the whole first season too. Then I just got sick of the "dumb hick" jokes. My tolerance hit a wall, I guess.

I was tempted to counter this comment yesterday, but then watched an episode of Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo where they infiltrated a women's roller derby and I started to see that Earl's take on characters was not too far from Carter Country, Lobo, the Dukes and the rest of the urban cowboy era.

[wrinkle_in_my_pants]

I loved Grizz and Dot Com ice skating, "We need boundaries".

I was excited that we might actually get to watch a part of the comedy show, and see a "tv show within a tv show", but it didn't happen. I wonder if Jane Krakowski has it in her contract to sing in every show...

[nadsat droog]

The Christmas episode was not very good but it still made me laugh.

[BlackGirl]

Has there been any mention of a musical 30 Rock episode?

www.quirkbooks.com

[DonTGD]

I actually thought the show was very moving in an adult Christmas way. Jack realizing that he was blinded to the efforts of adults top improve his childhood and he might not have been the self-made-man he thought of himself as.

[BillBrasky]

Mark your calendars: Jon Hamm's first appearance on "30 Rock" will air on Feb. 5, NBC confirmed Monday.

The "Mad Men" actor has a three-episode arc on the NBC comedy in 2009; he'll play a potential love interest for Liz Lemon (Tina Fey). Hamm's character is a doctor who lives in Liz's building, and things went so well after he shot two "30 Rock" episodes last fall that he's going to shoot another episode early this year, the actor told USA Today.

And we know from his November hosting stint on "Saturday Night Live" that Hamm, who's wonderful as the complicated Don Draper on the AMC drama, has some serious comedy chops.

[KeithTalent]

A cup of hot water with a chicken bone in it, and a bowl of salted ice cubes.

[Dogwelder]

Jon Hamm on 30 Rock?? I hadn't heard that. What awesome news.

Also, "Come on, take another little chunk of my lung now baby." That is such a dumb parody song that it's funny.

[yumitree]

peter dinklage! the look he gave liz after telling her he's seen her show was great.

jenna's "audition" was awesome.

still no lonnie, but i saw he did a video for the late night insider blog. maybe he's busy with that :rolleyes:

[BillBrasky]

What's with the "Teen Witch" fixation all of a sudden? They had Robin Lively in the reunion episode, and this week Kenneth was singing "Top That":

<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zQ00laVt62c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[studiode]

My favorites:

“Yes and no. Yes, I’m talking. No, we don’t have the rights.”


“And written by the best screenwriter in the world, whoever that is.”

[charles star]

A cup of hot water with a chicken bone in it, and a bowl of salted ice cubes.
I think you skipped the best part of that line. "The lady will have the tasting menu, but with a few substitutions. Instead of all of it, she'd like ..."

[ericluxury]

That was a good one...tons of quotable lines and actually good appearances from the celebrity guest stars.

I was giggling throughout it but that version of Piece of My Heart as hilarious.