30 Rock’s Real Drama

December 10, 2009

Published by Ozarks Unbound.
DECEMBER 6, 2009 AT 9:12 PM

By Bethany Larson

Thursday night’s 30 Rock, “Dealbreakers Talk Show 0001,” hit the sweet spot–the episode was so funny that I was snorting and laughing to the point of tears. From the shirtless Obama picture in Devon Banks’ (Will Arnett) office to Frank’s transformation into Liz, the oh-so-funny view of the HD camera as characters walked in front of it (Kenneth in HD is actually a Muppet. Awesome.) to Liz’s breakdown due to the stress of her upcoming “Dealbreakers” talkshow, this episode had it all, including appearances from Grizz and Dot Com, Tracy’s no-nonsense wife Angie (Sherri Shepherd), Dr. Spaceman, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Because the episode was, in my opinion, the best of the season, there is no way that I can do it justice in this review, so I will list my favorite lines from last night at the bottom of the article. All I can suggest is for you watch it. However, I will talk about some pressing issues–namely the sale of NBC Universal to Comcast and Alec Baldwin’s statement that he wants to quit acting.

On Thursday, GE and Comcast announced that their long pending deal for Comcast to become the major share holder of NBCU was completed. It was a long, arduous, and boring process consisting of the negotiation of valuation. Although the deal has been made and $38 billion has been transferred, this is a process that is far from over because of issues with regulation. Oh, how the words ending in -tion make life hard.

What this means for “30 Rock” is that Jack’s role as TGS director/Executive of GE’s Microwave Division, is perhaps a moot point. Yes, GE will retain a minority share in NBCU, but they will no longer own it, which is an issue I presume will surface on the show next Spring. I’m interested to see how Fey and the writers deal with this–perhaps Geiss (Rip Torn) will sell the television division to someone else? That is probably the most rational creative decision and I seriously doubt they go that route–let’s hope they do something more creative and ridiculous than I can surmise.

Now for Baldwin. He said in a recent interview that he is never satisfied with his acting, television or otherwise, and that he wants to quit acting at the end of this year. Not only is this act of self-deprecation annoying, it is plain rude.

“30 Rock” works because of Baldwin’s character, Jack Donaghey; without him, the series would be devoid of the requisite jabs at the Republican party and the capitalist system as a whole, and the subtle sexist jokes would most probably fall to Frank, and that just wouldn’t be as fun. Furthermore, the series would lose it’s (arguably) best character. He makes the show tick. Although Tina Fey’s writing is the soul of the show, Baldwin’s impeccable timing and dead pan delivery of the jokes are the heart. And a soul without a heart is nothing more than a ghost.

Favorite Lines

“FEMA sent you these because your show is going to be a disaster”– written on a bouquet’s salutation card that Banks sent to Liz

“I need to talk to you. I have an actress problem.” — Jack to Jenna

“Don’t try to move the body yourself!”–Jenna to Jack

And now for my personal favorite:

“I just listened to Kenneth tell cleaned up versions of Garrison Keillor stories.” –Jack