I’m not really sure what to think of this week’s episode of 30 Rock. Frankly, I found the whole episode to be a little stale. However, it was focused on Liz realizing that her whole life was just a cycle of dealing with freak outs from Jenna and Tracy. If the episode was all just a big inside joke about 30 Rock being a little stale, well, then isn’t it brilliant? Honestly, I don’t know. It just felt a little stale.
After doing her taxes with her accountant, Liz realized that every year she did essentially the same thing. Looking back in her journal she discovered that it had all of the answers to her problems — because her problems were always the same. Jenna and Tracy freak out, Jack has the answers, Cerie doesn’t wear enough clothing. Always the same problems. As Liz ran around trying to “presolve” all of the problems around TGS, I just wasn’t feeling it.
The main story made not have been the best that we have seen from the show. As a little wink to the audience about how all the stories seem to repeat, though, it was kind of smart. A few more killer jokes, though, and the episode could have been a classic. I always know when an episode of 30 Rock isn’t working for me when I find myself lacking for quotable lines. This was one of those episodes.
That’s not to say that there weren’t things that I laughed at. Liz falling in Jack’s office and getting up with a garbage can on her head was a nice moment. Listening to Liz tell her accountant how everything was different year after year was fun, especially being reminded of her boyfriend Wesley, who she hated. Also, just about everything in Jack’s meditation dream sequence was brilliant, including the many shouting Lemons (did you catch the one in back plugging Smash?). Then there’s Hazel who had some great stuff this week. I’m getting a little antsy, though, for her ensuing break down. It’s coming soon, though, I can feel it.
Anyway, I’m always willing to forgive 30 Rock when it doesn’t click for me. It’s been a very consistent show and overall, I have really been enjoying this season.
Quotes:
“Summer horse grave?” — Liz, reading the scent of her new meditation candle
“Meditate? Lemon, I once pantsed Deepak Chopra while Craig T. Nelson taped it. I don’t meditate.” — Jack
“Nice try Hazel, but you made the same mistake Mickey Rourke made on that catamaran. You didn’t kill me when you had the chance.” — Jenna
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Mar 29, 2012 @ 21:16 EST5EDT
