Joy! Rumors of Jack Donaghy’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. One week after his undignified meltdown at the feet of Jerry Seinfeld, the savvy network exec is back to what he does best: Plotting world domination. When General Electric CEO Don Geiss (Rip Torn) hints at retirement, Donaghy positions himself for succession. But he’s outflanked by gay corporate rival Devin Banks (Will Arnett, pictured), who conveniently proposes to Geiss’ homely middle-aged daughter. Arnett’s return — yes, he still has the hots for Kenneth — sparks the entire episode, as he threatens Jack’s recovering heart with rich cuisine, and playfully wrestles with a sweaty hunk ("Oh God, you’re having your way with me! Your back is like a barrel of snakes") at a corporate picnic. More importantly, the man simply brings out the best in Jack. Their whispery mano a manos are like some gloriously-warped vision of Glengarry Glen Ross, if David Mamet had been replaced with Adam McKay. I only hope Banks’ engagement to the Geiss crone sticks, if only to keep him around 30 Rock as Jack’s own personal "Newman."
Thankfully, Tracy and Kenneth’s own "marriage" of convenience didn’t last. Let’s be blunt: cosmically and comically, it simply wasn’t meant to be. Kenneth’s domestic servitude after Angie kicked Tracy out of the house was a disappointing thread in the season premiere. At least their swift break-up treated us to Kenneth’s excruciating come-ons, when he awkwardly hit on Angie ("I’m a real good sex person. I do it all the different ways.") Ummm, maybe Banks shouldn’t give up on his crush too quickly. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, Kenneth).
Plus, I’m grateful for any opportunity to sift through the loony binof Tracy Jordan, and his marital separation provided severalopportunities. We now know that he lives on Da’ Crib Avenue and has avanity license plate that reads "ICU81MI," which makes perfect senseonly to him ("I See You Ate One, Am I?") But the real gems were his"Thriller"-esque video for "Werewolf Barmitzva," and the honorary keyto the city of Gary, Ind. That’s pure gold, Tina Fey.
Speaking of: Where were you, Liz Lemon? Last week, I suggested theshow give her some room to breathe, but this wasn’t what I had in mind.Her role was, quite literally, toothless, as she suffered some dentaldiscomfort, and encouraged Jenna to quit her Japanese porn star diet(just eat paper) and come to terms with her undigested pizza. Do youfeel like Liz Lemon took a back seat, and if so, did you mind? Baldwinand Morgan get the laughs, but like the Tracy Jordan Meat Machine, 30 Rock requires three distinct flavors. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in the Lemon.
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was it me, or was Alec Bladwin looking a little sexier than normal last night?
Oh my gosh, Kenneth’s line “I do it al the different ways” is still cracking me up today. 30 Rock is not perfect, but it’s still my favorite show on TV right now (until Lost gets back). And MaryKate, I’m not completely sure why, but I always find Alec Baldwin sexy.
Anyone else notice the picture of the Unabomber in the office of Dr Spacemen
Best line of the night: “I will make your heart EXPLODE.”
the best part is when angie told tracy about “this white boy came to the door, kissed me, threw up and then cried.”
I saw the Unabomber, and my boyfriend saw Alf.
Awesome, awesome show. Harvard gay Business Review.
Love it. Best show on tv.
what about jenna! she was my favorite part last night! her scene with dr. spaceman? “i don’t want to look like i just had a baby or something.” pure genus. and the “you do the meth” flyer. that’s tina fey at her best. i will be saying “me want foooooood” for the next year or so. i may even buy a t-shirt!
also, i think the words to “werewolf barmitzva” might help your story. “werewolf barmitzva / very scary / boys becoming men / men becoming wolves.” when will i get to see that full video, a la robin sparkles’ “let’s go to the mall?”
That episode definitely showed why 30 Rock won the Emmy. How can you beat comic gold guest appearances by Will Arnett and Chris Parnell? And I absolutely loved how Jenna showed her true, hard-core narcissism by wanting to remain fat to get attention.
I watched my first episode of 30 Rock last week because of Seinfeld. I watched again this week, and will be tuning in next week. I am now fan. And also kind of bummed that I ignored it so long, because I now I have missed some great comedy. Werewolf Barmitzva – I want that song!
ME WANT FOOD!
The show was gret last night, which just proves that it is genius – even without its main character it is highsterical. I love me some Lemon, (“$4,000 ham napkin!”), but i think the show is perfect as is. Don’t change a THING. BTW, Kenneth the page is priceless.
A boy becomes a man, and a man becomes a werewolf.
This show is f-ing genius.
I love this show. It actually takes a wee bit of the sting away from the cancellation of Arrested Development. Also, why isn’t Will Arnett more famous? Is there anyone on television funnier and more charming than him?
I, too, want to know why Will Arnett isn’t more famous. He needs some good movie roles. But this role on 30 Rock is a good fit too.
Tuned in last week to see what all the hype was about after winning the Emmy. Now I know why it won. Hilarious! I think I have a girl crush on Tina Fey. I’m hooked on 30 Rock now.
Why does crap like “Private Practice” have its own TV Watch and “30 Rack” doesn’t?
I just started watching 30 Rock and I hope Will Arnett sticks around to give Alec Baldwin trouble…they both have eyebrows that do all the talking and make me laugh…and yes, Alec was lookin’ hot!!! Is Rip Torn ill?
Alec Baldwin – always sexy…pictures of Alf and the Unabomber on Dr. Spaceman’s wall – effing priceless. My friends and I paused it on the TV so we could see all of them. I believe Kenny Rogers is also a patient of Leo’s!!
I’m really glad people are finally discovering that this is the funniest show on TV…but I’m secretly a little sad that it’s not “my secret” anymore.
“Science tells us humans WANT food, but they don’t NEED it.” I love Dr. Spaceman!
For all you newcomers, you have to buy or rent the first season — it’s hysterical! This show is so great I want to take it behind the middle school and get it pregnant!
Okay, I have to know: did anyone else think that seeing Will Arnett back Kenneth into a corner was hot??
And yes, I totally noticed the picture of the Unabomber in Spaceman’s office! Go Tina!
ME WANT FOOD!
This show is so great on so many levels. It’s second only to The Office as my favorite show on TV. Alec Baldwin is genius, Tina Fey is amazing and guest stars like the great Will Arnett only add to the show.
Looove it. I want Jack and Devin to have a “talk like this” contest… that’s all I can think about when they get all whispery and raspy. That was a really good episode.
I think I almost died last night from laughing so hard. Tina Fey is a freakin awesome. You could tell that she does not need to carry the show. Everything about last night was Top Notch. I usually dont like Jenna but last night even she was hilarious. Love Dr. Spaceman…my fav line from hin was “According to your height and weight you are in the disgusting range” I honestly laughed for like 10 mins. I had tears. I LOVE 30 ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This show is just 30 minutes of gold..still cracking up this AM. Though the Bee Vision commercials were annoying.
Oh good, I’m glad I’m not the only one with an age-inappropriate crush on Alec Baldwin.
I cannot express enough how wonderful this show is. Does anyone watching this honestly miss the “good old days” shows of Thursday like “Will & Grace”? This show has so many layers of humor it’s sick.
Great ep! I am glad to see Jack is back in true form. I did miss the full serving of Lemon though. We need more supersized episodes to showcase the entire cast. Kenneth as always, was hilarious.
The show was BACK last night after Seinfeld’s abysmal entry for the premiere. What a relief! And yes – Jenna’s story was the most hilarious of them all. And Liz! Wearing a one piece because she has to do laundry! Spitting a tooth out! Using her wedding dress to prop up her new home-office desk! KEEP IT UP PEOPLE!!!