“30 Rock” — Seinfeldvision
It’s called SYNERGY!
My favorite moment in Thursday’s 30 Rock season premiere was when a member of Tracy Jordan’s entourage told Liz Lemon that when it comes to transvestite prostitutes Tracy “doesn’t try to mess with them, he just tries to get them into computer-school.” This made me laugh really hard, and thus kicked off what I hope to be another sharp, joke-packed season. More after the jump…
I really appreciate the character of Liz Lemon. I like that she eats when she’s frustrated and that she knows she will never finish that quilt. In a way, she’s unlike any other female character on television. Her closest television counterpart would probably be Pam on The Office, but Pam isn’t in a power position like Liz is (which is as fun to say as it is to type). There’s something about the way she is in control and yet always on verge of losing control despite the fact that everyone she is surrounded by is completely insane.
I guess at this stage of the game the major players are all firmly in place and the series has no reason not to soar in its second season (much like the trajectory of The Office). If there is an area for concern it might be the series willingness to break the fourth wall for the sake of product placement. Granted, a lot rated comedy might need to make concessions to avoid cancelation, but you can only play the “*wink* *wink* isn’t it funny we’re selling a product” card once a season and I’m afraid 30 Rock played it awfully early. Still, they were able to get Seinfeld on the air and make fun of the fact that Mr. Seinfeld is the networks only bankable celebrity, and he hasn’t been on the air in over a decade. This led to the following awesome exchange:
Jerry: What if I bought the whole network and turned it into the world’s biggest [insert chain-store I don't remember]?!
Jack: Yeah, like you’d have an extra FOUR million dollars lying around!
Overall Seinfeld was decent on the show though ultimately unnecessary. He wasn’t nearly as memorable as Will Arnett’s low-voiced executive or Paul Reuben’s idiot prince from last season. Though I did learn that Bee Movie will be released in theaters on November 2nd, and that Jerry Seinfeld still isn’t that great of an actor.
