This is just the first of what might turn out to be several references to 30 Rock and Tina Fey, but it's my blog and I'm allowed.
I have never bothered watching 30 Rock on television. I mean, episodically, week after week. Because each episode is only 22 minutes long, and it's not enough. But the boxset allows me (if last evening is anything to go by) to watch ten episodes in a row, pausing only to refresh my drink and take comfort breaks.
When it first aired, 30 Rock was considered the puny puppy to the mighty Great Dane that was Studio 60. And I Iiked Studio 60, but it got cancelled before the end of its first season. 30 Rock is currently on Season 4. I think there are three main reasons for 30 Rock's victory:
1) The show within the show. Aaron Sorkin kept including his sketches, which weren't funny. This made it harder to understand what the hell they were all doing there. 30 Rock doesn't really bother with the show within the show, but when it does it's so bad it's funny. This is how we know that Tina Fey has still got her ego in check.
2) Alec Baldwin. Comedy Genius. In 30 Rock, not in Studio 60.
3) Tina Fey. Nuff said.
30 Rock is full of warmth, and joy, and cleverness. Alec Baldwin gets almost all the really best lines, but Tracy's insania, Jenna's neuroses, Kenneth's innocence and most and above all, Liz Lemon's goofy human vulnerability - all add up to a glorious whole.
When she started, it's true that TF's acting was occasionally a little wooden, but she soon loosened up and now she wins every TV acting award going. She writes, she acts, she produces. Even her American Express commercials are funny.
Anyway, 30 Rock Season One has some golden moments of TV comedy: Lemon dancing with Charisma at Dark Sensations in the Bronx, Jack Donaghy's every movement and word, Jenna's Muffin Top routine, anything to do with Dennis the Beeper King, and much much more. And best of all, the first season was really really long - so there are a gazillion episodes! Bliss.
Interesting how you manage to avoid mentioning the execrable Tracy Jordan/Morgan character, presenting a sure plank in your argument.
ReplyDeleteIn another comparison with Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, for scenes featuring the "talent" (DL Hughley, Sarah Poulson and Nathan Corddry in Studio 60, Tracy Morgan in 30 Rock) I found it preferable to look at my watch, willing the scene to end so we could get back to the goods, as t'were.
as i haven't seen enough of either 30 rock or studio 60 to comment, i'll take your word for it.
ReplyDeletewhy don't you and noel do a funny programme on publishing?
Kim, we've obviously never met....
ReplyDelete