30 Rock Season 3 Episode 1 Continuity
Still 10/10, even with 20/20 hindsight
I'm rewatching the series in 2020 after having discovered it in a library almost a decade ago and WOW! Has it aged well! Or maybe it's just that the world has aged badly in intervening years.
Step into 30 Rock and inhabit a world where female wit is a force to be reckoned with; where every actor gets their 2.5 minutes of fame per episode, and every character brilliantly subverts their own stereotypes in a way that's deep but not at all serious. From the mid life crisis man in Adsit, to the self sabotaging female boss in Fey, to the rags to riches star in Morgan, the aging fame addicted starlet in Krakowski... you never get tired of seeing the layers fall away from these people. It's light, but still riveting. And it is all tied together by plot arcs that are as insane as the best SNL skits (and funnier, in many cases).
By far, though, the best thing about watching this after several years is that it is so packed with one liners and sharp, snide social commentary that you can watch it again and again and still see new angles and perspectives. There's almost too much to take in in one single viewing in any of these episodes - and that's a great thing if you're a fan of the series, which I am.
I have a feeling you will be, too.
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Pete Schwetty Fan Club Members, Be Advised..................
It's always been my contention that great comedians make some of the best dramatic actors.
Well, what we have here is the corollary to the above-stated theorum. Our good buddy, Alec Baldwin, he of the "Third place is you're fired" monologue from "Glengarry", has quietly honed his comic timing via a run of "SNL" appearances and movie roles ("State and Main")and emerged as one of the funniest actors around. His delivery has gotten so good that he's become one of those guys that's funny standing still, before he utters word one. You're laughing before you even know what the premise is. It's a hard pill to swallow, but it's gotten to the point that I don't know if I'll ever be able to watch Alec Baldwin again in a dramatic role without lapsing into hysterics before he deigns to offer a line of dialogue. "30 Rock" may put the final nail in the notable career of Alec Baldwin-"Serious Actor", but I sure ain't complaining. If for no other reason, you should be watching this show just to see him deliver a line.
And if you still want another reason, Jack McBrayer is a flat-out hoot, and Tina Fey, who wisely scrambled from the deck of "SNL" before the ship utterly submerged, is obviously having the time of her life.
"30 Rock" fits neatly into the "no laugh-track zone" that has become NBC's funniest Thursday night line-up ever.
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Extremely clever but also laugh-out-loud funny
I wasn't sure to expect from 30 Rock, having watched the steady decline of SNL over the last seven years or so. I felt, however, that this was not really a result of the writing as much as it was of the underutilization and/or departure of the most talented players (Ferrell, Oteri, and now Maya Rudolph, for example) and the periodic overexposure of less talented players (I'm looking at you, Jimmy Fallon). I was also encouraged by the fact that the many of the bright spots in SNL's history during that period were provided by host Alec Baldwin. So I was not 100% surprised to find that I love 30 Rock. Baldwin is, as usual, brilliant, and Tina Fey is a fantastic writer who also is humble enough to recognize her strengths and limitations as an actor. Tracy Morgan is constantly off his chain and, along with Baldwin and Jack McBrayer, provides most of the "God, I had to rewind because it was so damned ridiculous" moments ("Imagine Christmas wishes shooting out of your eyes.") The supporting cast is also talented and well utilized; I was very glad to see that "Toofer" and "Cerie," among others, were upgraded to regulars for Season Two. From political satire to slapstick, it's all here. And as an African-American, I was impressed by the way racial issues were handled, from the use of the "N word" to the "white guilt" issues to the country club episode; they were skillfully handled, as some of these are hot button topics and could have gone very, very wrong. This show is just plain good.
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World Class comedy!
There's an ever-so-faint "Woody Allen" tinge to this inspired behind the scenes look at a live network TV comedy show. But Tina Fey and the other writers can ALWAYS be counted on to take everything just a step or two farther. The performances are uniformly brilliant. Jane Krakowski is delicious as the slightly passé actress who blissfully pounces on the feeblest opportunity to perform. Tracy Morgan is unrestrainedly larger than life in a role that only he could play. Alec Baldwin has such a rich insight into his convoluted, unpredictable character and plays him with such abandon -- it just makes you gasp! And the rest of the cast plays with a level of virtuosity that has only been seen a few times in the history of network television. The comedy is so dense and so polished that it's hard to believe you are watching a weekly program. I come by way of Monty Python, SNL, SCTV, Kids In The Hall, Frasier, Seinfeld, Larry Sanders, Jackie Thomas, Newsradio, Just Shoot Me, and Everybody Loves Raymond. I can hardly believe I'm saying this, but, even after all these GREAT comedies, I think this is the smartest and the funniest TV show I've ever seen!
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Please tell your friends!!!
It's a great, funny show. Fey is very good in the lead role; she blew away my expectations. Kudos to her for creating such a fun, funny, witty and quality TV show. Baldwin is at his dry-witted, brilliant best (someone at work said to me, "yeah I heard Alec Baldwin is in it, but isn't that show a comedy?" ...did not know the man did comedy. Did not know). Morgan (who I don't normally like; not on SNL or elsewhere) is hysterical and plays the role perfectly. The minor characters are all very good and amusing, and I can't wait to see them develop more and more. The writing/material is quality crazy with sit-com wackiness, sketch comedy variety/character and fast-paced intelligent wit. If you like to laugh (something a comedy should make you do), please check this show out; if you think a lot of the other crap on TV is amusing, you'll really love this one. Hurry, before it gets canceled.
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I'm rooting for this show!
Who better to make a show,comedy or no,about the backstage goings-on with a live,sketch comedy show,than Tina Fey,the former head writer and anchor for "Saturday Night Live"? After pitching the idea a few times to the network,Fey finally got her chance here and it is very strong!
Fey is Liz Lemon,a put-upon,single,thirty-something who heads up the writing and production of "The Girlie Show". It's tottered along just fine to this point,but when the network's hired mucky muck,an arrogant ass whose entertainment experience is almost nil and whose previous departmental supervision dealt with hardware appliances named JAck Donaghy(Alec Baldwin,relishing his ubiquity as comedic ace and character actor everyman)is hired to overlook the show's productionthe pot gets stirred. His first move is to shake up the cast of her show by bringing aboard Tracy Jordan(Tracy Morgan,who REDEFINES acting with abandon),a talented comic with alarming tendencies to emotional meltdowns and irrational behavior.
To make life just a little harder for Liz,she has to deal with:a sexually insecure blonde starlet with aging problems(Jane Krackowski)who considers Liz a friend;an oily,selfish boyfriend;writers who aren't very supportive(Judah Friedlander,Scott Adsit among them)and an unnaturally perky network page(Jack McBrayer).
I understand why NBC was more apt to put the PR rush for Aaron Sorkin's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip",but this is EASILY the better show between the two of them,not the least of which because Miss Fey's work on SNL and the decision to make this show more than bitingly ironic and preachy(as Studio 60 seems to be),comedic and yet not gimmicky. I'm rooting for this show to succeed,and for once,I feel like the network nursing this show is willing to oblige my(and I know I'm not alone feeling this)wishes.
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Watch this show: it ROCKS
-Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey are brilliant -the writing is so funny and appealing to both a male and female sense of humor -I love Liz Lemon. This is a female character I don't think I've really seen before or not for a very long time. She is smart and nerdy and neurotic and successful...and she can hang with the guys and is kind of a dweeb...so relatable for nerdy girls like me! This and Ugly Betty (for different reasons) are the best new shows and they will run for a long long time.
The writing is so good and caters to smarty-pants type of people who like their comedy wry and subtle...
I applaud you Tina Fey: you are genius and the best TV heroine right now.
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A Winner
I'm watching this in 2020 and ever single episode is timely and hilarious.
This series is completely unique. The many cameos are unexpected and brilliant. The cast is AMAZING. This ensemble piece is the best thing on TV!
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Best Writing on TV to date
This show has the best writing on TV to date. I know Fey was the original creator of this show. She has reinvented comedy and especially women's place in it. Kudos Tina! You deserve all your success! I've been looking in vein on line to get the full list of staff writers for 30 rock but have yet to find the full list. They all deserve praise. The wit and repartee apparent in the writing is supreme... and the direction isn't too shabby either.
They also include a lot of parody of the genre as well as self deprecating humor. And the way they weave cross product plugs either in extreme obvious ways or so subtly the viewers don't know what hit them. This is true genius. An Emmy is not enough. OK... maybe not a Nobel Prize... but close?
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Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin (and sometimes Tracy Morgan and Jack McBrayer), enough said
This show becomes addictive. Like the Office, the other current flagship comedy show on NBC (and, very thankfully, playing back to back on Thursday nights), it has a curious effect on a first-time viewer: you may not entirely laugh out loud (although it may depend on what episode), but it gets the curiosity going enough to want to watch more. By two or three episodes, it's a hooker, so to speak - 30 Rock is a show that even if you just start watching it at the start of the third season you'll want to see everything else that has been going on before in the previous two (and, unlike the Office, Tina Fey's creation isn't very plot-continuity heavy save for a couple of details and Will Arnett or Rip Torns' characters). A big part of this are the stars; it's a good thing Tina Fey stars on top of writing/producing duties, because she is an underrated female comic talent- even as a straight character to comic relief like Kenneth or Tracy Jordan/Morgan she's incredibly sharp and with some nuance. And, of course, Alec Baldwin as her boss Jack: he is probably the biggest draw, and is so consistently hilarious you may need to stop and rewind if you got a DVD or Tivo to check out again some of the things he does with the character- it should be so obvious after a while, but it works, totally, without a beat lost. Add on to this supporting work from (breakout) character actor McBrayer as nerdy and soft-spoken Kenneth, Jane Krakowski's joyously egotistical starlet Jenna, and Tracy Morgan who finally pulls out some funny stuff after years of being off-and-on good o SNL, and you got a great show. Not to mention the guest spots from Oprah to Jerry Seinfeld.
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clever and hilarious
Season 1: 8/10 (about 3 viewings, 9/30/2020)
funny throughout with some hilarious parts. Don't blink or you'll miss something funny
Season 2: 7/10 (about 3 viewings, 10/6/2020)
not as hilarious as season 1. But was able to make it through the writers' strike with another good season
Season 3: 8/10 (about 3 viewings, 10/14/2020)
so funny, so clever. I really can't get over how smart the writing is. Tina fey is awesome.
Season 4: 8/10 (about 3 viewings, 10/20/2020)
Season 5: 7/10 (about 3 viewings, 10/2020)
Season 6: 6/10 (about 3 viewings, 11/9/2020)
Season 7: 6/10 (about 3 viewings, 11/17/2020)
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Great Sitcom.
Just finished watching all 7 seasons of this awesome sitcom. It has no laugh tracks (thank god).
The sitcom is basically about a T.V show and the team behind it, the company that owns it etc. IT is a really great concept watching a sitcom that takes place in NBC, the same channel that was running 30 rock, and make a mockup of the life styles of people in this business. Main characters of the show are head writer Liz lemon, played by Tina fey and her boss Jack Donaghy, played by Alec Baldwin. And both were great. They had such a fun Mentor-Mentee relationship. There were lots secondary characters, all spread out at different posts of TV show business and almost all of them were good.
The writing in this sitcom was very good. IT was really funny, mocking typical stereo type roles like big corporation bosses, actors etc etc and it was just so much fun to see it all. There were also A LOT of guest appearances/cameos, easily the most I have ever seen in a show so far. Al Gore, Matt Damon, Elizabeth Banks, Robert Deniro, Julliane Moore and many more. Some of them even established a role for couple of episodes.
The show felt pretty consistent for 5 seasons, but then the dip in quality was easily noticeable, especially in the last season. BUT even then, it was pretty funny. And by the time the finale came, all the adventures of cast came rushing through in an instant and I really felt sad that I won't be seeing the cast again as such. And it ended beautifully.
A great sitcom overall and very much recommended to anyone looking for a funny series to watch.
8.8/10
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The Best Writing on TV
If you've watched SNL this year (2006 -2007) you realize just how much they miss Tina Fey's writing. I think last night was episode 8 and like all previous shows it was "laugh out loud" funny. "Red wine is just not your drink", Jane Krakowski's character tells Fey's Liz Lemon. Fey has surrounded herself with some terrific unknowns including a guy who looks a lot like Jimmie Fallon who did some unfreeking believable impressions last night. Alec Baldwin WILL win the Emmy for Best Supporting Actor. Even Tracy Morgan, never my favorite on SNL, is terrific as the Martin Lawrence-esquire insane 'star'. Tina Fey has always been the reluctant sex symbol but she 'takes one for the team' and has done several episodes dressed to the nines causing jaws to drop across America. Now that the show is part of the best NBC Thursday lineup assembled since the Seinfeld-Frasier days, look for a long, healthy life for "30 Rock".
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Probably the greatest sitcom of all time
I've seen every episode over and over - each viewing reveals gags you missed the first time because the lines come thick and fast. Add to that great characters who are both good and bad at the same time and you end up with a show that is an all time classic. The finishing touch being the fantastic music which lifts it above all its competition and catapults it into the realm of greatness.
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Tina Fey is the best
Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) is the over-worked and under-appreciated head writer of TGS. Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) is the self-obsessed original star of "The Girlie Show" and Liz's best friend. Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) is the self-possessed corporate suit in charge of the show. He hires wild Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) as the new star of the show.
Essentially this is a wacky version of Tina Fey's life as head writer in SNL. It is one the most interesting comedy of it era. Tracy Morgan breaks out as a crazy TV personality which he has assumed to its fullest. The writing is top notch. I expect nothing less from an ace writer at SNL. It is definitely a series that gets its sense of comedy from the most ridiculous and far off left field. However at the heart of this insanity is a group of friends that's more like family. This is one of the best around.
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Witty, Intelligent and Funny
Alec Baldwin is great in this role. This is a very witty and funny show. It's not your usual numbing with canned laughter waste of 30 minutes. The characters are quirky and believable - they remind me of some people I work with. The only character that doesn't gel with me is Tracy Jordan. Somehow, it's not a good fit for him. Whereas Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin along with the rest of the cast are essential to the success of the show, Tracy Jordan could easily be left out and the show would still work.
If I'm not going to be home, I make sure it's recorded. This could turn into a very, very successful sitcom. Already it plays well even though it's quite new. It flows smoothly and the chemistry is there.
I've put the word out at work to be sure and tune in.
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Highbrow comedy
Tina Fey's rise through SNL was already well underway when 30 Rock debuted and the so it was no surprise that it would be just so good. Incredibly witty with some of the funniest characters ever assembled this show is about a fictional live comedy show headquartered in 30 Rockefeller. Tina Fey- the writer and main star has based the show on her experiences in Saturday Night Live and many of the crew have been assembled from the famed sketch show. Alec Baldwin is the scene stealer as the new network executive and even the normally unwatchable Tracy Morgan somehow finds his slot here. This is a must watch satire from the incredibly talented Tina Fey.
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Good Enough
30 Rock was a nice, light comedy. The main entertainment came from the main characters that were interesting and unique. However, there were some boring episodes. But, I should applaude them for keeping their original character till the very end. The cameos were good too.
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Fey Takes It All In!
Warning: Spoilers
Tina Fey let's face it, IS "30 Rock!" As the producer and creator of the show within a show. As she portrays Liz as she has to deal with boss Jack played with slime by Alec Baldwin in a role tailor made by him.
Tracy Morgan another SNL alum plays the egotistical star of the show that Liz produces and creates. As she has her hands full with Tracy and Jack.
All while trying to find a personal life for herself. And how she needs to know that there is more to life than just work and dealing with egotistical people.
Best writing and acting but not a ratings blockbuster as that happens with all shows that are a hit with critics but not with viewers. Still Fey and Co are a hoot to watch!
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Tracy Morgan spoils it
This show was nominated for over 300 awards, won nearly 100, including 6 Golden Globes. I find it quite entertaining, but honestly, that's too much. It's a down-to-earth sitcom with well developed believable characters, portrayed by some pretty good actors. It is intelligent and witty, but not funny enough to be so praised. And Tracy Morgan is unbelievably irritating and also completely unnecessary for the story. The show would work the same, if not even better, without him. He's really spoiling it for me.
6/10
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Tracy Morgan - unwatchable
There have been many great black comedians including Bill Cosby, Flip Wilson, Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock.
Tracy Morgan will NEVER be on that list.
There is nothing the least bit funny or appealing about Tracy Morgan - never.
His character on 30 ROCK is completely self-absorbed and on talk shows the real guy seems even more so.
According to his own book, he is estranged from his own mother and most of his family. Even they can't stand him.
It used to be a toss up as to who was more obnoxious - Morgan or Baldwin. Morgan is worse.
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Sorry...but it's just not funny.
My family and I were looking forward to a show that was all it was hyped up to be when we all gathered in the living room for a family TV night. And what do we get? A simple, ongoing, bad SNL skit. The lines are dry, the acting is dry, the outcomes of nearly everything were predictable to the point where we were not looking forward to anything. Even Alec Baldwin (and this is coming from a huge Baldwin fan), who has won several awards for this performance (can't imagine why), is simple, unexciting, uninteresting... I could go on. The geeky tour guide is supposed to provide some extra comic relief, and, again, fails miserably. Don't even get me started on Tracy Morgan himself - simply put, he is WAAAAAY over-the-top.
Sorry to those of you who like this show, and who think the actors/creators deserve the awards they received, but it's just not funny.
4/10 for effort.
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A little bit goes a long way....
I have had enough of this stupid show. At first I felt it was a light hearted comedy with a few laughs but after a time Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan start to really get on my nerves. They don't know when to shut-up and a little bit of them goes a very long way. Plus the fact Tina Fey thinks the viewing audience will find it funny when a young African American boy calls Alec Baldwin a cracker. HA HA and HE HE I forgot to laugh. In fact there are several examples in this show when racial remarks are used towards white people that Tina Fey and her writers think are funny. They are not! In fact it is offensive. Think about the shoe on the other foot and you will get my point....
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So sad it ended.
Probably the funniest show to come out of the USA besides American Dad. Liz Lemon and Jack were seriously funny characters.
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Completely unappealing to me
I watched the first two episodes and found them completely devoid of appeal. Not only did I not like any of the characters, I found them actively irritating. The opening (hot dog) scene of the first episode surprised me: Lemon is established as an obnoxious person, and I'm not sure that was the intention.
Apart from that, there was absolutely nothing at stake for me. The show-within-a-show "The Girlie Show" seemed to be nothing but vacuous, so why would I care if it was interfered with or cancelled altogether?
The fatal blow however, was that I simply didn't find it funny, and without that, there's not much point to watching comedy. Actually, I found the show slightly mystifying. Normally, even if I don't find a comedy amusing, I can at least see what other people might find funny in it. Not in this case.
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