More BANG Ready For Your Bucks

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'The Big Bang Theory - The Complete Tenth Season' on Blogcritics.

CBS’s The Big Bang Theory completed a full decade on the air last spring. The 24-episode Complete Tenth Season, now out on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital, brought some changes to the sitcom. Relationships matured and deepened, the family expanded, and scientific advancement came with some challenges. While perhaps not as fresh as it once was, the series does remain entertaining, and this was a pretty good batch.

The biggest changes in The Complete Tenth Season revolved, predictably, around Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik). Early on, they move in together. Unsurprisingly, it takes an abnormal event to push such an overdue, big step in their union. And yet, Sheldon handles it a lot more gracefully and openly that he would have even a year or two ago. Which makes their subsequent coitus more genuine. Sheldon will always be the Sheldon we were first introduced to in many ways. More important than these steps are the ways in which we see Amy soften him in all aspects of his life, as well as how he has matured in handling disruption. This is key for a series that’s been on this long.

A little less groundbreaking is how the arrival of Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette’s (Melissa Rauch) baby is dealt with. Yes, the inclusion of Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Stuart (Kevin Sussman) in the plot make it a little more screwball. In general, though, there isn’t much difference in The Big Bang Theory‘s approach than how other situation comedies have done the same thing previously. The best parts are when we see Bernadette struggle with going back to work and Howard doubt his abilities as a father because of his own upbringing, and I’m glad they didn’t lean into either too melodramatically. Also, tying baby Hallie (Pamela Adlon, Better Things) to Howard’s departed mother is a great move. But I still wish they’d found a more original approach.

Rounding out the ensemble, Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) are feeling pretty solid and comfortable this year, especially after their second wedding. Raj slowly gets his love life and independent finances in order. These both show evolution, but like the above, they contribute to The Big Bang Theory‘s leveling out, with less departure from the typical fare in the genre every year. There are some truly funny bits, such as how the pregnancy is revealed to certain characters. But overall, it feels like it might be time to start looking for an end game. Or switch to shorter, more focused seasons like some of the revivals are doing these days.

As in the past, The Big Bang Theory – The Complete Tenth Season, has plenty of great guest stars. Besides the returns of Judd Hirsch, Laurie Metcalfe, Christine Baranski, Keith Carradine, Brian Posehn, Riki Lindhome, and the too-long-gone Brian Thomas Smith, we get Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy, Married… with Children), and Dean Norris (Breaking Bad). The show stays focused on its leads, as it should, but it has done a good job of filling in other key roles with terrific and appropriate performers, some of whom viewers anxiously await the return of.

As far as extras go, the series brings back the charming #JustAskBBT segment, where cast members answer fans’ questions. There’s a featurette on family, which makes total sense, given the role relations played in several of the stories this year. There’s another on some of the more interesting props, one on the baby, and a humorous gag reel.

The Comic Con panel from 2016 is also included, too late as in most releases. But what’s cool about this one is that it’s the writers and other behind-the-scenes people being interviewed, not the actors, and Rauch serving as a very energetic moderator. That makes it more fun than some of the other panels I’ve seen lately.

The Big Bang Theory – The Complete Tenth Season is on sale now.

Presenting THE JACK AND TRIUMPH SHOW

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CHILDRENS HOSPITAL "Going" Away Again

Article first published as CHILDRENS HOSPITAL "Going" Away Again on TheTVKing.

Cartoon Network's Adult Swim's Childrens Hospital brings their fifth season to a close this week with "Coming and Going." Feelings are in the air. Or rather, lack of feelings, as the cast splits into twosomes to deal with their issues. Owen (Rob Huebel) has never had an orgasm and has the urge to feel what that's like, so Lola (Erinn Hayes) reluctantly agrees to help. Glenn can't experience emotional feeling at all, so Blake (Rob Corddry) makes it his mission to fix Glenn. And Sy (Henry Winkler) tricks Chief (Megan Mullally) into going out with him in the hopes of sparking some romantic feelings from her, meaning they miss the war zone at the hospital, but their opera provides a beautiful soundtrack for the disaster.

Each episode of Childrens Hospital completely stands on its own, with almost no continuity from each week to the next, except in the vaguest of terms. For instance, in the fourth main plot this week, the one that doesn't fit into the theme mentioned above, Cat (Lake Bell) helps Valerie (Malin Akerman) give birth, even though we've never seen Valerie pregnant until now, and it's been well established in multiple installments that Valerie is actually Derrick Childrens (Jon Hamm), a man in disguise. Doesn't quite add up, does it?

Yet, that has never stopped the show from being funny. Instead of worring about continuity, it frees up the characters and writers to do whatever they find amusing in the moment. This has led to a lot of strange, stand-alone episodes, like the Shakespeare-esque entry a couple of weeks ago, yet never a shortage of laughs. Each episode is like a mini play or sketch put on by an extremely talented group. The ensemble is excellent across the board, and they only let in the best guest stars, which this week included Jack McBrayer and one of the show's writer/producers David Wain, who plays Rabbi Jewy McJewJew.

There are some connecting threads through most (not all) of the episodes. Season five finds the cast shipped off to Japan to work a hospital on an army base. This has been a recurring setting, and so informs the stories. It has made this season a little different overall from the first four, in terms that there have been new things that didn't necessarily lend themselves to the old set, but quality and tone have been maintained.

"Coming and Going" fully takes advantage of the place in a big way when, due to a series of unfortunate mishaps, the base is attacked by the American military. Yes, the base is made up of American military already, but somehow those outside of the base think that terrorists have taken over. It's kind of a loose premise, not at all believable, but one that works for the bits.

This means that each of the four main plots unfold as bombs explode around them. Maybe giving birth or having sex near a battle isn't completely unheard of for a TV drama, but who dares use such set ups for a comedy? Even as men go down, there isn't anything serious about the proceedings, with raising a flag being the way to stop the fighting, as bizarre as anything else.

It's also the small touches that make the episode. From Owen later admitting that he has had orgasms before, and was just confused by what the term 'orgasm' meant, to Glenn being killed, only to find out it was the hospital's previously never-seen "other Jewish doctor" who dies, despite it being obvious that Marino is the one going down, there are quirky, weird, unexpected touches all over the place. Valerie asks a little girl to deliver her baby, whom Cat immediately accepts as "Doctor Littlegirl." It's all as bizarre and wonderful as that.

What's impressive about this episode, over the rest of the fantastic weekly episodes, is, given a double-length running time of half an hour, there is not only time to run more stories simultaneously, but also they are all expertly interwoven. Normally, several of the cast sit out for many episodes per year so that a cohesive plot can emerge in less than fifteen minutes. Here, that is not the case, all of the principals present, and their stories are connected by synchronized occurrences and a great soundtrack.

In all, "Coming and Going" is an awesome example of a top-notch series. Childrens Hospital is gone for now, but hopefully a sixth season won't be too far away.

DRUNK HISTORY Now Weekly

Article first published as DRUNK HISTORY Now Weekly on TheTVKing.

Drunk History began on funnyordie.com, was featured on HBO's Funny Or Die Presents, and now has its own weekly half hour on Comedy Central. The premise is simple enough - Derek Waters (Hall Pass) gets a person who knows a bit about American history drunk and has them tell a tale. Actors perform the inebriated bits, with the drunk voice dubbed over them.

Drunk History works for a couple of reasons. One, the people participating know what they are talking about, so while they tell things in an amusing way, there is some truth involved, too. Two, the segments are kept short, with Watergate, Lincoln's assassination, and Elvis meeting Nixon all in the first half hour. Third, the costumes and sets are pretty good. Not realistic-makeup good, but not made-in-someone's-basement cheesy, either, making the look work well. And it's edited, so we get some tangents, but the plots remain cohesive enough to follow.

There are lots of recognizable faces participating in Drunk History. In this first episode, Jack Black (Scott of Rock) is Elvis, Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad) is Nixon and 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer is Nixon's aide, Stephen Merchant (Extras) is Lincoln, Fred Willard (Modern Family) is Deep Throat, Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation) and Will Forte (Saturday Night Live) are the Booth brothers, Jonathan Ames (Bored to Death) plays father Booth, and Nathan Fielder (Nathan For You) portrays Woodward. I think having all of these people involved lends the proceedings credibility.

It's also really funny. The narratives are delivered in a whimsical, light-hearted way. It's enjoyable (for a limited amount of time, such as a half hour) to watch people who are wasted, and by taking the words they say and acting them out with pizazz, it's a lot like hanging out with your friends, only more visual.

I could do without the puking on the floor, though I guess that's a necessary risk, as Slightly Tipsy History wouldn't be nearly as good. But the cookie breaks and the dialogue delivery are wonderful. This is an idea that has proven popular in other venues, so it's nice to see it get its due now.

Drunk History airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on Comedy Central.

MOVIE 43 Blu-ray Review

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'Movie 43' on Blogcritics.org.

Movie 43, a comedy film of small bits packed with big stars, is now available on DVD and Blu-ray from Fox Home Video. Couched in a framing story about three boys’ search online for the very illegal and fictional Movie 43, bizarre bits that are supposed to be funny string along with little to no connection between them for about an hour a half.

Depending on whether you watch the theatrical version of the film or the alternate cut, both of which are included on this release, depends on what framing story you get. Either Charlie Wessler (Dennis Quaid) pitches an ever-changing film to Griffin Schraeder (Greg Kinnear), constantly shifting the characters and premise, or three boys (including The Inbetweeners‘ Mark L. Young) are hacking the internet to find a fictional film called Movie 43 that could destroy the world. Both go meta in a weird way; the other bits of the movie appear to be the same in both editions.

Neither scenario makes much sense, so I do wish the film’s producers had just let the scenes stand on their own. A bunch of different sketches performed by some of the most familiar faces in Hollywood is an intriguing enough concept without forcing them to be strung together. The way this is released, it feels like forced cohesion that doesn’t quite come together.

Because each segment is made by different people, they do feel like they fall across the spectrum, from the absurdly hilarious, to the confusingly weird, to the just plain gross. This is a common issue with every comedy made up of individual segments (just ask Saturday Night Live), and humor is highly subjective, so while I did not enjoy the entire hour and a half, there are some things in Movie 43 that I really loved. Others likely will watch the same movie and value different parts.

The best of the bunch are: “iBabe,” in which a woman (Kate Bosworth) just can’t make a boss (Richard Gere) and his underlings (Aasif Mandvi and Jack McBrayer) understand why teenage boys are getting their body parts mangled in a lower-region fan of an mp3 player that looks like a naked woman; a “Machine Kids” commercial showing sad children hiding inside ATMs and soda vendors; “Super Hero Speed Dating,” in which Batman (Jason Sudeikis) ruins Robin’s (Justin Long) chances with women ranging from Wonder Woman (Leslie Bibb) to Supergirl (Kristen Bell); and “Victory’s Glory,” in which a Coach (Terrance Howard) in 1959 faces an uphill battle in convincing a black basketball team they can beat a white one.

I think I like these four because they take something familiar, and turn it on its head in a clever manner. Wonderful performers lose themselves in these roles for a few minutes, doing something most people don’t expect from them, and doing it well. Throughout the segment, the tension and story ramps up, and there are odd twists.

The parts of the film I didn’t like involve sexual pooping, spilled period blood, and incestual make-outs. I can see how this might appeal to others, but it just crosses the line of my taste and goes too far. The point is, though, there is really something for everyone (except those who only like intelligent, witty stuff), with a broad swath of topics and genres.

The cast is amazing, and includes, besides those listed above, Common, Seth MacFarlane, Elizabeth Banks, Halle Berry, Stephen Merchant, John Hodgman, Anna Faris, Gerard Butler, Snooki, Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, Emma Stone, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sean William Scott, Uma Thurman, Chris Pratt, J.B. Smoove, and others. It really is a remarkably talented group of people, and while I didn’t appreciate all of the styles of humor represented, I don’t think any cast member felt wooden or out of place in the larger picture.

The extras leave a lot to be desired, unfortunately, Besides a trailer and some previews of other titles, the only bonus included is a cut scene featuring Tony Shaloub and Julianne Moore. This deleted segment is no better or worse than anything in the finished film, so I’m not sure why it isn’t integrated in with the rest.

But what I’d really like to see is the story of how Movie 43 came about, why all of these actors chose to participate, and who championed the idea in the first place. Surely, there is a rich story behind this, given the scope of the project, and I’m very curious about the back story, which is not revealed on this disc.

As far as Blu-ray quality, the picture and effects are great, but there isn’t a lot to push boundaries. It’s a very typical film, visually, with character-driven scenes, so aside from liking a crisp, clear image, there isn’t much argument to made on DVD vs. Blu-ray. The format is consistent, and I didn’t notice any static or graininess from either picture or sound. However, neither is there anything super impressive that makes use of an advanced playback system. Nor would I really expect there to be in this type of movie.

Movie 43 is available now as a two-disc Blu-ray, DVD, digital download combo pack.

30 Rock scarfs down its "Last Lunch"

Article first published as 30 Rock scarfs down its "Last Lunch" on TheTVKing.

Last night was the one hour series finale of NBC's 30 Rock. In a double length episode entitled "Hogcock!" and "Last Lunch," the cast that works behind the scenes at a late night sketch comedy show, in which we rarely see what the sketches are about, take their final bow, bringing us a few emotional payoffs along the way.

Last week's episode, "A Goon's Deed in a Weary World," felt like a series finale. The Girlie Show is facing cancellation, and the cast and crew band together to make sure the show shuts down so that Liz (Tina Fey) could get to the airport to meet her kids. It was heartwarming, funny, and it would have been pretty darn good if 30 Rock chose to end there.

Instead, the final hour feels forced and off for much of the episode. The entire gambit to make one last episode of TGS cheapens the way the series ends, and comes across as contrived to pull all the characters back together, instead of letting them go their separate ways. Most of the staff, save the bosses, haven't even left the premises yet, taking their sweet time packing up! It doesn't make sense, and is wholly unsatisfying.

The entire premise hinges on Tracy's (Tracy Morgan) contract stipulating that he will be paid thirty million dollars if TGS doesn't film 150 episodes (30 Rock only made 139, by the way), one episode short of where they stopped. It's fine that Tracy is the one mucking things up for everyone; that makes sense, given his character. It's just a shame that this is the way the series decides to have him cause trouble.

Tracy resists doing the show because he doesn't want to say goodbye to everyone. This leads to one of the best moments in the finale, where Liz and Tracy have a heart to heart in a strip club, and Liz admits that she will miss him. This scene is fantastic, a real pay-off between the two characters, and a prime opportunity for Tracy to really open up, as he is at his best when he shows some vulnerability.

I just wish Liz's story played out a little better. Last week, she gets the escape she needs, finally getting away from the job that drives her crazy. This week, she realizes she misses the craziness and is drawn back in, even ending up directing a sitcom you just know she doesn't believe in in the "One Year Later" sequence. Where is Liz's happy ending? Why does her path to peace not stick? Are we supposed to believe she will always be so miserable? Fans don't want that for someone they've come to care about so much!

The dilemma surrounding Liz's plot is twice as bad for Jack (Alec Baldwin). We see Jack not satisfied with his achievement of his dreams, finally in charge of Kabletown. To compensate, he rounds out his life, which only makes him feel like he isn't devoting himself fully to work, keeping him from the goals he desires. His reaction is to go crazy and quit his job, heading off on a boat. This takes things a little too far, even for Jack, and makes one think that when he ends up back in the corporate world, he will still never feel good about where he is in his life and what he does.

Don't get me wrong; I love the scene at the water where Liz and Jack express their non-romantic love for one another. I also love the catalyst for that moment, when Liz and Jack bitingly rip into one another, declaring that they are nothing more than two people who worked together for a time, and don't mean anything. Dramatic, meaty stuff for a relationship that has been the driving force of the series. This story is what we need from the two leads in the final episode, and reinforces just how much they mean to one another. But why is the filler in between these two amazing bits so bad?

Other great stuff: Tracy tells Jenna (Jane Krakowski) he is going out for cigarettes, Tracy's dad finally comes home from buying cigarettes, Jenna realizes what she will miss most is her mirror, Jenna sings the "Rural Juror" song, Jenna is greeted in L.A. by beautiful young women including one that looks just like Cerie (Katrina Bowden), Jenna admitting she has never met Mickey Rourke, Jonathan (Maulik Pancholy) celebrating the dissolution of Liz and Jack's friendship, Tracy releasing Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) from his promise to always be there for Tracy, finding out that Pete's (Scott Adsit) attempt to fake his death didn't work.

Other things that didn't work: everything with Lutz (John Lutz), Jack cheapening his feelings for both Elisa (Salma Hayek) and Nancy (Julianne Moore), Kenneth running the network in such a strict way and still seemingly succeeding, Liz and Criss (James Marsden) in the chat room and park meetup, the lack of so many recurring characters who still mean something to the leads, like Paul and Angie.

I think the main problem with the 30 Rock finale is that it should have stuck to a half hour format. Seeing how the characters end up, especially in the flash forward in the tag, is wonderful, and there are several terrific connections between characters, with goodbyes that mean something. But tossing in the extra episode of TGS and the subplots for minor characters, such as the writers' story, where they battle Lutz for lunch, slows down the episode, and ruins it.

Overall, I ended up being underwhelmed and disappointed. For a series I love so much, and coming at the end of a fantastic season, I expected more depth, or at least more good jokes, and less filler.

Ah, well. It's over now. Unless somehow Tracy Morgan has a similar contract clause, and NBC is forced to make 11 more episodes?

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter! 

"The Beginning of the End" of 30 Rock

With the final season of NBC's 30 Rock upon us, it's hard not to try to assign importance into everything that happens, looking for clues as to what the last arcs of the series will be, and trying to figure out how it will all end. This week's season premiere, "The Beginning of the End," leave ample opportunity for this (almost completely frivolous) exercise.

At the start of the episode, there is a fake out with Liz (Tina Fey) and a baby. Is this just a gag? The revelation that Liz doesn't have a baby the last we'll ever see of this story? Or is her life just in a really good place, and we can see how she wants things to be, which is what she will be working towards?

Jack's (Alec Baldwin) motivations are far more clear. Liz quickly figures out that he is trying to tank NBC so that he can be fully in charge of the network. It's not a terrible plan, but as anyone who has ever seen The Producers knows, one must be careful with this strategy? What is things backfire, and as terrible as the shows Jack is making are, including one in which he plays God, but can't explain the rules of God, what if they prove popular? As with the real life NBC, being a last place network, there isn't much to lose.

So is this how TGS will meet its demise? A victim of Jack's machinations? Doomed to be forced off the air as it is replaced by even more drivel? Or will the show within a show prove terrible enough to fit within Jack's new business model? Or maybe Jack will have the chance to truly rebrand the network the way he would like, and TGS just don't fit into that outlook? Though Jack will surely have a job offer for Liz to replace the one she will lose.

As serious as Jack might get, there is plenty of goofiness left in 30 Rock, still funny after all of these years. Tracy (Tracy Morgan)  and Hazel (Kristen Schaal) are warring over Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), Jonathan (Maulik Pancholy) is back at his desk, and Jenna (Jane Krakowski) is going to be her own maid of honor, after Liz fails to live up to the task. All of this is a recipe for more over-the-top shenanigans of the sort that has kept viewers tuning in year after year.

Trying to end any series is hard, especially one as original and creative as 30 Rock. There will have to be a sentimentality to it, and yet, 30 Rock is much more a comedy than a drama, never taking itself too seriously. "The Beginning of the End" demonstrates an awareness of this, and is definitely moving in the proper direction.

30 Rock airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

30 Rock poses the question, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?"

NBC's 30 Rock is drawing to a close, with only thirteen episodes left to air next year before going off the air forever. This knowledge hangs over last night's season finale, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Several of the major characters begin new stories, or reaffirm old ones, that could lead to a complete ending for them. It's bittersweet, as it's great the series is going out before it loses what makes it so good, but it will be missed.

With Avery (Elizabeth Banks) home, she and Jack (Alec Baldwin) decide to renew their vows. But neither heart is really in it, so they have Liz (Tina Fey) officiate, knowing that she will likely screw it up, and they refuse to let her remove the part of the ceremony when she asks if anyone objects. No one does, as the three people in attendance who have reason to butt in all back down at the last minute. But that just sets Jack and Avery off, and they end things themselves.

It's sad to see Jack and Avery's marriage come to an end, even if it is never built on a solid foundation in the first place. They seem like such a terrific match, but because both are uber stubborn and competitive, their daring behavior goes right up to the edge, with neither one being willing to step in and be the reasonable one. In a way, it's a more extreme version of Jenna (Jane Krakowski) and Paul's (Will Forte) relationship, strange as that may seem.

So will Jack find a happy ending? Maybe in the arms of Avery's mother (Mary Steenburgen), as creepy as that would potentially be to date his daughter's grandma? Will we even see Avery again, as she is not a main character? And will she find love, as both the man she adores and her Korean "husband" Kim Jong-Il (Margaret Cho) are not right for her?

In contrast to Jack's dissolving union, Liz breaks her terrible cycle in "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Instead of dropping Criss (James Marsden), she affirms her commitment to him, and starts actually talking about having a baby, instead of a plant, as she has been saying. It's a healthy, mature step that shows major growth in the character of Liz Lemon. It's also one that sets her up to finally achieve her dreams. If the fictional TGS gets canceled at the same time as the real 30 Rock, that might even be better for her, allowing her to pursue a project that doesn't drive her crazy!

This new dynamic, of Liz having her life together, while Jack's is falling apart, makes for a big change between this central pair. Despite Kim Jong-Il's assertions, the two should not end in a relationship, something not even hinted at regarding them since early in the show's run. But it's hard for Jack to be a mentor to someone who is doing better than he is. Liz understand this, but with her new wisdom, asks for his advice anyway. Now she is the propping Jack up, but she is doing so in a way that lets him maintain his pride and dignity. Smart, and sweet.

Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) finds love, too. Hazel (Kristen Schaal) may originally try to sabotage Kenneth, but before the episode ends, they are making out. Has Hazel come around, or is she just desperate to keep living with Kenneth, rather than be out on the street? How will having physical relations change the uptight and super conservative Kenneth? This is a rich mine to dig in!

Tracy (Tracy Morgan) also faces a crossroads in "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" Cornel West (himself) visits and tells Tracy that he needs to find a black role model to look up to. Dot Com (Kevin Brown) and Grizz (Grizz Chapman) try to lead Tracy towards some historical figures, but, in the end, Tracy is more drawn to Tyler Perry. Is that such a bad thing? True, Tracy may not live up to his potential doing cheap comedy. But then again, Perry makes a good living, and provides black-centric entertainment that fills a serious void left in pop culture. Tracy doesn't usually stick with things anyway, so this could all be for naught. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Lest anyone think otherwise, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year" is incredibly funny, on top of all the other stuff that's been discussed in this review. Kim Jong-Il really is the best waiter in the world. Liz has a fantasy sequence where she raises a plant, and even sees it have its own plant grand babies. Criss claims to have seen everything James Van Der Beek has done except for Dawson's Creek, yet names his van after the series, and basically quotes the theme song to Liz. Hilarious!

30 Rock will return next fall to NBC to complete its final season.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every 30 Rock review I've ever written. To catch up on 30 Rock with DVDs and streaming episodes, please go to amazon.com. Article first published as 30 Rock poses the question, "What Will Happen to the Gang Next Year?" on TheTVKing.com

30 Rock goes live again

This week, NBC's 30 Rock is "Live from Studio 6H." Jack (Alec Baldwin) decides that he will save the company a lot of money if they stop filming TGS live. Almost everyone agrees to the scheme except for Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), who locks twelve of the staff in a room and reminds them of the heyday of live television, shown to viewers in clips acted out by the cast. Meanwhile, Jenna (Jane Krakowski) disagrees with Paul (Will Forte) over the perfect proposal, and Hazel (Kristen Schaal) plans a stunt to get herself on air, a la Sinead O'Connor.

Quick question: Is the picture of Sinead that Hazel rips ups actually Tina Fey as Sinead?

This is the second time 30 Rock has gone live, and there's a big difference from the first time. "Live from Studio 6H" feels more like a series of skits than a cohesive story. This is bringing many of the performers back to their Saturday Night Live roots, of course, and they excel at funny shorts. But it does not really feel like an episode of 30 Rock, despite keeping much of the same spirit and tone.

Continuity is not that important this week. Last time a live show was done, Julia Louis Dreyfus (Seinfeld, Veep) played a semi-convincing Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) in a cut scene. This time, Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) plays Liz without even changing the color of her blond hair! Also, twelve major cast members are locked in a room, and yet somehow they keep slipping out to put on different costumes and perform various bits of "classic" NBC shows. What's up with that?

Yet, story cohesiveness is not the point of "Live from Studio 6H," so it's hard to get upset. The episode is meant to be nostalgic and humorous, and it does both rather well. The various bits play on a number of famous shows such as The Honeymooners and Laugh-In. These are comedy gold. Everything else in the episode is fluff, except for the proposal.

The cast of 30 Rock is fantastic. For "Live from Studio 6H," all the stops were pulled out in bringing even more talented people on board, most having appeared on the show before. Sadly, this means that some of the best supporting players are relegated to background status. However, all of the guest actors are terrific. Jimmy Fallon (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) kills as a young Jack, and Donald Glover (Community) is the perfect earlier version of Tracy (Tracy Morgan), getting the mannerisms spot on. Jon Hamm (Mad Men) returns, but not as his recurring 30 Rock character. Instead, he participates in a very memorable sketch. Chris Parnell (Suburgatory) is the familiar Dr. Spaceman, and Fred Armisen (Portlandia) manages to stand out without any lines at all. Brian Williams (NBC Night News and a 30 Rock veteran) is great as an old-timey newscaster on the West Coast (Hamm takes the part for the East), and Cheyenne Jackson finally returns to the series!

And 30 Rock manages to single-handedly kill the "Zou Bisou Bisou" craze started by Mad Men only a few short weeks ago.

Because the show is live, two versions are done, one each for the East and West coasts. Thankfully, in the era of internet, both are freely available to everyone. Only a handful of jokes change, and Cheyenne and Jenna again split the theme song, which makes more sense in the East because Cheyenne's character doesn't return until mid-episode. But the East coast broadcast has a major leg up over the West, because in the East, Sir Paul McCartney gets a fantastic cameo. The West, though, is left to suffer through Kim Kardashian instead.

30 Rock is what it is. "Live from Studio 6H" is not typical, but it will not disappoint long-time viewers who delight in the zany slapstick the series thrives on. Credit must be given to the show for taking such a big chance and playing in such an unexpected sandbox.

30 Rock airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every 30 Rock review I've ever written. To catch up on 30 Rock with DVDs and streaming episodes, please go to amazon.com.

Nothing is wrong with 30 Rock

NBC's 30 Rock presents a special, one hour, holiday-themed episode this week entitled "Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" Liz (Tina Fey) thinks that she may get her first ever happy Valentine's Day with new boyfriend, Criss (James Marsden, X-Men). But derailment occurs during an ill-fated trip to IKEA to pick out a dining room table together. Meanwhile, Jack (Alec Baldwin) battles his primal urges when Avery's mother, Diana (Mary Steenburgen, Bored to Death, Curb Your Enthusiasm), comes to town, and finds himself attracted to her. The feeling is mutual.

"Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" may be the most disturbing episode of 30 Rock ever written. This falls squarely on the fault of Jack's plot, which is horrible. Jack sees many of the same things in Diana that he sees in kidnapped wife, Avery (Elizabeth Banks), so it's natural that there might be some connection. But raising that attraction to a sexual level is beyond wrong. While it's true that Jack and Diana are closer in age than Jack is to his wife, and Diana is just as lonely as Jack, that doesn't excuse anything. The fact that the two characters struggle so hard not to hook up is just plain icky. Forget trying to be funny, at least just be decent. There is something incredibly wrong with Jack's marriage if he considers sleeping with his mother-in-law under any circumstances. Ditto for Diana's mothering ability.

That being said, the rest of the episode is not bad. Liz's relationship with Criss is actually quite a nice development. Criss isn't perfect, having little ambition and no job, but he cares about Liz. He also pulls some weight, cooking a romantic dinner for her, and building a table when they can't agree on one at the store. Liz isn't used to a healthy, balanced relationship, and doesn't know how to act. Yet, with Criss, she just might get to be happy. This is fantastic, and should be explored further. Hopefully Marsden's schedule will stay open for awhile so he can continue to appear on 30 Rock.

Liz's joy comes at the best moment for her, given that she has just realized that she is the female version of Lutz (John Lutz). Both are awkward, and do not know how to react towards the opposite sex. While Liz is a tad bit more graceful, and certainly more attractive, both of their personalities do share some similar characteristics. For "Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" to end on that realization would be beyond depressing. Thank goodness Criss salvages things for Liz in the end.

Why does IKEA allow 30 Rock to treat it so poorly? Are fighting couples really a standard for the retailer? Having never shopped there personally, it's impossible to know, but it seems unlikely. IKEA just comes across so badly in this episode, it is sad. To make up for it, go watch some Easy to Assemble, a funny, pro-IKEA web series. Speaking of, how could 30 Rock, given its penchant for tons of guest stars and insider-style jokes, do such an IKEA heavy episode without bringing in a single actor from Easy to Assemble in a cameo role?

Pete (Scott Adsit) is perhaps the most underused character on 30 Rock. Luckily, this is not the case in "Hey, Baby, What's Wrong?" Not only does he prove himself worthy of the producer's job that he does, but back story is given, too. It turns out that Pete used to be an Olympic-level athlete. While this isn't exactly realistic, any chance to see Pete out of his element, or in a new light, is welcome. Adsit is a capable comedian that should be better utilized in this series on a regular basis.

Lastly, where is 30 Rock going with the creepy, Liz-obssessed Hazel (Kristen Schaal, Bob's Burgers, The Daily Show)? She is somewhat humorous, but it's a bizarre turn for the character, and only dark things can come from her continued presence. Surely 30 Rock wouldn't go so far as to kill off a character, even Criss, would they? As delightful as Schaal is, and as much potential as Hazel could have on 30 Rock as a recurring character, whether used as a replacement or companion for Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), new direction needs to be given if she's going to last.

"Hey, Baby, What's Wrong" is a rare, disappointing outing for the show. Watch 30 Rock Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here to read every 30 Rock review I've ever written. To catch up on 30 Rock with DVDs and streaming episodes, please go to amazon.com.

30 Rock rocks out the guest stars

     This week on NBC's 30 Rock, in "The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell," Jack (Alec Baldwin) decides to get rid of the Page Program and replace them with an automated system (voiced by Rachel Dratch), much to Kenneth's (Jack McBrayer) chagrin. But then Jack makes a mistake, and his businessversary present to Hank Hooper (Ken Howard) gets sent to TGS instead. Jack loses the respect of not only Hank, but the TGS staff as well, with Lutz (John Lutz) even thinking that they are on the same level! To save face, Jack rehires the pages and blames Kenneth for the snafu, scrapping the automated machine.

     Writing a review of nearly any 30 Rock episode ends up being a game of name dropping as many celebrities as possible, and a struggle to mention all of the best one-liners, of which there are almost always a plethora to choose from. "The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell" has its share of the latter, and more of the former than any installment in recent memory. That alone makes it an episode well worth watching, as well as guarantees that not every star appearing in the half hour will be mentioned in the following article. Nor will most of those names be linked, but feel free to google them.

     It's been too long an absence for Dratch, who appears regularly as a variety of characters in the early days of 30 Rock. Any excuse to bring her back is more than welcome, so it's a little disappointing that the machine is thrown away so fast. Where might she pop up next, and when?

     It's great to see Jack exposed as a normal man. Everything about his character screams elitist, and even though viewers soon start to root for Jack to fix his image problem this week, it's funny to see him taken down a peg by the likes of Lutz and Frank (Judah Friedlander). 30 Rock needs Jack to be the top dog in order to keep the fictional version of NBC running, but that doesn't mean that he can't suffer temporary setbacks. This story will work especially well for those who wish some ill will on Baldwin, who isn't universally liked outside of 30 Rock.

     In "The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell," Jack gets to deliver a great one-liner about the fame of Maulik Pancholy, who formerly plays Jack's assistant, Jonathan, and now co-stars in Whitney. Jonathan is definitely missed, and is a far better use of Pancholy's talents that his current role. However, Pancholy does get more screen time on Whitney, slightly, so it's probably better for him, career wise. And at least he's a main character on his new series instead of a recurring supporting player, as he is on 30 Rock.

     In a second plot, Liz (Tina Fey) and Jenna (the underrated, fantastic Jane Krakowski) have a falling out as friends when Jenna sets up Liz to have paint thrown on her by PETA, just so Jenna can save face. Both seek solace by gravitating towards others like themselves. It isn't long before Jenna finds her new besties, including an unknown Kardashian, exhausting. And Liz, after a misstep with a very obvious knock off of the Sex and the City friends, who are even listed in the credits with names like Charglotte and Kerrie (Teri Conn, As the World Turns, One Life to Live), ends up really annoyed by a near twin named Amy (Julie Dretzin, Six Feet Under). They return to each other, glad to have someone that complements them, rather than a pal exactly like them.

     30 Rock uses its trademark brand of broad, winky humor extensively in the Liz and Jenna plot this week. Not only is it packed with guest stars, but the jokes are really funny. It may be a typical story, done by many other series, but it is handled with a 30 Rock twist that makes it seem both fresh and hilarious. As such, more of this kind of stuff will keep the show running for a good long time.

     Following on that theme, the MLK Day trailer at the beginning of "The Ballad of Kenneth Purcell," featuring Jenna starring in a Valentine's Day-esque film with Emma Stone, Nick Cannon, and Andy Samberg (themselves), is a wonderful tongue-in-cheek joke. Not many shows have the gravitas to pull these kind of names for a one-shot laugh, but that 30 Rock can do so over and over again really lends to its credibility. Just looking for who will show up next is a great draw to watch each episode. Also, Jenna's growing fame on the show within a show is a neat way to take her character, and putting her in the company of these others actors makes it seem even more believable.

     Finally, Tracy (Tracy Morgan) decides that he'd like to kill himself after Dot Com (Kevin Brown) and Grizz (Grizz Chapman) send out his birthday invitations with the phrase "no gifts." Tracy isn't really looking for death, but rather, wants to illustrate a point to his entourage, mostly because he doesn't have anything else to do. As to what exactly that point is, well, anyone's guess is good, as Tracy's brain doesn't exactly work correctly. But it's amusing, and it gives Morgan some amusing scenes in the jam-packed episode.

     "The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell" aired at 9 p.m. ET, the second of two new episodes this week. Normally, 30 Rock airs in the earlier time slot of 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Be sure to watch it.

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30 Rock likes to "Dance Like Nobody's Watching"

     NBC's 30 Rock likes to "Dance Like Nobody's Watching," and indeed, no one has been, since the series has been off the air since early May. But it returns last night. Liz (Tina Fey) comes back from holiday break happy and refreshed. Jack (Alec Baldwin) is sure he knows why, as he says he knows Liz better than she knows herself. He's wrong. Jenna (Jane Krakowski) is now the mean judge of a very successful children's singing competition, while Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) by his preacher that this is the last day before the Rapture, and so works on his "dream chores" list. 

     30 Rock has been sorely missed, immediately apparent early into "Dance Like Nobody's Watching." The series returns with a wonderful episode, with some funny plots, and a couple surprise twists. It remains timely, even sneaking in a reference to Avery (Elizabeth Banks) now being held captive by Kim Jong Un, since Kim Jong Il is dead. It also sticks to its trademark brand, but allows a little bit of growth, especially in the character of Liz Lemon.

     Who is the new man in Liz's life? Jack's antics to make sure he is right about her sudden happiness are amusing, especially when he finds Liz dancing. But viewers cannot possibly be more surprised than Jack when he spies her kissing a man, whose back is to the camera. Is it a familiar face, something that seems likely given the show's penchant for bringing back characters? Or is this someone entirely new? It could be the latter, given that Liz has never been low stress and satisfied. But this new Liz probably won't be as good of a boss, so unfortunately, another episode or two is all one can expect to see her act this way. Which doesn't necessarily mean the relationship has to end (though it likely will). Rather, she just needs to return to Earth. But what a great side trip for her!

     Jack, also, has changed, though his is more of an adjustment that is righted by the end of "Dance Like Nobody's Watching." Seeing how mean Jenna is to the young children on her reality competition, he remembers his own daughter, and demands that she tone it down. Jenna does, much to the chagrin of herself and fellow judges (and returning characters), D'Fwan (Tituss Burgess) and tennis champ John McEnroe (himself). And they are right. The show tanks in the ratings with the softer Jenna, which goes against new wisdom gleaned from last season's American Idol, by the way. But Jack has a conversation with his one-year old daughter, and takes her baby nonsense as advice to care more about business again. Thus, order is restored in the world.

     It must be said, "mean judge" is a perfect job for Jenna. She is great at it, and doesn't mind making children cry. This should definitely be a recurring bit.

     Kenneth's subplot is a bit more expected, and not as good in general. With the page scraping Chiquita banana stickers off of lights because that's how he wants to spend his last day on earth, Frank (Judah Friedlander), Toofer (Keith Powell), and Lutz (J.D. Lutz) go on the attack against Kenneth and his faith. But Pete (Scott Adsit) calls them off, and tries to comfort Kenneth when the latter realizes that he will still be around tomorrow. It's not an out of character story, but is doesn't seem all that fresh, and is the weakest of the three plots in "Dance Like Nobody's Watching." That being said, the weakest 30 Rock is still better than many other shows.

     Enjoy 30 Rock Thursdays on NBC, now at 8 p.m. ET.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

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30 Rock tries to "Respawn" with mixed results

     NBC's 30 Rock completed its fifth (already!?) season with "Respawn," in which a number of characters try to make it through the summer. Liz's (Tina Fey) dream is to stay in the Hamptons, learning Spanish and spending time doing brainless tasks outside. Her peace is interrupted when Tracy (Tracy Morgan) moves in next door to her. Jack (Alec Baldwin) doesn't even try to think of any way he might rescue Avery (Elizabeth Banks). Instead, he tries to carry on without her or other people's pity, and when that doesn't want, he forces Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) to take her place. Jenna (Jane Krakowski) tries to make her boyfriend, Paul (Will Forte), behave normally so that the head of the Wool Council (guest star Victor Garber) will be satisfied with Jenna's morality. And the writers play video games.

     Generally, summer episodes, if they are done at all, appear in the fall, so it is a new and novel idea to do it as a season finale. The drawback, though, is that instead of a big finish, it's a meandering episode spanning a large chunk of time, and not a lot gets done. While 30 Rock may make frequent use of episodes not getting anything done, after its big 'Weddings' finale last year, this one is a let down.
     The title of the episode refers to the writers' plot, where Frank (Judah Friedlander), Lutz (John Lutz), Toofer (Keith Powell), and some other guy keep killing themselves and respawning in a video game so that none of them actually get a kill point, and no one wins. They are only checked in on a couple of times, so it seems an odd thing to pinpoint in the title. However, their scenes may actually have been the funniest in this mediocre episode.

     The best thing "Respawn" has going for it is the great Victor Garber in an apparently one-time guest role. Garber is an extremely talented actor, and is only the latest in a long line of 'big gets' for 30 Rock. His presence elevates the series in a noticeable way, and he steals every scene he is in as the highly moral, wool loving CEO.

     Besides Garber, Forte continues to be a great asset for 30 Rock, and they should consider making Paul a regular, now that Forte is no longer with Saturday Night Live. He was originally introduced as a Jenna impersonator, funny enough, but their continued relationship and hilariously kinky sex has been a constant joy. Also, Paul trying to be normal for his girl is something he would not have done when they were less committed, so it shows a level of growth that is unexpected. Kudos is warranted for this subplot.

     Jack has been completely tamed by Avery and their baby. There is no way  a couple of years ago Jack would have sat by and did nothing while the love of his life is tortured by North Koreans. While this is sort of dealt with last week, it is intolerable that he should grow complacent in the season finale. Is Banks no longer available for 30 Rock episodes, and so she is being written out? It is hard to fathom what the thinking is behind this plot, but it is far from satisfying.

     Kenneth is a joke in "Respawn." While he has always been a bit dim and eager to please, he goes too far in going along with Jack's transference. Not only that, but the character clearly understands what is going on, and that it is wrong, and he doesn't want to do it, but continues anyway. Kenneth has come further than this, and it is very disappointing to see him backslide into such a stooge. And what is up with the little bit at the end where he tells Jacob he needs more time before "To be continued..." appears. To be honest, it feels like a one-note gag, possibly a Lost reference, that will likely not be followed up on.

     Jonathan (Maulik Pancholy), on the other hand, is moved to feelings of revenge when Jack fully chooses Kenneth over him. This has been touched on before, but it's time for an ongoing, full-blown feud between the two. It is certain to be tons of fun, if the writers pursue it. It would be good to see Kenneth get mad enough to fight back, the only possible outcome for his character to survive a full onslaught from Jonathan.

     Tracy is funny in his need to bug Liz, as he has formed quite an attachment to her after hiding out in her upstairs and sneaking in to repaint her apartment three times. He is likely looking for a peer-level friend, rather than his entourage he usually interacts with. This could be something really great to explore further.

     Liz, on the other hand, is sliding backwards. Throughout 30 Rock she has struggled to improve her life. She did so for awhile, even maintaining a steady relationship with Carol (Matt Damon). But since their break up, she has become a joke. She barely cares about the show anymore, other than how its cancellation would cut off her paycheck. What happened to the Lemon that was passionate about TGS? Bring her back!


     30 Rock has been renewed for a sixth season, and will return in the fall to NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

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