Topic: The rise of 30 Rock (Read 22715 times)

Aimless · « **on:** 08 Dec 2007, 03:06 »

Has anyone been following this show?

After a few shaky episodes in the beginning of season 1, 30 Rock quickly became one of my favourite comedy shows ever. Now, in season 2, it's become one of my favourite shows ever in general. Every single episode (barring the last, but I blame that on the probs with the strike and all) has delivered what I feel is the smartest, sharpest, FUNNIEST comedy on TV today. It gives me the same fuzzy-wuzzies I get from watching great Simpsons episodes.

Yeah, I think that's the closest comparison I can make. Like Simpsons, but with real actors. And on the matter of real actors, I must say, Alec Baldwin is AMAZING as Jack Donaghy.

Check this out:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=21085443

When he gets to the voices, man... *quivers*

I warmly recommend this show. If you gave it a shot and then gave up, I'd like to urge you to give it another try because it becomes something amazing very quickly.

Cheers

EDIT: Al Gore's cameo was another sweet moment, for me =)

Inlander · « **Reply #1 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 07:03 »

So, the rest of the series is better than the pilot then? Because I watched the pilot when it aired here in Australia last week, and it was bad. So horribly, toe-curlingly bad.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #2 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 07:11 »

30 Rock is a really good show. I didn't think it would be, but my parents started watching it and DVRed some episodes for me and they were hilarious.

Tina Fey is forever wonderful.

Ã¶de · « **Reply #3 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 07:30 »

Hilarious! I will have to check out more.

IronOxide · « **Reply #4 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 07:36 »

30 Rock is also one of my favorite shows at the moment, and it has gotten better as time has gone on. At first, it seemed it was only going to be alright, but the actors have started to shine and become hilarious. Not to mention that they have some of the biggest guest stars ever, and use them well.

KvP · « **Reply #5 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 09:30 »

It has indeed gotten better and better as time has gone on. Baldwin and Tracy Morgan always bring their A game. But lately, they've been relying a bit too much on Kenneth, like they want him to be the "breakthrough" character that makes the show an actual hit (these last 2 episodes or so have gone without a Kenneth B or C-story, thankfully). Personally, I think he's the weakest character on the show. Jenna is slightly behind. It gets less fun the more they're around. Shit, only one episode left until the strike takes it out. I'll miss it.

Hey, remember when everybody thought that Studio 60 was going to be the big SNL-derivative show to take off and 30 Rock was just going to be a run-of-the-mill, forgettable comedy? Man, people must have smoked a lot of crack back then.

Quote from: Inlander on 08 Dec 2007, 07:03

So, the rest of the series is better than the pilot then? Because I watched the pilot when it aired here in Australia last week, and it was bad. So horribly, toe-curlingly bad.

I find it's best not to judge a show by its pilot. Unless it's, uh, Twin Peaks or something. Character-driven shows like 30 Rock or Arrested Development (anybody catch the AD references in this week's 30 Rock?) usually need some time to get their legs.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #6 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 09:33 »

Arrested Development is definitely a good show to mention in the same breath as 30 Rock.

It is very apt.

bryanthelion · « **Reply #7 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 15:15 »

I really dont like Jenna, the character is funny, the actress.... not so much.

KvP · « **Reply #8 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 16:04 »

Quote from: thatwittygeek on 08 Dec 2007, 15:15

I really dont like Jenna, the character is funny, the actress.... not so much.

It was originally going to be Rachel Dratch. Be thankful.

Ocarina654 · « **Reply #9 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 17:50 »

Haven't seen any first season episodes, but I'm loving this season. Too bad the strike has it cut short.
But yeah, it is a great show.

Inlander · « **Reply #10 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 18:21 »

Quote from: Kid van Pervert on 08 Dec 2007, 09:30

I find it's best not to judge a show by its pilot.

True, but a show has to demonstrate at least something in its pilot episode. There was nothing there that I found even remotely amusing or fresh or in any way redeemable.

Maybe I'll give it a try again some time later.

KvP · « **Reply #11 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 18:52 »

Quote from: Inlander on 08 Dec 2007, 18:21

Quote from: Kid van Pervert on 08 Dec 2007, 09:30
I find it's best not to judge a show by its pilot.
True, but a show has to demonstrate at least something in its pilot episode. There was nothing there that I found even remotely amusing or fresh or in any way redeemable.

That would be the case optimally, but even a good pilot isn't indicative of a good show. Bringing back Studio 60 to flog again, a lot of people found the pilot episode to be quite excellent, what with that supremely self-righteous Aaron Sorkin monologue opening and all. But as the show went on, it failed to live up to the promise of the pilot and couldn't find a consistent tone, and it was quietly taken off the air, dragged behind a shed and shot. A TV blog I frequent watches the first three episodes of a new series, and if nothing worth sticking around for comes up, they drop it. I think that's a good policy, but when you don't have much time to spare it's probably easier to judge by the pilot.

I get what you're saying, the pilot ought to be a sort of "mission statement" that presents what promise a show has to offer its viewers. But it often doesn't work that way. And if you stop watching a show after a suck pilot, most of the time you'll be right and the show will keep on sucking. But you shouldn't be surprised if that doesn't happen sometimes.

And really, if you were being skeptical about, say, Arrested Development I'd tell you to stop being dense and watch this shit, but I was in your shoes early on. It was compared a lot to AD, and I felt like it was lacking the superb characterization and "heart" that made AD so brilliant. And it's not as good as AD, not even close. But the more I watched, particularly due to Baldwin and Morgan, the more I got onboard. It's certainly the best comedy currently on network TV. It hits some false notes here and there (Page-off, ugh) and some of the minor characters sometimes get neglected, but it's worth Tivoing, at the very least. NBC.com has the 5 or so episodes previous to this week's up on their website, and you can watch them there, but be prepared for excruciating JC Penney commercials. Might be best just to torrent.

Aimless · « **Reply #12 on:** 08 Dec 2007, 22:12 »

The page-off was stupid until Pete came and busted it up. That was righteous

Tom · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Dec 2007, 13:45 »

So, I watched the first episode last night and I liked it very much. I found myself chuckling at the general silliness of it all but when the adds came on there was a promo for American Dad! and Family Guy which I just didn't find funny at all.
I don't know why, but I find awkward things rather funny and i'll probably watch it again next Thursday evening.

Aimless · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 May 2008, 00:24 »

I'm just bumping this up because I feel that, of the shows I follow, 30 Rock is the only one that's come out of the strike even stronger than before. These last few episodes have been really awesome, and they're doing a great job of moving the plot forward (yes, there IS a plot). I have high hopes for season 3 =)

KvP · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 May 2008, 02:30 »

Has there been a third season confirmed?

Actually I thought the first post-strike episode was a little weak, but then the Amadeus references and subtle jabs at Studio 60 On the Sunset Strip started up. The season finale was pretty excellent, with standout moments from just about every character, even Pete.

Lots of great quotable lines, too.

"The roof isn't leaking. I'll show you the study."
"Touch my knees. Touch my feet.Touch my feet... with your knees."
"But that was 2 YEARS AGO!"
"Let's do this."
"He saw me eating a hamburger once. And it wasn't even a hamburger, it was a sandwich."
"The President gave me a nickname... The Jacker."

Hmm, I guess you have to get the context for most of them to work. But it's pretty brilliant. Watch it.

ImRonBurgundy? · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 May 2008, 03:07 »

Quote from: Kid van Pervert on 10 May 2008, 02:30

even Pete.

Hey, man, Pete is one of the best parts of the show.

And yeah, there's a third season comin'.

Tom · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 May 2008, 05:10 »

I'd watch this more if channel 7 didn't constantly fuck around with the timing. I think, when I have money, I will by the DVD.

KvP · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 May 2008, 12:19 »

Quote from: ImRonBurgundy? on 10 May 2008, 03:07

Quote from: Kid van Pervert on 10 May 2008, 02:30
even Pete.

Hey, man, Pete is one of the best parts of the show.

He is, but his juiciest plotline this season was ripped off from the Simpsons (stuck inside a vending machine) he's one of the characters that's suffered from Kenneth's domination of C-stories.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 May 2008, 12:23 »

Wait, wait.

Tell it to me in Star Wars.

Aimless · « **Reply #20 on:** 10 May 2008, 15:12 »

Quote from: Kid van Pervert on 10 May 2008, 12:19

He is, but his juiciest plotline this season was ripped off from the Simpsons (stuck inside a vending machine) he's one of the characters that's suffered from Kenneth's domination of C-stories.

What! I thought that was taken from The Darwin Awards movie!

KvP · « **Reply #21 on:** 10 May 2008, 15:48 »

Hmmm, I haven't seen that. But it has Wynona Rider in it, so I don't plan on doing so anytime soon.

ImRonBurgundy? · « **Reply #22 on:** 10 May 2008, 23:37 »

Okay, but when he threw the various objects from his pocket at the phone and dialed his own office was brilliant.

Evander · « **Reply #23 on:** 23 May 2008, 07:31 »

Live every week like it's Shark Week.

itsrabid · « **Reply #24 on:** 25 May 2008, 08:03 »

30 Rock is great. but I can only watch it online now what it's moved to a later time.
(have to bee off computer and TV at 9)

Ikrik · « **Reply #25 on:** 25 May 2008, 12:29 »

I've probably seen, in total, 3 episodes of the show. I think it's great, it's brilliant, I love how that baldwin guy is finally doing something good again. That being said if someone else tells me how "amazing" Tina Fey is I'm probably going to start throwing sharp objects around. I know she's amazing, I know she's talented.....so stop saying it already.

itsrabid · « **Reply #26 on:** 26 May 2008, 16:54 »

I thought it was hilarious when Tracy brought in the cappuccino machine and Kenneth got addicted so coffee.
"I've broken so many promises to I made to my mother. I drank coffee. Why, just last weekend, I went out to see a PG-13 movie. New York is the new city of Sodom, and I've just been Sodomized!"

KvP · « **Reply #27 on:** 25 Oct 2008, 02:45 »

New episode up online!

Jackie Blue · « **Reply #28 on:** 25 Oct 2008, 04:11 »

That is a damn fine season premiere.

Damn, I love this show.

AanAllein · « **Reply #29 on:** 26 Oct 2008, 06:48 »

Ooh, new season, looking forward to it.

Werewolf bar mitzvah/boys become men/men become wolves

Hljómalind · « **Reply #30 on:** 26 Oct 2008, 16:35 »

Really looking forward to Season 3. 30 Rock was wobbly to begin with, but it had a really strong Season 2, I think because they made better use of Baldwin and Jordan. I wish Adsit and Friedlander got a bit more screentime, but basically the ensemble cast works well.

est · « **Reply #31 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 16:22 »

I have watched snippets of this show. It looks like every other bullshit American sitcom, and I wish the Liz Lemon character would die in a fire.

pilsner · « **Reply #32 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 16:26 »

It's actually extremely self-aware and occasionally hilarious. At the very least, it's different because it takes the piss at itself (did I say that correctly?). I highly recommend any episode with Will Arnett, who has graduated suma cum laude from the Lithgow school of comedic overacting.

JD · « **Reply #33 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 16:28 »

Quote from: Ptommydski on 30 Jan 2010, 05:19

We should have a betting pool on how long it is before we see an iPad on this show.

Money on Tracy

Eris · « **Reply #34 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 16:30 »

I think one of the reasons that est doesn't like it is that I am pretty sure he doesn't like comedic overacting, which from what I have seen of 30 Rock, is a fairly large part of the whole 30 Rock deal.

Blue Kitty · « **Reply #35 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 16:31 »

Quote from: est on 30 Jan 2010, 16:22

I have watched snippets of this show. It looks like every other bullshit American sitcom, and I wish the Liz Lemon character would die in a fire.

That's how I feel. Everyone keeps telling me it's phenomenal and brilliant, but when I've watched it I haven't anything funny.

pilsner · « **Reply #36 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 16:50 »

You've heard of the old saying that in the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king? Well in the land of witless shit comedies, the self-referential sporadically clever is king. In a market with a fair number of intelligent witty comedies (say Britain) the show would probably sink like Jeff Zucker's job security. And yes, if you don't like comedic overacting, 30 Rock is almost as fun as gouging yourself in the arm while ingesting poison.

Incidentally, for all you Steven Coogan fans, Saxondale is apparently getting adapted by NBC. Heh.

KvP · « **Reply #37 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 18:47 »

What british show isn't these days? They've got Prime Suspect and Wire in the Blood in the pipeline, and about a decade ago they fucked up Cracker for a season.

pilsner · « **Reply #38 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 18:50 »

Ah, but were the stars of those shows accused by Courtney Love of giving Owen Wilson the drugs that brought him to suicide?

I think not.

Good day sir.

I say good day.

est · « **Reply #39 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 20:55 »

Quote from: pilsner on 30 Jan 2010, 16:50

You've heard of the old saying that in the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king? Well in the land of witless shit comedies, the self-referential sporadically clever is king.

It's not like someone is forcing you/me to watch one of them, so we've got to choose the least crap one. Couldn't you just not watch any of them and do something else you actually enjoy?

pilsner · « **Reply #40 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 21:03 »

I do enjoy it, I was explaining why 30 Rock's reputation may be disproportionate to its objective value (were there such a thing). I wince at some of the overacting and some of the stereotypes being explored, but on balance, the good episodes justify the bad. Also, the restraining order limits me to 30 minutes of Coogan time per day maximum.

jhocking · « **Reply #41 on:** 30 Jan 2010, 21:30 »

Quote from: pilsner on 30 Jan 2010, 16:50

if you don't like comedic overacting

When I read that my first thought was "how can you have comedy without overacting?" That's how much the current state of television has infected my sensibilities, and I'm a relatively self-aware person so just imagine how fucked the average viewer is.

a pack of wolves · « **Reply #42 on:** 31 Jan 2010, 05:32 »

Quote from: pilsner on 30 Jan 2010, 16:50

You've heard of the old saying that in the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king? Well in the land of witless shit comedies, the self-referential sporadically clever is king. In a market with a fair number of intelligent witty comedies (say Britain) the show would probably sink like Jeff Zucker's job security. And yes, if you don't like comedic overacting, 30 Rock is almost as fun as gouging yourself in the arm while ingesting poison.

Incidentally, for all you Steven Coogan fans, Saxondale is apparently getting adapted by NBC. Heh.

Witty comedies like what? Limmy's Show has been hit and miss but with a reasonable amount of hit, but that only gets broadcast on BBC Scotland for some reason. Thank god for iplayer. There's Newswipe I guess, but that's a review show really and also loses huge amounts of points for Tim Key. The Thick Of It was brilliant but it's over now and I can't see it coming back, and the other big revival of recent times was Vic and Bob bringing back the godawful Shooting Stars, basically discarding the return to form they had with Catterick a while back. What else have we got these days, Mock The Week? Argumental? The flogging of a dead horse train wreck that is Have I Got News For You? They're shoddy as hell cheap panel shows, I genuinely can't think of a current UK sitcom I could sit through an episode of without wanting to hurt the TV. A case in point being Adam Buxton's appalling new effort The Persuasionists, that's what the UK has to go up against 30 Rock.

It's a long time since the glory days of The Armando Iannucci Shows, Jam and Big Train. And British comedy was never as good as it might look from the outside. For every Father Ted there were a lot more programmes like My Family and Hippies. The US on the other hand currently has Better Off Ted, Parks And Recreation, Community, 30 Rock, Archer and it's not that long since Eastbound And Down was being shown here and outclassing pretty much everything we had to offer. 30 Rock might get its arse handed to it by a good Parks And Rec or most Community, but it holds its own alright and has much stiffer competition than it does in the UK, where it's up against the US Office basically. Hell, the US Office might have run too long by now but it's still watchable and still better than the UK version. If that example's anything to go by the US Saxondale could well be much better than the UK version, which wasn't one of Coogan's best efforts.

Ptommydski · « **Reply #43 on:** 31 Jan 2010, 07:06 »

For me 30 Rock is a pretty average sitcom which benefits from a couple of decent performances and an embrace of internet-based geek humour. It's just about self-aware and satirical enough to survive being overly reliant on old-fashioned slapstick mugging. It's a lot meaner than the average sitcom and the hugging and learning is kept to a minimum. It doesn't try to be touching or serious, which I think is to its credit. It's ridiculous but in a way that aptly reflects the genuine absurdity of that which it mainly lampoons - television and corporations.

However, it's nowhere near as bright as the enduring Arrested Development (to which it is often compared) and utterly inept compared to the genuinely superb The Larry Sanders Show (which is also about a television show and remains the greatest sitcom of all time alongside Curb Your Enthusiasm).

scarred · « **Reply #44 on:** 01 Feb 2010, 00:24 »

It's certainly no Friends

pilsner · « **Reply #45 on:** 01 Feb 2010, 00:42 »

Quote from: Ptommydski on 31 Jan 2010, 07:06

The Larry Sanders Show

Jeffrey Tambor, Rip Torn, Gary Shandling, Jeremy Piven, Janeane Garofalo, Rip Torn... all I'm saying it's setting the bar a little high.

scarred · « **Reply #46 on:** 01 Feb 2010, 01:02 »

You forgot to mention Rip Torn.

David_Dovey · « **Reply #47 on:** 01 Feb 2010, 01:07 »

KvP · « **Reply #48 on:** 01 Feb 2010, 02:01 »

Nothing screams "classic comedy" like the casting of Jeremy Piven.

pilsner · « **Reply #49 on:** 03 Feb 2010, 05:09 »

Also Judd Apatow co-wrote and produced. And Jon Stewart was a frequent guest. Frankly, with the talent they had on that show, it could have been Shandling lighting his farts 30 minutes every week and would it would still be epic.

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Author Topic: The rise of 30 Rock (Read 22715 times)

itsrabid

itsrabid

Hljómalind

Ptommydski