Pre-Strike: The writers’ strike hitting 30 Rock was a complete buzzkill. Just when the series seemed to be gaining steam thanks to a little thing called an Emmy Award … boom! Blackout. But what a farewell. Jack and CC ended their relationship, proving diehard Republicans and Democrats coexist about as well as oil and water.
Liz tried to be “all grow’d up” by breaking up with Floyd for her career and buying an apartment (showing cleavage in an uncomfortable yet hilarious scene). And, um, can we talk about Gladys Knight? Boffo cameo, not overdone at all. Plus, a musical theatre-style segment, in which Kenneth misses his “Midnight Train to Georgia”? Brilliant.
Post-Strike: With so much buildup to the first episode back, “MILF Island”, I had high expectations. While there was potential for hilarity in the parallel MILF Island storylines and the goings-on as Jack investigated who trashed him to the press, something was lacking. Maybe the parody ran 10 minutes too long. Maybe it was the funny but not quite laugh-out-loud jokes. But subsequent episodes, like “Subway Hero” and “Successor”, have shown the series has gotten its groove back and the writing’s tighter than ever.
Character Development: As mentioned, Liz is becoming more cutthroat (even throwing Kenneth under the bus for something she did) and Jack showed an ability to follow his heart during his relationship with CC. They seem to be rubbing off on each other, and becoming friends. Meanwhile the TGS crew seems to be somewhat static in development, with the possible exception of Kenneth, who’s standing up for himself more and embracing the ways of the big city. Memorable hookups have included Liz and Floyd, Liz and Dennis the Beeper King (shudder), and of course Jack and CC.
Cliffhangers/Wrap up: There is still one episode left before the season finale, and with the show getting stronger and stronger I’m expecting a bang-up farewell. I’m sure Tina Fey won’t disappoint. And, now that Don Geiss is in a coma and Devon has taken over the company, Jack has – gasp! – defected to work for the Bush administration. Will he ever come back, and what kind of hilarity ensue? Plus, Floyd is back in the picture … will there be some sweet lovin’ for Liz Lemon and will she be able to maintain a relationship?
Overall Grade:
