tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post6221434904199115998..comments2024-03-18T13:50:45.615-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: 30 Rock: Damn good coffee! And hot!Alan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-15345993489856566212008-01-12T14:32:00.000-05:002008-01-12T14:32:00.000-05:00I found on the dole's comment interesting because ...I found on the dole's comment interesting because I felt like this was the 30 Rock episode that most resembled an Office episode, in terms of slower pacing and a sadder undercurrent running throughout the episode. But I do think that also translates into taking a different look at the characters that doesn't always happen under the show's normally insane, damn the torpedoes approach (which I love and hope to see when the next episodes come out). Still, I was really happy that despite the strike influence, this one turned out so well.<BR/><BR/>And I absolutely loved the twirly hand motions the Germans made upon buying(?) NBC. Although isn't Sheinhardt already a German company? What will happen to Jack's job? Can we look forward to more German TV jokes?<BR/><BR/>And, sadly, is this the last 30 Rock we'll ever see? NBC is at least on the hook for the rest of the second season, right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-46787250680189783602008-01-11T22:51:00.000-05:002008-01-11T22:51:00.000-05:00I was watching season 1 for the first time in a wh...I was watching season 1 for the first time in a while recently and I too was surprised to notice that Tina's cleavage was even more on display early on than it seems to be now. I remember reading somewhere that it was just after giving birth and she "didn't feel like she looked like herself" or something...maybe that had to do with it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-55258538541568158952008-01-11T20:20:00.000-05:002008-01-11T20:20:00.000-05:00Thanks, On the Dole. I guess we can file Liz Lemo...Thanks, On the Dole. I guess we can file Liz Lemon with Chuck and Seth on the OC as "TV nerds".TuckPendletonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205887129563034955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47341009678625592132008-01-11T20:14:00.000-05:002008-01-11T20:14:00.000-05:00tuckpendleton,I've caught up with a lot of Season ...tuckpendleton,<BR/><BR/>I've caught up with a lot of Season 1 recently, and Liz/Tina flaunts her cleavage from the start. I noticed because I thought it didn't jibe with the character, but most likely did jibe with Tina Fey and/or the network's notion of Tina needing to be appealing and attractive enough on-screen to be the show's star. (In no way do I mean that as a personal attack on Tina's looks. I'm merely noting that there are calculated reasons why TV and movie screens are filled with disproportionately good-looking people.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-67699414051886137522008-01-11T18:50:00.000-05:002008-01-11T18:50:00.000-05:00I was wondering. When Liz lives in the floating ci...I was wondering. When Liz lives in the floating city of New Chicago, will Twiki be her robotic manservant?R.A. Porterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14851961356321735388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-25599797893684714482008-01-11T18:47:00.000-05:002008-01-11T18:47:00.000-05:00Definitely could have used some polish, but "Inter...Definitely could have used some polish, but "Interrogation Bear" and "New Chicago" are already high points of the show for me.<BR/><BR/>I also have to say -- is it just me, or is Tina Fey becoming more and more brash about, um, displaying the goods?<BR/><BR/>I can't decide if it's supposed to be a reflection of Liz gaining more confidence because of her tutelage under Jack, or if in real life, Tina Fey is realizing she's actually pretty darn attractive and isn't afraid to show it off. (And I'm sure the Emmy didn't hurt.) I definitely don't remember so much cleavage being on display first season. <BR/><BR/>Any thoughts?TuckPendletonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205887129563034955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-41652809902114743062008-01-11T15:27:00.000-05:002008-01-11T15:27:00.000-05:00This probably wasn't the funniest episode of 30 Ro...This probably wasn't the funniest episode of 30 Rock, but it may well have been the warmest. With the exception of Liz and, up to a point, Jack (and Pete, I suppose), I'd always found the characters lacking in depth. So they mostly came across as vessels for delivering one-liners and sight gags. But this episode had a genuine affection for the characters and the world they inhabit, and really seemed to expand the possibilities of the show.<BR/><BR/>A lot of that has to do with the musical number at the close, which did a remarkable job of having character inform action (and had a freshness to it that Scrubs used up long before they ever got to their all-musical episode). But the rest of the show leading up to the song also did a nice job interweaving the theme of career vs. personal life, and examining how much all these characters have sacrificed with their devotion to their work. <BR/><BR/>It's heartbreaking that the strike hit right when this show made the leap to another level.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-7574965575471809022008-01-11T13:22:00.001-05:002008-01-11T13:22:00.001-05:00My girlfriend noted after the episode that not a s...My girlfriend noted after the episode that not a single writer character was in the show. I thought that was pretty clever.Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05918170590740049433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-27373307801173115432008-01-11T13:22:00.000-05:002008-01-11T13:22:00.000-05:00I also loved CC's singing from the TV--in harmony,...I also loved CC's singing from the TV--in harmony, no less--with Jack.<BR/><BR/>And the fact that not once, in CC's entire run, did I think of Carmela Soprano. Such a treat to see Falco doing comedy, and doing it so well.olucyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12047701257768309071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-52197467435142025882008-01-11T13:04:00.000-05:002008-01-11T13:04:00.000-05:00"I don't drink hot liquids of any kind. That's the..."I don't drink hot liquids of any kind. That's the devil's temperature!" was my favorite line too. I LOL'd at that one.Kenrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06346565881555687494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-54075650267523908762008-01-11T12:38:00.000-05:002008-01-11T12:38:00.000-05:00And as a salute to writers everywhere, let's not f...And as a salute to writers everywhere, let's not forget: <BR/><BR/>"Are you looking at porn? I know a great site that's dirty without sacrificing story."olucyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12047701257768309071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-35345442080452008022008-01-11T12:00:00.000-05:002008-01-11T12:00:00.000-05:00Ted,That's exactly how I meant it with the B- Com...Ted,<BR/><BR/>That's exactly how I meant it with the B- <BR/><BR/>Compared to other 30 Rock episodes, it was ok, not great -- altho the musical number at the end was very entertaining.<BR/><BR/>But, as you agreed, even an average/good 30 Rock episode is better than almost any other comedy on TVAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-43588230509712204662008-01-11T11:55:00.000-05:002008-01-11T11:55:00.000-05:00What's the curve? This episode is a B- against ot...What's the curve? This episode is a B- against other 30 Rock episodes, but it will be the funniest thing I see on tv this month. <BR/><BR/>The show is so *dense* with jokes; it really is the heir to Arrested Development.Ted Frankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10486771226983390342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-45383959788558710192008-01-11T11:48:00.000-05:002008-01-11T11:48:00.000-05:00Everyone have covered the major points. Let me div...Everyone have covered the major points. <BR/>Let me dive into two small points:<BR/><BR/>The theme music/score of 30 Rock doesn't get the attention it deserves. It captures the carnival-like madness of the show. It's great in episodes when the same piece is repeated, rearranged for different moods. Even with an Emmy nom, it still doesn't get enough ink. Richmond does a great job.<BR/><BR/>Curb Your Enthusiasm had great music, and it worked as a sorbet to transition from Sopranos to CYE. <BR/><BR/>The coal miner kids drinking beer is a good gag, but it's made better by the direction/timing. Camera cuts to the kids, then (beat) they lift the beers to their mouths.<BR/><BR/>What a treat during the strike. Come back soon 30 Rock.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-34225586974762898422008-01-11T11:31:00.000-05:002008-01-11T11:31:00.000-05:00I agree with mike that this ep was a B-, but I'd s...I agree with mike that this ep was a B-, but I'd still rather watch this show than anything else on TV. Loved this exchange--<BR/><BR/>Jack: I've missed so many weddings, funerals, karate demonstrations...<BR/><BR/>CC: ...birthdays, Lilith Fairs...Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14472078546875948502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-36395818277374216062008-01-11T11:21:00.000-05:002008-01-11T11:21:00.000-05:00I am so in love with this show. After all of these...I am so in love with this show. After all of these comments, no one has mentioned that, despite being mentioned a half dozen times in the episode, and the bulk of the cast singing one of her biggest hits, Gladys Knights never actually sings a single word. A fantastic use of a guest star. <BR/><BR/>Some lines no one has mentioned:<BR/><BR/>Grizz: Who is going to be my wingman for speed dating?<BR/><BR/>Jack: Say, what is there to do around this town?<BR/>Miner: Beat on uppity outsiders. We also have a lovely museum of minatures. (Or a close approximation)<BR/><BR/>Jenna: Did you know they replace the Pips every five years like Menudo?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-29124995752577707922008-01-11T11:07:00.000-05:002008-01-11T11:07:00.000-05:00I thought this was a pretty weak episode, and it s...I thought this was a pretty weak episode, and it seemed so cobbled together. Some of the shots were so obviously worked up without other actors - a Jenna and Liz conversation stands out. But, even though it was unpolished, it made laugh out loud as much as usual. "It's like my heart is trying to hug my brain!" I'll miss ya' 30 Rock.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-73169356249270481842008-01-11T11:03:00.000-05:002008-01-11T11:03:00.000-05:0030 Rock, I'll miss you most of all. It was a great...30 Rock, I'll miss you most of all. <BR/><BR/>It was a great surprise to have this bonus funny pre-strike episode. <BR/><BR/>IIRC, Worker and Parasite was definitely not German, since it used Cyrillic characters on screen. But <A HREF="http://www.snpp.com/episodes/8F09.html" REL="nofollow">Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk</A> showed the humor inherent in the German language. But everything about Liz speaking German-- and especially the subtitles not keeping up with the speakers-- was very funny. <BR/><BR/>And the musical number took this over the top for the win, with the look on Tracy's face as Jenna waltzed in to sing the lead, Jack and CC singing with CC on the television in the background, and the I was misinformed about the time" line.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-19260304278140840682008-01-11T09:21:00.000-05:002008-01-11T09:21:00.000-05:00This was an excellent episode. I'm still trying to...This was an excellent episode. I'm still trying to figure out what makes a good episode for me, because I don't always think they are this funny.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps it was the minor part of Jenna and Tracy in this one. I don't know. <BR/><BR/>I'm glad everyone remembered the jokes...I usually remember only the funny visuals. The coal mining kids were my favorite.<BR/><BR/>And the subtitles when Liz couldn't keep up with the German. SO funny! I've been there.<BR/><BR/>I like CC, too. Their romance brought about many funny moments.K J Gillenwaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12023089365553324315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-69953068112185661082008-01-11T08:43:00.000-05:002008-01-11T08:43:00.000-05:00It's a testament to the brilliance of this show wh...It's a testament to the brilliance of this show when an episode like this -- which I thought was average compared to other episodes -- still manages so many funny lines and moments.<BR/><BR/>It's fun to come here after each episode and read everyone's comments, because 30 Rock contains so many jokes, that it's easy to forget many of them.<BR/><BR/>So, even a B- episode (for me at least), still has me marvelling at things like...<BR/><BR/>"Who's going to help me tell white people apart?"<BR/><BR/>"safe word"<BR/><BR/>"hubcap"<BR/><BR/>and the musical number, even though it kept Gladys Knight from getting her sleep lol.<BR/><BR/>30 Rock, like The Simpsons, Arrested Development, and Scrubs on most nights, is so good, and so packed with jokes, that an average episode is better than just about every other comedy.<BR/><BR/>And I know this is the wrong thread, but I just had to say that considering the double meaning -- and yes, I now know way more than I wanted to about the topic after being unable to ignore certain websites on the topic lol -- I think that the line "You can't have a Lemon party without old Dick" uttered (appropriately?) by Buck Henry in the Christmas episode has to be one of the riskiest/funniest lines I've ever heard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-40059377784472751022008-01-11T00:50:00.000-05:002008-01-11T00:50:00.000-05:00Also, during Liz's drunk dialing rampage, her, "I'...Also, during Liz's drunk dialing rampage, her, "I'm going to the hospital! I hope you're happy!" was a shout out to those "Psycho Ex-Girlfriend" voicemails that were all over the net a few years back.<BR/><BR/>Or am I the only who remembers those?Rainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03641204367490846543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-64526603608560696452008-01-11T00:48:00.000-05:002008-01-11T00:48:00.000-05:00The brilliance of this episode was that even thoug...The brilliance of this episode was that even though most of it was predictable, it was still hilarious. (Loved those snarky mining-town folk -- what other show would have given us those?)<BR/><BR/>Best line: "I don't drink hot liquids of any kind. That's the devil's temperature!<BR/><BR/>Best German-related "Simpsons" dialogue, from "The Curse of the Flying Hellfish":<BR/><BR/>American military agent (returning artwork pilfered during the war to a West German jerk): "Baron von Wortzenberger, on behalf of the American people, I apologize for..."<BR/><BR/>Baron: "Ja ja ja, mach schnell mit der art things, huh? I must get back to Dancecentrum in Struttgart in time to see Kraftwerk. Hey, und dummkopf! Watch out for the CD-changer in my trunk, eh? Idiot."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-18042354532147195082008-01-11T00:44:00.000-05:002008-01-11T00:44:00.000-05:00My favorite line was of the throw-away variety. Wh...My favorite line was of the throw-away variety. When Liz was telling Kenneth to watch the German videos and he's just barely with her, at one point he says "Your last name is weird."<BR/><BR/>Indeed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-34152377671343942272008-01-11T00:34:00.000-05:002008-01-11T00:34:00.000-05:00Strangest detail not yet mentioned: For those watc...Strangest detail not yet mentioned: For those watching with captioning, Werner Herzog was credited with all of the German narration. I'm dubious, but then again, I would have trouble distinguishing Herzog's voice from an impersonation. Moreover, why have the credit if it wasn't him?<BR/><BR/>AnonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-28394116696522926622008-01-11T00:27:00.000-05:002008-01-11T00:27:00.000-05:00I looked it up, and Krusty introduces them as "Eas...I looked it up, and Krusty introduces them as "Eastern Europe's favorite cat and mouse team," which could technically have included East Germany. But you're probably right, dammit. <BR/><BR/>So instead, I'll cite two other Germans-are-funny Simpsons moments: <BR/><BR/>1)"The Bart, The!" "No one who speaks German could be an evil man!" <BR/><BR/>2)"Oh, no, the Germans are after me!" "Please stop the pretending you are scared game!"Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.com