Wow, there certainly were a lot of call backs in this week’s episode of 30 Rock. There was the return of Paul, Jenna’s drag queen Jenna-impersonator boyfriend as well as Donny, Tracy’s “son.” Honestly, I had completely forgotten about Donald, but his return set up some fun jokes in this episode, and a great battle scene between godzila and mecha-godzila (have to watch those copyright laws). Tracy is a sucker for his fake son (who is two years old than him), and he seems ready to open his wallet to fund any famously named business idea. I particularly enjoyed the phone service where people could call up about air quality (American Airlines). I was also fond of Tracy’s nickname for his wallet: Brown and Folderson.
It seemed like as Tracy was spending time with his son, some of the other characters were getting in touch with their own childhoods. Liz used Kenneth as a therapist, making some breakthroughs about her childhood traumas, which caused Kenneth to reminisce about being forced to eat his “father pig” in a hilarious scene with Jack. This, of course, sent Jack into a spiral of despair over his own childhood issues, namely being shamed out of a career in science. Then it was all tied in a neat little bow as it came back full circle to Donny and Tracy.
I think it all turned out to be a decent episode, but I definitely got the most laughs this week from Kenneth and Jenna. Jenna’s relationship with Paul is truly perfect for her character and just disgusting enough to elicit some awkward laughs. Then there was Kenneth. It seems like he’s been in the background a lot more this season, so it was nice to see a story that gave him some great material.
My favorite quotes from the episode:
“There’s a reason God gave us two ears and only one mouth: listening is twice as important as talking. But he gave us ten fingers, he must really want us to poke things!” – Kenneth
“Last night was a disaster, and not the good kind where I get to sing at a benefit.” – Jenna
“Why can’t we just paint each others’ toe nails, watch vintage pornography, and then go to bed in our swing like a normal couple?” – Paul, to Jenna
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Dec 02, 2010 @ 21:25 EST5EDT
Don’t forget the revealing of Liz’s tiny head beneath all that hair. Even Kenneth seemed freaked out. Very surprised how much I continue to enjoy this season; I think it’s the distinct lack of ordinary (i.e., non-disturbing) relationship drama. Who else would think of adopting a dog to watch you having sex and then returning it by claiming it bit your imaginary child?
BTW, it’s “elicit,” not “illicit,” unless you meant to make a truly clever and subtle pun there. ;)