Smells Like Tina Spirit

Disclaimer before I share my thoughts on 30 Rock:

I love Tina Fey.

On-camera/off-camera, with glasses/without glasses.

I always knew she was a terrific comedy writer and sexy (two compliments that are rarely used in the same sentence) but I never knew she was such a great showrunner. 30 Rock, under her guidance, has grown tremendously since its debut.

Instead of giving Bonnie Hunt series after series, they should have given one to Tina Fey long ago.

Creating a show is almost the easy part. Sifting through the volumes of notes and suggestions from networks, studios, critics, "helpful" friends, research, talk shows, panhandlers, and worst of all -- bloggers, Tina had to maintain her vision, identify the real problems, and find inventive, fresh solutions. All the while starring in the damn thing. (What's really tough is when the problem is YOUR character but happily, that's not been the case.)

I don't agree with those who felt 30 Rock winning the Best Comedy Emmy was an upset. It's smart, funny, and one of the few comedies that strives to be an actual comedy. It's not "sitcomish," it's not a "dramady," it's not an improv "slice-of-life" that stumbles onto amusing things now and then. It aggressively wants to make you laugh. It employs funny people doing funny things. It eschews the tired rhythms of multi-camera sitcoms, and takes chances: some lunacy, some social and political satire, and unpredictability.

But good jokes mean nada if there's not good storytelling and 30 Rock does a terrific job of juggling up to three subplots an episode and having them all come together at the end. It's similar to what we did on MASH except without the weekly sucking chest wound.

And 30 Rock has a breakout character -- the HuffPost's own Alec Baldwin as Jack. He's a revelation. I'm still shocked he didn't win the Emmy. Watch. It's going to come out that the Blue Ribbon Committee consisted of Kim Basinger, William Baldwin, and Stephen Baldwin.

I understand that Tina is going to give the jokes "more room to breathe" this season. I think that's a good call. Some very good jokes don't land because they go by too fast or are not really heard. That's one of the traps of single-camera comedy. Things can get lost.

My one big concern for the show is Tracy Morgan. I like him. But I know a lot of people don't. It's hard to really have a home run series when a sizable portion of your audience dislikes a character. However, if he were to be used more sparingly in situations where he could really score I think his fans would be fine and many of his detractors would be won over. Of course, try selling that to the actor. Another marvelous perk of being a showrunner.

And my last note -- a quibble, really -- is that I think Tina shortchanges her own character. It's lovely that she's so generous, allowing other cast members to shine but she herself is not only very funny, but also grounds the series. It's evolving from a cartoon into a character-driven comedy set in a heightened world and Liz Lemon is the fulcrum. Let's see more from that young lass!

Hopefully the Emmy win will bring more viewers to this very deserving show. And the network that revels in superheroes realizes that their greatest one is Tina Fey -- with or without glasses.

You can read more from Ken at kenlevine.blogspot.com

Comments

[Aramingo]

I tried posting this once, and I guess the editors didn't realize I was quoting the Tracy Jordan character, so they bounced it. I thought fans of the show would recognize it, but just in case, I'll include a more complete version of the quote:

I love her so much, I want to take her behind the middle school and get her pregnant.

[kellygrrrl]

Congratulations, Tina!!!!!!
Comedy writing is one field that rarely sees a woman survive, much less excel.
The script for MEAN GIRLS was one of the funniest movies ever, and 30 Rock seems to really have found its spot in the light.
Good Luck, Tina!

[TVBaby]

First, Rock on, Ken! Besides the Emmy folks, I'm glad SOMEbody has noticed that "30 Rock" is the funniest show on network TV at the moment. ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is the funniest on cable, but I digress.) Alec Baldwin is elegantly and off-the-cuff brilliant.
And I have to admit, when Tracy Morgan first came on I was put off by his seemingly off-chemistry vibe. But as the show grew, I realized that it actually works within every now and then. Ken's right, use him a tad less and I think he (and the show) will go much further.

[JoDeeVa]

Yeah-yah!! I absolutely love 30 Rock..ALL of it! Yes, sometimes Tracey Morgan does seem to be at odds with the flow, but I definitely agree with Sumocat..that is the point with his character, isn't it? And, come on..how can you NOT love both Jane and Rachel? I, too get the whole "recurring actor in a non-recurring role"..alas, too bad she didn't get Jane's role, although I have to admit I can't imagine anyone else as her character now.
Alec Baldwin is the sleaziest, most hilarious over-the-top network flunkie ever!
So, yeah..thanks, Ken! "30 Rock" rocks! And so does Tina Fey..you go, girl!! Love all of it..thanks for the laughs;} Let's hope the real network flacks keep their distance and let genius continue to work the magic!

[blp58]

30 Rock blows away the rest of the Thursday Night lineup including The Office. No way this emmy win was an upset. I guess it just shows the great dumbing down of America that Earl is a hit and 30 Rock isn't. Go figure.

[kellygrrrl]

America Dumb?
who knew?

[Charity]

love 30 rock and how it is funnier than most people suspect. sardonic comes to mind.

the problem with tracy morgan is he stops the flow - and i think it has much to do with the cadence of his speech and/or a detected "stiffness." he never appears natural on camera, for what it's worth.

while i think he's a good guy in the real world, he hasn't always grabbed me as a good comedian/comedic actor. i think he probably kills with his buddies, but that just often does not convey or grab you across the Tv screen.

but really, what i want more of is rachel dratch - i LOVE the fact she is a recurring actor in a non-recurring role. gotta love that idea - especially since they gave jane the role she was meant to have.

and could alec get any more greasier? man, what's not to love.

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[torgo98]

Agree with the 30 Rock love, but let's keep giving Bonnie Hunt series. She's great.

[NoContest]

30 Rock is great.

I agree that Tracy Morgan is beyond creepy. I cringe when I see that freak doing anything, anywhere. Same with Jane Krasowanouski (or wtf her name). Two wallyworld freaks on an otherwise brilliant show. Ditto with Rachel Drasch sneaking in from time to time. Fugly, creepy.

[Sumocat]

Wait a second, who the hell doesn't like Tracy Morgan? That dude is hilaritical.

That said, I agree he does not seem to fit on the show, but that's sort of the point of the gag. BTW, "with glasses" is way hotter.

[Podewumun]

Yer right!

Alec wuz robbed! A genuine comic with TIMING!