"The Aerodynamics of Gender"
Tonight's episode pursued some unusual pairings. Abed teamed up with the girls while Troy and Jeff found a secret Zen-inducing trampoline in a secret garden. And Pierce was his old regular self. It was interesting to see how different dynamics played out and I think it worked overall. However, I would be doing the episode a disservice if I didn't mention its two guest stars. A. Hilary Duff was apparently in the episode but I only saw her for about two scenes. I guess if you aren't an animated Disney tween on the awkward cusp of puberty, you just can't get much screen time. B. The always underrated Matt Walsh was perfect as the secret gardener/surprising racist ("Guess that's what I get for trusting some black guy" plus Troy's delayed reaction). I'm not really into plot summary so I'm just going to rattle off my various thoughts on the episode.
-"If we say nobody, are you going to stab us with your bush scissors?"
-"I'm gonna slit your butts' throats."
-"Tell me how to get this laid-back, or I'll kill your families!"
-Senor Chang is establishing himself as a Nelson Muntz-type character that haunts the periphery of each episode.
-I watched this episode last night around midnight after a very long and tiring day and also while consuming an embarrassing amount of White Castle, so I might have been impaired, but Brita and Annie looked a lot hotter than usual in this episode. Like, SkyMall model hot.
30 Rock
"Gentleman's Intermission"
As opposed to the other NBC shows, 30 Rock has never really relied too heavily on storylines either within the episodes themselves or throughout the entire season. Essentially, the plots are more or less skeletal structures on which the writer's can hang snappy one-liners and quips. And that's the show's appeal so I find nothing wrong with it. However, I judge the episodes on these lines and less on how the story unfolds. So, here are some of my favorites quotes.
-"If I won an Oscar everyone would have to respect me. My obituary would read Oscar-winner, instead of children's soccer heckler."
-"Three time Tony ... Shalhoub sex partner”.
-"I'm wearing a Duane Reade bag as underwear".
-"Telephone etiquette is important. It lets people know your race even when they can't see you."
-"I played Arts and Literature in the film adaptation of Trivial Pursuit"
-"I don't know any of my lines!" --Tracy "playing" Prince Hal in Central Park's Henry IV
-"I was gonna take a class called Cooking For One, but the teacher killed himself."
-"Hey Liz Lemon, can I use your office to Google myself" "Sure" "Can I use your computer?" "How else would you do it?"
"Christening"
This episode had a feel in the same vein as "Niagara" and "Phyllis' Wedding" essentially taking everybody out of the office and into a different setting. I guess the question is, how does that change the comedy? It certainly signals an important moment as far as the characters are concerned (getting married, baptized, departures a la "Beach Games", a personal favorite) but it also takes away from the office antics on which the foundation of the show was built. However, given that this is the show's seventh season, there are only so many Office Olympics to be held and pranks on Dwight to be played.
It is clear that Steve Carell is the most talented actor on the show. His subtle expressions and impeccable delivery are unrivaled not only on the show but across the medium. How he has not won an Emmy for his performance is beyond me and I can only hope he does so for his final season. However, I often debate with myself (masdebation as I call it) on whether Ed Helms or Rainn Wilson come in second as far as acting chops are concerned. But when Michael and Andy were both simultaneously panicking as the reality of their mission trip set in on the bus, I think I'm gonna have to give the honors to Ed Helms. One of my favorite examples to back this up? In "New Leads", when Andy is playing hot-and-cold (is that the name of that game?) with Erin at her desk as he nervously misinterprets her signals.
And of course, as always, the cold open was hilarious as Dwight sadly makes good on his immune system claim. Watching him eat the toast that Andy sneezed on was a perfect ending.
Also, CeCe wearing an Arcade Fire t-shirt. Come on, Jim. Don't be like that. Your dad already apparently has a beard. You don't need to be dressing your children in hipster shirts to prove your youth to us.
-"Scooch. Before I shoot you in the head"
-"CeCe is turning out to be a little B-I-T-C-H"
-"Sometimes, Michael. Sometimes."
“It’s Dwight from the vestibule.”
-"I think that was Sconesy Cider. Noted baptism reception critic."
-"You're mean girls. Like the movie Mean Girls" (The second allusion to that movie tonight after Community's episode.
-"Just a heads up. I'm going to be borrowing some things..." (I can't explain why but I think that was my favorite line of the 'sode a.k.a episode.
The office is too sad. Stop watching it, Jim and Pam have ruined every episode this season. Even an incredibly pitiful Toby moment couldn't brighten this episode up. If it weren't for Ryan, his iPad, and the cold opens, I would truly believe they forgot it was a comedy.
ReplyDeleteIt was the worst 30 Rock episode of the season, and from what I can tell a sign of things to come. Alec Baldwin isn't going to go down with this ship. Jenna's is the only character with some life left.
Community was the only thing worth watching on NBC this week (other than loser). Matt Walsh stole the episode in a dominating, UCB type role.
Speaking of UCB, you should have seen Matt Besser on Modern Family this week. However, you are a dirty stubborn loyalist too unwilling to drop the dead weight from her lineup.
Do you realize how inappropriate your sky mall model commentary is? You share that airplane with other people in close quarters. How long were you thinking about it for? Next time you reach into that seat back, it better be to see if anyone left their peanuts.