Episode Recap: 30 Rock – “The Beginning of the End”
By Carrie Kuhlman at October 5, 2012 | 3:59 am | Print
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Episode: “The Beginning of the End” (Season 7, Episode 1)
Synopsis:
Jack Donaghy plans to tank NBC by creating awful programming in order to convince Hank to sell the Network, allowing Donaghy to regain control of his beloved peacock station. Meanwhile, a wedding crazed Jenna asks forces Liz Lemon to be her maid of honor since Jenna believes she won’t be upstaged by Liz on her wedding day. Following Jack’s advice, Liz throws the worst bachelorette party for Jenna, hoping Jenna will realize that Liz is an awful maid of honor. The plan backfires, and Jenna destroys Liz’s apartment. However, Liz suggests that Jenna be both the bride and the maid of honor at her surprise wedding, thus putting all of the focus on Jenna. This, of course, thrills Jenna.
Upon Tracy’s recommendation to host a dinner party to keep Hazel happy, Kenneth invites Tracy over for dinner party. Hazel comes on to Tracy, hoping that he’ll help her become a famous actress. Tracy resists Hazel’s advances. Tracy tells Kenneth about Hazel’s actions, but is unable to determine who he should believe. Liz vows to join Donaghy on his quest to tank NBC.
Review:
This show is still good. Always relevant and incredibly fast-paced. I legitimately think that NBC would be better if Jack Donaghy ran it. Here are the reasons this episode was amazing:
1. God Cop created by and starring Jack Donaghy as God
2. “No. I bought them at the dead dove store. Grow up, Liz.” – Jenna’s reply after Liz asked if she killed those doves she threw on Lutz
3. The game show Homonym
4. Tracy discovers he is the most stable adult at TGS. Married 22 years, 3 kids and runs his own business.
5. “Shall we conversation?” “Yes. We’re having weather.” “Much weather.”
6. How they got through all of the boring, yet necessary, “catch up” dialogue in one minute:
Such a fun show to watch and always incredibly well-written. This show is full of talent, both on and off screen, and that makes it incredibly difficult to screw up. 30 Rock continues to stick with what works for them — bizarre, honest humor that exposes the absurdities of television and critiques the behavior of the network.
Grade: A
One of the main reasons I’m giving this episode an A is because of the amazing use of product placement. You wouldn’t believe some of the products that have to be worked into a TV show. At one point, Tracy calls Kenneth “Kenmore Washers & Dryers.” Additionally, one of the running jokes/discussions throughout the show is about PAAS Egg Dye. Yes, this really does exist. Unfortunately, Adolph Paas does not run the company. All in all, 30 Rock has still got it despite what critics may say. I’m excited to see what this final season has in store. I really hope that Jack gets O.J. Simpson: Live on the air.
What did you think of the 30 Rock Season 7 premiere? Let us know in the comments section.
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