Point/Counterpoint
Thirty Rock
Meg Driscoll
Issue date: 3/11/09 Section: Op Ed
As a consistent Office viewer and once devout follower, I can't deny its charm and humor. But, it is just not as funny as it once was. In this debate, I land on the side of 30 Rock for several reasons.
30 Rock is just funnier; I have not trouble naming it the funniest show on network television. Tina Fey assembled a great cast and the excellent writers have crafted characters that keep the plot fresh, interesting and hilarious. Fey carries the show unbelievably well as the awkward, sexually confused, comedy show writer, Liz Lemon. In fact, 30 Rock is now what The Office once was.
Fey seems like an accidental star, making her performance even more endearing and enjoyable to viewers. When she exclaims on the small screen that Jon Hamm looks like a cartoon pilot, I agree with her. One of the funniest aspects of the show is the attention to detail and the consistency of jokes. The flashbacks to her high school and college days never disappoint, as Fey is always sporting a perm and a turtleneck. Lemon's constant intake of "Sabor de soledad" cheese doodles is just a small example of this commitment to continuity.
In addition, the show boasts great cameos, most recently Jon Hamm of Mad Men, as Lemon's neighbor turned love-interest and Salma Hayek as the girlfriend of Alec Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghey. Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, Will Arnett and Steve Buscemi and are just a few of the past guest stars. Unlike most TV shows, 30 Rock effortlessly incorporates the guests and their characters feel like natural additions to the show, rather than forced appearances by celebrities to boost ratings.
All of those facets stand on their own but there are also several issues that I have with The Office.
My brother contended that Jim and Pam's relationship and later engagement, shifted the comedy in the show. I shrugged him off as always ruining television shows for me and as not wanting anyone to be happy. But, as of late, I have to agree. Something about the show is now different and consequently, less funny. Jokes and plot twists seem a bit forced. Steve Carell's Michael Scott has run out of steam.
While I'm not a fan of awards ceremonies (see the A&E section), 30 Rock swept the Golden Globes, beating out The Office in every category. In 2008 it broke the record for the most Emmy nominations, with 17, including Outstanding Comedy Series. At this year's Golden Globes the show took Best Television Series, Best Performance by an Actor and by an Actress, while The Office had two nominations and zero wins. This has to mean something.
If you've heard a lot about 30 Rock but just never sat down and watched, I suggest a visit to Hulu.com. It is always a good time for jokes about being lonely, microwaved doughnuts and going on blind dates (literally).
30 Rock is just funnier; I have not trouble naming it the funniest show on network television. Tina Fey assembled a great cast and the excellent writers have crafted characters that keep the plot fresh, interesting and hilarious. Fey carries the show unbelievably well as the awkward, sexually confused, comedy show writer, Liz Lemon. In fact, 30 Rock is now what The Office once was.
Fey seems like an accidental star, making her performance even more endearing and enjoyable to viewers. When she exclaims on the small screen that Jon Hamm looks like a cartoon pilot, I agree with her. One of the funniest aspects of the show is the attention to detail and the consistency of jokes. The flashbacks to her high school and college days never disappoint, as Fey is always sporting a perm and a turtleneck. Lemon's constant intake of "Sabor de soledad" cheese doodles is just a small example of this commitment to continuity.
In addition, the show boasts great cameos, most recently Jon Hamm of Mad Men, as Lemon's neighbor turned love-interest and Salma Hayek as the girlfriend of Alec Baldwin's character, Jack Donaghey. Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, Will Arnett and Steve Buscemi and are just a few of the past guest stars. Unlike most TV shows, 30 Rock effortlessly incorporates the guests and their characters feel like natural additions to the show, rather than forced appearances by celebrities to boost ratings.
All of those facets stand on their own but there are also several issues that I have with The Office.
My brother contended that Jim and Pam's relationship and later engagement, shifted the comedy in the show. I shrugged him off as always ruining television shows for me and as not wanting anyone to be happy. But, as of late, I have to agree. Something about the show is now different and consequently, less funny. Jokes and plot twists seem a bit forced. Steve Carell's Michael Scott has run out of steam.
While I'm not a fan of awards ceremonies (see the A&E section), 30 Rock swept the Golden Globes, beating out The Office in every category. In 2008 it broke the record for the most Emmy nominations, with 17, including Outstanding Comedy Series. At this year's Golden Globes the show took Best Television Series, Best Performance by an Actor and by an Actress, while The Office had two nominations and zero wins. This has to mean something.
If you've heard a lot about 30 Rock but just never sat down and watched, I suggest a visit to Hulu.com. It is always a good time for jokes about being lonely, microwaved doughnuts and going on blind dates (literally).