Tina Fey has finally provided something fresh and new to America’s prime time line-up.

For those TV connoisseurs out there looking to add one more show to their appointment list, make it “30 Rock,” which airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on NBC.

In our current TV climate, the complaint is often heard that there is nothing new or original on TV anymore. With the new season of “30 Rock,” we can’t say that any more.

“30 Rock” is former SNL cast member/writer Tina Fey’s brainchild, and it chronicles the backstage antics of a fictional sketch show called “The Girlie Show,” or TGS. Not only is “30 Rock” original, the writing is intelligent, the characters are outstanding and to top it all off, it’s frickin’ hilarious. Tina Fey has finally provided something fresh and new to America’s prime time line-up.

After debuting in 2006 and winning the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, “30 Rock” has returned for its second season, which began Oct. 4.

The second season premiere was the show’s first time out since winning the Emmy, and the show proved again why it deserved to win.

The first episode, entitled “Seinfeldvision,” stays true to form and intertwines a series of crises around its protagonist TGS writer Liz Lemon (Fey).

Meanwhile, Liz is also dealing unsuccessfully with a messy breakup, which leads to her trying to function at work while wearing a wedding dress. In addition, channel executive Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) has to handle a very angry guest star Jerry Seinfeld (played by himself), after digitally inserting Seinfeld’s image into a number of NBC’s hit shows (hence the title). Jerry Seinfeld gives a fantastic guest performance, which echoes his sarcastic role in his own hit NBC show.

Other plot lines include sketch actor Tracey Jordon’s (Tracey Morgan) adoption of set page Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) as his “work wife,” after being kicked out by his real wife.

Concurrently, veteran sketch actor Jenna (Jane Krakowski) battles with her weight issue after packing on the pounds during hiatus.

The outrageous plot lines make the show original, but it’s really the unique characters that are responsible for the comedic success.

Although Tina Fey created the show and stars as the show’s geeky yet lovable protagonist, Alec Baldwin’s character Jack undoubtedly steals the show, winning both a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for his efforts.

A combination of Baldwin’s ridiculous over-the-top style and his character’s clueless, narcissistic, dependent personality, the character of Jack becomes the focal point. Even though he’s as slimy as they come, you can’t help but watch to see what he does next.

Not only do the regular characters make the show, there is a constant list of guest appearances that add variety as well as laughs. In season 2 viewers can look forward to guest spots from David Schwimmer, Al Gore and Edie Falco among others.

So, make sure you mark the next TV appointment on your calendars: Thursday night, 7:30, NBC. You won’t regret it.

> Comments