TVSquad

First the apology, then the early look.

Dear Tina,

I've always liked 30 Rock, but I've never loved it. Maybe it was because my concentration was on Studio 60 or maybe it was because I wasn't in the right frame of mind when I watched the pilot. Or maybe I just didn't try to get into it because Thursday nights are really jam-packed (would it upset you to tell you that I watch Ugly Betty too?). I just never gave the show a chance to grow on me, though I did enjoy Alec Baldwin's performance as Jack.

But that all changed this past week when I bought the first season DVDs. Tina, I watched every single episode this past weekend (some twice) and I'm convinced it's an instant classic. The writing is so sharp and the cast gels so well together. My opinion of the show went from "like" to "true love" in just two episodes. With you and The Office on Thursday nights, it's "Must See TV" again on NBC.

Oh, and congratulations on the Best Comedy Emmy win!

Bob

Doing an "early look" for a show like 30 Rock is a tricky thing. On one hand you want to reveal enough of the episode to give readers a good idea of what they can expect, but on the other hand you don't want to ruin the jokes and the twists and the sharp turns the episode takes. It's a balancing act, and hopefully I can whet your appetite for the first episode without spoiling all the good stuff. Though if you're nervous about it, walk away now as some of what follows might be a little SPOILERISH.

So the summer hiatus is over and everyone is returning to work. Is Liz still seeing Floyd long distance? Has Jack recovered from his heart attack? And more importantly, what has NBC aired during the summer and how did it do in the ratings? (Here's a hint: MILF Island, a reality show with "25 super hot moms, 50 sweaty eighth grade boys and no rules"). Other developments over the summer include Cerie getting engaged (she asks Liz to be a bridesmaid and says something that is more outrageous and cruel than ditzy and Liz should have punched her). Oh, and Tracy and Kenneth get married (you'll understand when you see the episode).

But the big news for this episode is the return of Jerry Seinfeld to NBC! The episode is called "SeinfeldVision," and it refers to Jack's idea of digitally inserting Seinfeld into all of NBC's shows to increase ratings (NBC should do that as a cross-promotion). He does this without Seinfeld's knowledge, of course (he's off in Europe staying in a country only rich people know about), and when Seinfeld finds out it leads to some truly hysterical scenes involving Jack and Jerry negotiating. Lots of great in jokes about NBC in this episode. Seinfeld still can't act that well, but he's perfect in that Seinfeldian way and it really works. The episode is truly hysterical.

Below is a sneak peak of the new episode (jokes are spoiled, so click at your own risk). I don't get Seinfeld saying this is the only sitcom he's ever guest starred on. What about NewsRadio, Jerry?? The new season premieres next Thursday, October 4 at 8:30pm.