Now, I'm not posting this because I think NBC made a mistake (I'm sure they actually did mean to say Tina), nor do I think it's important. I'm posting it because it illustrates how things have changed, how the lines between a character and an actor are now a lot more blurred than they used to be. Or maybe NBC just isn't secure in calling Tina by her character name because there's not much recognition, but everyone knows and loves Tina Fey so they say "Tina?" Regardless, can you imagine an X-Files promo ten years ago where they called David Duchovny's character "David" instead of "Mulder?" Or a Golden Girls promo twenty years ago where they called Bea Arthur "Bea" instead of "Dorothy?"
The TV Squad Podcast: Vik Sahay of Chuck, Oprah talk, brutal timeslots, and more!
TV Squad Ten: Top Ten ESPN shows from worst to first
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-28-2009 @ 4:35PM
Joe Brooks said...
I've only seen an episode or two - but they really should've just named the character Tina Fey. I mean Tracy Morgan plays Tracy Morgan, why couldn't Tina play "herself" too?
Reply
4-28-2009 @ 4:45PM
Jeremy said...
Tracy Morgan plays Tracy Jordan.
4-28-2009 @ 5:06PM
Joe L. said...
I noticed that the first time I saw it, and I think in this particular case, and maybe only this case, it make sense for these reasons -
1) Since last fall, Tina Fey has been kind of an "it girl", and mentioning her by name specifically might help bring in more audience
2) Tina has made it no secret that Liz Lemon is heavily based on herself, and the line between Liz and Tina is very blurry. Unlike, for example, Michael Scott and Steve Carrel or Jack D and Alec Baldwin.
however, I do think it would make more sense if they had just said Liz.....
Reply
4-28-2009 @ 6:59PM
Richie said...
I dunno, Alec Baldwin plays an egomaniac with family issues...
4-28-2009 @ 7:23PM
Argus said...
I agree that the line between the character and the actor is getting increasingly blurred. As the audience becomes an increasingly key part of television to connectivity and the importance of fan conventions and grassroots initiatives their connections with the actors become stronger. When this happens ultimately the line between actor and character become less clear.
Reply
4-28-2009 @ 7:53PM
StillBash said...
Maybe if another actor got named in the promo you'd have a point but since she's the only one and the other instance of a name was the name of the whole show ("...on Earl") this whole post is a moo point (tm Joey).
But I get it. Matthew Perry can't be the adult version of Zac Efron.
And you're old.
Reply
4-28-2009 @ 10:40PM
Vijay said...
Did NBC refer to Bill Cosby's character as "Heathcliff" of "Bill" in promos back in the 80s?
Reply
4-29-2009 @ 7:29AM
segsig said...
Think you're giving them too much credit, sounded like a mistake to me!
Reply
4-29-2009 @ 11:04AM
Jake said...
Yeah, that's a total frak up. No chance they did it on purpose.
Reply
4-29-2009 @ 2:51PM
Peanut said...
"Tina" isn't as big of a mistake as calling Parks & Recreation a hit.
Reply
4-29-2009 @ 4:04PM
Jeyjey! said...
I'm agree...
Now we can see David Duchovny is his autobiography "Californication" LOL
it's not a tv show...it's real life :P
Reply