Dec
2
30 Rock: 5 x 09 “Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish”
So tonight’s 30 Rock was pretty decent considering that the show has definitely gone downhill since seasons 1, 2, and 3.
- I think that the writers deal well with Jenna’s relationship with a crossdresser, Paul. The ultimate goal of the show is to be obviously, funny, so they have to poke some fun at Paul, but mostly the joke is on Jenna. Their relationship was created as an extension of Jenna’s narcissism, not to make fun of crossdressers, etc. Also, Jenna’s friends have been accepting of her relationship, so it is presenting positively. It’s great how the 30 Rock writers are playing with gender roles.
- The second story line of the episode of what Liz’s relationship problems. She started using Kenneth as a therapist, and triggered upsetting memories he had (about eating a pig who was a father figure to him…it was pretty hilarious…) and then Kenneth talked to Jack and triggered his “Daddy issues.” Yes, the nature of Jack and Liz’s relationship is unequal— he is her superior, she depends on him. In this episode, each character’s childhood trauma equalized them. Although initially it seemed that Liz had the classically female problem of not trusting her boyfriend, it was quickly revealed that her problems were due to childhood trauma. And Jack and Kenneth were equally emotional about their problems as Liz was.
- So good job 30 Rock!
