Comedy reigns supreme this week as 30 Rock delights with East Coast and West Coast live versions of the show, while Community takes on a spoof of Law and Order and Amy Poehler tries her hand at directing on Parks and Recreation.
Jack (Alec Baldwin) decides to veto the live taping of TGS on 30 Rock, which Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) is fundamentally against. Calling a false meeting of the writers and staff in Tracy’s (Tracy Morgan) room, Kenneth locks them in and swallows the key until there is a unanimous vote for keeping TGS a live show. Filled with spoofs and farces based on live television sketches of the past, this week’s 30 Rock features guests stars like Paul McCartney, Fred Armisen, Donald Glover(Community), Amy Poehler(Parks and Recreation), Kim Kardashian and many more.
The talents of the motley 30 Rockefeller crew are highlighted as all lines are near spot on, with better writing and wit than the typical Saturday Night Live episode. The actors shine as the nostalgia and antics of live television are brought to life. Both the East Coast and the West Coast live runs are worth watching, as the guest stars and some improvised bits are changed.
Akin to the parody of History channel documentaries a few weeks back, Community produces another spoof of long-running crime-drama Law and Order, featuring alum Michael K. Williams(The Wire) as the biology professor.
When the study group’s yam is murdered, Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) takes charge as Troy (Donald Glover) and Abed (Danny Pudi) become detectives, Annie (Alison Brie) and Jeff (Joel McHale) become lawyers and the show takes a turn for the ridiculous. Killing off a character, as is tradition in Law and Order, and using classic crime ploys and puns makes for hilarity.
Topping off the trifecta, Parks and Recreation tackles the big debate between Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd) and other unlikely contenders for Mayor of Pawnee. The episode takes a turn for the dramatic with Amy Poehler directing.
Leslie and Ben (Adam Scott) balance their personal relationship with their professional relationship when faced with Bobby Newport’s seemingly unsurpassable likability. Ann (Rashida Jones) finally dumps Tom (Aziz Ansari), who isn’t coping with the loss too well. And Ron (Nick Offerman), April (Aubrey Plaza) and Andy (Chris Pratt) hold a house party for big donors, which of course goes wrong at every turn. Amidst the hilarity and craziness, the support of the Parks department is unfailing as is Poehler’s directing.
Forget the reality television, CW soap operas and by-the-book crime shows-give comedy a chance, as this week offers more than a couple stellar shows for your viewing pleasure.
