30 Rock: Season 2 – DVD Review

We knew it was going to be a great season of 30 Rock when the first episode was titled “Seinfeldvision.” It set the tone of the series for the second set of hysterically comedic and yet very real moments in the lives of the characters. Tina Fey and company are right on target with this award winning show.

Beginning a new season of their variety show “TGS with Tracy Jordan” is kind of like coming back to school after summer break. There is combined excitement and dread, in Liz’s (Tina Fey) outlook as she returns to work.

There is the possibility of good things happening, but on the other hand there is the great unknown of ratings. It has been an eventful break, Tracy’s wife Angie (Sherri Shepherd) has kicked him out, Kenneth has taken on the duties of being Tracy’s “office wife” and Jenna (Jane Krakowski) has gained weight being on the road with a production of Mystic Pizza: The Musical. Working with Jack (Alec Baldwin) is always interesting and a challenge, but even more so this year. He informs Liz that she is definitely not over Floyd (Jason Sudeikis) and then unveils his master plan to boost rating….he has discovered a way to put Jerry Seinfeld in every NBC show. Jack calls this “Seinfeldvision” and as one would guess, Jerry not exactly happy with this plan.From this opening episode the action moved through such events as Jack trying to become the new Head of GE, Liz meeting her idol Rosemary Howard (Carrie Fisher), and the creation of a new eco-friendly mascot for the show, “Greenzo,” before the writer’s strike put the show on hiatus.
When it came back, there were only five episodes, but what the season lacked in number, it made up for in cleverness. There are nods to the current political scene as Jack looked for a star to headline a McCain fundraiser anticipating someone young and hip, but got Bucky Bright (Tim Conway) a 40’s and 50’s star. Bucky spends some time entertaining Kenneth with stories of “the old days” in television.30 Rock: Season 2 is available on two discs, and is loaded with special features. There is audio commentary by show stars Tina Fey, Jack McBrayer, Jane Krakowski, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, producers John Riggi, and Robert Carlock, producer/composer Jeff Richmond and guest stars Tim Conway, Will Arnett and Fred Armisen.

There are deleted scenes, 30 Rock Live at the UCB Theater, “Cooter” episode table read, Tina Hosts SNL, The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Presents: An Evening with 30 Rock. Each episode stands up to multiple viewings, in fact it just gets better and better. With a wealth of clever bits and careful production, there is always something new to discover and enjoy. 30 Rock: Season 2 is now available at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.