"30 Rock" Packs Comedic Punch

How do you decide which new TV shows to watch?

Networks would like to say it's their clever advertisements that capture viewer attention, but is that accurate? Maybe you scour the internet for information on next year's best programs, or maybe you just flip through the box and make the decision for yourself.

I've grown to accept that, as Bart revealed roughly 15 years ago, TV sucks, so when network spinners articulate why their new programming is the best of the best, I tend to tune it out. The first show that I read about before its premiere and made sure I was at a television for the series pilot was 1999's "Futurama". My anticipation was rewarded, so when I read about a cartoon tentatively titled "American Dad" from the creators of "Family Guy" in late 2003 (before the "Family Guy" revival was known) I thought I may have discovered another hit before the series hit the airwaves. Most recently, I was washed away in the "Studio 60" publicity wave that promised Sorkin's next behind-the-scenes concept would take flight for a grounded NBC. My latter two hopefuls did not pann out as hoped, so lately I've relied purely on word-of-mouth. So when NBC's one-hour drama about the 'adventures' behind an SNL set did not deliver on its promises, I was more than skeptical to try "30 Rock" (same premise but half-hour comedy) when told it was near-"Office" funny. Apparently, he was right.

After watching the first few episodes of the series I concluded my intial perception of the series was correct -- interesting to watch, funny at times, but nothing special. However, much like "The Office", after the fourth or fifth episode the show suddenly gells, and it becomes a legitamite 'laugh-out-loud', entertaining comedy. I was never a fan of Tina Fey on Weekend Update, or of "SNL" as a whole during her stint as head-writer, yet she has not dissapointed yet with "30 Rock". Tracey Morgan never seemed to click on "SNL" but he too has found a role that allows him to excel.

Alec Baldwin has embraced his part in a television comedy, and the transition from villain to just odd is likely the leading reason for the show's improvement during its first season. Much like "The Office", some of the best moments involve the secondary characters, and the series will benefit in both storylines and humour outlets from such a strong ensemble.

"30 Rock" hasn't generated significant attention, but if the second season carries on where the first left off, it certainly should. However you decide which shows to watch and which to snub, hopefully you'll give word-of-mouth a try. If I hadn't, I still may not have discovered "Arrested Development". I've also been told to give "Gray's Anatomy" a shot, but I like to think I'm just not that desperate for more TV.