30 Rock: Jack-Tor

30 Rock: Jack-Tor
NBC
November 16, 2006
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Although this is still somewhat uneven, the show is beginning to find itself in this story by Robert Carlock, as with the parody of product placement and the flashback to Jack's childhood.  And it's nice to have Jenna back and given things to do, from singing her "Muffin Top" song to seducing Jack's supposed boss.  I'm not sure how well the "Liz thinks Tracy is illiterate" plot works, and the thread of Jack making a cameo on TGS could be sharper, but it does lead to some nice moments between Jack and Liz, even if he has to make clear (as he will again and again) that he's not attracted to her.  Note that Toofer sees through Jenna's scheme to trick him into ending up on the roof naked, but Frank is up for the chance to have sex with her, a chance he'll actually get later on.  Oh, and there's an Obama reference.

Frank Anello makes his first of 44 uncredited appearances as a member of the onscreen Production Staff, while Teddy Coluca is back as the Stage Manager.  Donald Glover has his first of four 30 Rock roles, as a Young P.A.  Ghostface Killah makes his first of two appearances as himself.  This is the first of 38 episodes directed by Don Scardino.