30 Rock Season Finale - Kidney Now Review
Season 3 of the NBC Comedy Ends With a Bevy of Surprise Guests
May 14, 2009
The usually hilarious workplace comedy ended its third season with a slew of high-powered guest stars. Scheduled guests Alan Alda, Mary J. Blige, and Elvis Costello were among the celebrities that lent their star power to the NBC comedy, as were surprise guests such as Cyndi Lauper, and the Beastie Boys. Much hullabaloo was made about the guest appearances prior to the episode airing, unfortunately including guest stars in an episode only works when they’re funny. In this case, they weren’t. The “We Are the World” inspired shtick lacked in originality, and quite frankly, just wasn’t funny enough (especially when compared to The Simpsons' version, "We're Sending Our Love Down a Well").
If 30 Rock has a flaw, it’s bringing in guest stars when they aren’t necessary. Alan Alda shone in last week’s episode (“You can’t talk to me that way, I’m a contest winner!”), but this week he got lost in the crowd of unnecessary celebrity faces. The charismatic Sheri Shepherd was also lost in the shuffle and not used to her full potential.
Jack Donaghy
Alec Baldwin’s character Jack attempts to connect with his biological father, Milton (played by Alan Alda), by finding him a kidney. After the relief at not being a match and therefore not having to donate his own kidney sets in, Jack decides to throw a benefit concert in an effort to save him, after all "since Giuliani left it's been harder to harvest hobo organs". He calls in some favors from friends like Sheryl Crow, Clay Aiken, and Adam Levine, none of whom particularly shone in their roles. Whether or not said kidney materializes will likely be revealed next season.
Liz Lemon
After making an appearance on a lowbrow talk show (possibly the high point of the episode), Liz becomes an unlikely relationship expert due to her “that’s a deal breaker” catchphrase. She quickly learns to relish her new role. Of course, as Liz regularly tends to do, she ends up doing more harm than good. Despite making enemies out of her co-workers after giving their wives relationship advice, Liz still revels in the glory of “getting hers”, which includes a book deal and a free sandwich.
Unlike traditional season finales, this one doesn’t leave viewers wanting more. Unfortunately the episode didn't live up to expectations. While there were the usual clever one-liners, and amusing quips, the show failed to deliver. For a show that is usually top-notch, the season finale was a let down. Let’s hope next season it stops trying so hard, and returns to being the hilarious comedy it really is.
