What I’m Watching: 30 Rock (Season Finale)

30 Rock: Season 4, Episode 22 “I Do Do” (B+)

This somewhat scatterbrained episode ultimately ends up coming together by the end, and I’m heading into the summer with positive feelings towards this show, despite a fairly rocky season. The somewhat random guest appearance by Matt Damon is made worth it by the fact that he loves TGS and the three fabulous lines he delivers: “I’m a doorman…to the sky,” “I’m going to depart…on time,” and “if you walk briskly in a pilot’s uniform, you can go pretty much anywhere.” I can’t imagine that things will work for Liz mostly because Matt Damon likely isn’t joining the cast, but Julianne Moore sure did spend a good amount of time on this show. Avery’s pregnancy marks the second time that Elizabeth Banks has gotten knocked up by the main character of an NBC comedy, and I’m curious to see what kind of role Jack will have in the baby’s birth and future. Jack talking to Paul about loving two women was a good way to make Jenna’s weirdness relevant for once to the story, and it’s a good thing that pilot Carol is such a fan of Jenna’s and wasn’t put off by meeting “one and a half Jenna Moroneys.” Even if Carol doesn’t work out, this may be the last we see of Wesley Snipes (not the only one), who got to add a few good lines of his one before he left, including “why is your face like that” after trying to kiss Liz and comparing her behavior as a fiancée to American tea. Kenneth’s efforts to remain in New York are more distracting than anything, but it is fun to see him try hard to deliver an angry tirade and just compliment everyone he’s mad at instead. As a finale, this is a decent episode but it doesn’t exactly make clear what it’s in store for the characters next season or leave any major cliffhangers open. Still, it’s a funny episode, and caps off an alright season.

Season grade: B
Season MVP: Tina Fey