What I’m Watching: 30 Rock

30 Rock: Season 4, Episode 8 “Secret Santa” (B)

There was a lot going on in this episode that was a bit too over-the-top, but there were enough laughs that it made it pretty decent overall. It’s good that Liz’s haircut is being phased out without much emphasis, since that was just a plotline gone awry. Liz’s attempt to bond with Jack and get him the perfect gift was fun, and the best part of the whole episode was the gift that Liz was able to surprise Jack with – calling in a bomb threat to Penn Station to keep Jack’s married crush in town. It’s the ultimate gift that costs zero dollars, and Liz did a great job on that. Plus, it’s much better than Jack’s wooden framing of Liz’s high school play program. The ability of the writers to so easily make up a religion to avoid Kenneth’s over-enthusiasm about holiday cheer was impressive, and it’s nice to see Twofer in particular spotlighted and given the chance to spout complete crap in order to dispel Kenneth and his game. Tracy’s warning about getting into intellectual territory was great, and it’s good that he had something to do that wasn’t quite as ridiculous as usual. The new cast member is turning out to be terrific, and his quip about sarcasm and Jews in Canada was brilliant. His interactions with Pete and Jenna are priceless. Who ever thought that the robot would be such a worthwhile addition to the cast?

What I’m Watching: The Office

The Office: Season 6, Episode 13 “Secret Santa” (B)

Michael’s petty jealousy often becomes tiresome, especially when it dominates too much of the episode. Seeing Phyllis get excited about playing Santa was fun, and her subtle threat about getting Bob involved was pretty amusing. The notion of having Secret Santa as a backdrop to the episode worked very well because it provided a smattering of entertaining moments in addition to featuring two of the cast members very prominently. Andy’s attempt to show his devotion for Erin was great in the way that he came on way too strong, and it’s nice that he came through in the end for her. Their flirtation was fun, and it’s enjoyable that they’re unable to actually say what they want to when they’re talking but still exhibit sexual tension like crazy. Dwight trying to assemble his gift was hilarious, and the revelation that Michael got him an all-purpose nutcracker was really terrific, and a sign that they are true friends. After all, Dwight the elf was the only one who voted that Michael should be Santa. Michael’s direct pipeline to David Wallace is a bit outrageous, but the way he explained calling his kid’s school made it all worthwhile. It’s good that the office got some good news, and the obnoxious David Wallace will be out of the picture while these guys will keep their jobs and hopefully get some better management.