30 Rock: Unwindulax OK, But Misses Potential

NBC’s hit comedy 30 Rock missed it’s potential in it’s latest installment, titled, “Unwindulax,”

In this episode, we discover Jenna (Jane Krawkowsi) is a one-hit wonder in Florida with her Jimmy Buffett rip off song. Her audience of “Crab Catchers” camp outside the studio awaiting her appearance on “The Today Show.”

Meanwhile Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) and Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) face off in their attempts to make a difference in America’s presidential election. Jack and Liz had me cracking up as they use each other to bring out the big bucks and big ideas to change the world.

With a bit of help from Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan,) Liz realizes it’s up to Jenna and her army of party loving fans to determine the fate of the election. Simultaneously Jack’s use of a smart board apparently reveals the same terrifying epiphany.

Thus is the unlikely end to the two-part caper regarding politics, elections and TGS.

(Fast-forward noise)

The main plot was a bit convoluted and tiring. (It’s election season we get it. Please move on.) This was not the best episode of “30 Rock.” I need way more Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) to truly love an ep. But they did a nice job of making fun of politics in a hilarious, over-the-top, kind of way.

I did like the surprise intersection between Jack and Liz’s competition and Jenn’s Crab Catchers. It was unexpected and chuckle worthy.

Other positives for me include Jenna as a chill beach babe. Additionally Toofer (Keith Powell), Lutz (John Lutz) and Frank (Judah Friedlander) had a fun side bit taking advantage of the high-maintenance actor’s temporary cool. It was nice to see the three up to their old antics again.

One of the best things about “30 Rock” is the amazing guest stars they bring in. “Unwindulax” was no exception, with appearances from Don Cheadle, Kellan Lutz and Amy Sedaris. My favorite guest for the evening was Andrew Ridings as Garret Romney. He nailed the naive, young, moneyed politician perfectly, and provided the opening Jack needed for the best line of the night.

“Garrett I would slap you if I didn’t know you were going to get your own planet when you die.”

However this was not the preachiest or funniest comedy taking on politics this election. Overall I found the episode ho-hum.

This latest episode of “30 Rock” is currently streaming free on NBC.com

What did you think of the show? Leave your comments below!