Freelancette

I just had a chance to watch the November 1 episode of 30 Rock ("Jack the Writer"), in which The Girlie Show crew is thwarted by both Liz's boss, Jack Donnaghy (who insists on sitting in on the brainstorming meetings, distracting the writers), and Liz's assistant, Cerie (who insists on wearing ridiculously slutty clothes to the brainstorming meetings, distracting the writers). It was really funny! And smart! Liz finally cracks and begs Jack not to attend the meetings and Cerie not to waltz around the office without a bra. Both discussions backfire. The episode was full of Fey's trademark quick, hilarious lines (Jack: "Sorry I'm late -- I was at a luncheon for Ann Coulter's 60th birthday." Cerie: "I don't want to be taken seriously. I want to marry rich and start a handbag line."), and there was even a subtle jab at Studio 60 towards the end, when Liz and Pete catch themselves in a Sorkinesque "walk and talk" around the studio. Maybe it's just because "that other show" wasn't on this week, but 30 Rock was really great.

But you know...while we're focusing on 30 Rock...it could be even better if they would drop the lame jokes about Liz's age, looks and weight. I liked how Liz confronted her own insecurity when she confronted Cerie about her clothing choices, but did Cerie have to make the crack about how she figured Liz "must be" married with several children, because she always has food stains on her shirt? Did Frank have to say that he just threw up in his mouth (!!) after Liz showed up wearing the clingy dress (as a joke)? And did the episode have to end with Jack telling Liz to "go easy on the pizza"? I mean, come on. Liz is an attractive woman with a fantastic figure. And she's what -- 35? 36? Not old! At least, not in New York, where Liz lives and works. These sexist/self-deprecating comments aren't only annoying, they're not even true. The show needs to move beyond them.