“Life is happening,” Tina Fey's Liz Lemon proclaims near the end of 30 Rock's multi-Emmy-nominated penultimate sixth season. Head writer and producer of a late-night variety TV show, Liz is in a stable, albeit goofy relationship with the amiable Criss (James Marsden) and seriously contemplating parenthood. Other character developments in season six include Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) leaving the page program for a “real job” within NBC, Master of the Universe Jack (Alec Baldwin) trying to get his mojo back in the wake of the network's takeover by KableTown (think: Comcast), and the introduction of a new page, Hazel Whatshername (the charmingly loopy Kristen Schaal, channeling her stalker character from Flight of the Conchords). This season features a great live episode (the East Coast version is better than the West Coast episode, which is included as one of the bonus features), an hilarious episode of the mock reality series Queen of Jordan, a rematch between Jack and his ruthless and cunning high-school-age nemesis (an Emmy-worthy Chlöe Grace Moretz), and a guest arc by Mary Steenburgen as the mother of Jack's wife (Elizabeth Banks)—the latter is still being held hostage in North Korea. 30 Rock's ratings, never blockbuster, hit all-time lows during 2012 (like Brian Wilson, 30 Rock just wasn't made for these times), but the faithful still love it. Compiling all 22 episodes, DVD extras include audio commentary, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Highly recommended. (D. Liebenson)
30 Rock: Season 6
Universal, 3 discs, 437 min., not rated, DVD: $49.98 Volume 27, Issue 6
30 Rock: Season 6
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