(S02E08) "I got a squeezer from an Indian girl on a bunk bed, so I think I got the whole Harvard experience." - Frank

This episode has two plots we haven't seen much of this season: a solid plot involving the writing staff and a return to the whole Tracy/Jenna battle that was a main part of the first season. And that's good to see, since it was tilting to all Liz/Jack stuff or guest star plots. Not that this episode didn't have a lot of Liz and Jack and guest stars (the return of Edie Falco and a really bizarre cameo from political strategist James Carville), but 30 Rock has always shown a knack for balancing all of the plots really nicely. And for once I was glad to see Kenneth for the most part take a little breather.

Oh, and if you're wondering, I'm doing this review Cajun Style.

This episode surprised me in one big way. When I heard that Falco was returning to the show, I thought it was going to be one of those classic examples of a guest star making an appearance just to wrap up the loose ends of their storyline. So when this episode actually had Jack and C.C. not only continuing their relationship but also going public with their relationship, that was a surprise. That means Falco will return in the future and it takes the entire plot to a new level. The scene at the luncheon was very funny, and has probably the most bizarre episode-closing line of the season so far: "I murdered my wife." Did anyone else notice that the show ended and the credits came up really quickly after the line was said, so we didn't even have time to let in sink in? We're still laughing at the other lines said by the club members and this line was said quickly and the show just ended, giving viewers a little "WTF" moment. Well done.

If there's one plot I'd like to see explored more it's the personal life of Liz Lemon. Come on, this woman is extremely attractive and successful. Have some good things happen to her! In past episodes we've seen her have horrible luck on dates and staying home alone in her apartment on Friday nights eating subs and watching TV, and now in this episode we find out that she's given up caffeine and is going to bed at 5:30 (makes me wonder how much time she's putting in at TGS with Tracy Jordan, though we find out later in her confrontation with Jenna). She's lonely and now she's also given up her caffeine addiction? Where's the fun in that?

I praise this show so much that I guess I have to think of something that's a negative. OK, here goes. I think that the show sometimes goes overboard with the quick surreal flashbacks. Don't get me wrong, I love them, and they can give that extra special something to a show like 30 Rock, but there's a point where you do one or two too many in an episode and it ruins the effect. Like this episode, with the flashbacks to the dinner party games that Liz, Jack, C.C. and Kenneth played. I would have liked to have seen more of the actual dinner party play out in real time than the flashbacks, but that's a minor quibble, because we got more of the Frank/Toofer feud and Jenna's new entourage, and that was fine compensation. Good to see Josh a bit more too.