“30 Rock”
Thursday 9:30pm, NBC
The Emmy winner for Best Comedy two years running finally starts Season 3. When last we saw sketch-show writer Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), a Mexican cheese puff-induced pregnancy scare left her longing for a baby, and she started thinking about adoption. Meanwhile, network boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) abandoned the GE family for a lucrative post in the Bush Administration, only to be repulsed by its egregious incompetence. He tried to get fired by pushing the “gay bomb” (a weapon that would make soldiers “go totally gay bones” over each other, direct quote), which of course went off in a meeting between Jack and assorted grizzled military types. And Tracy (Tracy Morgan) became a gazillionaire after developing the world’s first porn video game, “Goregasm: Legend of the Dong Slayer.” This season they’re trying to goose the meager ratings by bringing in all sorts of guest stars, so look for Steve Martin, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Aniston, and—yes—Oprah Winfrey. Let’s hope real Oprah gets to meet Tracy Oprah, who hosted the Source Awards in Season 1.
“The Amazing Race”
Sunday 8pm, CBS
“The Amazing Race” always wins the Emmy for Best Reality Competition, and it’s warranted. It’s the rare classy reality show, where you actually learn things. (Bolivians really like hats. Who knew?) A good season really hinges on the casting, and this year (Season 13) we’ve got a good crop. Let’s start with Terence and Sarah, or as I refer to them, “Team Spaz.” Terence and Sarah are a new couple, and also socially retarded. Terence is a possessive crybaby, and Sarah is an emotionally stunted doormat. Together, they are magical. Ditto for Kelly and Christy, a.k.a. Team Divorcee, who have created an undying grudge between sibling team Nick and Starr over some fictionalized sports bra-related shenanigans, and have used their rage to propel them forward even after repeatedly failing to read and understand clues. Separated couple Ken and Tina continue to dominate the race, but I’m pulling for the sibs and Toni and Dallas, the rare mom/son team.
“Cities of the Underworld”
Sunday 9pm, History Channel
This documentary series hosted by Don Wildman (hee!) explores the stories behind—and beneath—some of the most notorious places in history. The second season started last week with an exploration of Victorian England and the sordid tales that existed underneath all the petticoats and gentility. This week’s episode, the charmingly titled “Tunnels of Hell,” delves into the caves built into the Japanese island of Okinawa, site of the bloodiest WWII battle in the Pacific. Future episodes this season include looks into the literal mafia underground in Sicily and modern-day Las Vegas.
