By Jessica BradyPLAY Writer
30 Rock Thursday, 8:30 p.m. (NBC)
The only man who could take the Golden Globe away from the phenomenal Steve Carell? The equally fantastic Alec Baldwin. On this criminally underwatched comedy, set at a late night sketch comedy show, he’s created one of the best characters on TV. As network exec Jack Donaghy, Baldwin nails every line and steals every scene. The rest of the cast, including Tina Fey (the show’s creator) and Tracy Morgan, also shine in a comedy that is clever, quirky and just plain good. In this episode, Jack forces product placement into the show – it may be a repeat, but it’s a standout. Catch up before the ratings-challenged 30 Rock gets axed.
SAG Awards Sunday, 7 p.m. (TBS/TNT)
If you can’t wait any longer for the Oscars, here’s one more awards show to hold you over until the big night on Feb. 25. Hailed as “the award show where only actors vote for actors,” the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards will be the last major barometer of who might get an Oscar this year and who might go home empty-handed.
There’s nothing shocking among those posed to win big: Dreamgirls, Babel, Helen Mirren and Forrest Whitaker. The nominations do include a few dark horse candidates, including several nominations for Little Miss Sunshine, Bobby and Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson), but, if the Golden Globes are any indication, don’t expect any surprises.
Veronica Mars Tuesday, 8 p.m. (CW)
Stephen King is a fan. Joss Whedon is a fan. Hell, even Kevin Smith is a fan of this neo-noir drama.
As a heroine, college-age detective Veronica Mars is witty, cunning and oftentimes unlikable, but damned if she doesn’t get the job done, as witnessed by her discovery of Hearst College’s serial rapist, after almost being a victim herself. Heavy stuff, but actress Kristen Bell pulls it off with ease, as does the superb supporting cast. It helps that they are working with some of the smartest writing on television. This week, as Veronica begins her investigation into the apparent suicide of Hearst’s dean, everything is not as it appears.
