“The Office”
Thursday 8:30pm, NBC
Ricky Gervais, the genius behind the original British “Office,” guest wrote tonight’s episode of his sitcom’s American counterpart. It’s an interesting challenge as our “Office” has already lasted about three times longer than his. The extended run has allowed the American writers to dive much deeper into the various characters and take the situation even further, like this year’s mega-arc that sees everyman sales guy Jim voluntarily transferred to a bigger, more successful branch after his affections are rebuffed by equally adorable everywoman secretary Pam, only to have his old branch absorb the new one and bring him back—with a new love interest in tow, of course. The recent merge creates the set-up for Gervais’ script, which concerns clueless boss Michael (Stave Carell) discovering that one of his new employees has a prison record. Enjoy.
“Scrubs”
Thursday 9pm, NBC
Yay, “Scrubs” is back! “Scrubs” is one of those shows that never found an audience to match its brilliance, but NBC has kept the screwball medical sitcom on the air a surprising six seasons—although this may be it for the crew at Sacred Heart. Rumor has it that series star Zach Braff is strongly considering not signing on for another rotation following the success of his writing/directing debut, Garden State. No Braff, no show, which sucks since this really is an ensemble piece at its core. Bottom line: Enjoy it while it lasts, since it might not last much longer.
“30 Rock”
Thursday 9:30pm, NBC
I’m not sure how this happened. Tina Fey is a gifted comedy writer and a likable TV personality. Alec Baldwin is always game when it comes to those vaguely off-kilter supporting roles. Going behind the scenes at a sketch comedy show should prove to be a funny premise. And yet this freshman show is unequivocally awful, somehow managing to be both juvenile and dull. I’d like to blame it all on co-star Tracy Morgan, who seriously must have pictures of Lorne Michaels doing terrible things to baby seals or something because…not funny. Like, ever. And yet it’s really not his fault. Maybe Rachel Dratch used her witchcraft to hex it after being demoted during “retooling”? Anyway, NBC seems to think the show can be saved by dropping it amidst three quality shows. Can funny be absorbed via osmosis? I guess we’re about to find out.