Apart from the shortened episode order (courtesy of the WGA strike), the second season of 30 Rock was excellent from start to finish, a fact confirmed by its Emmy triumph (including Outstanding Comedy and awards for both Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin). As such, expectations for Season 3 were reasonably high, and the opening episode doesn't disappoint: it's an exquisite return to 30 Rockefeller Center.
Following the events of the second season's finale, Liz has decided to adopt, and has one day to convince the agency's representative, Bev (Megan Mullally, aka Karen from Will & Grace), that she's suitable for the job. This means she has to make her workplace look like a child- friendly environment, which isn't an easy task (let's put it this way: Frank walking around with a hat that has "horny" written on it is the least of her problems). Meanwhile, Tracy is enjoying the success of his porn video game, whereas Jenna insists she should be paid for her voice work in said game. And what about Jack? Well, after successfully getting out of Washington (cue a smart reference to Dick Cheney) he tries to get his old job back to stop Devon Banks from shutting down the company. Problem is, the only solution would be sleeping with Kathy Geiss...
As always, pacing and great line delivery make the show what it is, and Do-Over delivers in every department, packing more wit, satire and full-on silliness in 20 minutes than most comedies do in 90. Zingers of choice: virtually everything Tracy says ("You can't sue me, I'm already being sued. Double indemnity!"), and Banks revealing he sold the "E" of GE to Samsung ("They're called Samesung now."), while physical gags include yet another quip about Devon's sexual orientation.
Performance-wise, the regulars are on top form, with the Fey-Baldwin and Tracy Morgan- Jane Krakowski duos pulling off the most brilliant stuff. As for the guests, Will Arnett temporarily departs on his usual high note, while Mullally is terrific as a character far removed from her most famous role (not least vocally). In other words: this is the beginning of yet another terrific 30 Rock season.