A general running theme in almost every episode of 30 Rock is the idiocy of the entertainment industry. Stars are always self-centered and dumb and the writers always nerdy and awkward. This episode drove that point to the hilt.

Claiming he’s tired of being treated differently, Tracey literally plays the race card saying that Liz treats him like monkey. Tracey even goes so far as to get a actual monkey to replace him. Liz challenges Tracey to show up on time and do his work just like all the other staff. He does. For a day, he’s on his best behavior. Eventually, he turns the tables on Liz and forces her to do physical work as a sign of ‘equality’. There’s a long shot of Liz trying to refill the water cooler, which turns out great. Its classic physical comedy, which Tina Fey pulls off surprisingly well.

Jack’s bulldog-ish mother is also featured this week. In from Florida, Jack discovers that she’s brought a man with her. Conflating his revulsion for her mother’s new boyfriend with his feelings of abandonment from his father, Jack decides to investigate and discovers he’s a married man. Again confusing this new man as his father, he confronts  him. In the ensuing argument with his mother, Jack discovers that the man he thought was his father may not be. Also we find out that Florida retirement homes are for swingers. Which is its own set of sillyness.  In a final ‘twist’ Jack realizes that his father may not actually be his biological father at all.

As Tracey’s plan to get revenge on Liz unravels, the two switch roles. Liz is forced to go out to a strip club with the writers and Tracey must stay at the studio working. Not surprisingly, it drives both of them to tears and reconciliation.

Good job again from Fey and company. I was really impressed by the ammount of physical comedy Fey brought into this episode. She certainly isn’t known for it, but she came through with flying colors.