Satirical 30 Rock

When thinking about satirical shows, 30 Rock comes to mind. 30 Rock is an extensive and amazingly funny show that Tina Fey created and stars in. To set the tone, this show is about Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), a head writer for NBC’s The Girlie Show in which she tries to create a funny and appealing source of entertainment for consumers. Alongside her is the handsomely successful Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) who is her boss and is ultimately in charge of everything that goes on in their building.

  Analyzing the show as a whole, the power structure easily emerges. If we are applying the Marxist theory to this show, at the top is the aristocracy that is General Electric which can dramatically alter the course of the show if need be. Under GE is Jack Donaghy, the bourgeoisie. He’s the money man, the physical manifestation of capital through the company: cutting pay, giving bonuses, or cancelling The Girlie Show if desired. Working under Jack is Liz Lemon. She begins the downward spiral of where the bourgeoisie ends and the proletariats begin from the top to the bottom. Liz abides by Jack’s rules which, in-turn, means that those under Liz have to abide by those rules as well. Liz and those under her work to please Jack and the company. They create the show, put on the show, and reel in the views to stay afloat and keep the bourgeoisie happy and successful. 

With all of this theory in mind, we can analyze this show as the satire that it is. Without this structure, the show would have no traction or background to emphasize the need for the plot. It’s with this need and drive that exemplifies the show’s satire abilities. The show is making fun of the structure that is at play. With Jack occasionally needing support from Liz, their roles are consequently swapped in a power-play reversal that serves as a comical skit. When these events occur there are conflicts that arise and are resolved at the end of almost every episode. With these quick solutions and sarcastic remarks that are constantly made throughout the show, it’s easy to think that this satirical show would be nihilistic. I believe the opposite to be true. 

30 Rock is a comical show that can sometimes have negative jokes, but in the end, it’s usually made apparent that it all comes from a good place. When I watch the show I never consider the fact, or pick up on the idea, that it could be suggesting that life is pointless. When I enjoy 30 Rock, I interpret that they’re making light out of what life offers and the situations one might have in their shoes. I love shows like 30 Rock because they make of fun of the negative aspects of life while providing comfort, humor, and satisfaction for the positive things in life that we already love. 

Roseanne and the Marxist

While watching the Roseanne episode it was easy to recognize how the Marxist theory could be applied. The episode begins with Roseanne, a working class woman or proletariat, sitting amongst her coworkers. It’s clear that the women are all on break and that a bourgeoisie personnel looms over them all. The supervisor is introduced when he demands one of the women go and clean-up her station. Reluctant to do so, Roseanne takes care of her colleague by stepping in, explaining in a comical way that her actions may be commended with a promotion. Roseanne separating herself from the crowd as a leader conflicts with the pyramid of power which ultimately initiates the conflict of the episode. 

The bourgeoisie’s position above the middle class is established in a harsh way. The supervisor demands the women to increase their work flow and create better revenue for the company. By pushing the women harder, their work can be recognized as his, the supervisors work, because he is seen as the one running the show. If he can increase productivity then he can keep his job and maybe even receive a promotion off the backs of others below him. Roseanne realizes this and, being a leader, attempts to rationalize with the man, saying that it would be in everyones best interest if things went back to normal. The supervisor agrees to her special terms, but not without a superiority influence, making Roseanne adhere to whatever he asks of her. 

There is very little that is heard about in terms of an aristocracy. This is to be expected because they are typically behind the scenes, but still very influential. When the supervisor first raises production expectations it seems that these are on his terms. He raised the standards and also was able to lower them once Roseanne asked. Later in the episode the supervisor raises the production deficit once again without any given reason. Roseanne of course protests these conditions and is shut down. The supervisor randomly deciding to forget about their deal suggests that the higher-ups, the aristocracy, demanded more out of the production, expressing their power and abilities over everyone else under them. 

One of the determining features of Roseanne that makes her so lovable and relatable is the fact that she is of the working class but has the attitude of being a superior. Something that caught my eye and ultimately made me uncomfortable was the fact that the supervisor kept calling Roseanne, “sugar” or “doll” or anything that could be deemed as inappropriate between a supervisor and another employee. What the supervisor said was derogatory and disrespectful, exemplifying the fact that Roseanne is a woman under his command. This theory, or analysis could also be interpreted as Marxist theory, recognizing the misogyny and patriarchy that exists amongst most companies, especially in this Roseanne episode. When the supervisor walks into the workroom and says, “listen-up ladies” he’s obviously seen at the one in control. He is of power while everyone under him is a worker, supporting his job and benefits.