In its sixth season, "30 Rock" has established some basic truths about the universe in which it operates. We all know that Kenneth is at least 120 years old, that Tracy is very likely certified insane, and that Liz Lemon is never, ever going to be happy in her love life. That last one is true simply because every other relationship Lemon, played perfectly week after week by the show's creator Tina Fey, has gotten into has resulted in a catastrophic meltdown or breakup.
Liz Lemon has had relationships blow up with characters played by the likes of Jon Hamm and Matt Damon. Now in this new season, she's found love with the hilariously named character Criss Chros, played by actor James Marsden. Once again we have a significant other of Liz Lemon that is both very attractive and very flawed. In Marsden's case he's a bit on the simple side, and Jack was very quick to point out his faults to Liz.
Though she grappled with whether she needed Jack's approval for any of her boyfriends, ultimately Jack capitulated and gave Criss a pass, albeit a likely temporary one. Just how long the bloom will stay on this particular rose is obviously up to Fey and her fellow "30 Rock" writers. If past situations mean anything, it will be near the end of the season, if not in the season finale, that something will go horribly awry and force Liz to once again strike out on her own.
The question for true fans of the show is whether or not we really want to see Liz end up with anyone for "the long haul." Part of what makes the character so lovable is her abysmal failures in the love department. Sure, we all want everyone to find love and happiness wherever they can, but when it comes to this show in particular, giving Liz Lemon a real soul mate might just hurt the show more than help it.
Just think of all the great special guests the show has gotten over the years to play Liz's assorted romantic failures. If and when Liz finally finds a real partner, we'll be locked into that one character for good. Of course guest stars can be written for other roles, but there really is something very funny and very satisfying about watching Liz and her boyfriend's crazy idiosyncrasies first bring them so close together and ultimately push them apart.
Aside from the guest star spots that would disappear, the fact is that Liz's romance issues are a central driving force in the show. Her myriad neuroses all line up to create a character who just can't get out of her own way when it comes to finding real happiness. Her struggle to be the best at her chosen career and to find personal satisfaction are at the heart of every season's story arc. The fact is that when that well runs dry chances are the show will be done anyway.
We're all desperately hoping she winds up with Dennis "Beeper King" Duffy anyway, right?
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