Last night’s episode of “30 Rock” was, interestingly, the episode that the cast read at the UCB Theater a couple weeks ago. Because I enjoy discussing “30 Rock”, and there isn’t much else going on today, here are a couple quick thoughts on last night’s episode in comparison to the live performance:

- When Liz explains to Jack why she told C.C. to take their relationship public, she pleads “I’m sorry, I was just saying what everyone was thinking!” Not sure if they reconsidered or just cut the joke late, but in the live version, Tina Fey said “I was just saying what everyone was thinking, like Carlos Mencia!” to greatly appreciative comedy-nerd laughter.

- I thought there was no way the charade line “That time you fell asleep” “Captain Beefheart!” would make it to air. Really, really funny, got a good laugh in the live reading, but how could they even expect a quarter of their NBC audience to get that reference? Possibly some indication that “30 Rock” has achieved “Arrested Development’s” level of unselfconsciousness? Sure seems like it.

- In the live show, James Carville was played by a writer wearing a red t-shirt that just said “James Carville” on the front and back in white text. I figured he was making a cameo in the actual episode, but I was really hoping that he’d also be wearing the “James Carville” t-shirt. If they’re available online, I want one.

- Favorite line in the episode comes from Tracy Jordan: “I don’t want to disappoint my Japanese public. Especially Godzilla! Ha ha, I’m just kidding. I know he doesn’t care what humans do.”

Thoughts on the episode, anyone? I know it’s no “Office” recap, but hey, what the hell, right? Right???????