The Return of Avery Jessup
| "The Return of Avery Jessup" | |
|---|---|
| 30 Rock episode | |
| Episode no. |
Season 6 Episode 20 |
| Directed by | John Riggi |
| Written by | Dylan Morgan & Josh Siegal |
| Featured music | Jeff Richmond |
| Production code | 621 |
| Original air date | May 10, 2012 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
| |
| Episode chronology | |
"The Return of Avery Jessup" is the twenty-first episode of the sixth season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 124th overall episode of the series. It was directed by John Riggi, and written by Josh Siegal and Dylan Morgan. The episode originally aired on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) network in the United States on May 10, 2012.
In the episode, Jack (Alec Baldwin) struggles with confession of his transgressions to wife Avery (Elizabeth Banks) upon her return from North Korea; Criss (James Marsden) tries to fill the traditionally male provider role for a potential child with Liz (Tina Fey); and Jenna (Jane Krakowski) tries to rediscover her southern roots to win a sponsor for her upcoming celebrity wedding.
Plot
When Jack's wife Avery (Elizabeth Banks) finally returns from captivity in North Korea, she is accompanied by fellow newscaster and American Scott Scottsman (Michael Mosley), who had been a hostage at the same time. Avery offers blanket forgiveness for any infidelity Jack (Alec Baldwin) might have committed during her absence, making Jack suspicious that she is covering up something of her own, probably involving Scott. He gradually reveals the full extent of her flirtation with Avery's mother, Diana, which does not prompt Avery to reveal any secrets. Finally, Jack discovers that the forgiveness was a ploy to get Jack to immediately confess everything he'd done. Jack and Avery rejoice that they are back to their usual competitive relationship and decide to renew their vows, against Liz's advice.
When Criss (James Marsden) estimates that home renovations will cost $10,000, he laments that he is not, as a man, able to provide for their household and potential child. Over Liz's protestations that it doesn't matter, he decides to improve his hot dog business. He claims a new spot on the street from some off-brand muppets that harass tourists. In the ensuing brawl, he is rescued by Liz and Jenna.
Jenna (Jane Krakowski) seeks a sponsor for her upcoming celebrity wedding. The Southern Tourism Board is a possibility, but Jenna cannot recover the Southern accent she discarded after growing up there. After some accent coaching from Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and Tracy (Tracy Morgan), and the brawl with the muppets, Jenna realizes that off-brand shoes are her perfect market niche.
Reception
Both Elizabeth Banks and Margaret Cho received nominations at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for their performances in this episode as Avery Jessup and Kim Jong-il respectively.