| "The Collection" | |
|---|---|
| 30 Rock episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 3 |
| Directed by | Don Scardino |
| Written by | Matt Hubbard |
| Production code | 203 |
| Original air date | October 18, 2007 |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Collection" is the third episode of NBC's second season of 30 Rock, and the twenty-fourth episode overall. It was written by producer Matt Hubbard and directed by producer Don Scardino, and first aired on October 18, 2007 in the United States. In the episode, Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) hires a private detective, Len (Steve Buscemi), to investigate his past; Angie Jordan (Sherri Shepherd) asks Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) to help her watch Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan); and Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer) attempts to help Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) gain weight by insulting her.
The episode features a reference to Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, which was compared to 30 Rock because of their similar premise. This is a recurring element in the series, as well as references to other aspects of popular culture. "The Collection" received generally positive reviews, however several critics expressed their concern over the misuse of guest stars, especially in the case of Buscemi. Despite their reactions, Buscemi was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his acting.