MovieChat Forums > 30 Rock (2006) Discussion > Pete is such a great character

Pete is such a great character

posted 10 years ago by toddp-10
9 replies | jump to latest

Scott Adsit just kills it as Hornberger. Have 30 Rock running in the background while I do some light work, great show to re-watch. And Pete was just perfect. Less is more. Just the perfect amount of screen time. Steals every scene, but just the right amount. Too many shows after a few seasons beat great side cast to the ground but they handled him great.

I'm surprised the actor doesn't do more work. I've seen him in small doses over the years in various roles many times and he always kills it

Pete is one of those awesome drop in characters that steals the scene

[–] joshm93 10 years ago

I agree, I've always really liked Pete's character and thought he was in the show just enough. His dysfunctional relationship with his wife is a really funny subplot I think!

I just had a look at Scott Adsit's page on here, and I'm surprised he hasn't done more as well. He seems to have some real acting pedigree. Maybe he should have taken Jack Donaghy's advice and worn that wig

[–] slyle 10 years ago

I thought he was overlooked a bit too much in later seasons. I thought he was one of the funnies characters but eventually it just evolved into the Jack and Liz show and all of the funny side characters were given less screen time.

[–] wab-3 10 years ago

Well, maybe you should reconsider why Scott Adsit doesn't get much work. It's because he's rather limited as an actor, and his limitations were evident playing Pete. Pete was an ill-thought and often poorly written character, but Adsit also couldn't overcome those weaknesses by playing above the material. But neither could Judah Friedlander. Not everyone can be as good as Alec Baldwin.

In short, you may like the character, but objectively he was a weak spot in a great show.

[–] toddp-10 10 years ago

objectively he was a weak spot in a great show.

100% your opinion and I love how you smugly write it as fact. I never said the guy was a great actor, I said he was great as Pete. And no way a weak spot. In my opinion Jenna was useless and dragged down almost very scene she was in. But, see how I said my opinion over stating is as fact

[–] caitsith01 9 years ago

"objectively"... Hilarious.

[–] ncoflin 10 years ago

I think Pete is great. Scott Adsit too. I think I read somewhere that originally his character was going to be a larger presence on the show...where they would explore Liz's and his relationship. However the Jack character ended up taking much more prominence in that respect. I am glad they left him(Pete) on the show in the capacity they did though. I think he served as somewhat of Liz's equal. A pretty smart and level headed guy but also a bit of a mess. He was probably the least ridiculous main supporting character of the show(counting Jack as a main character); With Tracy, Jenna, Kenneth and even Frank...I think Pete grounded the show in reality a bit.

Ps: Just saw Scott Adsit pop up with a small role in an episode of Veep this season. Go him.

[–] Sandy0095 9 years ago

Loved Pete. Was he a major presence in the show? No, but he was hilarious all the same. Can't comment on the actor's line of work because I'm not overly familiar, but he did a great job on 30 Rock!

-How many times do you have to make the same mistake?
-Till I get it right.

[–] quint88 9 years ago

I couldnt agree more with the OP. Upon rewatching, Pete is absolutely my favorite of the supporting cast. He's such a great exasperated presence for the zaniness to bounce off of

[–] ida96 9 years ago

I've just been watching Season 2, and agree. Pete is real, likeable and subtle. I just noticed the hilariously horrible hand-made coffee mug he had in at least one scene. Probably made by one of his kids, or by him in junior high, it's a bright yellow coil pot with a clumsy handle that must weigh much more than the average crockery. Nice touch!