Liz Lemon is the iconic character played by SNL writer and comedian, Tina Fey, in the NBC series 30 Rock. The beautiful part is that the series is a parody of itself — making fun of NBC’s corporate structure. Now, Liz Truss is no lemon when it comes to British politics, but she has certainly managed to lose the ‘No Truss’ motion filed against her by the Conversative Party. But more than losing the No Truss motion, it is perhaps losing to the humble lettuce that will probably hurt her more. I have personally never ordered lettuce, whether it’s in my Subway Sandwich or a ‘healthy salad’, which is totally unhealthy for my wallet. I have found lettuce is often used as a euphemism for “we will take your money for free while giving you the leftover stalks rejected by the cattle”. A lot like how Liz Truss must be feeling right now. She and her chancellor of the ‘ex-chequer’, Kwasi Kwarteng, were excited about a low regulation and low taxes, free-market government. Perhaps inspired by a quote from Jack Donaghy, Liz Lemon’s boss in 30 Rock:
“I do admire Willy Wonka. He’s a true capitalist. His factory has zero government regulation, slave labour, and an indoor boat. Wonderful.”
But to be fair, this dynamic was always doomed when she hired someone who’s last name sounds like a sound effect from the Batman TV series of the ’80s.
There are of course many crazy theories out there ranging from how this was all engineered by George Soros in a repeat of the time he made billions by betting against the pound. I hope he doesn’t try betting against the lettuce though. Some insane theories on the internet even go so far as to suggest the bracelet that Liz wears around her neck identifies her as a BDSM sub.
'Insane internet theories go so far as to suggest the bracelet that Liz wears around her neck identifies her as a BDSM sub' Daniel Leal - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Liz had defiantly said she would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if Putin did. But she missed out the part where she would start with nuking the British economy first. There are rumours that Boris Johnson is also dusting off his toupee among calls for his recall. So, at this point even the return of the Queen of England from the beyond cannot be ruled out. Perhaps the population will finally tire off this comedy of British democracy in an episode of Yes, Prime Minister turned into the reality TV of Big Brother. Perhaps they might want a Marie Antoinette who says, “If they can’t afford bread due to inflation, let them eat lettuce”.
There are also jokes about how the UK could now be reverse colonised by India with Rishi Sunak leading the charge. The British Punjabi community is already chanting “Sunak Sunak Tun Sunak Sunak Tun Sunak Sunak Tun Ta Ra Ra” at the prospect of an Indian in 10 Downing Street.
Will the UK could now be reverse colonised by India with Rishi Sunak leading the charge? Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
But if history doesn’t teach us anything then surely an episode of 30 Rock does. Where the socially awkward and perpetually harried Liz Lemon does slowly find her footing as both a human being and as a producer. Maybe we might see Liz Lettuce blossoming into a Tina Fey with her own brand of an SNL show. So let me end this article with a quote from Jack Donaghy to Liz Lemon:
“If reality TV has taught us anything, it’s that you can’t keep people with no shame down.”
The author, Vikram Poddar, is a Marwari investment banker turned corporate comedian. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the website.
